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Home About Baldwin Library in the News! Library in the News
Library in the News
Fundraising for new Baldwin Borough Library to Begin This Year
July 21, 2017 – Pittsburgh Post Gazette: Margaret Smykla
Public fundraising for a new Baldwin Borough Public Library will begin at the end of this year, library director Jenny Worley told borough council July 11.
The nearly $3 million project is a joint venture of the library and the borough and involves repurposing and renovating the borough's Leland Center on Wolfe Drive into a new library with a projected grand opening in 2019. The borough's public works department will remain on the lower level of the building.
The renovation is to begin in January 2018. The design is currently being developed.
The catalyst for the project was a $500,000 Keystone Grant awarded to the library this year by the state Department of Education. Baldwin Borough Library was one of 27 libraries awarded Keystone Grants totaling $5.9 million.
The project has $1 million in commitments, including $300,000 in borough funds and $200,000 from the sale of Churchview Avenue property belonging to the library.
Ms. Worley said she is pursuing other grants.
The borough's current library in the former Wallace School building on Macek Drive will remain open and keep its normal operating hours until the library relocates.
The reason for the move is the need for more space: annual visits to the library have increased by 56 percent since 2010, and program attendance has risen by more than 70 percent.
The new library will be 25 percent larger at 5,200 square feet.
The project cost includes $383,000 for a 1,000-square-foot addition to the Leland Center to provide an expanded children's area.
The addition will also open expanded space for adult study and reading.
Ms. Worley said since the borough does not have a community center, the new library can serve as a meeting and gathering space for groups and events.
Baldwin Library Leaders Prep for Eventual Leland Center Move
July 14, 2017 – South Hills Record: Jim Spezialetti
Baldwin Borough Library officials are starting to get the word out about the new library project and how the community can help make the facility a centerpiece in the borough.
Library Director Jenny Worley gave council members an update on the project, which will turn the Leland Community Center into a library.
Worley said the architect, GBBN Inc., is working with the Baldwin zoning and planning commission to make sure designs meet borough requirements.
The library secured a $500,000 grant from the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund. Borough officials agreed to contribute $300,000 once the state grant was secured. Construction costs are estimated at $1.6 million. Related project expenses would bring the total to nearly $2.6 million.
Worley displayed two designs of the new library, including one that features a 1,000-square-foot addition on to the front of the building that would make the library more of a community center.
Worley said the design and construction of the addition would cost an estimated $380,000. Fundraising efforts would determine the fate of the addition.
Not many changes will be made to the interior of the Leland Center.
"The work will be as minimal as possible to save on costs but still make it look like a really nice library," Worley said.
The main reason for the move is to have a building that the library can call its own. The Wallace building is owned by the Baldwin-Whitehall School District. The Leland Center also gives the library more space.
The new library will be 5,200 square feet, which is about 1,100 more than the current facility.
A pamphlet explaining changes also highlights the history of the library and reasons why the community should help support this endeavor.
Worley said the library board continues to seek grants and will begin fundraising efforts.
The original plan was to construct a new building on land that the library purchased along Churchview Avenue.
But library officials determined the cost would be too expensive. The library board has put the property up for sale and will apply the proceeds toward the renovation project at Leland Center.
Worley anticipates the library will advertise for bids in December and award contracts before January. Renovation work should take nine months.
Baldwin Turns Page Toward New Library
March 28, 2017 – Patch.com: Eric Heyl
BALDWIN, PA – A $500,000 grant speaks volumes about the state's commitment to aid the borough's effort to open a new community library.
The Keystone grant will enable the borough and the Baldwin Public Library to renovate the old Leland Community Center into a new facility. Borough officials have agreed to contribute an additional $300,000 so the library can move from its current home in the old Wallace School building, which it shares with several other organizations.
The library, which opened in 1964, has been in the Wallace building since the 1980s. Library director Jennifer Worley said a new facility would feature updated technology and digital lending materials.
"We are delighted that the Department of Education approved our grant request and grateful for our partnership with Baldwin Borough council," Worley said. "We are also thankful to the elected officials and community partners who endorsed our application."
Plans call for the renovation of the Leland Center's first floor and improving the building's handicapped accessibility. Although an opening date for the new library has not been set, officials hope to begin the project late this year.
