Our library is a one-stop-shop for your homework and research needs. Here’s what we have to offer.
Online Databases
All Databases– While Google can answer most questions, when you need to do serious research, databases are the place to go. Allegheny County has a hearty list of databases like Consumer Reports, Ancestry.com (in-library use only) and Chilton Auto Repair. The databases are listed in alphabetical order (to use some of the databases when you’re not at the library, you will need your library card number).
PA Power Library– The state of Pennsylvania also has a selection of databases, known as Power Library. Find those databases listed by area of research.
Digitized Fox Chapel Area Historical Materials
Cooper-Siegel has partnered with PA Photos and Documents (PAPD), a statewide digitization service that enables the storage and retrieval of digitized collections created by libraries and other organizations throughout Pennsylvania. The service’s primary focus is historic, cultural, and other collections of interest to the citizens of Pennsylvania. As of 2024, Cooper-Siegel has two collections on PAPD:
Cooper-Siegel Community Library – Fox Chapel Area Yearbooks – The Fox Chapel Area High School’s yearbook “Renard,” published annually since 1961, is an essential window into the daily life and times of the six municipalities in the school district. Before 1961 and for some time afterwards, other schools fulfilled education needs in the area, like the Aspinwall and Sharpsburg High Schools, as well as the Kerr School, the Blawnox Junior High School, and others. The availability of these older institutions’ yearbooks is limited and are represented here to the best of Cooper-Siegel’s abilities. These yearbooks offer a valuable visual record of local students and faculty for genealogical research.
If you have any information, yearbooks, or questions please contact our Local History Librarian Cameron R.S. Smith at smithc2@einetwork.net.
Cooper-Siegel Community Library – Fox Chapel Area Historical Materials – The development of Fox Chapel Area from a quiet, detached farming community to a bustling suburb can be clearly seen in the history of Aspinwall, Blawnox, Fox Chapel, Indiana Township, O’Hara Township, and Sharpsburg. As of 2024, Cooper-Siegel Community Library is in a unique position to collect and digitize historical ephemera because the service area does not contain a historical society. The Library has accumulated and still does accumulate historical materials from the area–centennial brochures, church festival booklets, Friends of the Library publications, borough history booklets, and the like that, if not digitized and made available online, may disappear forever. This collection reflects the Library’s collecting and digitizing efforts of history within this service area. To view Cooper-Siegel’s collection policy, click HERE.
If you have any information, materials you want to donate or scan, or questions please contact our Local History Librarian Cameron R.S. Smith at smithc2@einetwork.net.
New York Times
Cooper-Siegel and Sharpsburg now offer patrons expanded full access to the NYTimes online. As part of your in-library acess and your remote access you can now enjoy News, Games, Cooking, Wirecutter and The Athletic. Archive access remains the same (articles published between 1851-1922 and 1981-today). Whether you are at the library or at home, you can access the full world of The NYTimes from anywhere with access codes which allow you unlimited 24-hour access to everything NYTimes has to offer.
Kanopy
Kanopy allows you to stream The Great Courses! Kanopy’s collection is always-available which means no waiting. Please note: This service is only available to Cooper-Siegel and Sharpsburg Community Library card holders who are also residents of the FCASD (Aspinwall, Blawnox, Fox Chapel, Indiana, O’Hara and Sharpsburg). Get started here.
Family Search
Cooper-Siegel Community Library and Sharpsburg Community Library are FamilySearch Affiliate Libraries which means you can access FamilySearch at our locations. Bring to life your family’s history by exploring the lives of those that came before you. With Family Search’s collection of billions of records, you can piece together your ancestors’ history and bring their stories to life. They have over a billion unique profiles. See what others have contributed about your ancestors. Click here to get started.
School Reading Lists
FCASD, Winchester Thurston and Shady Side Academy provide the library with their current reading lists:
Our Building
We have computers, a laptop for in-library use and wifi – all at no cost to you. We have plenty of cozy study spaces for group study and meetings throughout the library. Find more information about using those spaces here. You may also request or check out a wifi hotspot if you’re in need of internet connection while you’re on-the-go.
Ask Someone For Help
Talk to us- our staff is always available to help you. We can help you find books, get obscure newspaper and magazine articles and answer your burning questions. Stop by, call us at Cooper-Siegel Community Library 412-828-9520 or Sharpsburg Community Library at 412-781-0783 or send us an email at coopersiegelref@coopersiegelcommunitylibrary.org
Ask Here PA – is a state-wide service where you can chat with a college or university librarian. You can even get a transcript of your chat to show your research.
Access Pennsylvania’s Power Library is made possible in part by Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services and through Library Access Funds administered by the Office of Commonwealth Libraries, Department of Education, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Tom Wolf, Governor.
