What's an Infographic? What's a Data Visualization? What's the Difference? - with Dave Columbus
2026-03-16 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall, 300 Beechwood Avenue, Carnegie, PA, 15106, United States
We’re visual creatures living in a world of data. How do we process and understand it?

Join artist Dave Columbus for a compelling look at infographics, data visualizations, and the complex art of communicating numerical information through design. From something as simple as the ingredients in trail mix to massive projects representing reams of pop cultural data from Star Trek or Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Dave will consider the pros and cons of various approaches to presenting data for both the creator and the viewer.

Registration is appreciated, but walk-ins are welcome. Please click here to register.

You Have the Floor: Conversations about Neighborhoods and News Coverage, with Public Source
2026-03-17 17:30 - 19:00 | Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall, 300 Beechwood Avenue, Carnegie, PA, 15106, United States
Local news is shifting in Pittsburgh. As outlets close, change or scale back, the question isn’t just what’s next but what local journalism could (and should) be for you.

“You Have the Floor” is a seven-day series of community town halls across the Greater Pittsburgh region. No speeches. No panels. Just neighbors talking about what information they need, what feels overlooked and how journalism can better serve the public. We’re listening.

This program is presented by Public Source.

Registration is required. Please click here to register.

Time Travelers Historical Fiction Book Club: "The Rose Code"
2026-03-19 11:00 - 12:00 | Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall, 300 Beechwood Avenue, Carnegie, PA, 15106, United States
Join our historical fiction book group! We explore different eras of history, offer our thoughts and responses, and make new friendships as we share a different historical fiction title each month.

This group meets on the third Thursday of the month at 11:00am.

The title for this meeting will be The Rose Code by Kate Quinn. Copies of the book will be available at the Library’s checkout desk.

Registration is appreciated, but not required – please click here to register.

Fluent Friends: Practice Speaking English with Literacy Pittsburgh
2026-03-19 17:30 - 19:00, 2026-04-07 10:00 - 11:30 | Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall, 300 Beechwood Avenue, Carnegie, PA, 15106, United States
Join our open-to-all English Conversation Practice Group — a friendly and welcoming space where people from all backgrounds can come together to practice speaking English in a relaxed, supportive environment. Whether you’re a beginner or more advanced, this group is about building confidence, improving fluency, and connecting with others through conversation. No pressure, no judgment — just real talk and real people. Everyone is welcome!

This group meets every first Tuesday of the month from 10:00-11:30am, and every third Thursday of the month from 5:30-7:00pm. Registration is not required — just drop in!

The Pittsburgh Savoyards present "The Grand Duke"
2026-03-20 19:30 - 2026-03-22 20:30
TICKETS

For all ticket inquiries contact Pittsburgh Savoyards at 412-734-8476 or tickets@pittsburghsavoyards.org

March 20-22 & 27-29Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 PM | Sundays at 2:30 PMSet in the tiny Grand Duchy of Pfennig‑Halbpfennig in 1750, Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Grand Duke follows a scrappy theatrical troupe led by theatrical manager Ernest Dummkopf, blundering lead comedian Ludwig, his sweetheart Lisa, and the imperious leading lady Julia Jellicoe, as they conspire to topple the miserly, hypochondriacal Grand Duke Rudolph. On the eve of the company’s latest opening night production, Ludwig is to be married to Lisa, but all the parsons in the town are unavailable because they have been summoned by the Grand Duke. Both the company and the people of the town have grown to hate the Grand Duke, so a scheme is concocted to oust him from power. A fantastical plot then unfolds, involving the company’s secret signal (the eating of a sausage roll); an obscure legal oddity (the “statutory duel” of drawing playing cards, which declares the winner take the place of the loser, and the loser legally dead); a spin of the roulette wheel by an unexpected visitor; and not one, not two, not three, but FOUR prospective brides for the Grand Duke! Hijinks, mistaken identities, and Gilbert’s witty dialogue propel the troupe from rehearsal to courtroom‑style machination, while Sullivan’s jaunty, satirical score punctuates every bit of comic absurdity until at last, in true topsy‑turvy fashion, everything is finally and satisfactorily resolved.

The Grand Duke is Gilbert & Sullivan’s final composition as a duo and originally premiered March 7, 1896. Despite favorable reviews on opening night, the opera was not a success, lasting for only a paltry (by G&S standards) 123 performances. Due to the unsuccessful run (the only G&S show that lost money) and the strained relationship between the pair, they never worked together again. Our version has been substantially trimmed down from the original 1896 running time of 3 hours.