The library's 25,000-item collection currently serves nearly 20,000 residents.
With Grant Baldwin Borough Set to Move Library
March 20, 2017 – South Hills Record: Jim Spezialetti
Dreams of having a new public library in Baldwin Borough have turned into reality.
Officials have announced the borough has been selected to receive $500,000 toward renovating the Leland Community Center to provide the space needed for the library.
Council members have budgeted $300,000 toward the project, which was contingent on the library receiving a grant from the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund.
The public library has shared space and parking with other tenants in the former Wallace School building for almost 30 years. Library officials have been searching for a larger facility to call their own since the 1990s.
The grant is through the state Department of Education but is specific for libraries.
Library director Jenny Worley took the lead in writing the grant application that was submitted in October. The amount granted to the library surprised Worley.
"It is very shocking because it is a competitive grant process. There are so many unknowns," Worley said. "I'm very excited and very proud of all the hard work that went into this."
Library board of trustee president Paul Hayhurst said the idea of transforming the Leland Center into a community library made sense.
"The library was interested in the Leland building because it's a community asset," Hayhurst said.
The borough-owned Leland Center at Wolfe Drive and Knoedler Road closed in 2015 because of roof damage.
Necessary repairs to the roof is estimated to cost $300,000.
The state has set guidelines for the library to follow before the grant is paid on a reimbursement basis. The project has to begin within 90 days of April 1 and be completed in 18 months.
"It's really a renovation and that takes money and time," Hayhurst said.
Representatives with GBBN Architects provided preliminary interior and exterior drawings to satisfy part of the grant process as well as show that the space would meet the library's needs, Worley said.
The library board also had a capital campaign fundraising specialist conduct interviews with the community to determine the best ways to raise funds.
For now, the focus is on following state guidelines and finalizing plans to get the project under way.
While high-end estimates to renovate the facility could be as much as $2.1 million, Hayhurst said the goal is to be open in 18 months and then determine what can be done to make the facility better.
The Baldwin Library shares space in the former Wallace School Building, which is owned by the Baldwin-Whitehall School District.
Baldwin Borough Public Library and Baldwin Borough awarded $500,000 Keystone Grant for Renovation of Leland Center as New Community Library
March 17, 2017 – Library Press Release
Grant award comes on top of $300,000 commitment from Baldwin Borough Council, providing momentum for project
Pittsburgh, PA March 17, 2017– Baldwin Borough Public Library and Baldwin Borough have been awarded a $500,000 Keystone grant to renovate Baldwin's Leland Center building into a new community library.
Baldwin Borough and Baldwin Library will collaborate to renovate Leland Center to create a comfortable, welcoming space with updated technology and digital lending materials that respond to the different ways patrons use the library. The focus will be on renovating the interior space of the first floor and improving handicapped accessibility. A project budget and timetable still need to be finalized, although officials are eyeing a project start date of late this year. Planning is underway to identify additional sources of funding needed to support the project.
Library officials stated that the renovation will allow the library to increase programming, and facilitate more educational, recreational and cultural opportunities for residents. The design incorporates separate areas for adults and children, and ensures that staff can continue providing high quality service to library patrons.
"We are delighted that the Department of Education approved our grant request," commented library director Jennifer Worley, "and grateful for our partnership with Baldwin Borough Council. We are also thankful to the elected officials and community partners who endorsed our application."
The Baldwin Library is one of 27 libraries across the state awarded money from the Pennsylvania Department of Education's Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund to rehabilitate or update library facilities.
"Pennsylvania's public libraries are an incredibly valuable resource to communities, a safe haven that provides access to knowledge, information, and even unimagined new worlds, all for nothing more than the swipe of a card," said PA Governor Tom Wolf in a press release announcing the grant. "As we make investments in teachers and students, we must also continue to invest in our libraries, as they serve as both a resource and an escape to all patrons, no matter their age, background, or which city or town they call home."
Established in 1964, the Baldwin Library's mission is to be the community's destination for discovery, enrichment and life-long learning. The library currently serves 19,767 residents with a 25,000-item collection. Annual circulation is 52,000. -END-
Baldwin Borough library move to Leland Center contingent on state grant
October 3, 2016 – South Hills Record: Jim Spezialetti
For almost 30 years, Baldwin Borough Public Library has shared space and parking with other tenants in the former Wallace School building.
