Funding Crisis Continues to Challenge Swissvale Library

With a donation from philanthropist and industrialist Andrew Carnegie, the Swissvale Library opened its doors in 1918.

It was the last public library in Allegheny County whose construction Carnegie helped fund. Today, cuts in state funding persist, posing a challenge to the library's survival.

Reliant upon funding by the state and county, as well as a decades-old partnership with the Woodland Hills School District, the Carnegie Free Library of Swissvale continues to face challenges, according to the library’s interim director, Kate Grannemann.

“The library isn’t able to buy new books, audio books and DVDs to meet the needs of the community,” Grannemann said.

The library acquires new materials through donations and fundraising by the Friends of the Library, a volunteer fundraising program with branches in libraries nationwide, she said.

Grannemann took over the role of interim director in September 2010, two months after former director Bruce Egli retired.

Though the Woodland Hills School District, which owns the library’s property, is obligated to perform routine maintenance on the building, the district is unable to offer additional funding, Grannemann said..

“Our relationship with the Woodland Hills School District has been very gratifying. They’ve been very receptive to our needs here and responsive to our calls,” she said.

According to Sharon Ramsey, volunteer president of the Friends of the Swissvale Library, the funding cuts have been a wake up call for the community.

“Some of us have taken for granted that libraries will always be there. But now the community is beginning to recognize that may not be the case,” said Ramsey.

Both Ramsey and Grannemann were impressed by the community’s response to the library’s funding cuts. Hope Chiropractic on Noble Street raised money for the library by selling foam Steelers bricks to be thrown at the TV. Swissvale United Methodist Church donated a collection plate to the library. The Swissvale Rotary Club purchased 30 magazine subscriptions.

“The community has shown tremendous support but the more people who become involved with the library and the more people who utilize our resources and make donations, the more we can offer the community,” said Grannemann.

Ramsey, a Swissvale resident since 1977, took over the role of president of the Friends in 2007 to give back to the library.

“My main goal has been to get people and businesses in the community involved with their library,” said Ramsey.

Starting with 10 members, she’s helped the Friends grow to more than 35 members. Ramsey organizes three book and bake sales a year, which raise about $3,500 annually for the children’s summer reading program. Her work has earned her recognition from the Swissvale Business District Advisory Committee.

“Our children’s futures depend on literacy, which is why it’s so important for the community to get involved. Times are tough. I don’t want to say Swissvale is impoverished, but it’s no Mt. Lebanon. We just don’t have the money. The borough helps us considerably, but there’s only so much they can give,” said Ramsey.

The Swissvale Library, located on the business loop on Monongahela Avenue, is at the center of the borough. Grannemann and Ramsey call it a hub of the community. The library houses a senior citizens’ center, hosts social activities including knitting, and provides an after-school hangout for many students.

“The whole neighborhood passes through here,” said Grannemann. “People appreciate what we do. They rely on us for the resources we offer. The outpouring of support from our community and the surrounding communities says to me we’re in for a bright future -- but we still have a long way to go.”

The next book and bake sales will take place April 14, 15, and 16 at Swissvale Library.