Press Room

Library Board Assures Transparency and Refutes Allegations
November 18, 2009: Board and elected officials to meet about funding solutions. Public comment period to be held in conjunction with December board meeting.

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Issues the Following Statement Regarding Mayor Luke Ravenstahl’s Proposed 2010 Budget
November 9, 2009: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Administration and Board of Trustees will work collaboratively with the Mayor and others who want to guarantee that Pittsburgh’s library system remains strong for all generations.

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Issues Updated 2010 Budget and Assessment Documents to Allegheny Regional Asset District
November 5, 2009: The submittal includes an updated five-year budget projection along with supplemental materials. Also available on the Library’s Web site are independent studies from the RAND Corporation and Carnegie Mellon University, and other materials relevant to the assessment process undertaken by the Library system’s Board of Trustees.

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Board of Trustees Approves Plan to Reduce Cost Structure Due to Declines in Funding
October 6, 2009: Four branches to close, two to merge, one to relocate in effort to protect quality of programs, collections and services. Library hours to be cut; staff to be reduced; fines and fees to increase. New programs to take library services out to communities.

Digital Bookmobile Rolls into Pittsburgh During National Tour Event
September 28, 2009: Download experience promotes free audiobook and video download service available at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh

Banned Books Event Celebrates Freedom To Read—And To Laugh
Program Will Honor Memory of Pittsburgher Judith Krug, Founder of National Banned Books Week.

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Prepares for G-20 Summit
September 17, 2009: CLP – Downtown & Business and CLP – Main in Oakland to close during international meeting

Pittsburgh’s Newest Library Opens!
August 29, 2009: After a three-year hiatus, library service on the North Side resumes with opening of CLP – Allegheny

Two-Day Celebration Planned in Honor of Pittsburgh’s Newest Library Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
August 18, 2009: Allegheny set to open August 28-29 in grand style.

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Town Hall Meetings Featured Public Pleas for Dedicated Funding, No Branch Closings and Ideas on Raising Money to Avoid Deep Cuts in Services and Locations
August 10, 2009: Approximately 400 Pittsburgh residents demonstrated strong support for Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh during three Town Hall meetings the library convened during the month of July.

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Elects Board of Trustees Members
July 27, 2009: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Board of Trustees announces the appointment of two new members: Robert J. Kollar and Donald R. Fischer.

Community Provides Outpouring of Support During Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s First Public Town Hall Meeting
July 17, 2009: More than 150 community members attended a town hall meeting yesterday to express their concerns about library funding and service.

Statement from Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Regarding Governor Rendell’s Proposed 2009-10 Fiscal Year Budget
June 29, 2009: Governor Rendell’s latest budget proposal would mean an approximate reduction in funding of more than $600,000 for Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. That’s equivalent to the annual operation of two mid-sized branches, or to the nonfiction books budget at CLP – Main in Oakland, or to having a children’s librarian in every CLP neighborhood library.

Funding Outlook Threatens Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s System of Programs and Branches
June 22, 2009: Financial gap may require cuts in services and locations. Public input and support sought in upcoming town hall meetings.

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. Contributes to Success of Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Capital Campaign
June 17, 2009: Leading Lifestyle Retailer Makes $150,000 Donation for New Library Spaces

Be Creative @ Your Library!
June 2, 2009: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Kicks Off Summer Reading on June 7 with its 9th Annual Extravaganza

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – East Liberty Prepares to Expand
May 21, 2009: Saturday, June 13 marks last day of public service

Spend Friday Night at the Library!
May 1, 2009: Late Night at the Library Event to Benefit Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh's Capital Campaign

Library board asks for funds to prevent branch closings
"The board of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh said yesterday that it would be willing to place a moratorium on the planned closure of several library branches, contingent on getting short-term and long-term funding commitments in place before its next board meeting on Dec. 14."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
November 19, 2009

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh board will meet in private
"The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh won't open its Dec. 14 board meeting to the public, but it will conduct a public forum immediately before the meeting, a library spokeswoman said Wednesday."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
November 19, 2009

Ravenstahl says he has votes to pass Pittsburgh's tuition tax
"One thing that may not make the stopgap budget is $1 million Mr. Ravenstahl sought to dedicate to the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh from the tuition tax take."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
November 19, 2009