The library started in one classroom and now occupies three rooms. But with other tenants in the building and no more space to expand, library officials have been searching for a larger facility. That search soon could be over.
Baldwin Borough council members gave their support last week to a plan for a new public library at the shuttered Leland Community Center, if library officials can secure a $500,000 state grant.
Library director Jenny Worley is writing the application that she hopes will give the library its own facility.
"Since the '90s we've been trying to get our own place, and this is our best shot," Worley said.
Library officials are seeking a grant from the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund.
The grant is through the state Department of Education but is specific for libraries. If the state approves the application, borough officials agreed to contribute a matching amount of $300,000.
If the grant cannot be obtained, the agreement is voided.
Worley said part of the grant application is to get letters of support, which the library has received from the community and key contributors.
Bob Meeder, a member of Friends of the Baldwin Library, was one person to express his support.
"I always believed in the printed word. I love to read books," Meeder said. "We're very positive in thinking that this will happen."
Meeder said the goal has been for the library to have its own building. He credits Worley for researching grant programs and the borough for offering the use of one of its buildings.
Meeder said the library operates under several restrictions because the Wallace building is owned by the Baldwin-Whitehall School District. If the library wants to be open on Sunday or remain open in the evening, a district custodian must be in the building.
"It's long overdue. Not necessarily because it's much larger in space, but it's our own space," Meeder said.
The library's 2015 circulation for books, movies, music, audio and e-books was 52,000. Approximately 13,000 patrons attended the 748 community programs that the library held last year.
The borough, which owns the Leland building, would turn over the facility and immediate grounds to the library. The lower level would continue to be used for public works operations.
The borough-owned community center at Wolfe Drive and Knoedler Road closed in 2015 because of roof damage. Repairing the roof as well as bracing the roof is estimated to cost $300,000.
Built in 1972, the center has a large open room and kitchen on the first floor. Senior citizens and borough organizations once used it for leisure activities and events.
Baldwin's library has been in the Wallace building since the 1980s, and library board members long have discussed moving. The library bought 1.5 acres on Churchview Avenue for $160,000 in 2008, with the intent of building there someday.
Baldwin Borough council gives support to proposed public library, securing state grant is critical
September 20, 2016 – South Hills Record: Jim Spezialetti
Baldwin Borough council members on Tuesday gave their support to a new public library facility at the shuttered Leland Center if Baldwin Borough Public Library officials are able to secure a $500,000 state grant.
Library officials are seeking a grant from the State Library of Pennsylvania's Keystone grant program. If the state approves the application, borough officials agreed to contribute a matching grant of $300,000.
The borough-owned community center at Wolfe Drive and Knoedler Road closed in 2015 because of roof damage. Repairing the roof as well as bracing for the roof is estimated to cost $300,000.
Baldwin's library has been in the Baldwin-Whitehall School District-owned Wallace building since the 1980s, and library board members long have discussed moving the facility. The library bought 1.5 acres on Churchview Avenue for $160,000 in 2008, with the intent of building there someday.
Shuttered Leland Center explored as possible new home for Baldwin Borough Public Library
May 10, 2016 – South Hills Record: Stephanie Hacke
A shuttered community center could be the future home of the Baldwin Borough Public Library.
Borough and library leaders said Tuesday they were hopeful that the Leland Center, a borough-owned facility that closed in the past year due to roof damage, could be used as a stand-alone library.
After several months of conversations, library leaders sent a letter to the borough in late April expressing interest in exploring options for the facility.
"I was pleasantly surprised," borough Manager John Barrett said of the possibility of utilizing the space for the library. "This might be in reach."
Library and borough leaders agreed much still needs to be discussed. Funding is a major part of that, council President Michael Stelmasczyk said.
Borough council members plan to vote Tuesday to determine if the borough will submit a letter of intent to seek matching funds from the State Library of Pennsylvania's Keystone grant program, due March 31. This would be the first step to apply for funds, that the borough must match — possibly with in-kind donations — to help offset costs of renovations needed at Leland Center in order for it to be able to house the library. A final grant application would be due in October.
Barrett presented an artist's rendering and a rough estimate for the project, which DRS architects completed for Baldwin Borough for free. The project, he said, likely would cost between $1.2 and $1.5 million.