TICKETS

For all ticket inquiries contact Pittsburgh Savoyards at 412-734-8476 or tickets@pittsburghsavoyards.org

2nd Saturday Civil War Series: The Influence of Women: How Women Worked, Served, Sacrificed, and Overcame during the Civil War, with Katie Wolfe
2026-03-21 13:00 - 14:00 | Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall, 300 Beechwood Avenue, Carnegie, PA, 15106, United States
In Person in the Studio at ACFL&MH

Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9370579279Meeting ID: 937 057 9279

Drawn from an 1862 Harper’s Weekly illustration of the same title, “The Influence of Women” will explore the many ways in which women worked, served, sacrificed, and overcame during the Civil War. Women were everywhere during the war, serving both on the home front and on the front lines. This talk will include vignettes on…

Gone for a Soldier: Women Who Served

Hidden in Hair and Hoopskirts: Women as Spies

“Brave and Faithful”: Marie Tepe

The War on the Homefront

“The Angel on the Battlefield”: Nurses, Doctors, and Civilians

“She Ranks Me”: Mother Bickerdyke

A Mother’s Grief: The 62nd Pennsylvania

“Just Before the Battle Mother”: Civil War Music as a Comfort

Katie Wolfe is a proud member of the 62nd PA Volunteer Infantry Living History Family based in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania. This living history family educates the public about the American Civil War and the 62nd PVI’s role in it through encampments and other programs both locally and in Gettysburg where the 62nd fought in the Wheatfield.

Katie lives in Indiana, PA, with her husband and two daughters, and they enjoy participating in the 62nd together. Katie holds a Bachelor of Science in Music Education and a Master of Literacy degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She is currently employed as the Program Coordinator at the Ford City Public Library. She also serves as Secretary on the Board of Directors for the Armstrong County Historical Society. Katie enjoys using her educational background to plan programs at her library, at the historical society, and with the 62nd. Her love of history, particularly the American Civil War, inspires her to share the stories of the soldiers and their families to keep the history alive.

Carnegie's Legacy: The Evolution of Steel in Pittsburgh - with metallurgist Emily Grugan
2026-03-24 19:00 - 20:30 | Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall, 300 Beechwood Avenue, Carnegie, PA, 15106, United States
For over 150 years, Pittsburgh has been known across the nation as the “Steel City.” From the early iterations of the steel industry, to the boom of US steel production, and ultimately to Pittsburgh’s current metals manufacturing environment, the story of steel in Pittsburgh has seen the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Join local metallurgist Emily Grugan for an insider’s perspective on the importance of Pittsburgh’s steel history.

Registration is appreciated, but walk-ins are welcome. Please click here to register.

SOLD OUT: Carnegie Carnegie Studio Jazz Series - Benny Benack II
2026-03-26 19:00
TICKETS

The Carnegie Carnegie Studio Jazz Series brings outstanding jazz artists to the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall’s Studio for up close performances in a relaxed, welcoming setting. From classic swing and soul infused jazz to modern grooves and adventurous ensembles, the series highlights the breadth of the jazz tradition while keeping the experience personal, intimate, and accessible.Pittsburgh’s sax-man, Ben Benack II, offers up an evening of smokin’ jazz! Benny Benack II is a legend in the Pittsburgh jazz and nightclub scene – a band leader well known for his virtuosic musicianship and charismatic audience appeal.

The band’s frontman is no stranger to the music world. His father, Benny Benack, was a Pittsburgh band leader and at the forefront of the Pittsburgh jazz scene in the 60s-80s. Ben continues the family tradition with musical virtuosity and versatility.Beer and wine by monetary donation (ages 21+). Outside alcohol/BYOB is not permitted.Doors open at 6:30 pm || Concert begins at 7:00 pm

TICKETS:$22 General Admission$20 Senior Citizen (65+)$10 Under 18 & Students w/ IDAll ticket sales are final.

TICKETS

The Pittsburgh Savoyards present “The Grand Duke”
2026-03-27 19:30 - 2026-03-29 14:30
TICKETS

For all ticket inquiries contact Pittsburgh Savoyards at 412-734-8476 or tickets@pittsburghsavoyards.org

March 20-22 & 27-29Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 PM | Sundays at 2:30 PMSet in the tiny Grand Duchy of Pfennig‑Halbpfennig in 1750, Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Grand Duke follows a scrappy theatrical troupe led by theatrical manager Ernest Dummkopf, blundering lead comedian Ludwig, his sweetheart Lisa, and the imperious leading lady Julia Jellicoe, as they conspire to topple the miserly, hypochondriacal Grand Duke Rudolph. On the eve of the company’s latest opening night production, Ludwig is to be married to Lisa, but all the parsons in the town are unavailable because they have been summoned by the Grand Duke. Both the company and the people of the town have grown to hate the Grand Duke, so a scheme is concocted to oust him from power. A fantastical plot then unfolds, involving the company’s secret signal (the eating of a sausage roll); an obscure legal oddity (the “statutory duel” of drawing playing cards, which declares the winner take the place of the loser, and the loser legally dead); a spin of the roulette wheel by an unexpected visitor; and not one, not two, not three, but FOUR prospective brides for the Grand Duke! Hijinks, mistaken identities, and Gilbert’s witty dialogue propel the troupe from rehearsal to courtroom‑style machination, while Sullivan’s jaunty, satirical score punctuates every bit of comic absurdity until at last, in true topsy‑turvy fashion, everything is finally and satisfactorily resolved.

