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Article published January 18, 2012
New Chapter Coffee bar, updates coming to Cranberry library
CRANBERRY TWP — A number of changes are coming to the Cranberry Public Library this year: a renovated children's library, a new coffee bar and downloadable electronic books. “There's a lot going on right now,” said library director Leslie Pallotta, who's excited about the changes. “The Cranberry Township public library is an important component of our community that assures a high quality of life” and attracts economic development, said township manager Jerry Andree. “Companies that are creating family sustaining jobs are seeking out communities to locate that are attractive for their employees. Our library is a hub of activity seven days a week, serving every component of our community.” Renovations to the children's library are expected to be completed by the start of the busy summer reading season. The major work has been done, including new paint, rugs and the refurbishing of the some of the older furniture. The library also will get new toys by this summer when children are at the library more often. Pallotta said a coffee bar, which will be near the library's entrance inside the Municipal Center is expected to be in place soon. That will be a self-service machine. Pallotta said she recently met with a vendor. Another welcomed new feature is one that many patrons have been asking about: electronic books that can be downloaded to e-readers.Pallotta said the library is working with a company to provide the service that will be available to all the libraries in the Butler County Federated Library System. Those include: Butler, Chicora, Evans City, Mars, Saxonburg, Slippery Rock and Zelienople as well as Cranberry. While libraries across the state have been dealing with state funding cuts, the Cranberry library got good financial news this year when the township supervisors increased property tax rates for the library. “We are very fortunate that we are in a township that supports its library,” said Pallotta, who pointed out over the past six years state funds for libraries have been cut 49 percent. But the Cranberry library wasn't immune from those cuts and last year it cut hours and instituted $1 check out fee for DVDs. With the new township funding, the library will rescind the $1 fee, but will continue to close an hour earlier. However, Pallotta said the library will consider restoring the hours later in 2012. The millage increase equates to an additional $84,000 annually for the operating budget of about $534,000. That total includes township, state and federal funding, fundraising and fines.
