FAQ (frequently asked questions)

Frequently Asked Questions

What about snow and weather, how do these affect the schedule?

Please call for information regarding cancellations due to bad weather conditions before going to the stop. Generally, if the roads are clear, we are on them. We will try to come if the roads are safe to drive on - for you and for us. Don’t worry about returning that book, or picking up that movie, we will bring it next time. Call us if you are not sure at 412-921-2521 from 8-4 Mon-Fri. During the winter months we will also answer the phones Sat. 8:30-9:30 AM. If there is no answer, and you are concerned about the weather, call 412-726-3525 for further details.

When is ACLA Mobile Library Services closed?

Monday, May 28 - Memorial Day

What can I borrow?

Books, videocassettes, DVDs, audiocassettes, and CDs may be borrowed from, or returned to, any Bookmobile or Allegheny County Library Association (ACLA) member library, including all Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh locations.

How long can I keep what I borrow?

· 3 Weeks -- All items owned by ACLA Mobile Library Services

· 1 Week -- Reserve Pool items (some bestsellers and audiobooks)

Items brought in for your reserves from other libraries around the county will follow the owning library’s rules. Please check your check-out receipt carefully.

Looking for a particular item?

Books and materials may be requested by calling 412-921-2521 weekdays, Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Books and materials can also be requested at any of our bookmobile stops. Keep in mind, however, that not all materials owned by the bookmobile will be on the vehicle. Calling ahead is always recommended when you need a specific title quickly.

How do I get a library card?

The staff of the bookmobiles can register you for a library card at any stop.

How do I renew my materials?

You can renew your items by calling the ACLA Mobile Library Services directly at 412-921-2521 Monday - Friday, 8AM - 4PM. You can also renew library materials by phone 24 hours a day on the county renewal line at 412-622-1895. Please have the item barcode number and your library card number ready.

Who do I call if I have a reference question?

You can call the ACLA Mobile Library Service at 412-921-2521, or the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh's Telephone Ready Reference Unit. Call 622-3114 for quick answers to your reference questions.

How do I get service to my community or facility?

Call us directly at the ACLA Mobile Library Services at 412-921-2521, Monday through Friday, 8AM - 4PM. The options for service will be discussed fully with you.

July - December 2006

Phone: 412-921-2521

Fax: 412-921-4555

Email: bookmobile@einetwork.net

Contact the Bookmobile

The Bookmobile Center is located beside Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh - West End. West End is approximately 1.9 miles west of Downtown Pittsburgh. The library is located at the corner of Wabash Ave. and Neptune St.

A. From Pittsburgh:

1. Drive toward Downtown Pittsburgh on Fifth Ave. to Craft Ave. Turn left onto Craft Ave. Stay in right lane. At the light, turn right onto Forbes Ave. This will immediately exit you onto the Blvd. of the Allies.

2. Take the Parkway (376 West) exit from the Blvd. of the Allies, and proceed on the Parkway.

3. Cross the Fort Pitt Bridge in the right lane and take Exit 7 - West End before entering the tunnel. This exit will put you on West Carson St (837 North).

4. Proceed on West Carson St. (837 North) to the West End Bridge Ramp. Get in the right lane as you climb the ramp. Proceed straight, bearing left around the circle, staying as far right as you can. As you drive around the circle in the far right lane, go over the railroad tracks and proceed straight ahead. You will be on Steuben St.

5. Proceed on Steuben Street to the first stop light. Turn left onto Alexander St.

6. Proceed two blocks on Alexander St. Pass through one stop light to a stop sign at the end of Alexander St. The gray building ahead of you to the right is the Bookmobile Center. Turn right onto Neptune St. and then turn left into the parking lot in front of the building.

B. from the South:

1. Drive toward Downtown Pittsburgh on Washington Rd., which becomes West Liberty Ave., to Route 51 (Saw Mill Run Blvd.).

2. Turn left onto Route 51 (Saw Mill Run Blvd.) near the Liberty Tunnel, and proceed on Route 51 North through two traffic lights. Get in left lane.

3. Bear left at turn off to 279 South/Airport. Stay in right hand lane and bear right at first exit onto Woodville Ave.

4. Proceed straight to stop sign. Turn right onto Greentree Rd. Proceed straight. At first traffic light, Greentree Rd. becomes Wabash Ave. Proceed straight on Wabash Ave. to traffic light at intersection of Wabash Ave. and Neptune St.

5. Turn right onto Neptune St. and then immediately turn right into the parking lot. The Bookmobile Center is the gray building.

1. Drive toward Downtown Pittsburgh on 279 North to the Fort Pitt Tunnel.

2. Take the West End exit before entering the Fort Pitt Tunnel.

3. Proceed through turnaround onto Route 51 North. Get in left lane.

4. Bear left at turn off to 279 South/Airport. Stay in right hand lane and bear right at first exit onto Woodville Ave.

5. Proceed straight to stop sign. Turn right onto Greentree Rd. Proceed straight. At first traffic light, Greentree Rd. becomes Wabash Ave. Proceed straight on Wabash Ave. to traffic light at intersection of Wabash Ave. and Neptune St.

6. Turn right onto Neptune St. and then immediately turn right into the parking lot. The Bookmobile Center is the gray building.

NOTE: Metered parking is also available in a lot on Alexander St.