The Grand Duke is Gilbert & Sullivan’s final composition as a duo and originally premiered March 7, 1896. Despite favorable reviews on opening night, the opera was not a success, lasting for only a paltry (by G&S standards) 123 performances. Due to the unsuccessful run (the only G&S show that lost money) and the strained relationship between the pair, they never worked together again. This version has been substantially trimmed down from the original 1896 running time of 3 hours.

TICKETS

For all ticket inquiries contact Pittsburgh Savoyards at 412-734-8476 or tickets@pittsburghsavoyards.org

Meeple Meet-Up: Euro-Gaming for Adults
2026-03-28 10:00 - 16:00 | Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall, 300 Beechwood Avenue, Carnegie, PA, 15106, United States
Do you like Terraforming Mars? Settlers of Catan? Agricola? Ark Nova? Or other “Euro” or Euro-flavored strategy games with wooden meeples, worker placement, tableau building, and so forth? Come to the Library for an afternoon of board gaming!

You can also come if you are interested in learning how to play Euro board games.

This event is for gamers ages 18+.

Registration is not required to attend, but it is recommended, and those who register will get a link to our Discord server for any pre-game day discussions or suggestions. Please click here to register.

Carnegie Modular Railroaders
2026-03-28 13:30 - 15:00 | Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall, 300 Beechwood Avenue, Carnegie, PA, 15106, United States
Join the Carnegie Modular Railroaders, an all-ages group for anyone interested in model railroading! The mission of the Carnegie Modular Railroaders is to inspire and educate model railroaders of all ages through hands on learning, collaborative layout building, and shared exploration of the hobby.

The Carnegie Modular Railroaders meet one or two Saturdays a month at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall. For more information, please contact Nick Yackovich at 412-667-0929 or nicholas.yackovich@comcast.net.

All ages are welcome. Registration is appreciated, but walk-ins are welcome. Please click here to register.

Earth Day Free Clothing Market
2026-03-30 10:00 - 2026-04-19 15:00 | Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall, 300 Beechwood Avenue, Carnegie, PA, 15106, United States
Donate your new and gently used clothing (all ages and genders) at the Library between now and April 19. Then join us at our Earth Day celebration and take what you like from the donated clothes!

It’s a great way to make fashion more sustainable, reduce waste, and support families in need!

✨ What to Share

We are looking for gently used items for all ages! This includes:

Apparel: Tops, bottoms, dresses, sweaters, and light jackets. Think spring and summer clothing especially.

Accessories: Hats, scarves, belts, and handbags.

Shoes: Clean sandals, sneakers, boots, or flats.

Clothes hangers: Clean clothing hangers or hanging cube organizers to organize items during the event.

📝 A Few Ground Rules

To make sure everyone goes home with something they’re excited to wear, we ask that you follow these quick guidelines:

Quality over Quantity: Please limit donations to one bag per household. This helps us manage the space and keep the selection curated!

The “Best Friend” Test: If you wouldn’t give it to your best friend, please don’t swap it.

Keep it Clean: Please ensure all items are free of stains, damage, or pet hair. A quick once-over with a lint roller works wonders!

Damaged/used: We are unable to accept stained or damaged items, used socks and undergarments, or items covered in pet hair or permeated with odors such as smoke. Thank you for your understanding!

Lend a Hand: We are looking for volunteers to help us sort donations and keep the racks organized before and during the swap. If you have an hour or two to spare, we’d love to have your help! Please email Library Director Walker Evans at evansw2@einetwork.net.

Questions? Call us at 412-276-3456 x12.

Pittsburgh Classic Movie Club presents Noir Femmes Fatales: "Gilda" (1946)
2026-03-30 19:00 - 21:00 | Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall, 300 Beechwood Avenue, Carnegie, PA, 15106, United States
Join the Pittsburgh Classic Movie Club for a celebration of the great femmes fatales of cinema!

Tonight: Gilda (1946), directed by Charles Vidor. When gambler Johnny Farrell (Glenn Ford) gets a new job in a Buenos Aires casino, he quickly becomes re-entangled with his former lover – and formidable femme fatale – Gilda (Rita Hayworth).

Registration is appreciated, but walk-ins are welcome. Please click here to register.

Join us for the rest of this series!

Monday, April 13: “The Big Heat” (1953)

Monday, April 27: “Pickup on South Street” (1953)

Monday, May 18: “The Postman Always Rings Twice” (1946)

Ukulele Strum-Along
2026-04-02 18:00 - 20:00 | Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall, 300 Beechwood Avenue, Carnegie, PA, 15106, United States
Come strum with us! Join Amber Rozel of Steel City Ukuleles for a free introduction to the simple, versatile instrument known as the ukulele. Learn just a few simple chords, and you’ll be able to play hundreds of songs – no prior experience needed, and you don’t need to own your own ukulele! Meet other uke-enthusiasts and join our strum-along group!

