Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (CLP)

Andrew Carnegie once envisioned public libraries as places of learning and equal opportunity. Since 1895, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (CLP) has been present for every challenge and opportunity facing our community while also engaging people in literacy and learning. While books and materials remain the heart of the library, CLP has transformed into a community cornerstone that focuses on education, workforce and economic development, and neighborhood vitality. The Library empowers people of the Pittsburgh region and helps transform their lives through lifelong learning, digital literacy, and connections to others. At the Library, ideas, people, and community partners interact to create positive change. A detailed description of the Library's program service accomplishments is included in Section O.People of all ages visit the Library for book clubs, educational and cultural programs, or simply to reconnect with others. We are providing core programs, including Storytimes, Kids Club, and Teen Time for youth to enjoy books, crafts, and games while making new friends. CLP staff provide information services (in-person and virtually) for individuals interested in topics such as genealogy, social services, specialized research and collections, as well as all aspects of job searching, career development, vocational training, and higher education. The Library offers access to specialized databases, including the Foundation Directory Online, and programming for the nonprofit community. Additionally, information, services, and programs about starting and running a business are available. In 2023, 1,432,005 visits were made to all CLP locations. Circulation of physical materials totaled 2,341,271 and circulation of eResources continued to grow dramatically. CLP circulation of eResources totaled 1,131,647, an increase of 12.7% over 2022. Total circulation of eResources countywide rose 11% to 3,610,946 from 3,249,136 in 2022. Over 2.5 million items were delivered through CLP Shipping to libraries in Allegheny County. These statistics indicate that our community values and depends on the Library and the many resources it offers to help meet their diverse needs.Library service highlights of 2023 included:Allegheny County Law Library CLP partnered with Allegheny County to assume responsibility and operations of the Allegheny County Law Library (ACLL) in July 2023. This collaboration between CLP and Allegheny County has provided a smooth transition of operations with continued access to resources and services to the public and legal professionals. Book Distributions CLP continued to provide book giveaways to increase youth's access to high quality reading materials. Books were given away through partner organizations and directly to library customers. 16,885 books were given to youth in 2023.Best Books for Babies/Diaper Distribution CLP and the Western PA Diaper Bank hosted a drive-up diaper and Best Books for Babies book bundle distribution event at CLP-Hill District. 400 bundles of board books along with more than 40,000 diapers were distributed to families.CardFest CLP is committed to providing all Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS) scholars with a library card. In 2023, CLP and PPS expanded the CardFest program by adding three more schools, including Faison K-5, Miller PreK-5, and Westinghouse 6-12. These new schools joined the 2022-2023 schools, Beechwood PreK-5 and UPrep/Milliones 6-12, in CardFest. All students received a new library card and were visited at their schools by CLP to learn what they can do with their card. The plan is to reach all PPS scholars in Fall 2024.Community Collections CLP continued depositing Community Collections and making visits to various sites across Pittsburgh to increase community access to library materials for those who may not be able to visit a library or access resources online.Pittsburgh Ready Pittsburgh Ready strengthened connections between CLP and the community by offering childcare providers access to a broad range of supportive library services. CLP provided early literacy resources and support to under-resourced family and group home childcare providers.Pittsburgh Public School Partnership In addition the CardFest program, CLP continued to serve Pittsburgh Public Schools' nine Community Schools through relationship building and dedicated service. CLP staff were able to connect school staff, students and families to library resources that help address each school's unique needs. CLP staff attended Summer BOOST Kick Off Nights and sent Summer Reading bags and book logs to each regional camp location for the students. CLP served as an official partner in Pittsburgh Public School's "Take a Father to School Day" with staff visiting select schools to share Library information and sign kids and dads up for library cards.Summer Reading 2023 Summer Reading focused on the importance of avoiding the "Summer Slide and encouraged people of all ages to read five books. CLP partnered with the August Wilson African American Cultural Center (AWAACC) and Pittsburgh CLO as the first official "Summer Program Partners" for the Summer Reading Program. Partners received summer outreach visits, curated booklists for their camp groups, and were invited to participate in Summer Reading Extravaganza.B. LAMP: Library of Accessible Media for Pennsylvanians, a network library of the Library of Congress National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS LBPH), served more than 14,700 individuals across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania during the 2022-23 fiscal year, with the circulation of almost 1.1 million items. Staff answered reference questions, promoted accessible technology, discussed the latest bestsellers and favorite authors, and suggested new titles patrons might enjoy. The print and electronic collections offered by LAMP include large print books, audio-described DVDs, audiobooks and magazines, physical braille books, and downloadable audio and braille services such as books and magazines offered through NLS LBPH. More information on LAMP services is available at mylamp.org. C. CLP, County Libraries, and the Allegheny County Library Association (ACLA) have established uniform and equitable library services across the libraries of Allegheny County. CLP has taken on the role of developing, delivering, and managing selected Shared Services for County libraries. Oversight of Shared Services is governed by representatives from CLP and ACLA. Services include:Collections procurement, organization, and support purchasing and management of e-resources, technical support (cataloging and processing), circulation reports, and professional development. Materials management ensuring materials are distributed to locations in timely manner.Human Resources developing and managing a set of best practices for library policies and handbooks and supporting learning for library staff.Technology supporting the online presence for every library and connection people to libraries on mobile devices.Communication plans managing internal communications, including SharePoint sites and Microsoft Teams sites.Fund Development coordinating fundraising activities throughout Allegheny County including Library Giving Day, Love Your Library month and Giving Tuesday.