The Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall campaign received a tremendous boost today with the announcement of a $750,000 grant from the state's Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program. The grant was announced by Governor Ed Rendell, who earlier had pledged his support of the $8.6 million campaign during a Valentine's Day visit to the historic facility.

Co-chaired by Charles R. Goetz and William E. Manby along with Honorary Chair Morgan K. O'Brien of Duquesne Light, the campaign is the library and music hall's first major capital fund-raising effort in its 103-year history. The $750,000 grant, which will be used to modernize, renovate and restore the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall, brings the campaign total to $2.3 million - or 28 percent of its goal.

"The Library and Music Hall is a treasure for the community, the region and the state. Clearly, the governor recognizes this and is willing to invest in this resource," State Rep. Nick Kotik (D-Coraopolis) said.

"The Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall has been a vital part of the fabric of Carnegie and the surrounding community for generations," said State Sen. Jack Wagner (D-Allegheny), who also accompanied the governor during his February visit.

Ron Moehler, president of the ACFL&MH; Board of Trustees, expressed his pleasure at the announcement. "The Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall has served Carnegie and surrounding communities for more than 100 years. It is so gratifying that this generous support - from our neighbors right up to Governor Rendell - is going to restore and revitalize this beautiful historic facility," Moehler said.

A few pictures from the announcement ceremony follow.

State Senator Jack Wagner, Campaign Co-Chair Charlie Goetz, State Rep. Nick Kotik, Governor Ed Rendell, Evan Geiser, County Executive Dan Onorato, ACFL&MH; President Ron Moehler. State Senator John Pippy is in behind Jack Wagner.


Campaign Co-Chair Charlie Goetz; State Rep. Nick Kotik; State Senator John Pippy; ACFL&MH; President Ron Moehler


ACFL&MH; Trustee Elaine Geiser with Evan; ACFL Library Director Mary Malysko; unknown onlooker; Governor Ed Rendell; State Rep. Nick Kotik; ACFL&MH; Trustee Betsy Martin, ACFL&MH; Acting Executive Director Maggie Forbes; Audrey Brourman of A.L. Brourman Associates, Inc; State Senator Jack Wagner.