The Woods Run branch of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh reopened Saturday as part of a $55 million project to modernize the branches and make them more inviting to patrons.
Besides Woods Run, the Carnegie has renovated facilities in Homewood, Squirrel Hill, Brookline and the first floor of the main library in Oakland and relocated branches in Hazelwood and Downtown. The system also plans to relocate the Hill District branch and renovate the East Liberty facility.
"We know that in the renovated locations the library is more visible in the community and people are more apt to come to the library not just to circulate books but also access technology," Carnegie Director Barbara Mistick said.
Part of the attraction is a design that makes people feel more welcome.
Architect Karen Loysen, of the Garfield firm of Loysen + Kreuthmeier called the original design of the 43-year-old Woods Run building "bunker-like."
She said, "It said more 'keep out' than 'come in.' "
In designing its $2 million renovation, she lowered the brick facade and replaced it with insulated glass windows to brighten the branch and let passers-by know it's open.
The new designs of the branches take the librarians off a pedestal and make them more accessible to users.
"They're not the dragon at the gate," Mistick said.
The work reflects the growing importance of the branches as Pittsburgh Public Schools closes 22 buildings because of declining enrollment.
"In Hazelwood, the library is the only public service building that is still there," said Mistick, citing the closure of Burgwin School.
Circulation in the renovated branches has improved from 38 percent in Brookline to 187 percent in Homewood, she said.
About 650 people toured the library in the first 90 minutes after it opened. La Kesha Lowry, 34, of Perry Hilltop, never visited Woods Run before she came yesterday with her niece and her daughter.
"This will be our new home," Lowry said.
Her daughter, Brooklynne, 5, agreed. "I like the library. I like the toys. I like the party," she said of the grand opening celebration, as she pulled a wooden fish on wheels.
The Carnegie plans to pay for the projects through a $15 million bond issue and $40 million in gifts and grants. So far, it has raised $25 million.
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