Allegheny County Library Association

Allegheny County Library Association is a non-profit organization that provides library services to the residents of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, in partnership with Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Library Association, and American Library Association. The association aims to promote literacy, lifelong learning, and community engagement through its member libraries, which include Baldwin Borough Public Library, Bethel Park Public Library, and Braddock Carnegie Library. With the support of Institute of Museum and Library Services, National Endowment for the Arts, and Pennsylvania Department of Education, the association has been able to expand its services and programs, including Summer Reading Program, Author Series, and Career Counseling. The association also collaborates with University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, and Community College of Allegheny County to provide access to resources and expertise.

● History

The history of the association dates back to 1995, when it was established as a result of the efforts of Andrew Carnegie, Mary Schenley, and other philanthropists who recognized the importance of libraries in promoting education and community development. Over the years, the association has grown and evolved, with the support of organizations such as Ford Foundation, Gates Foundation, and Knight Foundation. The association has also been influenced by the work of Melvil Dewey, S.R. Ranganathan, and other pioneers in the field of library science, who have shaped the way libraries are organized and managed. Today, the association is a member of Pennsylvania Library Association, American Library Association, and Urban Libraries Council, and works closely with Pittsburgh City Council, Allegheny County Council, and other government agencies to promote literacy and lifelong learning.

● Organization

The association is governed by a board of directors, which includes representatives from Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Library Association, and other member libraries, such as Monroeville Public Library, Mount Lebanon Public Library, and North Versailles Township Library. The board is responsible for setting the overall direction and strategy for the association, with the support of Allegheny Conference on Community Development, Pittsburgh Regional Alliance, and other community organizations. The association also has a number of committees, including the Literacy Committee, Youth Services Committee, and Technology Committee, which are responsible for planning and implementing programs and services, in partnership with Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Girl Scouts of the USA, and Boy Scouts of America. The association's staff includes librarians, program managers, and support staff, who work together to provide excellent service to the community, with the support of University of Pittsburgh School of Information Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University School of Computer Science, and other institutions.

● Member Libraries

The association has 46 member libraries, including Baldwin Borough Public Library, Bethel Park Public Library, Braddock Carnegie Library, and Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. These libraries serve a diverse population of over 1.2 million people, with a wide range of programs and services, including Children's Museum of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, and Senator John Heinz History Center. The member libraries also participate in the Access PA database, which provides access to a wide range of resources and materials, including JSTOR, EBSCO, and ProQuest. The association works closely with its member libraries to provide training and support, with the help of Online Computer Library Center, Library of Congress, and other organizations.

● Services

The association provides a wide range of services to its member libraries and the community, including Interlibrary Loan, Reference Services, and Programs for Children and Teens. The association also offers Career Counseling, Test Preparation, and Small Business Resources, in partnership with CareerBuilder, Kaplan, and Small Business Administration. The association's Summer Reading Program is a popular program that encourages children and teens to read during the summer months, with the support of Scholastic, Penguin Random House, and other publishers. The association also provides Accessibility Services, including Audio Books and Large Print Materials, with the help of National Federation of the Blind, American Foundation for the Blind, and other organizations.

● Governance

The association is governed by a board of directors, which is responsible for setting the overall direction and strategy for the organization. The board includes representatives from Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Library Association, and other member libraries, such as Monroeville Public Library, Mount Lebanon Public Library, and North Versailles Township Library. The association also has a number of committees, including the Finance Committee, Personnel Committee, and Strategic Planning Committee, which are responsible for overseeing the association's finances, personnel, and strategic planning, with the support of Allegheny County Controller, Pittsburgh City Controller, and other government agencies. The association is a member of American Library Association, Urban Libraries Council, and Pennsylvania Library Association, and works closely with Pittsburgh City Council, Allegheny County Council, and other government agencies to promote literacy and lifelong learning. Category:Libraries in Pennsylvania