The Carnegie Free Library of Swissvale will receive $1.5 million as part of a state grant program that will enable the library to undergo a critical rehabilitation process. The grant will help fund a series of renovations at the library to make it a modern library facility that can provide needed services to the community.

Originally owned by the Swissvale School District, the historic Carnegie Free Library of Swissvale became part of the Woodland Hills School District following the 1981 merger between Churchill, Edgewood, General Braddock, Swissvale, and Turtle Creek school districts.

The renovation plans include a new two-story addition, approved by the PA Historical & Museum Commission, that will feature an ADA-compliant entrance plaza complete with an elevator and stairway. Additional renovations include the construction of ADA-compliant restrooms on both floors, upgrades to the building’s heating, cooling, electrical and plumbing systems, and a reconfiguration of both floors to optimize displays and technology areas, create sufficient programming space and provide much-needed community meeting space. The state grant is part of the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, which administers funds to help regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement projects.

The Carnegie Free Library of Swissvale is conducting a fundraising campaign to raise $1 million to complete the renovations. To donate or for more information, please contact Kate Coluccio, Director, Carnegie Free Library of Swissvale, at 412.731.2300 or colucciok@swissvalelibrary.org.