Courtesy of Tusick & Associates Architects , Inc .
The last year has been eventful for the Dormont Library and there are more changes on the horizon . This summer , repairs to the library ’ s front façade and entry are being completed in order to fix damage that occurred last year when a vehicle struck the building . Fortunately , the library was closed at the time of the crash so no one was injured . “ We were very grateful for that ,” director Cindy D ’ Agostino says .
It took several months to complete insurance paperwork , contact an architect and hire a contractor . The repairs began in June and are set to be completed by early August . The repairs cost about $ 85,000 and the library has remained open throughout the construction . The work is occurring during the summer reading program , which is one of the library ’ s busiest times . D ’ Agostino says the construction workers , from Advanced Builders Inc ., are very conscientious and try to minimize noise as much as possible .
“ We have adapted ,” she says .
Instead of just repairing the damage , the library decided to improve the entryway by adding new automatic doors to make the building more accessible . The existing doors were too narrow so the old windows damaged in the crash will be replaced with a new entryway . The library received a $ 12,000 community development block grant to make the changes .
“ This will allow patrons to enter and exit more freely ,” D ’ Agostino says .
Later this year , improvements will also be made to the building ’ s rear entrance and the alley behind the library . When the library was built in 1962 , a large mound of fill was left behind the building .
“ Each year the dirt erodes and the area is less structurally sound ,” D ’ Agostino explains .
The library received a $ 250,000 grant from the Allegheny County Redevelopment Authority to build a retaining wall to shore up the alley behind the library . Plans also call for building a handicapped-accessible ramp at the library ’ s rear emergency exit . An environmental study is being conducted and D ’ Agostino says she hopes work will begin later this year . The project will cost about $ 300,000 and the library will pay for the $ 50,000 not covered by the grant . D ’ Agostino notes that State Senator Wayne Fontana helped the library secure the grant .
“ Without Senator Fontana I don ’ t think it would have come together ,” she says .
While the current building is from the 1960s , the library was founded in 1936 and will celebrate its 80th anniversary later this year . D ’ Agostino says she hopes all the repairs will be completed in time for a ribbon-cutting ceremony during the celebration . Because the Dormont Library offers a variety of programming for children and adults , it has become more of a community center .
“ We have a lot to offer here and we are glad to see people using our resources ,” D ’ Agostino says . “ This is a lot of progress for the betterment of the library .” n
Keystone Oaks | Fall 2016 | icmags . com 19