"The biggest discussion is going to be, 'How is the library going to pay for their part and how is the borough going to pay for its part?'" Stelmasczyk said. "There's going to have to be a lot that has to be worked out."
The library receives the majority of its funding from Baldwin, with its annual contribution of $185,000. That goes toward operating costs, library director Jenny Worley said.
Members of the board of directors for the Baldwin Borough Public Library, which has been in the Baldwin-Whitehall School District-owned Wallace Building since the 1980s, have long discussed moving the library to its own home.
In 2008, the library purchased 1.5 acres on Churchview Avenue for $160,000, Allegheny County property records show, with the intent of someday building a library there.
A committee of council members and library board members likely will be formed to hash out the next steps, Barrett said.
"There's still a lot to do," library board President Paul Hayhurst said.
New Baldwin Borough library home among options for Leland Center
February 17, 2016 – South Hills Record: Stephanie Hacke
The former community room at Leland Center could be the future home of the Baldwin Borough Public Library or it could be torn down and the lower level kept for public works operations.
Baldwin leaders say they're exploring options for the former community center, located at the intersection of Wolfe Drive and Knoedler Road, once used by senior citizens and borough organizations for leisure activities and events.
Built in 1972, the borough-owned Leland Community Center, with a large open room and kitchen on the first floor, closed to the public last year after it was found that the initial design of the roof was flawed and it needed replacement, council President Michael Stelmasczyk said.
That likely would cost about $350,000, an amount borough leaders said they aren't willing to spend for a building that has no purpose. The bottom floor is used by the borough's public works crews and is needed for its garages to service the southern end of the municipality.
Under one plan, the top floor could be leveled and a small public works storage facility could be constructed in its place at a lower cost than the roof replacement, Stelmasczyk said.
Yet borough leaders want to explore other options for the upper floor and former community room.
"It's always better to look to adaptive reuse of a building rather than taking it down," borough Mana er John Barrett said.
Members of the board of directors for the Baldwin Borough Public Library, which has been located in the Baldwin-Whitehall School District-owned Wallace Building since the 1980s, have long discussed building or moving the library to its own home.
Having its own building would provide Baldwin Borough Public Library with added opportunities, library board President Paul Hayhurst said.
"There's things — like we can't be open on Sundays right now," he said. "If we have our own building, we're not on somebody else's schedule."
Baldwin Borough leaders invited library representatives in to look at the Leland Center as a possible new home — utilizing the first floor.
"Our initial thoughts were that there's a lot of possibilities," Hayhurst said. "Folks were encouraged that the possibility is there."
First, borough and library leaders need to determine if the move is feasible.
Baldwin Council last week agreed to have borough engineer Lennon, Smith and Souleret review the building's floor limits, at a cost of between $400 and $500, to determine if it can handle the weight of the library equipment.
"This is really, really preliminary," Hayhurst said. "This provides us with an option and you never know, 'Hey, it could work.' We're exploring the options. If this one doesn't pan out, we look at the next step."
The next step, then, would be to determine how to pay for the roof repairs, likely seeking grants, Hayhurst told council members last week.
Borough leaders said they are excited about the possibility.
"I see this as a game changer. If we can put a library into that building, then it makes sense to invest some money back into it to get it into shape. I'm 100 percent behind the idea, if it works," councilman Francis Scott said.
At Leland Center, there is room for expansion. Still, the space is larger than the library's current location.
The library operates out of 3,500 square feet at the Wallace Building. There is about 5,000 square feet of operable space at the Leland Center, Hayhurst said.
"It would be great if it could happen," Councilman Kevin Fisher said. "It would give them a home of their own."
Still, library leaders, as they look to get a capital campaign going, must review all aspects, and that includes how they would be able to pay for day-to-day operations, Hayhurst said.
"That's on the mind," he said.
Borough leaders also approached Allegheny County to see if the magisterial district judge for Baldwin and Brentwood, whose lease at the Wallace Building was terminated by the Baldwin-Whitehall School District last week, effective June 30, would be interested in leasing Leland Center, Barrett said. That was an unlikely match, borough leaders said, as the county likely would not foot the bill for repairs to the roof.
