Show Your Library LOVE

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Something special happens every day at your neighborhood library… connections are made.

Libraries connect us with the past, present and future. Libraries connect us to words that inspire and technologies that teach us new skills.

Now more than ever, residents are rediscovering a new love for our county’s community libraries. Allegheny County has a vast network of libraries with 73 independent locations, providing resources and wide-range of experiences and opportunities for all members of our community. No longer just places for books, libraries are viewed as anchors, centers for academic life and research, and cherished spaces.

Allegheny County residents have a single card library system, which provides free access to materials through a shared catalog, downloadable books, audios, and videos as well as online databases. A unified electronic network expands the resources of local libraries by supporting the automated library operations, Internet access, and free Wi-Fi services available at all county libraries.

Each September, people throughout Allegheny County show their true love for their community-based libraries by donating to support the mission of learning and growing. Any donation made to an Allegheny County library during the month of September will be partially matched by the Jack Buncher Foundation.

People of all ages and abilities in our region depend on libraries as a place to seek trusted information, access materials and technology, make connections with partners and learn new skills for navigating a changing economy. By supporting this important initiative, donors are making a real difference in our community, helping our libraries provide resources that support virtual learning, bridge the digital divide, and serve as a conduit for people seeking assistance with basic human services.

Since its inception six years ago, the Love Your Library campaign has raised more than $4.2 million for Allegheny County libraries. Donations and matching funds are used to fund essential library services, improve facilities and strengthen the important lifeline libraries are to the community, including providing digital content and virtual programming throughout the recent pandemic. Although libraries traditionally have received public funds to support basic operations, state funding for libraries has been reduced or remained flat for much of the past decade. Local funding for libraries in Allegheny County varies greatly from one municipality to another. Libraries reported that the Love Your Library campaign continues to reinforce the importance of library services in our community and the need for support. For some libraries, this was a major step towards a new or improved fundraising effort. Many libraries have increased their efforts to raise funds from individuals, corporations and foundations, relying more on such philanthropic support to fund essential library services, improve facilities and offer new programs.

Donations from our community enable the Library to continue responding to our patron’s needs no matter the circumstances. Whether it is children’s programming, job help, or just a good book, donations from people like you make it all happen.

Show your library love and maximize your gift today. All donations made to your local Allegheny County library in September will go even further thanks to matching funds provided by the Jack Buncher Foundation. Contributions made during Love Your Library month help to maintain valued library services. Maximize your support by making a gift before September 30, 2021.

loveyourlibrary.org

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