Braddock Carnegie Library Reopens after Extensive Renovation
On Thursday, May 22, the Braddock Carnegie Library Association (BCLA), in partnership with U.S. Steel and the Pittsburgh Penguins, celebrated the grand reopening of the Braddock Carnegie Library.
The event marked the culmination of a transformative, four-year restoration of the library, which has served Braddock and surrounding communities since its founding in 1889. The ceremony also marked a new era for the institution, unveiling its new name — Carnegie One Braddock — to honor its legacy as the first Carnegie Library. Committed to being “the first library for the next generation,” the extensive renovations will allow it to expand its role as a dynamic, inclusive hub for education, creativity, and civic engagement.
Fueled by the $21.4 million Carnegie One Capital Campaign, the renovation of the 130-year old building addressed critical infrastructure needs while significantly enhancing accessibility and usability throughout the building. These updates not only preserve the library’s historic character, which is designated as a National Historic Landmark, but also equip it to meet the evolving needs of community members.
Mon Valley Initiative has partnered with Braddock Carnegie Library for many years, including on two Neighborhood Partnership Programs (NPPs), six-year state tax credit programs that bring together business, government, and community leaders to support projects in distressed communities. MVI led a Braddock NPP from 2015 to 2021 and is currently in the fourth year of its North Braddock NPP. This critical state program supports projects like the library, including the renovation’s planning process, construction management, purchase of furnishings and equipment, and ongoing community programming.
Mon Valley Initiative is honored to have partners like Carnegie One Braddock, and we look forward to watching it continue to thrive as a center of learning and connection for generations of Mon Valley residents.
For more information on Carnegie One Braddock, visit braddockcarnegielibrary.org. Additional coverage of the event can be found on WESA and Pittsburgh Union Progress.
Posted on May 23, 2025.