Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh-Allegheny to open on Federal Street
A lightning strike and economic upheaval weren't enough to keep a library out of the North Side.
The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh-Allegheny opens at 10 a.m. today on Federal Street to serve a neighborhood that lacked a library for three years, after lightning damaged the old building in 2006.
The new, 15,500-square-foot library is located at 1230 Federal St., a few blocks from the original site, said Suzanne Thinnes, communications manager for Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.
About 170 donors gathered Friday for a luncheon and tour organized to raise $44,000 for the library, built on the site of an abandoned gas station. The year-long construction cost $6 million, Thinnes said.
The library has a main room for adults, a designated area for teens, and a children's section with an attached terrace. Books and documents from the original Carnegie Free Library, opened in 1890, are showcased in a room with historic items.
Visitors with a free library card can use one of 28 computers or access wireless Internet with help from the 10 staff members, Thinnes said.
Barbara Mistick, president and director of Carnegie Library, said she's excited the facility is returning to the community and thrilled the site is in the middle of a developing business district.
"Libraries can seed economic change," she said. "The library can be the heart of the community. This building is an inspiration."
Opening a branch was a celebration for Carnegie Library, particularly since it has faced tough financial times from decreased donations and threatened state funding, Mistick said.
Additional Information:
Opening celebration
Where: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh-Allegheny, 1230 Federal St., North Side
What: 10:15 a.m. - Ribbon-cutting ceremony with Mayor Luke Ravenstahl
10:45 a.m. - Storytime with Sheri Van Dyke, 94.5 3WS
11:30 a.m. - Ortner-Roberts Duo
Noon - Storytime with Amir Rashidd
12:30 p.m. - Storytime
12:30-2 p.m. - WSHH-FM Street Treat Patrol
1 p.m. - Pittsburgh Musical Theater
