Carnegie Carnegie: Have a question? Call a librarian
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It was Friday the 13th when Pennsylvania’s Office of Commonwealth Libraries ordered public libraries statewide to close their doors. Ironically, the same qualities that make libraries such powerful spaces in their communities – their welcoming nature, their mission of service and equal access to shared resources – now made them danger zones for the spread of covid-19.
For me, the timing was surreal. I was preparing to step in as the new library director of the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall, but my plans were thrown into the same confusion that most of the world was experiencing as the pandemic took hold. I knew that the Carnegie Carnegie was beloved by its community — a haven for kids, adults, and seniors. How could I manage a public library that was closed to the public?
Public libraries have spent decades rethinking the ways we serve our communities. In the online era, fewer people rely on their librarian to answer straightforward questions – world capitals, chief exports, and the like. Instead, libraries have reconsidered what lies at the core of our mission: facilitating lifelong learning opportunities, providing free access to information and cultural experiences, offering expertise in information literacy and bringing our communities together. When we think about a library this way, we realize that it’s about so much more than the shelves of books. If the Carnegie Carnegie wanted to be here for our community in a time of crisis, we needed to rethink business as usual.
Librarians are experts in information literacy. We know how and where to find information, and we can help you navigate and understand a confusing information landscape. Looking for up-to-date info on free wireless hotspots in Carnegie? Need to know whether to believe a rumor you’ve heard about covid-19? Or do you have a question about your stimulus relief check? Call a librarian! We’re answering our phones from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and we want to help connect you with the information you need. You can reach us at 412-276-3456.
We recognize that parents face a special challenge right now. With schools and parks closed, kids are losing much of the consistent structure in their days. To help out, our wonderful youth services coordinator, JoLynne Dougherty, is streaming story times three times a week through Facebook Live. Tune in at www.facebook.com/CarnegieCarnegie on at 7 p.m. Mondays for family story time; 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays for Babies and Books; and 1 p.m. Thursdays for preschool story time.
You can also join us at 1 p.m. April 25 on Facebook Live for a live-streamed Civil War lecture, “The Nation Shall Live and Slavery Shall Die: The Presidential Election of 1864,” presented by Codie Eash of Seminary Ridge Museum in Gettysburg. And follow us on Facebook for news about more online programs for kids and adults.
Just because our doors are closed, that doesn’t mean you can’t check out library materials! Visit our website at www.carnegiecarnegie.org/library or call us to learn how to stream free library ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, comics, movies, TV, and music directly to your phone or tablet. With thousands of titles available, we have great free digital content for everyone.
I could not be more eager to welcome you all back through our library’s doors. Until that time comes, we will never stop striving to fulfill our goals of supporting and connecting with our community. Stay safe, Carnegie — your library misses you.
Walker Evans is the new library director at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall.