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    Press Release

    Cooper-Siegel Community Library 2.0!

    2 Mins Read
    Board members, campaign co-chairs, committee members, donors, patrons and staff gathered in the unfinished space, along with State Representative Mandy Steele and Rebecca Boyle, Communications Director for State Sen. Lindsey Williams. Campaign Committee Co-Chair and Mayor of Fox Chapel, Alex Scott, also read out a message of support from U.S. Congressman Chris Deluzio, and Allegheny County Library Association CEO, Amy Anderson, shared some words of friendship and support.
    “Today we celebrated the start of the public portion of the Cooper-Siegel Community Library 2.0 Capital Campaign”, said Community Library Association Board Advisor, Jim Mitnick. “This endeavor will see the completion of more than six thousand square feet of space on the library’s lower level.”
    Guests were provided with safety gear and a sledgehammer and those interested were invited to take a swing at a wall being demolished as part of the expansion. “This was a fun way to engage the community in this project,” said Mitnick.
    “We have already secured almost $1 million and we hope to raise an additional $750,000 from the community”, Board President and Campaign Co-Chair Steve Lackey shared. “We will apply for a matching grant from the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conversation Fund this fall. If all goes well, we will reach our $2.5 million dollar goal and start construction in early 2025.”
    Post-pandemic, the Library has seen a notable increase in visits, room rentals and wireless usage. In the last year alone, the library has welcomed more than 85,000 visitors, an increase of 20% over the previous year.
    By renovating more than 6,000 sq. feet of unfinished space, the library will:
    • Add a large program room to alleviate scheduling constraints
    • Add three fully equipped study rooms for individuals and small groups
    • Create a maker’s space to facilitate exploration in science, technology, and the arts for kids, teens and adults
    • Upgrade technology throughout the building, including charging stations and mobile interactive display screens
    • Soundproof all new and existing meeting and study space
    Contact:

    Jill McConnell, Executive Director
    412-828-9520 x 5016
    mcconnelllj@coopersiegelcommunitylibrary.org

    Co-Chairs Alex Scott and Bryant Mitchell address the group
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