The event will start with a special lesson for first-timers at 6:00 PM, followed by a more advanced Beginner+ lesson from 6:45-7:15. If you already know your way around a ukulele, join us from 7:15-8:00 for our group jam!

This group is intended for teens and adults. Registration is appreciated – please click here to register!

From the Foxhole: Talks with Carnegie's Veterans - featuring US Army veteran Frank Palombi
2026-04-04 10:00 - 11:30 | Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall, 300 Beechwood Avenue, Carnegie, PA, 15106, United States
Carnegie is home to over 500 veterans. How well do you know them?

In our quarterly series “From the Foxhole: Talks with Carnegie’s Veterans,” veteran and military researcher Richard Murphy shares live, unscripted conversations with the veterans of our area about their experiences while serving.

Today, we’ll talk with US Army veteran Frank Palombi.

Veterans and non-veterans are welcome. Ages 18+ only, please. Registration is not required.

Listen to our first interview, recorded on January 17, 2026 with US Army veteran Effie Snyder!

"Opera... Is a Drag!" Musical Storytime with Thousand Bridges Opera
2026-04-04 14:00 - 15:00 | 300 Beechwood Avenue, Carnegie, PA, 15106, 300 Beechwood Avenue, Carnegie, Pennsylvania, 15106, United States
“Drag Queens read it, Opera Divas sing it!”

Join us for an hour-long drag storytime & operatic performance featuring local Pittsburgh drag artist Chi Chi De Vivre and vocalists Alicia and Bridget of Thousand Bridges Opera! Celebrate the magic of opera, literacy, and drag performance with this family-friendly show.

Featuring your favorite stories: Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, Hansel & Gretel, Goodnight Moon, and more!

This event is free and intended for all ages.

Paperback Platoon Book Club: "Reminders of Him"
2026-04-09 18:30 - 19:30 | Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall, 300 Beechwood Avenue, Carnegie, PA, 15106, United States
Calling all women veterans and family members: join us to connect with other women through a love of reading!

Paperback Platoon is a book club for women filled with veterans, service members, and their families. Our goal is to build connection with each other through a shared interest and love for reading. This group meets on the second Thursday of each month from 6:30-7:30 PM.

Our title for this meeting is Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover. Copies of the book will be available for checkout at the Library’s circulation desk.

Join our BookClubs.com page or our Facebook group for more details or to register!

South Hills Model Railroad Club Two-Day Track Display!
2026-04-10 10:00 - 2026-04-11 17:00 | Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall, 300 Beechwood Avenue, Carnegie, PA, 15106, United States
Come see an amazing room-sized model railroad track display, courtesy of the South Hills Model Railroad Club!

Featuring homes, businesses, landscape features, and even a carnival, this fully operational track creates its own tiny world to explore.

Members of the South Hills Model Railroad Club will be present on Friday, April 10 and Saturday, April 11 to discuss and explain the display. Drop in any time!

Plus, all visitors will receive a free raffle ticket to win a TYCO Chattanooga train set, with steam locomotive, six cars, and a 17-piece bridge and trestle!

Mai Khôi & the Dissidents Album Release Concert "Five Years in Exile"
2026-04-10 20:00
TICKETS

Please note: This concert has moved to the Studio Performance Space. General seating; Existing ticket holders retain reserved seats.

ACFL&MH is pleased to welcome Mai Khôi & the Dissidents for their Carnegie Carnegie debut as part of our new Backbeat Series, celebrating the release of their new album “Five Years in Exile.” The album follows Khôi through her first five years in the United States, where she fled to in 2019 to avoid political persecution in Vietnam. Unlike her previous album “Dissent,” recorded in secret in Vietnam and dedicated exclusively to protest music, “Five Years in Exile” is more personal and introspective. Protest music sits alongside songs that deal with love, nostalgia, loneliness, and grief. The songs, co-written with keyboardist Mark Micchelli, deftly weave through genres as diverse as jazz, experimental music, math rock, art song, and even a bit of the pop and dance music Khôi used to sing in Vietnam.Following the concert, guests are invited to a reception with the artists featuring an opportunity to purchase the album, meet Mai Khôi & the Dissidents, and enjoy complimentary refreshments.Want a preview before the concert?Listen to Mai Khôi, her collaborator Mark Micchelli, and Carnegie Carnegie Music Hall Director Heidi Matthews on WQED’s Voice of the Arts podcast, and read the WESA feature ahead of Friday’s show.

Listen: WQED Voice of the ArtsRead: WESA — “Pittsburgh-based Vietnamese dissident singer releases new album”

About Mai KhôiMai Khôi is an award-winning singer, composer, and activist. She rose to stardom in 2010 after winning the Vietnam Television Song and Album of the Year awards as one of the first female songwriters in Vietnam. As a pop star, Khôi released seven albums in genres of Vietnamese pop and dance, and made regular nationally televised performances. Several years later she became increasingly uncomfortable having to submit her work to government censors and, thinking she could reform the system from within, nominated herself to run in the National Assembly elections on a pro-democracy platform.

