Wednesday, February 13, 2002 - Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representative Mike Doyle (PA-18) announced that he was successful in securing $235,000 in federal funding for the Penn Hills Public Library to purchase library materials as well as to expand the public's access through technological upgrades.

"The library serves as an important institution for all members of our community," stated Rep. Doyle. "I was pleased to be able to provide the necessary federal support that will enable the Penn Hills Public Library to expand their services to library patrons of all ages."

The Penn Hills Public Library is one of the six major suburban libraries in Allegheny County and serves the second largest population. Despite that fact, it currently only has the third largest collection. Like many libraries, the Penn Hills Public Library continues to serve as the informational and cultural cornerstone for the residents of Penn Hills. In order to fulfill its institutional responsibilities and meet the emerging needs of the community, the Library's existing collection must be updated and expanded.

"This is great news for the library as well as the entire Municipality of Penn Hills," stated Ed Mandell, Library Director for the Penn Hills Public Library. "I would like to thank Congressman Doyle for helping us to create a better public library for the people we serve. These federal funds will provide us the assistance we need to achieve our renovation goals."

The Penn Hills Public Library was built in 1971 and has not been renovated in its 30 years of service. Due to mine subsidence problems coupled with the finding of a 1997 needs-study, which demonstrated the Library's need for an additional 20,000 square feet of space, the Library is in the process of being relocated to the corner of Stotler and Saltzburg Roads. While the new location presents a host of opportunities, it will also pose a few challenges in terms of adapting the library's current technology and outreach efforts to meet the needs of the community, especially with the library and the Penn Hills Public School District embarking on a wireless collaboration.

"The new location of the library will provide a great benefit to the entire community," Rep. Doyle said. "Not only will it offer an extraordinary opportunity for the library to expand its resources and community outreach programs, but the new building will improve upon the existing building's technology capabilities and will ultimately be able to reach out to more individuals."

Rep. Doyle obtained the funding for the Penn Hills Public Library through the Fiscal Year 2002 U.S. Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations.

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