Long-awaited renovations to the Carnegie Library of Swissvale are finally underway.
Though work has already started, the library celebrated the milestone with a formal groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, September 19. Library Director Kate Coluccio, PhD, hosted the ceremony and welcomed distinguished guests and community members for the occasion.
The ceremony marked the official start of the renovation, repair, and modernization of the library. The primary goal of the project is to enhance the accessibility inside and outside of the library for all residents.
Dr. Coluccio welcomed Pennsylvania State Senator Jay Costa and Pennsylvania State Representative Abigail Salisbury, who helped secure funding for the project. Several other contributors offered their congratulations and praise for Dr. Coluccio's work to shepherd the renovations across the finish line, including representatives from construction project manager Stonemile Group, LLC and the Allegheny Regional Asset District. Woodland Hills School District Board of Directors President Terri Lawson and Assistant to the Superintendent for Curriculum Dr. Eddie Willson also shared a few words, as did Swissvale Mayor Deneen Swartzwelder and Rankin Mayor Joelisa McDonald.
The renovation project will be completed in two phases, largely divided into exterior and interior projects. Phase 1 has begun and includes a roof replacement, new steps, brick pointing and cleaning, replacement of sanitary and storm lines, and ramp installation for access onto the yard. Phase 2 is slated to begin in the Spring of 2026.
Financial assistance for the library’s renovation has been provided by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Honorable Josh Shapiro, Governor; the Allegheny Regional Asset District’s Transformative Community Library Fund; the Broadband Development Authority through the Federal Department of Treasury, under the administration of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; the Swissvale Borough; the Allegheny Foundation; the Jack Buncher Foundation; the Massey Charitable Trust; residents of Swissvale and Rankin; and other library users.
The Carnegie Free Library of Swissvale is the source for community connection, education and entertainment. Swissvale Library opened for business on February 4, 1918, and is one of 19 libraries that Andrew Carnegie built in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. It has been serving the public for over 100 years and it is preparing for many more years of service to come.
The library hosts a variety of community programs and events for community members of all ages. Visit https://swissvalelibrary.org/ to learn more and to sign up for our weekly newsletter.
The library is owned and operated by the Woodland Hills School District through a partnership that dates back to the library's previous arrangement with the Swissvale School District. When Swissvale merged with Churchill, Edgewood, General Braddock, and Turtle Creek School Districts to form the Woodland Hills School District in 1981, the library was included as part of the process.
Woodland Hills was the first public school district in Allegheny County to create a Library Cards for All program through the Allegheny County Library Association, which gives all Woodland Hills students full access to all libraries in the country, including the Carnegie Free Library of Swissvale.