Carnegie Mellon researchers say Carnegie system has high branch count
"The libraries targeted for closure by the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh are among the most expensive to operate for the number of patrons they serve, according to a study by Carnegie Mellon University. In addition, Pittsburgh has more libraries per resident — one branch for every 23,500, compared to an average of 45,000 in a sample of 81 library systems of similar size."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Wednesday, November 4, 2009

CMU study that spurred library service cuts released today
"Pittsburgh's Achilles heel -- its declining population -- has undermined the Carnegie Library's ability to maintain its system of 19 branches."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Tuesday, November 03, 2009

City mourns local library closings
"While the book industry is seeing significant downfalls all over the United States, citizens of Pittsburgh are unwilling to accept the local consequences. Though citizens have been able to have an immediate impact on the opposition against local library closures, having any influence on the closing of larger branch businesses like Barnes & Noble will prove increasingly difficult." The Tartan
Monday, November 2, 2009

Viewpoint 4: Save the Libraries
WTAE Editorial

Overdue: Finally, some ideas to help fund the libraries
"It's encouraging that so many political leaders are proposing ways to help fund the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh system, but it's too early for patrons to get their hopes up too high."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
November 2, 2009

Carnegie Library cuts long overdue
"Throughout the early days of the recession, Pittsburghers were congratulating each other because the region was doing better than most of the country. Then the city woke up one day last month to discover it hadn't been spared all of the economic pain. It turns out its historic Carnegie Library system was in worse shape than most urban libraries in the United States."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
November 1, 2009

Carnegie Library users rally to save Hazelwood branch
"Patrice Church's family revolves around the Hazelwood branch of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
November 1, 2009

Carnegie Library's Lawrenceville site is resting place of many long departed
"Henry Snowden Jr. of Lawrenceville has endured many slights in his life and his afterlife. To begin with, he died at the tender age of 15 months from an unknown cause in 1830. Then in the 1880s, his body was exhumed and reburied to make way for a school, and later a library. His tombstone became separated from his remains, making it a stone without a tomb."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
October 31, 2009

Hazelwood Residents Rally In Effort To Save Library
"Pittsburgh residents rallied in the rain Saturday in an effort to save a branch of the Carnegie Library slated to close."
WTAE-TV
October 31, 2009

City may bail out libraries with fuel fund glut
"A proposal to pay for libraries in part with Pittsburgh's excess gasoline money fueled a burst of pronouncements yesterday on keeping city and suburban facilities open, but also drew criticism for being premature."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
October 30, 2009

Library system receives $300,000 in donations
"A pool of $100,000 set aside by the Pittsburgh Foundation to match donations to the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh was exhausted yesterday by 11 a.m."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
October 30, 2009

Pittsburgh councilman urges $1.2 million in aid for Carnegie Library
"City Council President Doug Shields on Thursday urged council to commit $1.2 million to keep all branches of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh open for at least the next two years."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Thursday, October 30, 2009

Survey of library branches facing ax finds plenty of activity
A review of the library branches facing closure.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Ravenstahl: Funds could give Carnegie Library time to reconsider plan
"When Hank Jedema passes through the Lawrenceville branch of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, he sees children sitting at computers with the world at their fingertips....'By closing their way to the world and to the World Wide Web, you're taking away their opportunity to learn and explore and do a whole bunch of things that our kids need to be able to do.'"
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Sunday, October 25, 2009

KQV General Manager, Robert W. Dickey, Editorial
Listen to this editorial about the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and its budget problems.
KQV
Friday, October 23, 2009

RAD to investigate Carnegie's claims of library budget deficit
The Allegheny Regional Asset District board voted unanimously yesterday to investigate the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh's claim that it faces a growing budget deficit, predicted to hit $6 million by 2014.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Thursday, October 22, 2009

