City Council Proposes Funding For Carnegie Library

PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh City Council introduced new legislation Thursday for a $600,000 grant for the Carnegie Library.

City Council President Doug Shields announced the measure and proposed an additional $600,000 grant in 2010, provided all neighborhood branches of the library remain open.

"With the closing of pools, recreation centers and other programs that enhance the quality of life here, we have already taken too many assets away from our neighborhoods," said Shields. "We cannot stand by while we watch yet another community asset disappear from Pittsburgh’s neighborhood landscape. As the stewards of citizens' assets, we have an obligation to preserve them."

The grant for the library will be transferred from a non-departmental city-wide supplies account.

Shields has been working with Pa. Sen. Jay Costa to find a revenue stream to keep the library doors open.

"I want to thank Senator Costa for his commitment to finding a long-term solution that keeps library branches open. I also want to acknowledge State Representative Chelsa Wagner for her diligent efforts to address the issue and bring it to public attention," said Shields.

Shields' proposal will be discussed on Nov. 12, with a preliminary vote possible.

The library board had voted last month to close several locations, saying it anticipates $1.5 million budget deficit next year.

The board said the city's annual contribution of $40,000 has not changed since 1985, when the library was founded.

---

• Your County: More County News Headlines
• RSS: Add Us To Your iGoogle Or My Yahoo Page

---