Since 2019, Mai Khôi has lived in exile in the USA. In 2019, she was a resident artist at SHIM:NYC, and in 2020, she was awarded an Artist Protection Fund Fellowship in cooperation with the University of Pittsburgh, City of Asylum, and the International Free Expression Project. Mai Khôi was an Exiled Writer and Artist in Residence at City of Asylum in Pittsburgh from 2020-2023; she has continued to reside in Pittsburgh after the conclusion of this residency.

In recognition of her work at the intersection of art and activism, Khôi has been awarded the 2018 Václav Havel Prize for Creative Dissent and the 2022 Four Freedoms Award for Freedom of Speech.

Read more about Mai Khôi on her website at mai-khoi.comThis event is recommended for ages 13 & over.TICKETS: Please note: This concert has moved to the Studio Performance Space. General seating; existing ticket holders retain reserved seats.$25 in Advance$30 at the Door$10 Under 18 & Students w/ IDAll ticket sales are final.

TICKETS

Please note: This concert has moved to the Studio Performance Space. General seating; Existing ticket holders retain reserved seats.

Carnegie Modular Railroaders
2026-04-11 13:30 - 15:00 | Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall, 300 Beechwood Avenue, Carnegie, PA, 15106, United States
Join the Carnegie Modular Railroaders, an all-ages group for anyone interested in model railroading! The mission of the Carnegie Modular Railroaders is to inspire and educate model railroaders of all ages through hands on learning, collaborative layout building, and shared exploration of the hobby.

The Carnegie Modular Railroaders meet one or two Saturdays a month at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall. For more information, please contact Nick Yackovich at 412-667-0929 or nicholas.yackovich@comcast.net.

For today’s session, we will meet with members of the South Hills Model Railroad Club to learn about their track layout, on display in the Lincoln Gallery on Friday April 10 and Saturday April 11.

All ages are welcome. Registration is appreciated, but walk-ins are welcome. Please register below.

PJO Emerging Jazz Artist Series: Grace Elliott
2026-04-12 15:00
TICKETS

The Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra and the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall continue their collaboration with a second season of the Emerging Artist Series, spotlighting rising artists alongside some of Pittsburgh’s most accomplished jazz musicians. This multi-generational series honors the city’s rich jazz legacy while highlighting the voices shaping its future.Grace Elliott is a Pittsburgh-born vocalist, songwriter, and guitarist whose musical roots run deep. Raised by two musicians, she grew up immersed in sound, developing a natural affinity for music from an early age. Known for her smooth, rich vocal tone, Grace combines technical skill with a distinctive musical sensitivity that sets her apart.

Performing since the age of ten, Grace holds a profound love and respect for her craft. She studied Jazz Voice at the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music. Her achievements include receiving a National YoungArts Award in Jazz Voice and being named a finalist at the Songbook Academy. She has appeared at the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival and the Monroeville Jazz Festival. Grace also performs regularly with Paul Cosentino’s Boilermaker Jazz Band and collaborates with a variety of ensembles throughout Pittsburgh and the surrounding region.Enjoy exceptional live jazz and light brunch fare in our intimate Studio setting.Beer, wine, and mimosas by donation. Outside alcohol/BYOB is not permitted.Doors open at 2:30 pm || Concert begins at 3:00 pm

TICKETS:$20 in Advance$25 at the Door$10 Under 18 & Students w/ IDAll ticket sales are final.

TICKETS

Pittsburgh Classic Movie Club presents Noir Femmes Fatales: "The Big Heat" (1953)
2026-04-13 19:00 - 21:00 | Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall, 300 Beechwood Avenue, Carnegie, PA, 15106, United States
Join the Pittsburgh Classic Movie Club for a celebration of the great femmes fatales of cinema!

Tonight: The Big Heat (1953), directed by Fritz Lang. Glenn Ford is determined police detective Dave Bannion, while Gloria Grahame stars as no-nonsense femme fatale Debby Marsh.

Registration is appreciated, but walk-ins are welcome. Please click here to register.

Join us for the rest of this series!

Monday, April 27: “Pickup on South Street” (1953)

Monday, May 18: “The Postman Always Rings Twice” (1946)

Time Travelers Historical Fiction Book Club: "The Ride of Her Life"
2026-04-16 11:00 - 12:00 | Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall, 300 Beechwood Avenue, Carnegie, PA, 15106, United States
Join our historical fiction book group! We explore different eras of history, offer our thoughts and responses, and make new friendships as we share a different historical fiction title each month.

This group meets on the third Thursday of the month at 11:00am.

The title for this meeting will be The Ride of Her Life by Elizabeth Letts. Copies of the book will be available at the Library’s checkout desk.