South Hills Library join to celebrate diversity
May 8, 2017 – South Hills Record: Jim Spezialetti
The Brentwood, Baldwin and Whitehall libraries are joining forces to celebrate the diverse cultures in the South Hills communities.
With the help of a grant from the Jefferson Regional Foundation, organizers will hold a free program to highlight the various cultures in the neighborhoods.
"We're All Neighbors: A Multicultural Community Celebration is scheduled for May 20 from 4 to 7 p.m. in Brentwood Public Library.
The cultural festival is free and open to the public and will include entertainment, music, food, games and raffle prizes.
Jenny Worley, Baldwin Borough library director, said members of the Allegheny County Library Association meet each month to discuss ways to collaborate on projects. The foundation provided the library association a $163,000 three-year grant to be used by the 10 libraries in the Jefferson Regional service area.
"Residents say they don't know their neighbors anymore," Worley said. "We are seeing a lot more cultures living here."
Attendees will have the chance to learn about the culture and traditions of the nations and ethnic groups that live in the area. Community members can speak with service providers about their roles in support of the local diversity.
Khara Timsina, a member of the local Bhutanese Community Association, has helped with the planning. The Baldwin resident said the event allows residents to meet their neighbors and experience cross-cultural festivities and conversations.
Entertainment performances include Burke-Conroy Irish Dancers, Latino Productions Dance Group, Bhutanese dancers, bagpiper Sarah Giliberto, a multicultural fashion show, and Jemiriye, a Nigerian singer and performer.
The festival also will feature a henna artist, face-painting, a bounce castle and outdoor games. Neighbors also can sample foods from different countries, as well as Pittsburgh favorites.
Worley said residents don't have to be new to the area to attend the event.
"This is meant to be super inclusive," she said.
Click here to read the original article.
Libraries Teaming to Stage Cultural Diversity Event Next Month
April 26, 2017 – Patch.com: Eric Heyl
BALDWIN, PA – The Baldwin, Whitehall and Brentwood public libraries are teaming with the Jefferson Regional Foundation to present a free afternoon of live entertainment, music, food and raffle prizes. The event, "We're All Neighbors: A Multicultural Community Celebration," will occur May 20 at the Brentwood Public Library.
The celebration will spotlight the culture and traditions of various ethnic groups that live in western Pennsylvania and will let area service detail their efforts in supporting local diversity.
Among the organizations participating: United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, South Hills Interfaith Movement, ISAC-Jewish Family & Children's Services, Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council, Baldwin Whitehall School District, Brentwood School District, the Bhutanese Community Association of Pittsburgh, Vibrant Pittsburgh and Hello Neighbor.
"The event (will give) you the opportunity to meet your neighbors and experience cross-cultural festivities and conversations," said Khara Timsina of Baldwin, a Bhutanese Community Association member.
Among those who will be performing at the celebration are the Burke-Conroy Irish Dancers, Latino Productions Dance Group, local Bhutanese dancers, Nigerian singer and performer Jemiriye and bagpiper Sarah Giliberto.
The event also will include a multicultural fashion show .a henna artist, face painting, a bouncy castle, outdoor games and the chance to win door prizes. Attendees also will be also able to sample traditional foods from different nations.
Grant helps Baldwin Borough Public Library teach youngsters about author
December 27, 2016 – South Hills Record: Jim Spezialetti
The holiday art show at Baldwin Borough Public Library showcased the works of elementary school students and celebrated the life of children's author Ezra Jack Keats.
A $500 grant from the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation enabled the Baldwin library to hold a number of programs related to Keats, including the art show. Library youth services coordinator Dolores Colarosa was one of 63 educators from across the country to receive the grant.
Keats' Kids Art Nights were offered once a month in the fall at the library for students in kindergarten through the fifth grade. The grant als enabled the program to educate about 140 second-graders at Paynter Elementary School about Keats and his books, which include "The Snowy Day" and "Peter's Chair."
At the library and school programs, students learned artistic elements represented in Keats' books. They experimented with different types of paints and created artwork about a book.
"It's their interpretation of one of his books through art," Colarosa said.
The artwork was displayed for the public to view Dec. 21. The grant enabled the library staff to purchase supplies needed for the program.
The grant was a way to honor Keats, who would have turned 100 in 2016. He died in 1983.
