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Main Carnegie library celebrates makeover
He also might have been taken aback by the Internet station and scrolling electronic message board.
But seeing hundreds of people stream into the library he financed in 1890 would figure to have drawn a smile from the philanthropist.
There were costumed storytellers, free pizza and poetry readings Sunday as the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh in Oakland celebrated its grand reopening along with the 10th anniversary of the Regional Asset District. The event capped a three-year, $4.1 million renovation project designed to make the building more inviting and user-friendly.
"It's a beautiful renovation, and I'm so pleased to see so many people here," said Gloria Bodek, of Oakland.
Bodek, whose husband Alvin, volunteers in the music and science departments, said she thinks the refurbished Forbes Avenue library is in keeping with Carnegie's original mission.
"There is nothing more important for people than having information available at their fingertips, especially for families who can't afford it," she said. "Free libraries are one of the most important things we do as a nation."
New features include the Crazy Mocha coffee shop, Remember Pittsburgh gift shop, a vibrant teen area with 10 new flat screen computers, an outdoor reading deck and comfy chairs.
Lane Cigna, communications manager, said the renovation was born out of lengthy research and focus groups.
"We identified different personas based on demographics of library users and non-users, and focused our design based on that," she said.
Among the major changes are brighter lighting and a more open floor plan.
"Items are displayed to entice people to explore the library further," Cigna said. The first floor offers just a taste of what is available on other floors.
Walking around the first floor, Gary Carlough, principal architect for EDGE Studio of Garfield, said the intent is to get people to use the library in a more in-depth way.
Several informational "beacons," including maps and scrolling electronic signs showing breaking news items, new and featured books, and where to find further information about current topics, are on the first floor.
"For example, if Mount St. Helens erupts, we can flash it up on the screen and then direct people to our geology section where they can read more about volcanoes," Carlough said.
Carlough, who called the new space a merger of history, communications and graphic design, kept many of the library's original features, such as its Corinthian columns and glass block floor, which dates to the early 1900s, in the main stacks. In other areas, he erected translucent glass walls, installed brighter lighting and used Brazilian mahogany to create a more modern feel. He also took advantage of unused space to install an outdoor reading deck.
Sipping coffee and perusing a book, Sue Meyers, 46, of Regent Square, said she loved the updates.
"It's great what they've done, especially for the university students," she said. "There's a lot of history and gorgeous architecture here. This library is the cultural foundation of Oakland."
The end result of renovations throughout the Carnegie Library system, including 19 other neighborhood branches, is to make it the best in the country, Cigna said.
"Do you notice how lively it is?" she said. "There's definitely no shushing here."
By the numbers
Source: 2003 Carnegie Library Annual Report
Fun facts:
Source: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
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