Press Room

Teen Aboveground Fest: Music & Art for Teens by Teens
July 21, 2010: Hundreds of teens are expected to invade the lawn at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Main in Oakland during Teen Aboveground Fest, an afternoon of music and art.

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh seeks short-term increase from Allegheny Regional Asset District to keep locations, hours, programs and services in 2011
July 19, 2010: In a letter to the Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD), Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh officials submitted a 2011 operating budget request of $19,324,700.

168 Days Remain for Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh to Find Long-Term Solutions to its Funding Crisis
July 16, 2010: Community workshops set for this weekend to discuss Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s future.

Tenth Project in Libraries for LIFE Capital Improvement Program Nears Completion
July 8, 2010: Before the books move in and the Library officially opens next month, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – East Liberty is hosting a community and media preview of the newly-renovated and expanded library.

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Locations without Air Conditioning will Close in the Afternoon as Pittsburgh Experiences Extreme Temperatures
July 7, 2010: Pittsburgh’s extreme temperatures are forcing four Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh locations without air conditioning (South Side, Lawrenceville, Mt. Washington, West End) to suspend afternoon service for the next two days. The Library is taking precautions to protect employees and customers.

Extreme Temperatures Force Four Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Locations to Close Temporarily
July 6, 2010: Pittsburgh’s heat and high humidity level is forcing four Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh locations (South Side, Lawrenceville, Mt. Washington, West End) to cancel scheduled programs and close temporarily. Located in historic buildings, the libraries are not equipped with air conditioning.

Statement from Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Regarding Pennsylvania 2010-2011 Fiscal Year Budget
June 30, 2010: Under Pennsylvania’s 2010-2011 budget, announced yesterday by Governor Ed Rendell, state-wide library funding was once again reduced...The Library continues to work on finding a solution for sustainable long-term funding and invites the public to weigh in on this pressing issue.

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Welcomes New Trustees
June 10, 2010: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Board of Trustees announces the appointment of two new members, the re-election of five term trustees and the election of four officers.

Make a Splash @ Your Library! Read.
June 2, 2010: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Kicks Off Summer Reading with its 10thAnnual Extravaganza

228 Days Remain for Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh to Find Long-Term Solutions to its Funding Crisis
May 17, 2010: Tonight’s Community Workshop to Discuss Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Future

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Board Meets
May 10, 2010: As Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Board of Trustees met on May 10, the focus was on community engagement and the critical need to identify long-term sustainable funding for the Library system. The meeting included the election of new trustees and officers.

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Releases Poetry Anthology
Local poets and writers to give readings from Natural Language: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Sunday Poetry and Reading Series Anthology during a reception on May 8.
April 29, 2010: To honor the creative work of Pittsburgh’s literary talent, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh is releasing an anthology of work from its popular Sunday Poetry and Reading Series.

Community Workshops Planned to Discuss Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Future
The conversation around library service and sustainable long-term funding continues May 15, 16 and 17
April 28, 2010: Community members interested in working with Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh to find a solution for sustainable long-term funding are invited to attend a series of workshops focused on the Library’s future.

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Releases Update to the Community
April 27, 2010: Community members interested in helping Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh have a new tool to update them on the Library’s progress.

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Wins Two Statewide Awards
April 26, 2010: Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Library Association (PaLA) has recognized Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh in Allegheny County with two Best Practices in Early Learning Awards.

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Launches New & Improved Donor Plus Program
April 12, 2010: To provide an easy way for community members to support their library, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh is relaunching its successful Donor Plus library card program. The purpose of the program is to help generate sustainable annual funding for critical library services.

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh - Woods Run Awarded Prestigious LEED® Silver Green Building Certification
April 5, 2010: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (CLP) announced today that the renovation of its Woods Run library has been awarded LEED® Silver certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.

An Open Letter to Our Community
March 30, 2010: The Regional Asset District (RAD) has released the Special Audit of Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh performed by Parente Beard. The report validates that Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh took a reasonable approach to identifying possible solutions to our funding crisis last year.

Calling All Teens. Express Yourself and Be Heard!
March 19, 2010: Creative teens with a passion for writing can find their voices through Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s 2010 Ralph Munn Creative Writing Contest. Open to all high school students (grades 9 through 12) in Allegheny County, the contest is an opportunity for teens to showcase their writing talents, improve skills and have their work published in an anthology which will distributed to all area libraries. Monetary prizes will be awarded for first ($250) and second ($100) place entries in three categories: poetry, short fiction and narrative nonfiction. All entries must be received by May 21, 2010.

Teens Go “Behind the Books” at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
March 8, 2010: Local teens will have the opportunity to interact with several renowned authors during Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Behind the Book: Authors Talk to Teens lecture series. Contemporary authors, Coe Booth and Lisa McMann will visit the Library to discuss their writing process, answer questions and explore the themes and issues prevalent in their books.

