June 2012 - Allegheny West Magazine

“Everyone gained so many ideas regarding how libraries have taken the
concept of growth and learning to create spaces for imaginations to grow
and ideas to flourish.”
The staff is excited about the many possibilities in the future.
Patty Giura, a library board member who chairs public relations, added,
“We want creativity, excitement, and learning to occur here; there is so
much potential now. We hope to have areas for such activities as tutoring
and aerobics and meetings for community groups and organizations. We
also hope to incorporate a coffee shop.”
Focusing on the
theme of
imaginations, the library developed a
new Web site (www.westernalleghenylibrary.org) and a new
logo. To the board, the C on the new logo represents community and
creativity.
The “imaginarium” tag on the logo encourages library users to understand
that their new library will be a space where residents can come not only to
borrow books and DVDs and e-books and other materials, but also to
participate in diverse activities that encourage imagination.
Also on the drawing board are meeting spaces, outdoor areas, child
appropriate furnishings in a child-inspired space, self-checkout, laptop and
desktop computers with a media center, and more.
The board is focused on not just content and collections in the library
but more importantly, people and interactions.
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The staff and board encourage residents to offer their ideas for their
new library.
“We have a bright, young staff eager to do more and expand upon what
we already have,” Marianne said.
Patty noted, “Marianne has done a great job of picking new people
with energy and fresh ideas going forward.”
All of the new ideas fit with the library’s current mission statement,
“to assure that the Western Allegheny Community Library provides the
resources that bring the world to our communities.”
Pam, Patty, and Marianne all agreed that, with the future plans and
this new creative space, the library hopes to create opportunities for
people to come and experience life...to truly let their imaginations
grow.
A timeline has not yet been determined to move into the new space
because funds need to be raised for the renovation.
The community campaign to raise funds will begin with the first
major fundraising event this year-- An Evening…Under Construction
-- a takeoff on the library’s earlier annual event previously held
at Clinton Park, called An Evening Under the Stars. This time,
however, it will be held in the new library building. The event date
is Friday, August 10 (see details, below). The event will kickoff a
long-term fundraising drive to help convert the new space
effectively and successfully, as well as provide funds to help pay
for the new mortgage.
Other fundraising events are already underway, including a
family night at the new location this fall, and a collaboration
between Findlay Township, the library, and Macaroni Kids-Robinson for
an event at Clinton Park called “Truck Touch, on Saturday, September 29
from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Inside the library, patrons can purchase canvas
tote bags or donate to sponsor a book. Patrons can make a donation
while sharing their library memories, past or present, through the “Share
a Memory, Make a Memory” effort. Simply stop by the library check
out desk, write a memory on one of the provided forms, and include a
donation. Checks can be written to the WACL, and are tax deductible.
Credit cards are also accepted at the library.
Naming rights and sponsorships are also available. For more information,
call (724) 695-8150, or visit the Web site,
www.westernalleghenylibrary.org.
ABOVE: Library board members and staff raise a toast inside the new
library building after the closing.