Millvale is now one step closer to having its first-ever community library.
Pfaffmann + Associates, architects for the Millvale library, submitted construction documents in March, and in mid-May, Millvale Library Project received code clearance to begin construction.
The movement to create Millvale's first library started in 2007. It is spearheaded by Millvale resident Brian Wolovich and New Sun Rising, a nonprofit organization Wolovich helped create after Hurricane Katrina that helps launch grassroots projects in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
The library project is supported by the Grable Foundation, Pittsburgh Foundation, Laurel Foundation, Sprout Fund, Give water, Pittsburgh Cares and a number of local churches, businesses, schools and individuals.
Starting in the summer of 2008, Wolovich -- a sixth grader teacher at Quaker Valley Middle School -- hosted a library summer program for about 300 local children at the Millvale Community Center, using volunteers and donated furnishing, computers and about 3,000 books for children and adults. The community kept the makeshift library running through December 2009, when Wolovich decided to shutter that short-term goal and focus on the ultimate goal: Getting the library up and running in its own independent space.
At the time, Wolovich and a core group of about 20 volunteer focused their efforts on purchasing and renovating a property in Millvale's business district -- 209-213 Grant Ave. The price was right, Wolovitch says, and it has something the organizers were looking for -- outside space for gardening.
Through the property construction was just approved, volunteers have been working on the garden for some time. Fruit trees have been provided by Soergel Orchards; five raised garden beds are currently being tended by community members; and students from Shaler Area High School have been working on creating a wetlands area.
The property also has space for residential (one apartment is already rented out and generating profit), and for a coffee shop down the line, which will provide additional income for the library. The library is also installing the infrastructure now to install solar panels on the roof in the future.
The circa 1870-building has been totally gutted, and is in the process of being reinforced so that the structure can support the weight of the 3,000 books, which are currently in storage. Wolovich says that completion of the project depends entirely on funding, but could happen as soon as the end of 2011.
"We'd like to do creative fundraising and share the partnership between the private and public sectors," says Wolovich. "The future for libraries and nonprofits in general is changing, and libraries need to change to reflect the changing needs of society."
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Writer: Caralyn Green
Source: Brian Wolovich
Image courtesy of Millvale Library Project