The South Side Branch Collection III is composed of three series spanning from 1970 to 2008. The majority of this collection consists of the monthly branch reports of the adult and young adult departments as well as branch statistics. Branch reports are missing between the years 1999 and 2005. The collection also includes news clippings, correspondence, and special events materials. Other series represented include all documents relating to specific programming and special events, as well as library statistics from 2000-2002.
Arrangement
The collection has been divided into three series. Within each series, folders are arranged in chronological order. The original order of materials within each folder has been retained, with the rare exception when an item has been placed in the wrong month. Those items have been placed in the corresponding month. Additionally, if any items are undated, those are placed together within each folder.
Biographical / Historical
The South Side Branch library, which was the last of the Carnegie libraries to be funded by Andrew Carnegie, opened in 1909 on the corner of East Carson and 22nd Street. The branch was created to serve the residents of the surrounding neighborhood, and still remains at its original location. When the library opened, South Side was a major industrial center for the city of Pittsburgh.
Books acquired by the South Side branch included works in German, Italian, Lithuanian, Polish, and Slovakian to meet the needs of the patrons who, during the early 20th century, consisted primarily of immigrants. The immigrants worked in the mills, so the library also acquired a large collection of technological, mechanical and other industrial books.
The South Side Branch has remained a prominent fixture in the community through periods of decline and as well as revitalization. Cycles include circulation increases due to unemployment during the Great Depression and circulation decreases due to the economic boom during World War II. The branch remained a solid presence in the neighborhood through phases of industrialization, immigration, depression, war, and economic decline.
Conditions Governing Access
There are no access restrictions.
Conditions Governing Use
There are no use restrictions.
Custodial History
The materials were removed from the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, South Side Branch and transferred to the William R. Oliver Special Collections Room.
Accruals
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, South Side Branch sends new materials to the Oliver Room on an irregular schedule.
Preferred Citation
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, South Side Branch 3, William R. Oliver Special Collections, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
