The classic music hall of the Carnegie Library of Homestead has been in operation since 1898, where stage lights glowed on generations of singers, musicians, actors and speakers.

Until last March, however, it didn't have a full-time employee working with the artists and their ensembles who performed there. At that time, Chris Kleiner, a musician with experience in the technical aspects of running a music hall, was hired.

It turns out Mr. Kleiner's position was a luxury the library couldn't afford. Tough financial times that include a $300,000 drop in the library's endowment in 2008, prompted the board's recent decision to eliminate Mr. Kleiner's position.

That action marked the second time this year the library board laid off employees. In August, the board laid off Executive Director Kate Granneman and Library Director Tyrone Ward. The elimination of those positions is expected to save the library $100,000 annually, said library board President Dan Lloyd.

Mr. Lloyd said the elimination of Mr. Kleiner's position will save the library about $6,000-$8,000. The library board will hire outside contractors to do the technical work for the shows that perform at the music hall, Mr. Lloyd said.

"We can do it on a fee-for-service basis with outside contractors and save a lot of money and still get the same coverage we had," Mr. Lloyd said. He said there are outside contractors in the area who have worked at the library's music hall and are familiar with its layout and facilities.

In addition, music hall committee member Jan Dofner said the performers that use the hall often have their own technical people.

The elimination of Mr. Kleiner's position will not affect the music hall's slate of performers for 2009, who are booked through an independent agency.

They will include Arlo Guthrie, a Led Zeppelin tribute band, comedienne Margaret Cho and the River City Brass Band.

"We were reluctant to let Chris go, but it was just dollars and cents," said Eddie Wehrer, library board member.

The board's music hall committee will continue to manage the day-to-day operation.

In addition to the layoffs, the library board reduced hours at the library and imposed a spending freeze in August. Mr. Lloyd said his board's actions are similar to those now being taken by other area libraries, including The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, in response to the difficult financial market.