Cooper-Siegel, Sharpsburg libraries get $80,000 computer upgrade through Allegheny Regional Asset District

New computers at Cooper-Siegel Community Library and its branch site in Sharpsburg are expected to provide a smoother experience for patrons.

The project also will provide a boost to the library budget because the computers were upgraded for free.

The purchase by the Allegheny Regional Asset District was part of a $3.1 million grant announced last month.

It will save Cooper-Siegel $80,000, or about $16,000 for each of the next five years.

“The new computers will have the latest version of the Windows 11 operating system and Microsoft Office Suite applications,” Executive Director Jill McConnell said.

“These versions have new features and improvements that will make patrons’ computing experience smoother, more intuitive and more efficient.”

Savings will go toward e-books and audiobooks that the library provides through Overdrive’s Libby app, McConnell said.

Both branches were closed for a short time April 30 while the computers were installed.

The RAD investment was used to purchase more than 2,400 Lenovo computers that will replace out-of-date PCs with upgraded models at every library currently funded by RAD, including Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh branches and libraries within the Allegheny County Library Association.

Cooper-Siegel serves a population of nearly 29,000 people who live in the communities of the Fox Chapel Area School District.

It has a collection of about 71,600 items.

The Regional Asset District is the largest funder of libraries in the region. New computers are part of a $40.3 million allocation to libraries this year.

Board Chair Dan Griffin said the group is excited that the quality of each of the new computers will be the same at each branch, which he called a perfect example of technology equity.

“Funding projects that further equity in Allegheny County is in our DNA,” Griffin said.

Whether patrons visit Sharpsburg or the South Side, Homestead or Homewood, they all will have state-of-the-art technology, Griffin said.

“Libraries are one of our region’s most valuable assets and play an important role in fostering literacy, enabling exploration and creating connections with all of our neighbors,” said Andrew Medlar, president and director of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. “This investment from RAD will help remove the barriers to emerging technology, connectivity and digital skills that so many residents in our community face. In addition, RAD’s support will help us be responsive to the ever-changing needs of our community through engaging programs, new materials and dynamic spaces.”

Before the pandemic, computers were upgraded every three years, McConnell said. At that time, the library paid the full cost.

Effects of the pandemic pushed eiNetwork past its typical rolling schedule of replacement, and the new PCs come as welcome news after computers have been extended beyond their useful life.

“This is a major project that will impact every member library and community in Allegheny County,” said Carlos Correa, executive director at eiNetwork. “The benefit of this generous RAD grant extends beyond simply paying for the replacement and upgrade of the library equipment. It frees up budget dollars for each library to enhance the services and outreach to their communities.”