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 Oakmont Carnegie Library - Oakmont, Pennsylvania
N 40° 31.314 W 079° 50.508
17T E 598108 N 4486329
This Carnegie Library is located in Oakmont Borough, about 10 Miles north east of Pittsburgh Proper. It it located at 700 Allegheny River Boulevard
Waymark Code: WMGRW7
Location: Pennsylvania, United States
Date Posted: 04/06/2013
Views: 3
Oakmont Carnegie Library - Oakmont, Pennsylvania
excerpted from Oakmont Carnegie Library History
In 1899, the Oakmont School board passed a resolution to “provide a place and establish a free, non-sectarian public library for the general use of residents of this district.”
In an effort to carry out this resolution, the Board contacted Oakmont resident, L.M. Morris, who wrote to his cousin seeking financial assistance. His cousin, Andrew Carnegie, responded by welcoming L.M. Morris to the “sacred guild of library builders.” Mr. Carnegie offered $20,000 in aid as long as there was a local commitment of $2,000 for maintenance.
The School Board proceeded to elect six prominent Oakmont citizens to serve as the Board of Trustees for the Library, L.M. Morris among them.
Andrew Carnegie then corresponded to the Trustees saying “Gentlemen, having been assured that the library would be maintained by the Public Authorities, I am delighted to give you twenty-five thousand dollars.”
The Trustees then purchased from Mrs. Salinda Anderson a plot of ground at the corner of East Railroad Avenue and “E” Street for the site of the library for $2,500. Architects, Alden and Harlow, were instructed to draw up building plans for the library. Due to the rise in the cost of labor and materials, the first set of plans were found to be too expensive. The Trustees ordered a second and final set of plans which outlined a building 32’ x 76’ in size.
In 1900, the School Board received bids for the construction of the library building from five contractors. The successful low bid of $17,956 was awarded to Oakmont contractor William Braithwait.
In 1901, the Board of Trustees authorized the purchase of 2,603 volumes and a number of periodicals at a cost not to exceed $3,000. Oakmont resident Miss Cora B. Morris was elected to serve as the first librarian and her salary was $50.00 a month.
A telephone was installed at the Library in the 1920's so that people could call for information—a radical idea at the time.
In 1966, the supervision of the Library was transferred from the School Board to the Borough of Oakmont. The value of the Library to the community was recognized by the Borough Council and the Council has always made a special effort to appropriate funds necessary to maintain the Library as a healthy, vital part of the community.
Working with the Library Board and the Oakmont Borough Council, A restoration program was taken under in the early 1980's to restore the library to its 1901 appearance. Funding for the project was primarily accomplished by generous contributions from Oakmont residents, businesses and service organizations; with additional funding developed from corporate donations, charitable foundations and government agencies.
With funds donated in memory of Jules Palazzi, an Oakmont resident who was a major influence of the Library restoration project, a block of black granite inscribed “Oakmont Carnegie Library” was placed on the Library front lawn in 1988. This sign was moved in 2009, and is now placed outside the current entrance on Pennsylvania Avenue.
A library "friends group", awkardwardly named FOOLs, short for Friends Of the Oakmont Library was established in 1992. Also in the 1990's Library patrons became able to access the internet on computers located throughout the library, as well as to be issued Electronic Information Network library cards. These cards enable patrons to utilize the services and materials of other libraries on the network, a consortia of Allegheny County’s public libraries.In 1995, the library implemented a computerized check-in and check-out system that not only facilitates the daily operation of the library, but provides access to the countywide electronic catalog.
In 1998, the Library Board hired Integrated Architectural Services to create a plan to expand the library. The shelves were full and study tables gave way to PCs. Expansion and renovation became necessary as the building approached its 100th birthday. Funds were raised in the community and a $1.4 million bond was approved by 74.8% of voters in May 2003. This new construction project began in 2003 and added approximately 6,000 sq. ft. to the building. The goal of the project was to expand the scope of the library’s facilities, services and programs, and at the same time preserve its historical and architectural integrity, ensuring accessibility for all users and providing expanded reading, display and programming areas for our patrons. December 2006 saw the completion and dedication of the expanded Oakmont Carnegie Library. Our new space enabled the staff, led by Director Shannon Dunn, to increase the available shelving space as well as the number of computer stations within the library. The addition of a ramp and elevator made the building completely accessible, and downstairs meeting rooms were added that are utilized regularly by community members and staff. The Children’s Department was expanded, and a Young Adult collection was developed.
Address of Library Building:
700 Allegheny River Boulevard
Oakmont, PA United States of America
15139
Current Use of Building: Library
Year Built (optional): 1901
Website about building: [Web Link]
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