until after the move. About a third of the
building remained unfinished, the outside
area needed updating, and the roof would
need replacing in the near future.
Now that the library has lived in its new
space for a few years, more is known about
how the community is using it and what
is most needed. An ideal plan took shape
of a redesigned Youth Services area, with
a designated family play space and nursing
mothers lounge. The library also needed a
larger teen area for its growing collection
and programming, as well as additional tutor
rooms for quiet study. An expanded children’s
room with a designated Youth Services
customer service desk also emerged as a
potential improvement.
“We were fortunate in being able to live
in this space for a while, because the needs
of our community became more clear with
time. Use of the library has been expanding
steadily every year we have been here,
which gives us the ‘good problem’ of
needing more space. Luckily, we have it for
the taking — and we can grow again!” said
Pam Perry, Library Board President.
Thanks to encouragement from its
supporting municipalities, Western
Allegheny Community Library was able to
apply for and receive the Keystone grant.
The ideas for the improved space will
become a reality beginning in late 2017.
“We are thrilled to be the recipient of this
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