State, local officials press Carnegie Library on closings
Eleven state and local officials and representatives of three others met Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Director Barbara Mistick and three library executives yesterday to discuss ways to reverse the library's decision to close four branches and merge two other next year.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Brian O'Neill's Around Town: This club is no weapon to use against library
Regarding Dr. Mistick's membership in the Duquesne Club.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Library won't attend mayor's meeting on branch closings
Carnegie Library President and Director Barbara Mistick last night issued a letter to Mr. Ravenstahl, saying the library system wants to see how a possible Regional Asset District audit plays out "before scheduling public meetings."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Carnegie Library officials pass on public meeting regarding closings
Carnegie Library officials declined an invitation from Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravensthal to a public meeting Saturday regarding the proposed closing of four branches. Barbara Mistick, president and director of the library, wants the mayor to reschedule so the library can gather information based on the recently-approved state budget. She has been working with council members to set up community meetings in mid-November.
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh faces closures and cutbacks
"The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh asked its Oakland patrons why they love their library. People wrote their answers on a once-blank white board: "Libraries=Freedom," "Because you can get a $100,000 education for free" and "Libraries are a hallmark of every great civilization.""
Pitt News
Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Mayor Calls Community Meeting About Carnegie Library Closures
Lawrenceville, Beechview, West End, Hazelwood Branches Shutting Down
"Mayor Luke Ravenstahl said he will hold a community meeting to hear Pittsburgh residents' concerns about the pending closures of four Carnegie Library branches."
WTAE - The Pittsburgh Channel
Monday, October 19, 2009

Pittsburgh's pittance unbalances library's books
Columnist Brian O'Neill talks about the membership in the Duquesne Club, the requested audit of the library by Mayor Ravenstahl and the fact that: "Surrounding communities give more to their libraries than Pittsburgh, which contributes only $40,000, the same amount it gave in 1895."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Sunday, October 18, 2009

Beechview patrons urge Carnegie Library not to close their branch
"Patrons of the Beechview branch of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh served hot cocoa and cookies Saturday and carried signs urging the Carnegie not to close their branch."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Sunday, October 18, 2009

Panel recommends that RAD audit Carnegie library system
"Any time you close a library, it's like closing a church, a police station or a school," said RAD vice chairman Dan Griffin "It's an emotional thing. It substantially changes their application."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Thursday, October 15, 2009

Carnegie Library defends Mistick's salary
"The money the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh pays for its director's salary, her membership at the Duquesne Club, her vehicle and part of a trip she took to India last year are reasonable compensation for the job she does, the nonprofit's chair said Tuesday."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Carnegie’s Legacy Threatened, Along with Children’s Library Services
A piece of Andrew Carnegie’s legacy could fall into jeopardy if the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh follows through with closing four branches, and potentially curtailing children and teen services for local communities as well.
School Library Journal
Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh tries to keep legacy alive in Allegheny Depository
The Allegheny Depository is one of eight facilities that would close, move or consolidate next year. Among the depository's collections are about 140,000 art and architecture folios, British patent documents and technical and scientific journals, including some bought with money from Andrew Carnegie.
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Library to be beneficiary of 'Match Day'
"As part of a kickoff later this month for its new Internet-based giving initiative, The Pittsburgh Foundation will provide $400,000 in matching funds to support local nonprofits, including $100,000 to the strapped Carnegie Library."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Bad year for Pittsburgh's libraries with cuts and closings
"The Legislature basically returned all libraries to the pre-Internet age," said Barbara Mistick, director of the Carnegie Library. "That's a devastating change. It means the end to accessing information across the commonwealth."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Brian O'Neill's Around Town: No quiet in these libraries
"Misplaced priorities have been on people's minds lately. That can happen when news of Pittsburgh being named America's No. 1 Sports City arrives just as the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh gets set to close five of its 19 branches."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Tuesday, October 13, 2009

KDKA Sunday Business Page: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
KDKA reports on the closing of the four Carnegie Library branches and interviews Dr. Barbara Mistick.
KDKA TV
Sunday, October 11, 2009

Turning a page on Carnegie
"With all the influences that turn the minds of young people to mush nowadays — too much television, computer games, ear-blasting music — Pittsburgh will have fewer places to borrow books. Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919) wouldn't approve."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Sunday, October 11, 2009

Lawrenceville library users disappointed
Patrons were disappointed by the Carnegie library's decision to close a library that has been a fixture in the neighborhood since 1898 and that is in a neighborhood that's on the rebound.
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Sunday, October 11, 2009

Turning a page on Carnegie
Jack Markowitz in his column: "Sorry, Mr. Carnegie, Pittsburgh can't afford your gift anymore. This may be a first in the annals of philanthropy."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Sunday, October 11, 2009

