“We’re able to make a difference because of you.”
Those were the words of Monroeville Public Library Director Nicole Henline during a 60th birthday party for the institution this month, thanking the community members for their continued support.
Mayor Nick Gresock presented the library with a proclamation and declared Nov. 2 as “Monroeville Public Library Day”.
State Rep. Brandon Markosek delivered a citation to the library, which is “given to those who go the extra step.”
The celebration was hosted by the library’s friends group, and included free bookmarks courtesy of Calligraphy Guild Pittsburgh, and information booth for the Monroeville Historical Society, Caricatures by Jack, face painting with Faces by Christina and crafts for kids.
“The Friends are thrilled to be hosting the 60th birthday celebration,” President Diane Lindsey said. “Like a community center, it has evolved according to the needs of the community.”
Art donation
Pittsburgh native and award-winning artist Larry Brandstetter used his signature whimsical style to create an original piece for the library’s big day. Brandstetter wanted to honor the special place the library has had in the heart of the community for the past 60 years.
“Larry’s drawing displays that the modern library is more than just books. It is all things to everyone,” Gallery Space manager Linda Reese said.
Brandstetter – a 1972 graduate of Ivy School of Professional Art – has been bringing his artwork through the library for decades. He held his first exhibit there in 1971, and his most recent show, “You Had Me at Woof ,” was in 2019.
“I call it doodling … pulling things out of my head, to create what comes to mind. Free association is my favorite way to stumble upon the imagination that is boundless,” Brandstetter said. “Unusual combinations lead to strong results. My collages reflect the imaginative style of my drawings.”
Brandstetter is a member of the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Society of Artists, Latrobe Art Center, North Hills Art Center, East Suburban Artist League, Cranberry Artist’s Network and Erie Art Museum.
“He demonstrates in such an enchanting way that the enjoyment of the library bursts through the doors with many activities outside the building, such as summer story hours, Fun Fest, musical concerts and more,” Lindsey added. “We can’t thank Larry enough for translating his love of the library and the community into such a magical piece of art.”
Community commitment
In 1960, Maude Malick and Gladys Bernstein formed the Monroeville Citizens Committee for Library Service, whose members acknowledged the need for a local library. In October, the Monroeville council passed an ordinance stating that, if the citizens provided land and raised money to build it, the library would be supported with local tax funds.
A library board was formed with Malick as president. With support from Dr. Richard Oriani, the board spearheaded the planning, development and fundraising for the first public library. They raised $109,000 - 1,300 families raised $78,000 and the remaining funds came from businesses .
Community book drives helped fill the shelves, while U.S. Steel Foundation Inc. donated the entire basic collection of science and technology books.
On Nov. 3, 1964, the two-story library opened its doors to the public. The building included a young adult collection, reference section and reading areas on the upper level, and a children’s room on the lower level.
The library has evolved over the years to include a movie and music section, computers and teen collection.
“From the beginning, the mission of Monroeville Public Library has been to serve our community,” Henline said. “We’ve always worked to provide access – whether it’s to connect our patrons to internet service, to literacy programs, to tools in our Maker Lab, to music concerts and art programs – and, of course, to books.
“Most of all, we strive to help our community connect to each other. We’re looking forward to another 60 years of serving our community and encouraging everyone to find new ways to connect, discover and imagine.”