Scottdale Public Library
Scottdale Reaching Goal of New Library
by Karen Fetter
A new library in Scottdale is no longer an idea that was placed on a shelf and
forgotten. Residents are working hard to raise the local funding needed to make
the dream of a new library a reality. With efforts from everyone in the
community, groundbreaking will soon be on the horizon.
The local fundraising has exceeded many people's expectations. The
board of directors began plans for the new library two years ago when it was
evident that the library serves over 12,000 people in Scottdale and East
Huntingdon Township, which needed more space. The new location will be on Spring
Street where the former YMCA building was located. The site will be completely
renovated and much larger than the current building.
"Our current facility is sadly inadequate," said Kaufman. "We had to
eliminate our paperback books just so we could have enough room. We are so
overcrowded," said Kaufman.
The total estimated cost of the new library is $1 million. "We have
been advised to raise approximately $300,000 and $500,000 locally. Once we have
that money in hand we can apply to other foundations in Pennsylvania for
support," said Kaufman. "This is the first major public building to be built in
Scottdale in a long time."
A recent fundraiser for the new building is the "Lincolns for the
Library" Penny Drive. This fundraiser currently has raised $4,000. It started on
Abraham Lincoln's birthday in February with the slogan "Lincoln for the
Library." People dropped pennies into cans that were placed at local businesses
and schools. It has become so successful that people are taking the cans home to
continue the drive personally.
"The building fund is currently up to $320,000. We are getting
closer and closer to our goal. It's hard to believe how quickly things are
happening," said Kaufman.
"Residents support the project because the library is a
centrally-located and user-friendly facility," said Kaufman. "The library is a
real asset to the community and the region."
The library offers many free
programs to the public. It has computers with Internet service, audio tapes,
DVDs and videos, new titles, and a growing collection of large print books.
There is also a mini bookstore that sells books the library receives as
donations. The cost per book is .25 to $1.00.
- Online Computers
-
Audio tapes
- DVDS
- Videos
- Large Print books
-
New titles
- Mini Bookstore
The children's programs at the
library are quite extensive. Rhonda Allison, the assistant librarian, manages
many of the programs. This summer there will be a reading program titled,
"Dragons, Dreams and Daring Deeds." The theme surrounds medieval knights,
princesses, and dragons. The program begins on June 9 at 6 p.m. with a movie.
Then it will resume on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to noon for kindergarten through
third grade and 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. for grades 4 -6. Each week will have a
different theme and a craft. The program will end July 28 with a Medieval feast.
There are also programs for children throughout the school year such
as a weekly story time for preschoolers ages two and up on Wednesdays and a
Family Fun night once a month. Allison recommends pre-registering at the front
desk for all activities so the library knows how many children to plan for the
events. There is no fee for any activity that the library promotes.
One offering that is extremely popular are the productions held by
Stage Right from Greensburg. Through grant funds, the library is able to invite
the group for four performances a year.
Help the Scottdale community achieve its dream and adopt a can to
fill with your spare change, and within a short time a new and improved library
will be there to serve this charming, historic community in southern
Westmoreland County.
Visit the Scottdale community
and donate your pennies
to the fund for a new library.
Call 724- 887-6140 to learn how you can help
or for more info on library programs