Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall

This place was great when my boys were little because it was such a great big library and the children's area was also nice and big. There is something to be said for a smaller more local library where you don't really have to search for a parking space but it was a fun little outing.

Fabulous library and a great place to hang out. Civil War Museum on the top floor. Computer and printer an the ground floor. Performance space in the lower floor in the back.

~ We stopped in a few nights ago, while in town for a benefit dinner at the local Ukranian Church, and we were early for meeting the rest of our party, so we decided to spend some time hanging out in the library. When we walked in, we were greeted by Maggie Forbes (Head of Development), who recognized that we were not current regulars. In fact, it had been several years (to include the pandemic and then some) since our last visit. Maggie welcomed us back with open arms, and took us on a grand tour of the library, showing us all the new improvements, to include the newly refurbished event center in the former basement gym. The transformation from dark, dingy, dance studio, to a modern urban hip space was fabulous, and it was hard to believe the transformation that had taken place. Also, we were shown the upper levels (they also have a President Lincoln photographic gallery upstairs) and looking out the windows over the new park, and staircase (soon to be opened) that will connect the library with the main business section of the street below. Also, she told us of the ongoing campaign to raise money for the rehabilitation of the music hall, which is in severe condition, and needs to be totally overhauled so they can continue using it for its intended purpose, which is to cater to the arts, providing plays and musical performances to people of the community. The new basement center will provide the venue for that purpose, while the grand music hall undergoes preservation efforts. We were also told of the upcoming Grand Opening of the park on April 23, 2022, (there will be many festivities all day, including a Motown Concert to finish off the event). Other upcoming events include a Civil War symposium (if you are not familiar, there is a wonderful Civil War museum on the upper level of the library which is a must-see whether you are a Civil War buff or just a person with a passing interest in history), two musical performances, and the play, "Pirates of Penzance." When we got home for the evening, after our benefit dinner, I decided to write a check to help with the on-going campaign, and if you value all that is good in the world, let alone the town of Carnegie, I would ask that you also donate as much as you can afford to keep this wonderful building for future generations . . . Cheers, BIG CHEERS, and even more CHEERS!!!!!

Great library and music auditorium. On level 1, the library has a lot of natural light, computer terminals and desks to use. This is not a silent floor though. They have a very elaborate kids area. One of the finest I have seen around this locality. The library is very well organized and easy to find books. They have a pretty lean collection of Business books. But, they have a great collection of young adult fiction novels. The second level has the Lincoln portrait displays. There are 5-6 round tables for patrons to use. This area is typically used for small group work - with convenient access to charging points. This floor does not have as much natural light though. I did not see a cafe with in the library and no outside food is allowed. Would recommend enjoying an afternoon in this clean and friendly library.

Today we drove four hours to visit this library and not just for a book but to see the Captain Thomas Espy Post 153 of the Grand Army of the Republic display and what a sight for sore eyes it was definitely a worthwhile trip I would definitely do it again and again. We must keep history alive!

The Carnegie Library - in the neighborhood of Carnegie itself - is potentially the most beautiful Carnegie library of all. You must come here at least once to take in the gorgeous architecture, to bask in the natural light that comes through their enormous windows, and to enjoy the most comfortable of lounge-style seating. Sure, you can sit at a desk and work there as you would in other libraries, but why do that when you have a chance to sit by a fireplace and beneath a giant portrait? Now THAT is a library experience to remember!The staff here are also great - very nice, very helpful, very happy to talk and give recommendations for your future reading endeavors. (Cannot comment on the personality of the supposed resident ghost/s yet.)And as if the beautiful building and great people weren't enough, there are a couple exhibits here as well - why just peruse for books when you can enjoy an exhibit as well? When I stopped in last time the upper level had information about Civil War veterans (it was close to Memorial Day) and there was a portrait gallery dedicated to Abraham Lincoln.Absolutely a must visit - grab your library card and enjoy!

A great Library! With their civil war collection. There's tons of free parking. They are open late some evenings. The people of Carnegie famously named their town for AC in exchange for this very library! It is a the staff is fantastic. They have the Espy Room upstairs beautiful building.

Love this library located in Carnegie. It has a wonderful children's section. Very inviting for young kids and teenagers alike. A great place to relax and read with your child or by yourself. They offer age appropriate programs each week and have engaging toys and puppets to play with. There are always crayons and a variety of pictures to color on the children's tables. Always very enjoyable. Very nice staff.

Awesome historic building high on top of the hill in Carnegie. Home to stage 62, a theatre group that puts on musicals. I recently saw Sideshow and Evita here. Great sound and comfortable chairs, an all around pleasant experience for a pleasant evening or Sunday matinee. Plenty of free parking and at only 18 dollars its a true bargain. And yes, the rumors are true, this building is haunted.

Beautiful restoration of the library and music hall. Look forward to coming here for shows.