At the January 12 Polish Hill Council to Go meeting, Councilman Patrick Dowd brought up the funding issues for Carnegie Libraries.  At that time, the City Council was considering a libraries district tax, which would come to about $18 per household.  He asked attendees what they thought of this.  He was surprised — and pleased — to find that everyone there would be happy to support such a tax.  Perhaps it was a narrow sample; people who attend community meetings might be more civic-minded, or more likely to use and appreciate the library.  But in the months since, it seems there is broad support to support and preserve this wonderful resource.  It seems that in difficult economic times, the library is a more valuable resource than ever.

Councilman Dowd’s office has just reminded us about events next week which provide another opportunity to support the libraries.  On Wednesday, June 8, from 10:30 am – 12 pm, consider stopping by the main Carnegie branch in Oakland.  At 10:30 am there’ll be activities for all ages, at 11:30 am, a brief presentation & news conference, and at 12 pm, a parade of participants through Oakland.

Later in the day, the celebration continues in these neighborhoods:
CLP-Allegheny, 5:30 pm
CLP-Beechview, 4 pm
CLP-Homewood, 5:30 pm
CLP-Lawrenceville, 5:30 pm
CLP-Squirrel Hill, 4:30 pm

Bring your family and friends and show your support for Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh! Keep your Library strong!  More details on the Carnegie Library website.

(photos:  top; Carnegie Library Lawrenceville branch, late 1800’s.  From the Historic Pittsburgh Archive Below:  kids learning about water at the Lawrenceville branch, 2010)