Serendipitous encounters at the Carnegie Carnegie

I am delighted that the Signal Item, the “longest continually running weekly West of the Alleghenies,” is back in print. In a Zoom call with the Item’s new editor, Katie Green, I was further delighted that she invited the Library & Music Hall to resume its bi-weekly column.

I wrote my last column for the March 26 issue. It was a slapdash affair. ACFL&MH copy is due eight days before publication. On March 18, we were still absorbing the news the Office of Commonwealth Libraries had ordered all Pennsylvania library buildings closed. I had no words of wisdom to offer. For five long months, we have all been living with the numbing realities of the coronavirus, which apropos of the time, quickly pivoted to covid-19.

My love affair with the Carnegie Carnegie’s grand facility began 17 years ago. It is beautiful! However, never have I been more grateful for its space than now. Unlike most libraries in Allegheny County, we were able to reopen our doors on July 13. The library’s wide, open spaces – and hard work – enabled staff to put in to practice protocols to best ensure patron and staff safety: distancing computers; developing safe traffic patterns; quarantining of library materials, etc. While most programs remain virtual, basic library services have resumed. I don’t know who’s happier – patrons or staff! I am quietly proud.

No one likes wearing a mask. However, masks, along with shirts and shoes, are now part of ACFL&MH’s dress code. You don’t need a library card to visit, but you do need a mask – we have masks available for patrons who need one. Happily, patrons understand and readily comply.

I set aside remote work in June, and have resumed habits formed decades ago when my daughters were in daycare. I arrive late and leave late, avoiding rush hour coming and going. And, I enjoy serendipitous after-hours encounters with community members. As I deadhead the petunias in our planters, I chat with patrons sitting on the steps and taking advantage of the library’s expansive Wi-Fi service.

One Friday evening, I met a couple eating ice cream cones from Scoops, while sitting on the mosaic mural. They didn’t live in Carnegie, though the man worked nearby. He told me: “I just love the view overlooking Carnegie from up here!”

One family – mom, dad, pre-schooler and dog – said they had come to the Library & Music Hall for after supper walks, almost every evening since March. On a recent evening, expectant parents who were new to Carnegie told me the Library & Music Hall was one of their favorite places. They sheepishly admitted they did not yet have library cards. I advised them of all they were missing, but assured them they were free to continue their evening strolls.

I just submitted another proposal for funding to finally finish Library Park. It repeatedly demonstrates its allure. Send positive thoughts our way!

Perhaps my favorite encounters have been with the young children who have taken up Miss JoLynne’s virtual storytime invitation to try her sidewalk obstacle course. I had watched Ms. JoLynne, sitting on the sidewalk in the heat, first sketching out the course in chalk, then topping it with a special, washable tempera paint mixture. (She didn’t want the first thunderstorm to wash away her efforts; I didn’t want them to last forever …)

I was impressed but wondered how the activity would go over. I shouldn’t have. Children hop, jump, spin, twirl, count, meow, bark, soar like an eagle and shout out their favorite book, before taking a grinning bow. Parents tell me their children ask to come back over and over. Seeing the sidewalk obstacle course on Facebook, other libraries have asked if they can copy Ms. JoLynne’s idea.

Of course they can – libraries are in the sharing business. Chances are, however, that other libraries won’t offer their patrons as wonderful a view as at the Carnegie Carnegie!

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