Revival
In the early ’90s it was considered revo-
lutionary to connect libraries via rebuilt fax
machines. Today, all 73 service locations
across the county are connected through
a 10Gbps fiber ring supporting 3,500
networked devices, a shared operating
system, high-speed internet and universal
Wi-Fi. There is a centralized automated
sorting system for movement of materi-
als, self-check options, and access
to downloadable books, videos
and audios for all residents. ACLA
libraries freely share their resources
countywide across municipal
boundaries.
ACLA libraries are at the
epicenter of shifts in ed-
ucation and workforce
development. Today
you’ll find STEM
programs, Maker Space
centers, media labs, tech
clinics, parenting workshops, kindergarten
readiness classes, coding workshops, self-
publishing support, and countless other
opportunities. Libraries help prepare students
for first-time job success, assist job seekers
with resumes and placement, provide basic
skills training and support small business
development.
While it’s important to celebrate the suc-
cess during the last 25 years, ACLA and its
member libraries will continue to face chal-
lenges as we move into the future. Constant
changes in technology, pressure on the ARAD
to fund a wider range of assets, the growing
demands of residents for current information
and new formats and the continued need to
diversify library funding are just a few of the
issues that remain. However, now libraries are
building on the strong foundation of county-
wide cooperation that has been established.
I encourage everyone to stop by and
experience what your local library has to
offer. Whether you are looking for reading
materials, children’s programs, job placement
support, or even a place to get away, visit any
local library or go to www.aclalibraries.org to
find out more. n
By Marilyn Jenkins, Executive Director, Allegheny
County Library Association
Chartiers Valley | Summer 2017 | icmags.com 39