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Board Meets
February 23, 2010: As Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Board of Trustees met on February 22, the focus was on long-term sustainable funding and community engagement.

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Receives Nearly $500,000 in Grants
February 15, 2010: Recent grants awarded to Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh will enable the Library to preserve historical collections, provide free computer training classes and produce energy efficient upgrades to its East Liberty location.

Letter to Governor Rendell from Philadelphia and Pittsburgh Library Directors
February 2, 2010: "As you prepare for your 2010-2011 budget release on February 9, we want to remind you of the key role public libraries play in the educational fabric of the communities we serve."

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Welcomes New Trustees
January 27, 2010: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Board of Trustees announces the appointment of six new members and the election of one Life Trustee.

Colcom Foundation Grant Awarded to Enhance Library Service to City Residents
January 22, 2010: City residents will have greater opportunity to engage with library staff and services thanks to a grant to expand Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s community outreach programs.

Area libraries need help for next chapter
"When I was a kid, I loved to read. I would come home from school and read one book before I even started my homework."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
July 22, 2010

Library requests 9.8 percent increase from RAD
"With a multimillion-dollar deficit looming and no solution, the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh will try to tap its favorite source, the Allegheny Regional Asset District, for more money to keep branches open next year."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
July 20, 2010

Carnegie Library seeks 10 percent RAD increase for 2011
"To keep all branches open next year, the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh today announced that it's asking the Regional Asset District for a 10 percent increase in operating subsidies next year."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
July 19, 2010

A day in the life of a library
"People come and go, work and learn, talk and laugh, peck keyboards, seek answers. It is a precious corner of our world, writes librarian Jude Vachon."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
July 18, 2010

The Next Page: Preserve Pittsburgh's legacy with library tourism
"When I relocated to Pittsburgh from New York City in 2005, I was struck by how well-trafficked the library branches are in this city -- how well-loved and vibrant, how welcoming and appealing they are to be inside."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
July 18, 2010

East Liberty Library to Reopen Late August
"The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh's East Liberty branch will reopen next month after more than a year of construction and renovation."
WDUQ
July 15, 2010

An open book: Carnegie Library continues community dialogue "The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh is continuing its efforts to communicate with as many Pittsburghers as possible, seeking 'the perspective of the entire community as we develop a plan about Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and its future.'"
Pop City Media
July 14, 2010

Three books deal with painful experiences
"Words can heal, connect and sustain. Characters in three new children's books use written words to help them deal with painful circumstances." A review by CLP Children's Librarian Patte Kelley.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
July 13, 2010

Employer info listed in library database
"Anyone who is changing jobs, seeking a career change, looking for information on local industries and employers, or thinking about starting their own business should spend time at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh - Downtown & Business."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
July 11, 2010

Clemente! brings to life hometown hero through child's eyes
A book review of a book about Roberto Clemente by Lisa Dennis, coordinator of children's collections at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
June 29, 2010

Sunday Business Page
Dr. Barbara Mistick speaks with Jon Delano about the Library’s financial outlook.
KDKA-TV
June 20, 2010

House members scold Ravenstahl over funding for Carnegie Library
Eight state House members from the city of Pittsburgh have sent Mayor Luke Ravenstahl a strongly worded letter complaining that he hasn't lived up to a commitment to provide Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh with $1.2 million over two years.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Pittsburgh City Council approves $640,000 grant to Carnegie Library
Pittsburgh City Council on Tuesday gave final approval to a $640,000 grant to Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh - money the library director has said would help keep all branches open through the end of the year.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Wednesday, June 02, 2010

Council OKs more for library operation
“The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh could soon receive $640,000 from the city despite concerns from Mayor Luke Ravenstahl's administration over how the money would be spent.”
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
May 21, 2010

Carnegie Library gets funding boost
“The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh won two boosts from Pittsburgh City Council on Thursday, with initial approval of a debt refinance plan and introduction of a bill to steer $640,000 to help keep branches open.”
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
May 21, 2010

City Council Introduces Bill To Fund Libraries
“The new bill would add an additional $640,000. But what isn't certain is how the mayor will react since he and council have been at odds on just how the libraries should be funded.”
KDKA-TV
May 20, 2010

Pittsburgh Council weighs funding Carnegie Library
"City Council introduced a measure today that would give the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh $640,000 to help keep all of its branches open through the remainder of the year.
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
May 20, 2010

Pittsburgh Council considers more library money
"Pittsburgh City Council today introduced legislation solidifying what some members view as a $1.24 million promise to help the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh get through this year without closing branches."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
May 20, 2010