5 Pittsburgh early childhood educators who can change your family's life
Feb. 1, 2015 – Kidsburgh: Krystia Nora
As the home of Fred Rogers and his timeless Mister Rogers' Neighborhood television series, Pittsburgh has long been devoted to the education of its youngest citizens. And let's face it. As parents, we can use all the help we can get. The familiar African proverb says, "it takes a village to raise a child" and we couldn't agree more.
Luckily, Pittsburgh is home to many men and women who care deeply about educating our kids–even before they head off to elementary school for the first time. These inspired individuals touch our lives everyday through their hard work at museums, libraries and community centers throughout the city.
Over the past few months, Kidsburgh asked hundreds of Pittsburgh parents to name early childhood educators who genuinely impact their families' lives at places that are accessible and affordable. This group of five exceptional women emerged and we are proud to share their stories here.
"I think if you're going to have one skill in your life, reading would be it. It's the basis for everything that you do," says Dolores Colarosa, director of youth services and program coordinator at the Baldwin Borough Public Library. A long-time librarian within the Allegheny County Library Association, Colarosa transferred to Baldwin's library last year. Almost immediately, she created an early literacy program and expanded the Children's Department's book collection dramatically.
Local parent Mary Wilson sees a definite change since Colarosa joined the library. "I think she has helped my kids become more interested in reading. My kids love to read before bedtime and they love coming to the library and checking out new books. It seems like Ms. Dolores has gotten a lot more new books in now and my older son is even trying to start to read."
While Colarosa's professional background is in business and public relations, her inspiration for becoming a librarian was deeply personal. "I'd go to Story Time in Bethel Park with my daughter and I'd be thinking 'I would love for that to be me one day." Years later, she applied and was hired at Bethel Park Library. Although she started by simply checking out books, she was quickly promoted because of her superb storytelling skills and programming savvy.
Her Bouncing Babies and Books class is one creative example of her special knack for connecting young children with books. Colarosa carefully picks one story for each session and then orders 15 additional copies of the book so that caregivers can follow along with their babies as she reads. "Caregivers can cuddle the kids, teach their children to turn pages, point to things together. It's a great way to introduce little kids to the joy of reading and also help them bond with their caregivers."
Baldwin Library program looks to bring book lessons to life
Jan. 1, 2015 – South Hills Record: Donna S. Dreeland
Reading doesn't have to be a solitary experience.
If Dolores Colarosa's Good Reads, Good Deeds Book Club catches on, the entire community will benefit.
Colarosa, children's librarian at Baldwin Borough Public Library, developed a program for children, grades 3 through 6, and their caregivers. Each month through April, after reading a pre-selected book, the group will gather at the library to discuss the book and plan how to carry the lessons learned into the community.
"I thought it important, the way the world is, to talk about being kinder to people," she said.
The Good Reads, Good Deeds club is an expansion of a previous storytime she developed for mothers and daughters. But Good Reads is "all inclusive," open to the entire family.
"I'm always thinking of something that goes beyond what we normally have," she said. "The world is constantly changing."
A Young Readers' edition of the novel "Pay It Forward" will kick off the program. The book suggests that being kind can be a random surprise rather than a payback.
At the group's first meeting, the group will brainstorm about the possibilities of where to go in the community to share kindness.
Director Jenny Worley is pleased with Colarosa's library work.
"She is very good at taking a program to the next level," Worley said, "where it's more than just reading a book."
Colarosa's book selections tell stories about children who are different in some way, such as those with physical deformities or with different learning styles.
"The stories make you think," she said. 'What would it be like in that situation? Could you be friends with them?'"
Ultimately, what the children learn in the library will be taken out into the world.
"The new program is about stepping outside of yourself," Worley said.
That's exactly what happens at the library when teenagers volunteer, either to meet their schools' community service requirements or just for the love of the library, both women said.
The love of reading begins early via storytimes and book clubs.
"This is something I'm trying," Colarosa said of Good Reads. "It's a feel-good, worthwhile program."
The Baldwin Library is Looking for more Friends
June 25, 2014 – South Hills Record: Stephanie Hacke
The Baldwin Borough Public Library has Friends — more than a dozen of them. And it's seeking more.
The Friends of Baldwin Borough Public Library formed during the second half of 2013 with a goal of providing added support to the library.
