Carnegie branch looks for home on North Side

The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh is searching for a temporary home on the North Side.

A lightning bolt that struck the clock tower of the historic Allegheny Regional branch on April 7 hurled massive chunks of granite through sections of the roof, causing damages that still haven't been fully calculated, library spokeswoman Suzanne Thinnes said Monday.

When it rained last week, more leaks in the roof and another broken window were discovered, she said.

"There is no firm estimate of damage, (which is) quite extensive," Thinnes said.

Likewise, there is no timetable for repairs to be made and the branch at 5 Allegheny Square to reopen, she said.

The library needs a place that can accommodate 350 visitors a day, meet all requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and have Internet access.

The library also needs a facility that is large enough to house much of the 60,000 books and periodicals in its active collection. Some of the collection can be housed at other branches and made available upon request, Thinnes said.

Those interested in renting or donating space are asked to call assistant library director Jane Dayton at 412-622-6502.

There were no injuries when the lightning strike occurred. No one was inside because the library was closed for the night and the staff had gone home.

A pyramid-shaped portion of the tower ripped through the roof of the second-floor lecture hall, imbedding itself in the floor. The impact caused steel roof joists to punch through the lecture hall ceiling. Water lines were broken, and air ducts were damaged or destroyed.

The library was the first of 19 public libraries built by steel magnate Andrew Carnegie.

The Romanesque-style building was designated a historic landmark by the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation in 1970. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.