Registration is appreciated, but not required – please click here to register.

1861: Small Battles, Big Outcomes: A Civil War Symposium
2026-04-17 15:00 - 2026-04-18 16:00 | Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall, 300 Beechwood Avenue, Carnegie, PA, 15106, United States
BUY TICKETS

The Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall is pleased to announce our eighth annual Civil War Symposium, slated for April 17 – 18, 2026. Though overlooked in favor of later years and larger battles, the first year of the Civil War witnessed many advances and setbacks, trials and tribulations, personalities and decisions that affected how the remainder of the war came to be fought. In 1861: Small Battles, Big Outcomes, seven dynamic historians will unpack the military, political, and social threads of this pivotal year in our nation’s history.

Tickets are available for $100.00 until April 06, 2026, or sold out. Seating is limited, and previous years have sold out, so please don’t wait to reserve your seat. The ticket price includes light hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar on Friday evening, breakfast refreshments, a boxed lunch, and snacks on Saturday.

In partnership with Military Images Magazine and the National Museum of Civil War Medicine, the Faces of Civil War Nurses photo exhibit will be onsite, bringing to life the remarkable images and stories of twenty Civil War nurses.

Representatives from Arsenal Cider – Pittsburgh’s Civil War-themed hard cider distillery – will be on hand Friday evening for tastings and bottle sales. Ongoing tours of The Captain Thomas Espy Post will be available, as well as raffles, a Civil War book sale, and author book signings.

Symposium proceeds help to preserve the priceless artifacts in the Captain Thomas Espy Grand Army of the Republic Post and supports our monthly Civil War programming at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall.

ACFL&MH is grateful to Civil War Trails and Civil War Roundtable Congress for their sponsorship and ongoing support of our Civil War symposium!

Please contact Espy Post Curator, Jon-Erik Gilot, at gilotj@carnegiecarnegie.org with any questions.

Speakers:

Rich Condon – The Year of Jubilee: The Battle for Port Royal and the Birth of ReconstructionRich Condon is a public historian and park ranger from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He holds a B.A. in Public History from Shepherd University and is currently pursuing an M.A. in American History through Gettysburg College. For over a decade, he held positions at a variety of sites and organizations, including the Battle of Franklin Trust, Flight 93 National Memorial, Catoctin Mountain Park, and the newly established Reconstruction Era National Historical Park. Rich has published articles with Civil War Times Magazine, The Civil War Monitor, The American Battlefield Trust, as well as Emerging Civil War, and manages the Civil War Pittsburgh blog.

Rich will be speaking on the November 1861 battle of Port Royal, South Carolina, and the legacy of the Port Royal Experiment.

Chris Mackowski – The Battle of Belmont and the Rise of Ulysses S. Grant

Chris Mackowski, Ph.D., is a Copie Hill Civil War Fellow at the American Battlefield Trust and editor-in-chief and co-founder of Emerging Civil War. He is the series editor of the award-winning Emerging Civil War Series, and author, co-author, or editor of more than twenty-five books. Chris is a professor of journalism and mass communication in the Jandoli School of Communication at St. Bonaventure University in Allegany, New York, and historian-in-residence at Stevenson Ridge, a historic property on the Spotsylvania battlefield in central Virginia.

Chris will be speaking on the November 1861 battle of Belmont, Missouri, Ulysses S. Grant’s first battle of the Civil War, and how Grant’s experience at Belmont shaped the remainder of his service.

Mark Maloy –The Severest Struggle of His Life: Robert E. Lee’s Decision at Arlington HouseMark Maloy holds an undergraduate degree in History from the College of William and Mary, and a graduate degree in History from George Mason University. He is the author of two books in the Emerging Revolutionary War Series and regularly leads Revolutionary War battlefield tours. He currently works as a historian for the George Washington Memorial Parkway, which administers important historic sites such as Arlington House, the Robert E. Lee Memorial.

Mark will discuss the motives and factors behind Robert E. Lee’s pivotal April 1861 resignation from the United States Army, and the impact of Lee’s decision on both sides of the conflict.

Rob Orrison – “The Potomac Will be Effectively Closed”: Early Actions on the Potomac RiverRob Orrison received his Bachelor’s in Historic Preservation at Longwood University and a Master’s in Public History from George Mason University. He currently serves as director for the Prince William County Office of Historic Preservation. He has published books for the Emerging Civil War Series, the Emerging Revolutionary War Series, and numerous other publications.

Rob will examine the skirmishes, battles, and personalities relating to the Confederate efforts to blockade the Potomac River from July 1861 – March 1862.

Ryan Quint – The Battle of Dranesville: December 20, 1861

A native of Maine, Ryan Quint holds a degree in History from the University of Mary Washington. He is the author of numerous publications, including Dranesville: A Northern Virginia Town in the Crossfire of a Forgotten Battle. Today, he works as a park ranger at Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park.

