Alternative Lending

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

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.

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...

Trash to Treasure: Remake Learning Days
Saturday, May 9 and Saturday, May 16 12pm-4pm
419 Library Street | Braddock, PA 15104

As part of Remake Learning Days, we invite the community to transform the items gathered during North Braddock Cleanup Day into a collaborative piece of public art during two hands-on sessions on May 9 and May 16. Participants from outside the immediate area are also welcome to contribute by bringing their own found materials to incorporate into the project.

The first session will focus on creative design, as participants work together to envision and plan a mosaic inspired by the collected materials. During the second session, the group will assemble and install the final piece, bringing the shared vision to life. The completed artwork will be displayed at Carnegie One in Braddock as a celebration of community, sustainability, and creative reuse.

All ages welcome; children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.