We returned to Lawrenceville where we started our library adventure. It was the branch where we’d gotten our CLP Passports and our first stamp. Librarian Steve gave us the forms to fill out. He offered to stamp our passports but we already had the stamp. He stamped our notes pages with the extra large stamper though! A bonus stamp. He also emailed us the pdf brochures about each library branch we visited. Thank you.
One more selfie – In front of Lawrenceville Branch CLP, the first branch library (1898) after the Main LibraryAn example of the brochures
What a fun time Jen and I had driving all over the city, collecting the stamps at the nineteen branches within the city limits. It was her idea to participate and I’m so glad she invited me along.
At the Carnegie Main Library Branch you can checkout a chair, a ukulele, or board games. There are tool libraries and cake pans to be loaned at different county libraries.
When I arrived and asked to have my passport stamped, Christopher asked if I’d like to see something? I said yes. He took me first to the children’s room and opened the door revealing this tiny marble sink.
Then after he thoughtfully inquired could I climb stairs? (there was an elevator, too) he took me to see the dinosaurs in the Museum of Natural History. We walked through the stacksto this window and could see the display in the museum with an aerial view. So cool!
Up again to the 11th floor (this time in the elevator) to see the rooftop views
Pitt Cathedral of Learning Peeking Lots of old old books All knitting books This chair is available for 21 days checkout Got my stamp! checked out a Sock Knitting Master Class book by Ann Budd with a DVD in the back cover.
Thank you Christopher for the special tour of the Main Branch.
My friend Jen and I used to teach together for six years. She was the librarian and I was the art teacher. We got together last week and she asked if I’d signed up for the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Summer Reading Program and if I had gotten a CLP Passport? No, I had not. But I have now. There are nineteen branches from which to get a stamp from, in the Passport. Since Jen had already been to Lawrenceville, West End and the Main Library I decided to catch up with her. Monday she and I will start the adventure together to visit more branches across the city.
This morning I drove to the West End Branch of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.
I received a warm welcome from Anastasia at the desk. She offered to give me a tour. All the wood is original and the library opened in 1899.
First item she showed me was the framed Civil Defense Sign.
Then we went down to the basement and she showed me the wooden cabinets painted by Theodore Hamiel in 1959, depicting many well known story book characters. Mr. Hamiel was the library’s custodian.
Librarian Beth went and got an January 20, 1959 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette article about the paintings.
Other treasures in the library sit atop the shelves. There’s a replica of the Library (Anastasia got me a footstool so I could photograph it) and buildings that were in the West End in the 1970’s.
Some of the buildings represented are nonexistent now. Nick Tutino created all the models in his retirement.
Kyra is in charge of Children’s Services. There are Preschool StoryTimes and Playtimes for Birth to 5 year olds with toys and games. “Allegedly, the West End Branch is where the FIRST library Storytime took place.” she said.
I really appreciated the personalized tour of the West End Branch and seeing the treasures housed here. I’m checking out a book at each branch when I visit.
There’s free parking in a lot and accessible entrance with elevator to take you up to the main floor.
Mildred Wirt Benson was sworn to secrecy and couldn’t reveal she had written the first twenty-three Nancy Drew Mysteries. there is no person Carolyn Keene! What?
Here are two Nancy Drew Mysteries in a Free Little Library in Columbus, Ohio.
What fun with all the Playmobil figures setting the scene Blank notebooks and pencils, sidewalk chalk and pencil sharpeners all available to take So creative and inviting
Last Friday, March 19, when visiting my family in Ohio, I photographed this colorful set of books on top of Charlie’s dresser. I’d not seen them altogether in this format . I know they’ve been read aloud numerous times to Charlie.(5) he always tells me about a grandmother in the books who knits.
The event was Kate’s Kid Book Bash! on Sunday December 8th.
“A holiday children’s book marketplace celebrating the life of beloved Pittsburgh picture book author, Kate Dopirak. Proceeds benefit Reading is FUNdamental/Pittsburgh. Buy your favorite kids books (board books, picture books, middle grade, young adult) and have them signed by dozens of authors in attendance. Pop Up Bookstore by Riverstone Books. Storytime for little ones. Art demos by children’s book illustrators. Meet members of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Bring your reusable shopping bags!”
Illustrator Cori Doerrfeld drawing a bunny while an appreciative audience watches in awe.
Below are two more books I purchased at the pop-up Riverstone Bookstore.
Then we went to each author’s table display to have them signed.
Then we went down to the basement and she showed me the wooden cabinets painted by Theodore Hamiel in 1959, depicting many well known story book characters. Mr. Hamiel was the library’s custodian.
Illustrator Cori Doerrfeld drawing a bunny while an appreciative audience watches in awe.