Ryan will speak on the December 1861 battle of Dranesville, an early Federal victory during an otherwise bleak year of the war, highlighting the experiences of Pittsburgh’s soldiers in the Pennsylvania Reserves during the battle.

Phil Spaugy – Arming the Boys of ’61: The Origins, Differences, and Challenges of Arming Union Soldiers

Phil Spaugy recently retired from a long career in aviation services. A lifelong student of the Civil War, he is the former national commander of the North South Skirmish Association and today serves as a senior editor for Military Images Magazine, a columnist for Civil War Monitor, and an advisor for Gettysburg History (Adams County Historical Society).

Phil’s talk will examine the challenges encountered in arming and equipping Union soldiers in 1861. This lecture will include an exhibit of more than a dozen original longarms issued to soldiers during the first year of the war.

Melissa A. Winn – Healing Open Wounds: How First Manassas Transformed Medical Care

Melissa Winn serves today as the Director of Marketing and Communications for the National Museum of Civil War Medicine. Previously, she worked as marketing manager at the American Battlefield Trust, and director of photography for HistoryNet. She received a BA in English from the University of Wisconsin and has written for and published articles in multiple trade and commercial publications for more than 20 years.

Melissa’s talk will unpack the many innovations spawned by the lack of preparedness for a battle of the scale of the one fought in July 1861 at Manassas, including the triage system, nursing corps, civilian aide groups, medical recordkeeping, and vast improvements in medical care.

Emerging Civil War Podcast Historians Panel – Moderated by Chris Mackowski

Chris Mackowski will emcee a free-wheeling discussion among our historians of all things 1861. The conversation will be recorded for the Emerging Civil War Podcast, with questions and audience participation encouraged!

Schedule of Events:

Friday, April 17:

Doors Open, Registration – 3:00 – 4:00PMEspy Post Tours, Book Sale, Raffle, Exhibits – 3:00 – 9:00PMOpening Remarks – 4:00 – 4:15PMPhil Spaugy – 4:15 – 5:15PMRefreshments, Cash Bar, Arsenal Cider – 5:15 – 6:30PMRich Condon – 6:30 – 7:30PMHistorian’s Panel Discussion – 7:45 – 8:45PMSaturday, April 18:

Registration & Refreshments – 8:15 – 9:15AMEspy Post Tours, Book Sale, Raffle, Exhibits – 8:15 – 4:15PMRyan Quint – 9:15 – 10:15AMBREAK – 10:15 – 10:30AMRob Orrison – 10:30 – 11:30AMLUNCH – 11:30 – 12:45PMChris Mackowski – 12:45 – 1:45PMBREAK – 1:45 – 2:00PMMelissa A. Winn – 2:00 – 3:00PMBREAK – 3:00 – 3:15PMMark Maloy – 3:15PM – 4:15PM

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Lodging & Travel:

For those traveling from outside the area, please be aware that there are no hotels in Carnegie proper. Even so, there are many hotel options in the immediate area. We suggest looking at available hotels in nearby Green Tree, Bridgeville, Settlers Ridge, Southpointe, and Canonsburg.The Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall is located at 300 Beechwood Avenue in downtown Carnegie, Pennsylvania. We are just one mile off Interstate 79, and approximately five miles south of downtown Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh International Airport is located 13 miles from Carnegie.

Symposium Sponsors:

Civil War Trails, the world’s largest open-air museum, includes more than 1,500 sites across six states, putting you in the footsteps of Civil War generals, freedom-fighters, and tenacious women. Follow the great campaigns turn-by-turn, take a historic hike, and explore beautiful downtowns. Snap a sign selfie along the way! Request your brochure today at civilwartrails.org, and create some history of your own.

The mission of the CWRT CONGRESS is to inspire Civil War Round Table leaders to adapt, adopt, and maintain strategies for sustainability. CWRT Congress is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to assisting Civil War Round Tables around the world to become sustainable. CWRTC does not have memberships, does not charge dues, and is staffed with knowledgeable volunteers who have consulted and inspired nonprofits, for-profits and governmental entities to become successful. Find more information their website.

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Carnegie Celebrates Earth Day!
2026-04-19 12:00 - 15:00 | Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall, 300 Beechwood Avenue, Carnegie, PA, 15106, United States
Our Earth Day celebration returns for its sixth year!

Join us for a day of all-ages fun and learning with live animal encounters, eco-crafts, food vendors, and all kinds of environmental education!

Explore a mini-museum of nature with the Carnegie Museum of Natural History

Upgrade your wardrobe with our second annual Free Clothing Market

Meet live honeybees from a local bee-keeper

Learn about water stewardship from Three Rivers Waterkeeper

Talk bikes with members of BikePGH

Get ready for gardening with our free seed library

Tour our Teaching Garden of Native Plants

Explore nature with scavenger hunts, crafts, and challenges

…and more!

Registration is not required for Earth Day – drop in any time!

