The State of Pennsylvania recently announced additional cuts to library funding totaling 8.4%. Coupled with last year's 30% reduction, the Library has lost approximately $2 million in state funding since 2009. These cuts are particularly devastating at a time when people are using libraries more than ever and relying on libraries for critical services such as applying for jobs and finding health care and social service referrals.

In order to account for this loss, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh has submitted a 2011 operating budget request to the Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD) for $19,324,700. This represents a 9.8% increase over 2010 to enable us to maintain library hours, locations, programs and services to the Pittsburgh region while we continue to seek long-term funding. The RAD board is scheduled to release the preliminary budget on September 30, with final approval on November 30, 2010 . The Library's RAD Budget Submission for 2011 is posted on our Web site.

We need your help. Now is the time to email and write the RAD in support of the Library as well as Dan Onorato, County Executive and City of Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl. Urge them to approve the Library's request for funding.

You can also voice your support by attending the RAD Public Hearing on Budget on October 26, 2010 at the Regional Enterprise Tower in downtown Pittsburgh. If you would like to make a public comment, you will need to register by 10:30 a.m. that day. Registration may be made by phone (412-227-1900), fax (412-227-1905), mail (425 Sixth Avenue, Suite 1610, Pittsburgh PA 15219 or email (info@radworkshere.org) and should include name, municipality of residence, phone number and topic.

Send an Email to Your Elected Officials NOW!

Advocate for a permanent funding solution for Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. Your voice matters more now than ever. Help us to continue to provide resources for literacy and learning by urging your elected officials to find a long term source of funding.

It's easy. Just choose your neighborhood library below and click "find" to pull up a form for writing your message to the appropriate elected officials.

A few helpful tips:

• Keep the tone and wording of your letters courteous and respectful
• Reference specific examples of how you use YOUR Library
• Be an advocate FOR the Library, not against our local officials or government

Remember that your voices are the ones that matter the most. Keeping our messages consistent and respectful allows us to continue advocating for Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh in a productive way that can yield vital support from our elected officials, from the City of Pittsburgh and from the State of Pennsylvania.

Tell Us Your Story

Your Library means a lot to you and your Library story means the world to us! Tell us how you use Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, share your memories, communicate its importance to you, your family and your community! These stories help us to continue to provide you with the best possible services, programs and resources. They also prove what an important asset the Library is to the people of Pittsburgh. Tell Us Your Story!

For inspiration, click here to read other user's stories.