America's very first Carnegie Library — which almost didn't survive the 1970s — is being declared a National Historic Landmark tomorrow.

The celebration includes a ceremony featuring local politicians, a guided tour of the grand old structure and a primer on efforts to remake it as a center for community engagement and life-long learning.

The library first opened 1889 — when Andrew Carnegie launched it with a million-dollar endowment — but declining population led to its closure in 1974. The library, slated for demolition, was saved and renovated by volunteers led by former BCL librarian David Solomon.

Efforts have ramped up further in recent years, with arts classes and more.

The ceremony tomorrow from 1-2 p.m. includes addresses by U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle and Braddock Mayor John Fetterman. The guided tours begin at 2:30. And from 2-4 p.m., there's a "hands-on" reception including access to button-making, screen-printing, music and other activities.

See here for details.