Partnership ends between Bridgeville and South Fayette libraries
Courtesy of Bridgeville Public Library
By Brad Hundt
Staff writer
bhundt@observer-reporter.com
The 10-year partnership between the Bridgeville and South Fayette public libraries that had the two entities sharing resources ended on Jan. 1.
The two libraries had entered into the agreement that started on Jan. 1, 2014, with the South Fayette library handling staffing, reports and resources for its Bridgeville counterpart. The initial agreement was for one year, and it was renewed annually. During the life of the pact, the board of the Bridgeville library primarily handled issues related to the 7,800-square-foot library facility at 505 McMillen St.
Ben Hornfeck had served as the director of both the South Fayette and Bridgeville libraries, but now solely directs the South Fayette library. Erin Weaver, who had been the assistant director at the Bridgeville library, is now the director.
The boards overseeing both libraries “had gotten to the point where they felt the agreement was no longer needed,” Weaver said.
By operating independently, each library will be able to concentrate on its goals in each community, according to Hornfeck. In South Fayette’s case, that could include a new space within a proposed community center that is on the drawing board. It would be located next to the township’s new municipal offices off Hickory Grade Road.
“I think it will be good for both libraries and both communities,” Hornfeck said.
The agreement between the two libraries was launched three years after the Bridgeville library opened on McMillen Street, leaving behind a smaller location on Station Street. After the new building opened, the library faced a funding squeeze and reduced hours.
Hornfeck explained that both libraries are on a sound financial footing. He also noted that both libraries are part of the Allegheny County Library Association, which has 46 libraries within it that already share resources.
What can patrons expect as a result of each library now operating independently?
“They won’t notice anything,” Weaver said. “It’s strictly an administrative change. None of the services are going to change.”