Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh has been an anchor in the Hill District community since the first location on Wylie Avenue opened in 1899. A newly constructed library, CLP – Hill District, was opened on Centre Avenue in 2008.

The Hill District Community Archive is housed at CLP – Hill District. It contains neighborhood-focused newspaper articles, photographs and other historical items. Coverage is strongest from 1930 –1990.

Scope and Content

• African American Pennsylvania History
• African American Pittsburgh History
• Arts and Culture: music, cultural activities and fine arts
• August Wilson
• Biographies and obituaries of prominent residents of the region
• The “Books by Bus” Program
• Business and Commerce: saving and loans, the Credit Union, Phoenix Hill Mall, new business openings and business development
• Carnegie Library – Wylie Avenue Branch (former name of CLP – Hill District): photos and programs
• Community newsletters and publications
• Demographics of the Hill District: census information, statistics and maps
• Education and Youth: schools, clubs and social programs. Included are a series of articles from the 1930s – 1950s about Hill City, a mock municipality run by and for Hill District youth with the goal of instilling civic virtue and responsibility
• Flyers and articles relating to the Carnegie Library’s involvement in the Hill District (Wylie Ave. Branch, MLK Reading Room)
• Government and Politics: Hill District government and politics and other civic associations, including the Model Cities program active from 1960-1970
• Health: articles and pamphlets pertaining to health issues affecting Hill District residents
• Hill District general history
• Housing and Urban Renewal: housing, redevelopment, Urban Housing Authority, Model Cities program
• Magazines, pamphlets, reference and history books from the 1950s-1980s
• Photos from Library programs
• Religion and Social Service: Hill District churches, religious groups and social service organizations, including the Hill House Association

CLP – Hill District also has a large map of the neighborhood on display, highlighting significant places and events from playwright August Wilson’s life and works.

Please contact CLP – Hill District for more details at 412.281.3753 or hilldistrict@carnegielibrary.org.