Sweet changes at Sarris library
Frank Sarris Public Library employee Benson Gardner organizes books on the new circulation desk in the library. The desk was placed in a more central location inside, and a cafe will be added where the previous circulation desk was located.
A new entry is one of several renovations started at Frank Sarris Public Library in Canonsburg. After a new parking lot was put into place on Murdock Street, the library is creating another entrance for easier access from the lot.
Frank Sarris Public Library, less than five years old, is getting an upgrade.
After closing for several days at the end of the year, the main floor was reconfigured, with a new, centrally located circulation desk and space for a future cafe.
The next phase involves moving the main entrance of the Canonsburg building to the parking lot on Murdock Street.
“We built a new entrance to provide the best service and to become more convenient,” said Peggy Tseng, library director.
The current entrance on Jefferson Avenue forces patrons to walk around one side of the building to get inside. The new door will allow easy access for those who park in the lot.
Construction of the handicapped-accessible entry with automatic doors is expected to be complete in February or March, with a reopening celebration planned for early spring. Tseng said the library will remain open during construction.
Another change is the newly dedicated “Susan Poore Boardroom” on the second floor, in honor of the former board of trustees president who was integral in getting the facility built. Poore recently gave up her seat, but was named “trustee emeritus,” a consultant position privy to library business.
“Susan has been on the board for more than 20 years. She was really instrumental in building this library,” Tseng said. “I’m very proud there’s no mortgage. (The library) was paid for totally because of leadership of the board. We have several board members who have dedicated their life to building this library and understand the need for a bigger facility for this community.”
Opened in June 2011, the $5.5 million, 30,000-square-foot space replaced the former library, located in the borough building on East Pike Street. Events – from children’s story hours to healthy living seminars and craft classes – are well-attended by the community.
According to an analysis of services and resources, the number of programs offered at Sarris increased from 525 in 2013 to 912 in 2015. Program attendance in that time nearly doubled – from 8,901 in 2013 to 16,916 in 2015.
Poore said the board is always open to suggestions from patrons.
“I am very proud of the project we’ve completed, and I will continue to help. It’s basically my life – working with children and adults, and making sure we have a great resource for our community,” Poore said. “I’m just hoping the library will continue to be a great asset, no matter what we endure. I just hope the community uses it and they’re proud of it as much as I am.”