The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh asked for a million more dollars in 2008 and the Regional Asset District Board agreed -- almost.

The library sought $17.7 million in operating funds and will get $17.6 million, up $836,000, or 5 percent, from the previous year's allotment of $16,764,000 and the biggest distribution handed out by the Allegheny County RAD board.

The library learned of its share of RAD funds Monday night, when the RAD board announced $84 million in grants to 90 arts and cultural organizations. The money comes from an additional 1 percent sales tax in the county, with half the proceeds going to RAD and the other half going to reduce other local taxes.

Library director Barbara Mistick had asked for the additional funds from the county board to increase operating hours across the system as well as salaries.

The library fared much worse in its application for capital grants or money to pay for improvements to its facilities.

It had requested $5.38 million, but RAD allocated only $600,000 -- $350,000 to update the central library building in Oakland and $250,000 for its West End distribution center.