Alternative Lending

Please be aware when parking that there is street sweeping on Library Street on the 4th Monday and 4th Tuesday of each month.

SEARCH THE CATALOG

Please be aware when parking that there is street sweeping on Library Street on the 4th Monday and 4th Tuesday of each month.

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.

Art Lending Collection

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.

Learn More

The Art Lending Collection features an assortment of original collections, including artworks donated by participating artists of the 2013 Carnegie International, posters of beloved paintings donated by Regis Welsh, a library patron and scholar of literature and Impressionism, works from the collections of local residents Jim Kidd and Ray Henderson, and pieces assembled by Transformazium that have influenced their practice. Additionally, we proudly exhibit artworks and texts created by incarcerated artists at the South Fayette Correctional Institution, curated by Mary Carey and Richard Guy.

In addition to the artwork available for borrowing, the Art Lending Collection includes a selection of reference materials, such as art historical books, theoretical texts, and artist monographs. These resources expand the possibilities for discourse and interpretation surrounding each art piece, offering further context and historical information about the artists and their works. Our collection of books has been carefully curated by esteemed arts educators, including Rick Lowe, Jon Rubin, Julie Ault, Harrell Fletcher, and Helen Reed, ensuring diverse perspectives and opening new access points to contemporary arts discourse. Explore the intersection of art and knowledge through the Art Lending Program, and embark on a unique artistic journey from the comfort of your own home.

Experience Kits

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...

Love Your Library Month
September 1 - September 30th
419 Library Ave | Braddock, PA 15104

Celebrate Love Your Library month with us with four special events:

Family Game & Pizza Night - September 10, 6-8pm. Bring your favorite game or play one of ours! Please register so we know how much pizza to get.
Braddock Art Crawl - September 11, 5-10pm. We will have a performance by saxophonist Calvin Stemley and artwork by Darrel Matthews.
Open Mic Night - September 19, 7pm. Bring your guitar-playing, singing, comedic, poetic or other talent to our first-ever Open Mic Night! Or come to cheer others on.
Trivia Night - September 25, 7pm. Come for a battle of the wits with local-centered trivia to celebrate Love Your Library month!

You can also support us with a donation during the month of September, and it will go toward our match pool, making your donation all the more impactful.