CLPGH Shows Off New Hill Digs

The building at the corner of Centre Avenue and Kirkpatrick Street is set to open Oct. 25 with a kick off event that will feature August Wilson’s play cycle. It is the first new library opened by the system since 1980. The $3.15 million project will replace a basement branch at Centre and Dinwiddie Street that the library now rents from Allegheny Union Baptist Association. To help highlight playwright August Wilson’s ties to the Hill District on wall of the building will hold a 10’ by 7’ map with 12 numbered sites, each corresponding to a location in on of the plays. The building is silver LEED certified. Among the green aspects of the building is the use of natural light, "low emissivity" glass windows, a roof made of reflective rubber, and the use of recycled materials throughout the building. The building is part of the "Libraries for Life" capital campaign which has completed 7 others projects. Library officials say the hill branch along with other recent projects in the neighborhood shows the “new face” of Center Avenue.