Carnegie Library wants you to help decide its future
"As the Carnegie Library system continues grappling with budget realities, the organization is encouraging Pittsburghers to chime in with opinions and ideas."
POP City
May 19, 2010

Mayor balks at giving more money to libraries
"Pittsburgh City Council is preparing to direct $1.24 million to the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, but Mayor Luke Ravenstahl said Monday that the city was on the hook for only around half that amount."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
May 18, 2010

City dangles $640,000 before library system
"Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl yesterday said he'd be willing to consider diverting $640,000 to the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, but not until library officials turn over financial documents he requested."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
May 18, 2010

Councilman to seek $640,000 allocation for Carnegie Library system
"City Councilman Bruce Kraus said he plans to introduce legislation this week to allocate $640,000 to the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh for this year."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
May 16, 2010

Ideas run gamut on keeping all city libraries open
"Ideas for keeping the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh's branches open and running ranged from obtaining corporate sponsorship to adding used bookstores at a public brainstorming session Saturday on the library system's future."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
May 16, 2010

Library system feels pinch as city limits funding pledge
"The city of Pittsburgh has no plans to give the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh more than $600,000 this year, and that news could blow a hole of around the same size in the system's $24.2 million budget."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
May 12, 2010

Mayor wary of shoring up library budget
"Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl said Tuesday the city doesn't have $640,000 to help keep all branches of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh open and suggested the library look elsewhere for money."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
May 12, 2010

City Council Seeks To Keep Carnegie Library Branches Open
The Pittsburgh City Council plans to announce legislation today that would give the Carnegie Library an additional $640,000 in funding to keep all of its branches open through the end of the year.
WPXI TV
Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Carnegie Library funding could keep all branches open this year
City Council plans to announce legislation today that would give the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh an additional $640,000 to help keep all of its branches open through 2010.
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Carnegie Library disagrees with Ravenstahl over how much it should get
"There's no dispute that the city last year promised the library system $600,000 as part of a package meant to forestall the closure of four branches and the merger of two others. A contract releasing that money is moving through the city bureaucracy.
The confusion stems from a November pledge by Council President Doug Shields to provide an additional $600,000, combined with Mr. Ravenstahl's proposal that same month to give the system $1 million if council approved a tuition tax."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Friday, May 07, 2010

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh to discuss financial health
"The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh plans to hold a series of community workshops over the next six months to discuss what can be done to assure its financial health."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
April 28, 2010

Carnegie Library turns new page on sustainable funding, sustainable design
“Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (CLP) has announced its first U.S. Green Building Council LEED certification, as well as two new sustainable funding initiatives - - the Donor Plus program and a 10-member task force to find long-term money to run its branches.”
Pop City Media
April 14, 2010

Not a closed book: Library report is good news but challenges remain
"An independent report that analyzed the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh's finances has painted a far rosier picture for the future than the library did last year when it proposed closing some branches, but it doesn't mean the system was fudging its numbers. Instead, the new conclusions are attributable in part to recent developments and some iffy propositions."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Friday, April 02, 2010

Libraries branch out in non-traditional ways
"When it comes to offering their patrons something beyond the usual books, videos and music, local libraries stack up pretty well against their counterparts around the country"
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
April 1, 2010

RAD audit backs Carnegie Library closings
"An independent audit released Tuesday upheld the process the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh used to plan library closings, but the audit reduced the system's projected, long-range deficit by nearly $3.2 million."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
March 31, 2010

Carnegie Library system audit marked with asterisks
The report by accounting firm ParenteBeard found no basis for occasional accusations of bloat in the library administration, indicating that expenses were similar to comparable systems and salaries are in line.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Wednesday, March 31, 2010

RAD Gets Library Audit
"ParenteBeard Partner David Duffus says the library did a good job in holding the line on costs, set pay comparable to others in the peer group, looked for other budget saving options and had a 'robust process' for choosing which branches to close."
WDUQ
March 30, 2010

Library Finances Stressed
"The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh is holding its own financially this year but an independent audit confirms proposed branch closings, reduced hours and staff layoffs are unavoidable under current funding levels."
KQV
March 30, 2010

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh ruling being appealed
Critics of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh are appealing to Commonwealth Court to open up the meetings of the library board.
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Sunday, March 28, 2010

Audit of Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh finances awaited
An audit commissioned by the Allegheny Regional Asset District will be released at 10 a.m. Tuesday on the 31st Floor of the Regional Enterprise Tower, Downtown.
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Thursday, March 25, 2010

Library's longevity in Homewood lauded
"Allison and Shirl Esseny have come to the Homewood branch of Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh daily since September and plan to help celebrate its 100th anniversary next week."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
March 5, 2010