Now 15 strong, the independent group that meets monthly at the library is looking for more members and new ways to bring in patrons and funds to the community hub.
"We'll take any and all bodies," said Nancy Musser, of Bethel Park, an adult services librarian at Baldwin library, who volunteers as a member of the Friends group.
The idea for a Friends group started under former library director Joyce Chiappetta, who retired in September.
A group of former library board members, patrons and retired community members began meeting in October to discuss bringing new people and money to the library.
The money raised now goes to general operating costs for the library, but someday could be used for a new building, library director Jenny Worley said.
"We want people to come in and see what we're about," Musser said.
The Friends group has organized a flower sale and fundraisers at area restaurants, and is planning to participate in Baldwin Borough's Community Day on Aug. 2.
The group meets in the library program room at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month.
Each member joined for a different reason. Joe Kestner saw the sign in front of St. Albert the Great parish on Churchview Avenue that referred to a "future home" of the Baldwin library.
The 1965 Baldwin High School graduate, who attended ninth grade in the Wallace School building, where the Baldwin library now rents space, said he wanted to be part of plans for a new building for the library.
"I'd like to see a separate building," he said.
Others wanted to help give back to the place they spend their days.
"I read every day," said member Darlene Beward Perrotta, of Whitehall, who visits the Baldwin library daily for Internet access. "I just love libraries… They have a plethora of things."
Fundraisers in the past mainly were organized by the library board of directors, Worley said.
"Now we have two sources of fundraising," she said, noting that library leaders must fight every year to ensure the library maintains funding from the state, Regional Asset District and local leaders.
Members of the Friends will only be asked to do as much as they can. "Make phone calls, maybe cook spaghetti," said member Rosemary Willis, of Baldwin Borough.
Attending every meeting is not a requirement.
"If you can bake, that's good. If you can buy baked goods, that's fine," Musser added. No matter what people can do, the Friends, nearly in unison did agree that: "We need support."
New director breathes new life into Baldwin Library
April 9, 2014 – South Hills Record: Stephanie Hacke
The front doors of the old Wallace School building opened and a little girl burst inside — running as fast as she could ahead of mom and dad.
"Wait, wait, wait," her mom called out. "Are you so, so excited?"
"Yes!" she yelled back as she ran toward the old classroom door.
Children rushed to get inside the Baldwin Borough Public Library program room, located to the rear of the old Wallace School, last Friday morning around 10:30.
"The way that they interact with the children is definitely important," said Jessica Koteles, 25, of Baldwin Borough, as her children, McKenzie, 3, and Kylie, 1, ran ahead of her, dressed from head-to-toe in their bright pink flower patterns, excited to participate in "Preschool Alphabet Train." "I'm a stay-at-home mom, so I try to keep them busy."
There's a lot of excitement at the Baldwin Borough Public Library these days, with new staffers, programs and plans started for future improvements underway.
Under the direction of Jenny Worley, who started in September, the Baldwin library is working with a full staff that includes new children's librarian Dolores Colarosa and technology librarian Pam Richter. They also have expanded their hours to be open on Tuesdays, despite court hearings being held at the magisterial district judge's office located at the entrance of the building.
"The world is opening up to us," Worley said.
PLAY TIME IN BALDWIN
Colarosa wasn't looking for a job when she saw the ad for the opening at the Baldwin library.
The direction the Baldwin library was headed and Worley's plans drew her in.
"She wanted to bring great programs for people of all ages — from babies to adults," said Colarosa, 54, of Bethel Park, who started at the library last month. She previously worked at libraries in Bethel Park, Brentwood and Shaler.
The interview turned into a two-hour conversation. They had parallel visions for what a library should be — a place that offers the most creative programs for all residents, said Colarosa, who took over for Gina Leone when she left to become the director of the Scott Township Library.
Colarosa had kept in touch with families that attended her children's programs at the Brentwood library and their response to her return to the South Hills was positive.
Thirty-three people showed up for the first pre-school program she held.
"I just love it," Colarosa said.
She plans to introduce new programs focused on math, art and music for youngsters and hopes they tell their parents, "We want to go to the library," she said.
One-on-one technology help and monthly e-reader workshops are available at the Baldwin Borough Public Library.
"Really, any kind of technology help, I'll do it," said Richter, 25, of Pittsburgh, who started at the Baldwin library about two months ago and works part-time as the technology librarian.
