Andrew Carnegie Free Library's new director started during the pandemic

Walker Evans was ready to step into his new role as director of the Andrew Carnegie Free Library when, on March 13, libraries were ordered to close. Ten days later, the state’s stay-at-home order was put in place.

“It’s certainly a unique situation,” said Evans. “I was eager to start, but the pandemic clearly affected libraries.”

The doors to the “Carnegie Carnegie” were closed to patrons, and, like many, Evans had no choice but to work from home. The difference was he hadn’t yet worked from his place of employment. Luckily, his coworkers knew the library inside and out.

“The staff is incredibly adaptable and trying to come up with creative ways to connect with the community. They know the community so well, and they extended that welcoming spirit to me,” he said.

Evans is from Southcentral Pennsylvania and moved to the area with his wife, Kelly, who is from the region. He previously worked for Upper St. Clair library, but this is his first director role.

Libraries were part of Evans’ childhood, and he always has recognized their value.

“The biggest thing I want to tackle coming into the job is building and strengthening community partnerships. We need to strengthen the fabric of the community and watch out for more vulnerable community members,” he said.

While the pandemic has changed the typical workday for many, Evans said it also has provided an opportunity for people to come together.

“The best way forward for us is to work really hard to build relationships,” he said, “and to help the people of Carnegie come out of this stronger.”

Maggie Forbes, executive director of the library and music hall, said while the circumstances for Evans weren’t ideal, the library was lucky to have him during the shutdown.

“To pivot and continue library services remotely— answering phones, supplying information, staff webinars — he’s our tech guru. The time for technical knowledge was when we were working remotely, and his expertise was invaluable,” Forbes said. “If we had closed without him at helm, I don’t know how we would have regrouped.”

With the library reopening July 13, Evans and his staff were able to adapt the large space to accommodate patrons. He and Forbes said the process has gone smoothly, with staff and patrons working together to stay safe and continue operations.

“Walker has been a master at getting all the information and guidelines and adapting them to our facility,” Forbes said. “It’s been wonderful.”

Walker is thankful to finally be working in the library and getting to know the community.

“It’s a delight to finally meet our patrons. I’m looking forward to continuing to connect with them and get to know them,” Evans said. “People are visiting to browse the collection, use public computers, read newspapers and chat with our staff.”

The library continues to offer curbside pickup and has launched several programs, including one-on-one technology help appointments, available Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Other programs include a new adult book club, Grab & Go Craft kits for kids that include simple STEAM crafts, and a chapter book storytime at 2 p.m. on Wednesdays.

For library information, visit carnegiecarnegie.org/.