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Last Updated: 9/24/03

History of the Sharpsburg Branch of
Lauri Ann West Memorial Library

Lauri Ann West Memorial Library-Sharpsburg (LAW-Sharpsburg) opened at the Sharpsburg Center for Children and Families in July 1996 as a means of providing service to the residents of Sharpsburg. Sharpsburg residents traditionally had not used LAW-O'Hara as is notaccessible through public transportation.

The Sharpsburg Library project came to fruition through a three year grant from the Allegheny County Library Association (ACLA)and the generosity of the Fox Chapel Area School District (FCASD), who provide space for $1 per year. In addition, the FCASD provided nine Macintosh Power PCs with software and maintenance at no cost.

Children of Sharpsburg, who may not have access to computers in their home, could come to the Library to use the computers. In addition,the preschools in the building were encouraged to bring their classes over to use the facilities. The idea has been successful. Library statistics show a steady increase in attendance, computer usage, and circulation.

In 1997, FCASD allowed the Library, which was busting at the seams, to expand into a vacant room adjacent to the existing Library space. With the expansion, LAW-Sharpsburg grew to over 2,600 square feet.

In 1999, many improvements occurred. The completion of the joint project between LAW-O'Hara, the Electronic Information Network (EIN), and FCASD to provide access for patrons to the county-wide online catalogs, databases, and Internet. FCASD was awarded a Link-to-Learn Grant, which facilitated the installation of telecommunication lines. The wiring was installed on April 1999.

In addition, the EIN was awarded a PEN/Connect grant from the Commonwealth Libraries to purchase computer equipment to be used in providing public access to the Internet at LAW-Sharpsburg. These two grants have allowed LAW-Sharpsburg to offer the same of level of service to its patrons as the LAW-O'Hara patrons.

FCASD and EIN, through the PEN/Connect grant, purchased fifteen computers (5 IMacs, 5 PCs, 5 thin clients). Also, two Internet accessible computers have been placed in the New Image Senior Center, which is located on the ground floor of the Sharpsburg Center for Children and Families, allowing senior citizens easier access to the Library catalog, online databases, and the Internet. This project was completed in September 1999.

In the late spring of 1999, grant monies were awarded by PPG Industries Foundation, Milton G. Hulme Charitable Foundation, and Mine Safety Appliances Company Charitable Foundation to fund the installation of air conditioning for LAW-Sharpsburg. Air conditioning was deemed critical for the safe and effective use of the Library. This project was completed in August 1999.

As evidenced through Library usage and an increase in Borough financial support, LAW-Sharpsburg is very much appreciated by the residents and the Borough Council.

Opening and expanding LAW-Sharpsburg has been an innovative project bringing together several community agencies in a joint effort to meet a common goal: providing service to our consituents. If the first three years are to be an indication, the coming years promise to be an exciting time of growth and opportunity for everyone involved.