During World War II, the Library acquired special window blinds to conceal or "black-out" Library lights during air raid drills. Six of the ten surviving blinds have returned to regular use, to highlight one of the actions Americans(and, particularly residents of the Pittsburgh area) had to take during this War.

The Library now provides public access to artifacts from three American wars. In addition to the Black-Out Blinds, the Library's Civil War Museum is open every Wednesday evening(see adjoining article). And, two cannons, from the Spanish-American War guard the Library entrance.

The dark green Black-Out Blinds are now in use on the southern windows of the Library's Main Reading Room. Next time you visit the Library, take a look at these historic blinds, once again performing their function for Library patrons and staff.