Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the renovation?

This renovation will improve the majority of the first floor. The existing restrooms will be made ADA-accessible, and our family restroom with the adult and child changing tables will be relocated. Our circulation desk will be moved and redesigned for increased functionality and accessibility for our patrons. Our Teen Area will be moved and reimagined to create a cozy, inviting space. Most importantly, we are adding five private focus rooms and two new meeting rooms that will be available for public use. We will also convert our existing circulation office into a hands-on Learning Lab classroom. Our entranceway will be redesigned to accommodate a cafe-concept and a self-checkout station, and new seating spaces will be provided throughout. In addition, we will upgrade our power outlets, lighting, and fire suppression systems.

How will services change during the renovation?

The majority of the first-floor services and resources have been relocated to the third floor, including new release books, newspapers, magazines, a selection of audiobooks, a selection of DVDs, YA materials, CareerLink offices, device charging station, and monthly adult & teen programs (Senior Crafternoon, LGBTQIA+ board game night, Maj Jongg, Arthouse Film Club, Chess Club). Our fantastic circulation staff is also housed on the third floor temporarily, and can help you check out materials, place holds, get a library card, and much more. Many of our programs and events will also occur on this floor.

Our children’s department services will remain on the second floor, and families can check out up to 10 books on this floor. Children’s materials can be returned on the second or third floors, as well as in the exterior book drop. Our security station will be located on the second floor, and our guards will continue to be present throughout the building.

Can I still borrow books and other items?

Yes! We have retained our full collection, although some portions of the DVDs, audiobooks, CDs, and YA items are in a “closed stacks” status. This means that we can pull the items for you, but those portions of the collection are not available for browsing. In addition, we have access to over 35 libraries through our resource sharing agreements, and can get materials sent here quickly at no cost to you.

Save time! Use our Online Catalog to place holds on items in the Closed Stacks and our staff will get them ready for you to pick up. Click Here to go to the Online Catalog.

Will there still be library programs?

Yes! We will continue to offer our award-winning programming on the second and third floors, as well as potential off-site locations if needed. Click Here for our Events.

What about CareerLink?

CareerLink continues to be a strong partner as we work to support workforce development in our community. Their services will be temporarily located on the third floor, but our first-floor design includes a well-appointed suite on the first floor for their use.

Will it be noisy?

We will do our best to minimize noise and disruption, but we do expect there to be a slight increase in volume within the building. Noise-cancelling headphones are available to borrow at no cost from any public service desk, and disposable earplugs will also be provided at no charge.

When will the renovation be finished?

We expect the renovation to be completed by the end of 2026.

How are you funding it?

This project was financed in part by a $2 million grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority.

A Community Initiatives Grant from the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies will also support this project. In addition, we are using capital funds, as well as some upcoming fundraising efforts, to complete the work. 

Who is doing the work?

Our project is led by GBBN, a Pittsburgh-based architecture firm with a great reputation for library design. CJL Engineering is our engineering partner.

Do you have plans for the rest of the library?

Yes! In July 2023, GBBN held input sessions with the public and our staff. That feedback was critical in designing our “Blue Sky” plan for the entire facility. We hope to move forward with the other design elements outlined in that plan as we are able to secure funding.

Are there any hazardous materials involved?

Our building does contain asbestos in the ceilings on the first and second floors. These areas are currently encapsulated, which means that they pose no risk to staff or the public as long as they are not disturbed. We have been aware of this asbestos for many years, and our board and administration have made the decision to remove the impacted areas of the first-floor project. Though costly, this decision supports our highest priority: to ensure the safety of our staff and patrons.

This abatement work is highly regulated to ensure that there is no danger to the public or staff during the removal. Superior Environmental Contracting will perform the abatement, and they will be monitored daily by a separate inspection company called Allegheny Global Environmental, Inc. First, they will create a containment area by sealing off the workspace from the rest of the building using physical barriers, negative air flow, air filtration, and other methods. Then the hazardous materials can be removed by being moistened to prevent loose particulate matter from entering the air. The material is then scraped off and sealed before being removed from the facility. The abatement will occur in the early phases of the renovation. We anticipate that the abatement will be completed prior to year’s end.

Where can I find out more?

Renderings, phasing timelines, and more will be available soon! You may direct any additional questions to campub@cclsys.org