Sad chapter: Downsizing comes to the Carnegie Library
"The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh is walking the same lonely corridor already traveled by the Pittsburgh Public Schools, the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh, the city's Public Safety Department and countless other organizations managing their operations for a shrinking populace."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Friday, October 09, 2009

Carnegie Library review weighed
"Responding to a request by Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, the Allegheny Regional Asset District said yesterday it would consider ordering a performance audit of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh after its board announced plans to close five of its 19 branches to save money."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Thursday, October 08, 2009

Cuts in library management urged
"City officials on Wednesday called for management cuts at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, a day after a top library system official insisted branch closures were necessary to close a projected budget deficit."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Thursday, October 8, 2009

The future of our library
Grant Oliphant explains that "the Library is only doing what every other responsible nonprofit in our community is doing during these difficult times: making tough choices to keep afloat and save the institution for the long haul."
Pittsburgh Foundation Community EForum
October 7, 2009

Pittsburgh Library Closes Five Branches, Announces Layoffs, Service Cuts
"The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (CLP), faced with declining revenues and projected budget deficits, announced cuts that includes reducing service hours throughout the system, closing and merging branch locations, and reducing staff."
Library Journal
October 7, 2009

Carnegie board's vote provokes an uproar
"Residents and politicians alike decried the announced cuts yesterday by the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, which will close five branches, move others and trim hours in the face of a spiraling deficit."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Wednesday, October 07, 2009

Library system trims five Carnegie branches across city
"For the first time in its 114-year history, the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh will close five of its 19 branches next year to cover a projected $1.2 million budget deficit."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Wednesday, October 07, 2009

Carnegie Library To Close 4 Branches
"The Carnegie Library Board of Trustees announced drastic system changes at a news conference Tuesday morning." (Video included)
KDKA TV
Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Carnegie Library planning drastic cuts, closures for 2010
"The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh today announced a series of drastic cuts and closures for 2010, preparing to close, move or merge eight branches to stave off a $6 million operating deficit by 2014."
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Board votes to close 4 Carnegie Library branches in city
"The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh's board of trustees voted last night to close, move or merge eight facilities, in a plan that drew opposition from Pittsburgh City Council members, one of whom vowed today to try to reverse it."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Tuesday, October 06, 2009

Library backers plead for survival of their branches
Supporters of neighborhood branches of the Carnegie Library rallied yesterday in Oakland, greeting board members who were expected to vote on possible closings.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Tuesday, October 06, 2009

Library supporters rally in Beechview
"Supporters of the Carnegie Library in Beechview rallied last night to save their library as the library system's board of trustees decides how to make the system financially sustainable."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Friday, October 02, 2009

Library for the blind takes books on tape into digital age
"The Carnegie Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped will begin to make the switch from analog books on audiocassette tape to digital cartridges next month."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Cultural groups face pinch in RAD funds
"While the Carnegie Library didn't receive a cut in RAD funding, maintaining the status quo wasn't anything close to a victory....It was hoping RAD would make up for state budget cuts that could reduce library funding by as much as 50 percent."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Allegheny Regional Asset District draft budget favors larger groups
"The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh asked for a 10 percent increase in RAD funding to make up for anticipated losses in state funding. RAD funding will remain at $17.6 million, plus $2.45 million for maintaining its electronic network."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
September 30, 2009

Wealth of resources: Carnegie Business Library has much to offer area businesses
"There are no flashy signs to point it out, but if a businessperson walks into the Downtown location of the Carnegie Library and heads down the stairs, they’re likely to find a wealth of information they may not have known about."
Pittsburgh Business Times
Friday, September 18, 2009

Carnegie Library's Foundation Center like a 'jewel'
"Tucked into the Carnegie Library’s Downtown location is a valuable resource for nonprofit organizations: The Foundation Center."
Pittsburgh Business Times
Friday, September 18, 2009

National report finds many can't afford to join digital community
“A high school student, a young woman with a baby and a retiree using the computers Tuesday at the new Carnegie Library branch in the North Side had at least one thing in common: Each said they can't afford to have either a computer or Internet access at home.”
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
September 2, 2009

Carnegie Library opens new library on the North Side
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh unveiled its brand-new library on Federal Street on the North Side during a champagne luncheon held there Friday.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Tuesday, September 01, 2009

> Archive: In The News