Carnegie Library will reopen its Downtown branch April 20
The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh has announced that the Downtown branch — after a yearlong renovation — is set to reopen April 20, but with limited hours.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the library said Wednesday, the branch at 623 Smithfield St. will reopen with limited in-person services. Occupancy will be reduced and patrons will be limited to one hour inside.
Once the building has reopened to the public, curbside services, which began Tuesday, and walk-up services will still be available.
Starting April 20, the branch will be open from from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday; from noon to 7 p.m. on
Wednesday and Thursday.
The project, which cost about $5.3 million, added about 68% more space to the building, according to a news release from the library.
The project was funded by donations from various foundations, corporations and individuals, as well as money from the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, library officials said.
The library also added an area dedicated to children and a separate area for teens. The idea behind these spaces is to “help keep kids engaged during out-of-school time,” and “introduce them to new interests and diverse people,” according to the announcement. The renovation also included new workspaces for adults.
“The library is often the first stop for people seeking a job, exploring a new career, or creating a new business,” said Mary Frances Cooper, the president and director of Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. “The expanded spaces on the second floor will allow for quiet work and study, as well as provide access to technology, collections and our trained staff.”
To celebrate the reopening, the library will be hosting timed tours on Saturday. Mandatory temperature screenings will be done before each tour, and face masks are required.
A limited number of tickets are available. Advance reservations are available via the Downtown branch webpage: https://www.carnegielibrary.org/clp_location/