Alternative Lending

Alternative Lending

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Please be aware that our Children and Teen Collection may be closed due to a staff shortage. Please call ahead for access if you are able.

SEARCH THE CATALOG

Exclamation Mark (150 × 150 px) (1)

Please be aware that our Children and Teen Collection may be closed due to a staff shortage. Please call ahead for access if you are able.

SEARCH THE CATALOG

Something Different

Extending beyond traditional books and media, our Alternative Lending collection offers a diverse range of unique and non-traditional items that you can borrow to explore new hobbies, unleash your creativity, and expand your horizons. Step outside the ordinary, borrow the extraordinary, and embark on a journey of exploration and self-discovery.

Our Alternative Lending Collection began as our Art Collection, which you can read about below. It has now expanded to include tables, chairs, and tents for events; puppets; canning and button making kits; tools; and more! Right now, while our building is under construction, some of the items are not available for circulation. You can see what is available on this list in the library catalog.

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Art Lending Collection

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Established in October 2013 as an artist project by Transformazium for the Carnegie International, the Art Lending Collection offers a unique opportunity for library patrons throughout Allegheny County to experience contemporary art firsthand. Our locally hired and trained Arts and Culture Facilitators curate public programs that showcase the diverse histories, perspectives, and learning opportunities within the realm of contemporary art. By emphasizing the role of the community as both producers and interpreters of culture, we foster a dynamic and engaging environment where art remains relevant and accessible to all.

Experience Kits

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Discover the rich history and cultural heritage of the Pittsburgh region by exploring local historical sites and museums with our exclusive partnership programs. Thanks to a collaboration with the Heinz Center Affiliates Program and other Allegheny County libraries, we are thrilled to offer FREE ADMISSION for up to six children and two adults to several esteemed museums and historical sites. Learn more here.

What’s coming up...

The Librarians Screenings
Wednesday, April 22 6pm-8pm and Saturday. April 25 2pm-4pm
419 Library Street | Braddock, PA 15104

Celebrate National Library week with two screenings of the documentary The Librarians, which showcases librarians emerging as first responders in the fight for democracy and our First Amendment Rights.

In Texas, the Krause List targets 850 books focused on race and LGBTQIA+ stories – triggering sweeping book bans across the U.S. at an unprecedented rate. As tensions escalate, librarians connect the dots from heated school and library board meetings nationwide to lay bare the underpinnings of a large-scale coordinated extremist movement fueling the censorship efforts. Despite facing harassment, threats, and laws aimed at criminalizing their work – the librarians’ rallying cry for freedom to read is a chilling cautionary tale.

These screenings are free for all ages and made possible through partnership with WQED.