She helps patrons with technology-related questions, oversees programs of that sort and runs the library's social media accounts.
One-on-one sessions range from 30 to 45 minutes and mostly deal with Microsoft 8, Excel and e-reader questions in recent weeks.
Library leaders are working on a five-year strategic plan for the first time since 2006, Worley said. They recently held community meetings to get resident input.
"We just want to hear everything the community has to say," Worley said.
The plan will include a financial forecast for the library and a vision for the future, based on what residents want, she said.
Smaller changes already are in the works.
"I'm always looking at why we're doing things," Worley said.
When she took over at Baldwin, the library was not open on Tuesdays because court hearings were held that day and the lobby of the Wallace building was crowded with people in the early afternoon hours.
That didn't seem like a reason enough to keep the library closed for an entire day, Worley said. So, she talked with the board and staff who agreed to open the facility on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
"If it makes people uncomfortable, they don't have to come during that time," Worley said. By opening the library, the families of those waiting for a court hearing now will have a place to go.
"I would love for them to come in the library. Why not?" Worley said. "There's a way to work with it and not hide from it."
New director's goal is to make library a 'Baldwin destination'
Oct. 16, 2013 – South Hills Record: Stephanie Hacke
Jenny Worley envisions the Baldwin Borough Public Library as someday being the prime destination for people looking for something to do in the area.
Coffee or tea will be offered to those looking to simply hang out, and new programs will be offered to entice people to come inside.
"I like to try new stuff," Worley said. "I like programs where it's like 'Come and learn how to raise chickens' or 'beekeeping,' things like that."
Worley even envisions a program based around the popular Internet pinning board Pinterest, where library patrons are invited to try creating crafts or food products each month found on the site.
"It's like, 'Make your own soap,'" said Worley, 34.
The new Baldwin Borough library director, who started Sept. 16, is brainstorming ways to get more people into the library, which is nestled in the rear of a rented space in the Wallace School building on Macek Drive. She takes over after Joyce Chiappetta retired last month after six years.
In 2013, the Baldwin Borough public library averaged about 5,300 patrons a month who visited for programs or to check out books, with the highest visitation occurring in the summer, Worley said.
The Moon Township resident graduated from the University of Houston in 2001 with a bachelor's in English and a minor in woman's studies and attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she received her master's in library studies in 2004.
"I had no idea what I wanted to be," Worley said.
She always liked libraries.
When she was in elementary school, her school librarian showed her classmates all the "sad books" — the ones that needed some care. Worley said she felt bad for the books and those were her favorites.
"I really like helping people and in the library you can help people in so many ways," Worley said."There aren't many places where you can do that anymore without asking people for something in return."
After graduation, Worley and her future husband, Mark, moved to Pittsburgh so that he could attend the University of Pittsburgh School of Law.
Worley got a job at the Heinz History Center, where she worked as an administrative assistant for about four years.
Once Mark graduated from law school, the couple moved to Harrisburg. She worked as circulation coordinator in the Dauphin County library system for four years.
The couple moved back to Pittsburgh last year and Worley took a part-time job at the Shaler North Hills library. She worked there in various roles, including the adult and children's services areas, for the last year.
Worley knew nothing about the South Hills when she applied for the director job in Baldwin.
"It's a very strong community," Worley said. "People feel very strongly about where they live."
Baldwin library board members selected Worley from more than 20 applicants, board President Jim Hamel said.
They sought a leader who would help the library continue to become a community center, and serve as a place where people can get help with technology needs. They also wanted someone who would oversee the start of a Friends of the Library group, Hamel has said.
"She's young and vibrant and has great ideas," said Marie Jackson, adult services librarian at Shaler North Hills library who worked with Worley.
Worley helped implement technology programs and develop marketing at Shaler North Hills.
"She is phenomenal. She's brilliant," said Sharon McRae, director of the Shaler North Hills library. "Just a real people person and yet you know she knows her stuff when you talk to her."
Worley said she plans to meet with a variety of people and organizations in Baldwin Borough and as plans continue for a possible new facility for the library, she will be the cheerleader for that, as well.
"I want the library to be a Baldwin destination," Worley said. "My whole vision is for people in this community, when they're looking for things to do, they say, 'Let's go to the library."
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