Career Checkup Workshop with JFCS
2026-04-22 11:00 - 12:30 | Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall, 300 Beechwood Avenue, Carnegie, PA, 15106, United States
Give your job search a boost with this free workshop from JFCS Career Services! Counselors will share tips and best practices, and participants can meet with a counselor one-on-one for a personalized resume review.

This is a great way to prepare for the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Spring Job Fair, taking place on May 8 at CLP-Main. Please click here for more information or to register for the Job Fair.

Space is limited and registration is required. Please click here to register.

Carnegie Carnegie Studio Jazz Series - Dr. Alton Merrell
2026-04-23 19:00
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The Carnegie Carnegie Studio Jazz Series brings outstanding jazz artists to the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall’s Studio for up close performances in a relaxed, welcoming setting. From classic swing and soul infused jazz to modern grooves and adventurous ensembles, the series highlights the breadth of the jazz tradition while keeping the experience personal, intimate, and accessible.Dr. Alton Merrell is a world-class pianist, composer, and educator whose artistry blends lyrical melodies, rich harmonic language, and fluid technique across multiple jazz traditions. Equally compelling as a composer and interpreter, Merrell brings depth and intention to every performance—whether presenting original works or re-imagining music commissioned in tribute to jazz’s great voices. His performances invite listeners into expansive, spirit-filled journeys that reflect both technical mastery and profound musical storytelling.Learn more about Dr. Merrell’s background and work on his official bio page

This concert offers an intimate opportunity to experience Dr. Merrell’s expressive artistry up close, where nuance, spontaneity, and connection take center stage.Beer and wine by monetary donation (ages 21+). Outside alcohol/BYOB is not permitted.Doors open at 6:30 pm || Concert begins at 7:00 pm

TICKETS:$22 General Admission$20 Senior Citizen (65+)$10 Under 18 & Students w/ IDAll ticket sales are final.

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Meeple Meet-Up: Euro-Gaming for Adults
2026-04-24 12:00 - 16:00 | Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall, 300 Beechwood Avenue, Carnegie, PA, 15106, United States
Please note that this session of Meeple Meet-Up will be on a Friday, not a Saturday as usual.

Do you like Terraforming Mars? Settlers of Catan? Agricola? Ark Nova? Or other “Euro” or Euro-flavored strategy games with wooden meeples, worker placement, tableau building, and so forth? Come to the Library for an afternoon of board gaming!

You can also come if you are interested in learning how to play Euro board games.

This event is for gamers ages 18+.

Registration is not required to attend, but it is recommended, and those who register will get a link to our Discord server for any pre-game day discussions or suggestions. Please click here to register.

Chernobyl 40 Years Later: A Day of Commemoration
2026-04-25 11:00 - 15:00 | Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall, 300 Beechwood Avenue, Carnegie, PA, 15106, United States
On April 26, 1986, an explosion shook the Chernobyl nuclear power plant near Pripyat, Ukraine. Since that moment, the lasting effects of the disaster have defined existence in the region, with most people evacuating and many thousands sickened by the radiation of the worst nuclear disaster to date.

Today, we gather for a day of commemoration marking the fortieth anniversary of this tragedy. Join us for poetry, art, dance, stories from affected individuals, and an expert panel discussion on the four decades since.

Schedule of Events

11:00 AM: Screening of The Babushkas of Chernobyl (2015), dir. Anne Bogart & Holly Morris

12:30 PM: Screening and discussion of Chernobyl: 30 Years Later by Michael Haritan

1:00 PM: Kyiv Ukrainian Dance Ensemble performs an original dance based on Michael Haritan’s photograph Gasmask Doll

1:30 PM: Musical performance by Ridna Shkola children’s choir

1:40 PM: Panel discussion on the disaster’s effects on health, radiology, geopolitics, and culture, featuring:

Dr Yuri Nikiforov, vice chair of the Department of Pathology and director of the Division of Molecular Pathology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Dr Steven Miner, an expert on Russian and Eastern European history from Ohio University

Darius Allman, a Fire/HAZMAT Lieutenant and the Radiological Officer for the City of Pittsburgh

Olya Feldberg, a researcher whose work focuses on the role of the Chernobyl disaster in Ukraine-Russian relations and Russian politics

2:30 PM: Discussion of the environmental recovery of the Chernobyl area

Throughout the event, attendees are invited to view photographs of the Chernobyl area by Michael Haritan accompanied by original poetry written by students at Carlow University; sample treats from our bake sale; and construct a LEGO scale model of Chernobyl’s Reactor #4 (a completed set of the model will go to one raffle winner).

Traffic note: The NFL draft is taking place in Pittsburgh from April 23 through April 26. Traffic will be much heavier than normal, and a number of Pittsburgh roads will be closed (click here for full road closure information). If you are coming from Downtown, please check your route in advance and give yourself extra travel time.

Registration is appreciated – please click here to register.
