Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Hazelwood Branch 2 CLP.20170718.002

Arrangement

Language
English
Repository
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Archives and Special Collections
Title
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Hazelwood Branch 2
Collection Number
CLP.20170718.002
Extent
1.5 Linear Feet Three boxes
Date
2000-2013
Author
Shayna Ross
Publisher
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Archives and Special Collections
Address
4400 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15201
info@carnegielibrary.org
URL: http://www.carnegielibrary.org/

Content Description

This collection consists of three series spanning from 2000 to 2013; the first half dealing with the relocation of the branch in 2004 and the second half dealing mostly with monthly statistics of the Hazelwood branch in regards to adult, teen, children, outreach, circulation, and general numbers, which have been folded into a copy of the Hazelwood branch's calendar. The relocation content deals with public relation information, blueprints & layouts, correspondences with both internal and external individuals, and lastly, various articles in favor or opposed to the move. The Hazelwood branch monthly statistics only go into 2012, while the newsletter copies go all the way into 2013. The Hazelwood Homepage Newsletter (later titled as just "Homepage Newsletter") features some information about the Hazelwood branch as well as the neighborhood news. There are occasional flyers tucked in various months, with no consistency among them. Lastly, there has been recognition awards the Hazelwood branch has received. Any removal of documents have been solely due to personal contact information remaining and the case of more than two copies existing. There are several statistics missing during the 2010 to 2013 monthly collection as well as the Hazelwood Homepage Newsletters. The most common missing statistics were the General Summary statistics overall and occasional Teen statistics were not given, especially during the 2010.

Arrangement

The materials have been separated into three series; the first part dealing in regards to the relocation from the original location to the next location on 2nd Avenue of Hazelwood, the second part dealing with the major part of the collection in regards to the branch's monthly statistics with neighborhood newsletters, and the last part dealing with miscellaneous awards and recognitions.

Biographical / Historical

When Andrew Carnegie was provided the funding to open seven libraries (one Main and six branches) in 1890 throughout the city, Hazelwood was selected as one of the spots to be built on Monongahela Street in the heart of the Fifteenth Ward. Hazelwood was considered a well-off, upper class community at the time of its branch's grand opening in 1900, with the collection consisting of Hungarian materials due to the large portion of the residents emigrating from Hungary as well as being of two floors, the basement consisting a large auditorium to host meetings and community affairs. After the industry made a booming progress for the steel and railroad employees, this community quickly became the home for not just those employees, but the immigrants for its ideal location. Over time, Hazelwood renovated its own collection in order to accommodate the non-English speaking population and the developing lower class mentality that was occurring, which circulation continued the increase well into the Great Depression of the 1930's. Following that, with the increase of industries, the collection expanded into technical books, as well as books in the technical characters in foreign languages and working with children.

This branch featured many book stations throughout the Hazelwood and Greenfield communities; most significantly, the St. Rosalia School Station and the Glen-Hazel Station, the latter supporting the residents of the Glen-Hazel Defense Housing Project that was built around 1941. Following the 1940s, the Hazelwood community went into a major decline as the steel industry began to leave Pittsburgh, which continued into a loss of a branch status in 1981. The spot became the Hazelwood Reading Center and supervised by the staff of the Squirrel Hill branch.

Fortunately, in the late 1980s, Hazelwood regained its rightful branch status once more, despite its relatively low circulation statistics because of location. After some thought and conversation, the branch moved to a store-front building in 2004 on 2nd Avenue to earn some more awareness in the business district. Despite the population boom and declines that occurred all through the 20th century, Hazelwood was able to rebuild its strong presence throughout the surrounding communities and overcome the ongoing issues. The original branch location on Monongahela Street was given historic landmark status by the Pittsburgh Historic Review Commission and Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation in 2004. Lastly, in June of 2014, major renovation occurred and the Hazelwood branch was able to move into its own building once again with updated technology, new furnishings, and a stable community.

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, Hazelwood Branch and transferred to the William R. Oliver Special Collections Room.

Accruals

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Hazelwood Branch sends new materials to the Oliver Room on an irregular schedule.

Preferred Citation

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Hazelwood Branch 2, William R. Oliver Special Collections, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh

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