The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh is reaching out to the community for suggestions on a five-year plan for the library by holding the second in a series of workshops to help frame the path for the future.
More than 150 community leaders and residents participated in the first round of strategic planning discussions in February and March, which focused on four core areas: "The Library in the City," "The Future of Libraries," "Library Funding and Fundraising," and "Connecting with our Community."
Based on that input, the Carnegie Library began to formulate the plan for the next five years. Participants in the May 7 community workshop will be asked their opinion on five "vision elements": "Within the Library Walls"; "The Library in Your Neighborhood, Community and Schools"; "Library Funding and Fundraising," and "Connecting with our Community."
This workshop will be held at the main Oakland location Monday, May 7 from 6:30-8:30 PM and is open to all ages.
Library spokeswoman Suzanne Thinnes says having the community input on the future of the CLP is very important.
"We want to make sure we have all input — whether that's the community, staff, the board — and that they all come together to really set the direction for the library," Thinnes said.
She said the final plan will greatly affect a large number of people.
"We have more than 3 million visitors that come through the library doors each year, and that doesn't include people who use our library solely on our website, and since everyone uses the library a little differently, we really need everyone to come together and tell us how they use the library and and what they would like to see from us for the future," said Thinnes.
Public input on the strategic plan may be provided at the May 7 workshop, in person at any Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh location or through the Carnegie Library's website. Comments received by May 31 will be included in a summary, which will be posted on the library's website in mid-June.