Growing demand prompts $2.5M expansion at Cooper-Siegel Community Library in Fox Chapel

Books are still the star of the show at Cooper-Siegel Community Library in Fox Chapel, but the space draws a growing number of people for classes, programs and lending of nontraditional items.

“Although the library offers a place for people and small groups to work or study in quiet, patrons are looking for 3D printers, robotics and digital equipment in a makerspace where creators of all ages can learn new skills for fun, school and work,” Executive Director Jill McConnell said.

Growing demand will be met with a $2.5 million expansion at the site along Fox Chapel Road.

Officials launched a public campaign last month to fund the project, which includes renovation of an unfinished, 6,500-square-foot portion of the lower level.

Work will address the community’s growing need for small and large rooms for individual and group studying, working or meeting, and for more library programs as well, McConnell said.

Construction is eyed for 2025.

Nearly $1 million has been secured.

The board is hoping the community comes up with $750,000 toward the work, said Steve Lackey, board chair and capital campaign co-chair. Members plan to apply for a matching grant in the fall through the state’s Keystone Recreation, Park & Conservation Fund.

“The library is a tremendous community asset, and it takes all of us to keep the library strong and thriving,” said Jim Mitnick, an advisory board member.

Cooper-Siegel opened in 2011 and serves a population of about 29,000 people who live in the Fox Chapel Area School District.

Plenty of people still stop by the Federalist-style building to turn pages in the garden or by the fireplace, but post-pandemic use has seen a rise in computer use, robotics and art, officials said.

The library has a collection of more than 70,000 items and is frequented by people of all ages to peruse its collections of musical instruments, small tools and appliances. A teen room and an expansive children’s area are brimming with hands-on items to boost literacy, including CDs, puppet kits, books and an art room.

Usage at Cooper-Siegel increased between 2022 and 2023, with 20% more visitors and 7% more items borrowed, McConnell said.

“We had 35% more computer use, 10% more WiFi use and 8% more program attendees,” she said.

In the past year, more than 85,000 people have visited the library.

When the library was built more than 13 years ago, the basement space was left unfinished with the intention that it be completed at a future date.

Patron feedback has helped to guide plans for the upcoming project, McConnell said.

Renovations will add a large program room and three fully equipped study rooms, create a makerspace for people to explore science, technology and the arts, upgrade technology throughout the building and soundproof new and existing meeting and study spaces.

Funds also will be used to establish a reserve fund for future capital projects at Cooper-Siegel and its branch in Sharpsburg.

“Our patrons have been very vocal about the things they want, including programs, access to online movies and books, language learning opportunities for adults and children, rental space for local organizations — the list keeps growing,” Mitnick said.

“We are committed to continuing to be the first place people come for information, inspiration, enjoyment and to share community knowledge.”