Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall celebrates 120 years

As anyone who reads the Library & Music Hall’s newsletters, eblasts or my columns in this newspaper knows, I love milestones. I learned last week that the Library & Music Hall will be celebrating its Quasquicentennial (125) as the country celebrates its Semiquincentennial (250) in 2026. Just imagine the programs and celebrations we will have!

The Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall first opened its doors on May 1, 1901. A 120th Anniversary doesn’t have a Latin name – but there is a Yiddish adage, “biz hundert un tzvantsig.” A wish for a long and good life, it colloquially translates to “until one hundred and twenty.” Why? Because Moses lived that long. Seems a milestone anniversary to me …

As we tentatively emerge from these many long months of pandemic living, we are not yet ready to party with a crowd. Soon, though.

Until then, we have terrific news and plenty to celebrate!

The Library & Music Hall has been awarded a $1.25 million state grant to “Complete the Carnegie Carnegie.” We are overwhelmed with pride and gratitude. I have to extend heartfelt thanks to our State Senator Wayne Fontana. A long-time supporter of the Library & Music Hall, his championship undoubtedly helped the Carnegie Carnegie successfully navigate a very competitive statewide field.

What’s left?

• We will finish Library Park! From its inception, Library Park engendered enormous community excitement but was interrupted by a 2018 mudslide. The Park will convert our steep grounds from a barrier to an inviting green space that connects the Library & Music Hall to Main Street below. A “pathway to participation” for ACFL&MH performances and programs, Library Park will help position Carnegie Borough as one of Allegheny County’s destination communities.

• Our once waterlogged gym is now the Studio. It is a venue for art shows, symposia, job fairs, training, poetry readings; an alternative performance space with a club vibe; and an increasingly popular place for weddings, milestone birthdays and reunions. Technical upgrades and finalizing code requirements will greatly enhance the Studio’s versatility and popularity.

• As will connecting it to the Mezzanine. A partial floor between the Library and Studio levels, and the only unimproved space in the building, the Mezzanine will become small meeting rooms. Some programs work better in an intimate setting or deserve privacy. These include tutoring, tax help, teen and senior activities, supervised visits, testing and cooking classes.

• Already valued by performers and audiences alike for its acoustics and ambiance, the Music Hall will emerge as one of the region’s sought-after performance venues. Restoring water-ravaged plaster and artful painting will bring out the Hall’s beautiful bone structure and complement the already grand proscenium. New house lighting and rewiring will enhance both safety and aesthetics. Upgrades to sound and lighting systems will align the Music Hall with professional industry standards. Most impactful, air conditioning will make the Hall a year-round venue.

But we have work to do. Our state grant requires a dollar-for-dollar match to release it.

Foundations are stepping up. However, the Carnegie Carnegie began its transformation from moribund to magical thanks to extraordinary community generosity. Eighteen years ago, we embarked upon this remarkable journey together. It’s been a wonderful ride. With your continued support, we will reach our destination: the fully restored, revitalized and sustainable Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall.

This last leg is a steep one, but we are so close. Please contact me at 412-276-3456, x. 8 or forbes.mj@gmail.com with questions about memorial or honor gifts, pledges, ideas or just to check on our progress.

Take a look at our 120th Anniversary video at www.CarnegieCarnegie.org. The Library & Music Hall has a great story to share!

Maggie Forbes is the executive director of the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall.