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WPGS Library Catalog

The non-circulating WPGS library collection includes family genealogies, vertical files of family research, church histories, cemetery histories, local research and the First Families of Western Pennsylvania ancestors.

About the WPGS Library

The WPGS library is housed in the Pennsylvania Department of the main Carnegie Library in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh.

Library Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 10:00am - 8:00pm
Friday - Saturday: 10:00am - 5:30pm
Sunday: 1:00pm - 5:00pm

A WPGS volunteer is on hand to offer assistance with the collection between 10am - 2pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Microfilm from the WPGS collection is only available for use when a volunteer is on duty, but books are available anytime the library is open.

Become a WPGS Member

Membership in the Western Pennsylvania Genealogical Society opens doors to a wealth of records and friends for those with an interest in the families of Western Pennsylvania. Learn more about membership in WPGS.

What's New

Sept. 13, 2008:
Allegheny Co., PA in the American Civil War, Professor Arthur B. Fox

Oct. 11, 2008:
Collections Held at the University of Pittsburgh Archives, Michael Dabrishus

Tips for Your Visit to the WPGS Library

If you're coming to Pittsburgh to research in the WPGS Library, these tips will help you make the most of your visit.

Before Your Visit

Come prepared with a list of books you would like to see. Simply use both the Western Pennsylvania Genealogical Society and Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (CLP) online catalogs before you leave home. Why? The WPGS Library and the CLP Pennsylvania Department collections are distinct even though they are housed in the same room at the CLP Main Library. They have separate online catalogs and use different shelf numbering systems. There is minimal overlap, so check both. If you don't have a specific title or author in mind, use a keyword search. Try different combinations of words including geographic locations and records types.
Come prepared with a list of other WPGS sources you would like to use.
Come prepared with written notes about your family of interest. Family group sheets are fine. In the excitement of the search, it's easy to forget a date or name.

At the Library

Please realize that WPGS Help Desk volunteers are available only during limited hours (current hours are listed in the sidebar to the left); however, patrons can access the shelved WPGS books on their own at any time. Books belonging to the WPGS collection are shelved together and have pink dots on the spine. The Pa. Department shelf can assist you with locating resources in the CLP collection.
Remember that WPGS microfilm can be used only while a WPGS volunteer is on duty. You will be asked to provide and temporarily surrender a photo ID in order to use WPGS microfilm.
Pa. Dept. photocopy machines for printed matter take coins or $1 bills. Copies are 15 cents each. Copies from microfilm printers are 30 cents each, and take DIMES ONLY. A change dispenser is available to convert small bills to dimes, but if it's out of order, please realize that library staff cannot provide change.
It might seem obvious, but for the record...library rules prohibit snacking and cell phone use in the entire Pa. Dept. For safety reasons, do not string power cords (for laptops or whatever) across walkways. Work tables in the Pa. Dept. do NOT have built-in power outlets. Outlets can be found on the floor near the microfilm reader tables.
A coffee shop is located on the first floor of the library. A small cafeteria and vending machine area is in the library basement. Several restaurants are located on South Craig Street within a block of the Carnegie Library & Museum complex. Some restaurants may be closed on Sundays.