Cooper-Siegel Community Library 2.0!

Board members, campaign co-chairs, committee members, donors, patrons and staff gathered in the unfinished space, along with State Representative Mandy Steele and Rebecca Boyle, Communications Director for State Sen. Lindsey Williams. Campaign Committee Co-Chair and Mayor of Fox Chapel, Alex Scott, also read out a message of support from U.S. Congressman Chris Deluzio, and Allegheny County Library Association CEO, Amy Anderson, shared some words of friendship and support.

“Today we celebrated the start of the public portion of the Cooper-Siegel Community Library 2.0 Capital Campaign”, said Community Library Association Board Advisor, Jim Mitnick. “This endeavor will see the completion of more than six thousand square feet of space on the library’s lower level.”

Guests were provided with safety gear and a sledgehammer and those interested were invited to take a swing at a wall being demolished as part of the expansion. “This was a fun way to engage the community in this project,” said Mitnick.

“We have already secured almost $1 million and we hope to raise an additional $750,000 from the community”, Board President and Campaign Co-Chair Steve Lackey shared. “We will apply for a matching grant from the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conversation Fund this fall. If all goes well, we will reach our $2.5 million dollar goal and start construction in early 2025.”

Post-pandemic, the Library has seen a notable increase in visits, room rentals and wireless usage. In the last year alone, the library has welcomed more than 85,000 visitors, an increase of 20% over the previous year.

By renovating more than 6,000 sq. feet of unfinished space, the library will:

Add a large program room to alleviate scheduling constraints
Add three fully equipped study rooms for individuals and small groups
Create a maker’s space to facilitate exploration in science, technology, and the arts for kids, teens and adults
Upgrade technology throughout the building, including charging stations and mobile interactive display screens
Soundproof all new and existing meeting and study space

Contact:

Jill McConnell, Executive Director
412-828-9520 x 5016
mcconnelllj@coopersiegelcommunitylibrary.org

Co-Chairs Alex Scott and Bryant Mitchell address the group

Support Littsburgh!

Littsburgh™ is the online destination for the writers, publishing professionals, organizers, institutions, and readers who make Pittsburgh one of the world’s most literary cities.

Founded by three publishing professionals in 2015, Littsburgh showcases Pittsburgh as a hub of literary talent and activity while serving as a resource to foster further collaboration and connection within Pittsburgh’s vibrant literary community.

Littsburgh is a passion project and has been since inception.

Because we’re self-powered, we’ve been able to continue promoting literary Pittsburgh without having to compromise our vision or our mission — and without having to close up shop because of lack of funding. Our goal is for Littsburgh to be here for the long haul… and we’re only getting bigger and better every year!

As our audience has grown, however, so have our operating costs: hosting is increasingly expensive, spreading the word about literary Pittsburgh to our readers via social media channels requires paid “boosts,” and we’re investing literally hundreds of volunteer hours into the site every year.

With a small donation, one time or (even better!) recurring, you can help ensure that Littsburgh continues to grow and thrive.

Donate!

Help us spread the word about literary Pittsburgh!

Start Reading Fine Young People: A Novel by Anna Bruno (Set in Sewickley!)

From the Publisher: "In this “smart, irreverent secret history” (Stewart O’Nan) Sewickley set novel by highly praised Pittsburgh native author Anna Read more

Gone Fishin’ – Littsburgh Out of Office

We’ve been celebrating literary Pittsburgh since 2015 without a break, so for the ten year anniversary of Littsburgh, we decided Read more

Featured Event: The In Your Write Mind Writers Conference – June 26-29 at Seton Hill U in Greensburg, PA

Want to get your writing mojo back? Attend Seton Hill U’s In Your Write Mind Writers conference. $120 for the Read more

Three Pittsburgh-Based Publishers Finalists For Prestigious National Award!

New York, NY — The Community of Literary Magazines & Presses (CLMP), the national nonprofit organization that for 58 years Read more

Start Reading In Search of Rain, From Motel Qu to Pittsburgh: A Memoir for Everyone by Seyed Nourashrafeddin

From the Publisher: "Imagine that you are a child who was born in a large family, and during your childhood, Read more

Mt. Lebanon Public Library: The First Designated Book Sanctuary in PA!

From Mt. Lebanon Magazine by way of Facebook: "On February 18, the Mt. Lebanon Public Library Board of Trustees passed Read more

The City of Pittsburgh and American Rescue Plan Act Support for Artists Grant (Due June 16th)!

"The City of Pittsburgh, with funding through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), is launching the Support for Artists Grant Read more

Littsburgh’s Founder, Rachel Ekstrom Courage, on KDKA’s Talk / CBS Pittsburgh!

Littsburgh's founder Rachel Ekstrom Courage (now a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author!) recently stopped by KDKA to Read more

Drue Heinz Literature Prize Open for Submissions (University of Pittsburgh Press – Ends June 30th)!

"The Drue Heinz Literature Prize recognizes and supports writers of short fiction and makes their work available to readers around Read more

Autumn House Press Poetry Prize: Open for Submissions (Ends June 30, 2025)

"For the 2025 prize, the Autumn House staff as well as select outsider readers serve as the preliminary readers, and Read more

Applications are now open for Peters Township Public Library’s Read Local Eat Local 2025!

"Applications are now open for Read Local Eat Local 2025! This is event is on Saturday, September 6, from 11 Read more

Seton Hill University’s “In Your Write Mind” Workshop (June 26-29, 2025)

"What: This is an annual, alumni-run writers workshop. It features writing-related classes, agent pitch sessions, a book signing, and other Read more

IGW Genre Conference in Huntington, WV!

"Calling all plot twisters, world builders, and romance stirrers! Join fellow genre lovers, top-tier agents, sharp-eyed editors, and bestselling authors Read more

Prime Stage Theatre announces 2025-26 season celebrating three world premieres by three local playwrights

PITTSBURGH — Prime Stage Theatre celebrates its 29th season with three world premieres commissioned from three Pittsburgh playwrights: Nov. 7-16, 2025 – Mr. Read more

Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures Announces 35th Anniversary Season!

From our friends at Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures: Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures’ 2025/26 roster of acclaimed authors for our Ten Read more

Greater Pittsburgh Festival of Books Opens Registration, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh to Announce Major Literacy Initiative at 2025 Event

PITTSBURGH, PA – It’s time to book your spot! Registration for the 2025 Greater Pittsburgh Festival of Books is officially Read more

United Way volunteers get 35,000 books to kids at annual Big Book Drop!

"United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania hosted its seventh annual Big Book Drop event on April 15-17 at Acrisure Stadium, where Read more

Northern Appalachia Review: Open to Submissions for Volume 7 Starting April 14th (Closed June 15)!

"The Northern Appalachia Review welcomes submissions of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction written about, representing, or engaging with the experience of Read more

25th Anniversary of the Pitt-Greensburg Writers Festival (Celebrating the Healing Art of Storytelling)!