Pittsburgh Review

Gov. Tom Wolf recently attended a groundbreaking ceremony for renovations taking place at the Braddock Carnegie Library, where he discussed a $1.75 million investment into the project.

The renovations were made possible through a $1 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant, as well as $750,000 Keystone Grant for Public Library Facilities, according to a September 23 release by the governor’s office. Renovations include the creation of universal accessibility for the whole building; upgrades to the windows and insulation; installing an HVAC system that will make once unusable rooms due to extreme temperatures good for the whole year; modernizing the library’s music hall for performances, events and gatherings for an audience of 500 spectators.

“I’m proud to support the legacy of the Braddock Carnegie Library and contribute to the next chapter of growth for this building and this community,” Wolf said. “Once renovated, this library will not only serve as a portal to knowledge and culture but also a safe place for residents to gather for fellowship and exercise their creativity and curiosity.”

The Braddock Carnegie Library serves about 15,000 people spanning five communities. The library was the first of 1,687 free public libraries created by Andrew Carnegie, the founder of U.S. Steel. These renovations will help with the library’s mission of being a “responsive, essential place of community learning, development and enrichment for its neighbors.”

“The renovation and modernization of the Braddock Carnegie Library underscores the importance of RACP funding and highlights how public dollars can be effectively invested to evolve, sustain, and increase accessibility for critical community assets,” said Vicki Vargo, executive director of the Braddock Carnegie Library Association (BCLA). “We’re grateful for Governor Wolf’s leadership and for Sen. Brewster and Rep. Lee’s support of The Campaign for Carnegie One.”

Lt. Gov. John Fetterman said he was thankful for the governor’s visit to the library, adding that he is grateful for the opportunities these renovations will help the people of Braddock and other surrounding towns.

“As both a longtime resident and a former 4-term mayor who oversaw numerous redevelopment projects in Braddock, I’m proud to see this important investment right here in our community,” said Lt. Gov. John Fetterman.