
Best Bookstores & Libraries in Pittsburgh, United States
1. City Books Pittsburgh
A cozy independent bookstore offering a diverse selection of books, including local authors and Pittsburgh-themed titles.
- Local Focus: Highlights works by local authors and features Pittsburgh-centric literature
- Independent Bookstore: Offers a unique, community-driven shopping experience different from large chains
- Special Events: Hosts author readings, workshops, and other literary events
2. Pittsburgh Center for Book Arts
A creative workshop and gallery space where book arts are explored through exhibitions, classes, and community outreach programs.
- Artistic Exploration: Provides hands-on learning opportunities for exploring book arts in a creative setting
- Community Engagement: Engages the community through classes, workshops, and collaborative projects
- Gallery Space: Features rotating exhibitions showcasing book arts from local, national, and international artists
3. Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh - Main Branch
The flagship library of the Carnegie Library system, offering extensive resources for all ages and interests.
- Central Location: Located in downtown Pittsburgh, serving as a convenient destination for tourists
- Extensive Resources: Offers a vast collection of books, digital resources, and educational programs
- Historic Building: Housed in the iconic Andrew Carnegie Free Library building
4. University of Pittsburgh's Hillman Library
A research library at the University of Pittsburgh, providing access to millions of books, articles, and other resources.
- Research Focus: Supports academic and scholarly research through extensive collections and resources
- Online Access: Offers online access to many of its resources, including e-books and digital articles
- Study Spaces: Provides quiet study spaces for students and researchers
5. Books-n-Coffee
A quaint coffee shop and bookstore offering a comfortable environment to relax, read, or work.
- Coffee Shop Ambiance: Blends the comfort of a coffee shop with the charm of a bookstore
- Community Space: Serves as a community gathering space for locals and visitors alike
- Unique Selection: Offers a unique selection of books, including both new releases and used titles
6. Joseph-Beth Booksellers
A large independent bookstore with a vast selection of books, gifts, and a café.
- Independent Bookstore: Offers a unique, community-driven shopping experience different from large chains
- Extensive Selection: Features an extensive selection of books across various genres and subjects
- Café: Includes a café serving food, drinks, and pastries for visitors to enjoy while reading
7. East Liberty Branch Library
A branch of the Carnegie Library system, offering a modern space for learning, creativity, and collaboration.
- Modern Facility: Features a modern design with state-of-the-art technology
- Community Hub: Serves as a hub for community events, workshops, and classes
- Resource Center: Offers resources for job seekers, small business owners, and lifelong learners
8. Children's Museum of Pittsburgh Library
A library within the Children's Museum that focuses on children's literature and educational resources.
- Child-Friendly: Designed for young visitors, with a welcoming atmosphere and age-appropriate resources
- Educational Resources: Provides books, magazines, and other educational materials for children
- Integration with Museum: Coordinates with the Children's Museum to enhance learning through literature
9. Carlow University's Marion Halligan O'Connell Library
A library at Carlow University that offers access to academic resources, research tools, and study spaces.
- Academic Focus: Supports academic research through extensive collections and resources
- Digital Resources: Offers online access to many of its resources, including e-books and digital articles
- Quiet Study Spaces: Provides quiet study spaces for students and researchers
10. Wood Street Galleries Library
A library located within the Wood Street Galleries, offering books related to contemporary art and culture.
- Art Focus: Specializes in contemporary art and culture, with a focus on local artists
- Integration with Gallery: Coordinates with the Wood Street Galleries to enhance learning through exhibitions
- Resource Center: Serves as a resource center for artists, students, and art enthusiasts
11. University of Pittsburgh's Frick Fine Arts Library
A library at the University of Pittsburgh focusing on fine arts, design, and art history.
- Artistic Focus: Specializes in fine arts, design, and art history, with a focus on local artists
- Academic Research: Supports academic research through extensive collections and resources
- Online Access: Offers online access to many of its resources, including e-books and digital articles
12. Duquesne University's Gumberg Library
A library at Duquesne University offering access to academic resources, research tools, and study spaces.
- Academic Focus: Supports academic research through extensive collections and resources
- Digital Resources: Offers online access to many of its resources, including e-books and digital articles
- Study Spaces: Provides quiet study spaces for students and researchers
13. Carnegie Mellon University's Hunt Library
A library at Carnegie Mellon University focusing on information technology, engineering, and science.
- Technological Focus: Specializes in information technology, engineering, and science
- Academic Research: Supports academic research through extensive collections and resources
- Digital Resources: Offers online access to many of its resources, including e-books and digital articles
14. University of Pittsburgh's Katz Biomedical Science Library
A library at the University of Pittsburgh focusing on biomedical sciences and health sciences.
- Health Sciences Focus: Specializes in biomedical sciences and health sciences
- Academic Research: Supports academic research through extensive collections and resources
- Digital Resources: Offers online access to many of its resources, including e-books and digital articles
15. Point Park University's Library
A library at Point Park University offering access to academic resources, research tools, and study spaces.
- Academic Focus: Supports academic research through extensive collections and resources
- Digital Resources: Offers online access to many of its resources, including e-books and digital articles
- Study Spaces: Provides quiet study spaces for students and researchers