CLP wasn’t the first library in Pittsburgh, but since our founding in 1895, we’ve introduced a number of innovations (free borrowing for everyone) and once-unusual services (a Children’s Department) that are now standard in the library world. This timeline captures just a few of the milestones in our long history.
CLP’s archives represent both the library’s history, as well as manuscripts and documents connected to other organizations and people here in Pittsburgh. We invite you to browse the digital versions of these collections on Historic Pittsburgh and PA Power Library.
Our building and neighborhood have seen major changes over the years – take a look at some of our favorite images showing these differences.