Hiring an architectural firm means the effort to create a permanent library in Millvale has taken a "big jump forward," borough resident Brian Wolovich said. He spoke during a meeting last Thursday between the Millvale Library Committee and others interested in the project.

Seventeen men and women sat on folding chairs, most around a long table, with two small lamps lighting a space in the gutted building at 209-213 Grant Ave. that will house the library.

Mr. Wolovich, who for two years has spearheaded the campaign for a library, conducted the meeting attended by Robert Pfaffmann and Jeff Slack, of Pfaffmann+Associates, architects in Pittsburgh. The library project, sponsored by New Sun Rising, received a $23,000 grant for architectural work from the Allegheny County Urban Development Authority through the County Department of Economic Development. New Sun Rising is a grass-roots, nonprofit organization founded by Mr. Wolovich and his brother, Scott, with the broad goal of improving the quality of life for people in Western Pennsylvania.

Pfaffmann+Associates has done preliminary work on measuring the floor plan at no charge, Mr. Wolovich said. Mr. Pfaffmann passed around a computer-aided drawing showing a children's room, main library space and a community room, which would open onto the garden area in the rear of the building.

"We divided it into zones," Mr. Pfaffmann said, explaining that codes require a vestibule and handicapped access. He proposed having a green, energy-efficient building, following established guidelines without seeking certification. He suggested a three-month schedule, having community workshops the first month to receive input on use of the space, what kind of books to carry and technical design. Construction documents would be developed the second month, and construction started the third month.

"Considering your low budget, we will break the project up into phases," he said.

In June, New Sun Rising completed the purchase of the Grant Street building from J. Ruby and Associates by obtaining a mortgage from PNC. The mortgage is being paid by rent from a second-floor tenant.

Millvale Manager Virginia Pucci questioned the December time frame for construction, asking if any funding has been arranged. She said she is submitting borough grant proposals for next year and offered to help with funding applications. She said the community center could be used for workshops, depending on scheduling.

Some applications for funding already have been sent or are being developed, Mr. Wolovich said. Among them is an application for a $36,000 Allegheny County Community Development block grant, which would be used to pay off the mortgage.

Pfaffmann+Associates' experience includes renovating the historic Homewood Library. Mr. Pfaffmann introduced Jeff Slack, a former librarian. Mr. Slack will summarize collection and equipment needs.

Another significant step is completion of a business plan this week by the Downtown consulting firm Dewey & Kaye. Once that is submitted, an application will be filed for tax exempt status, an expanded board of directors will be established, and the library will become independent of New Sun Rising, Mr. Wolovich said.

In response to a question from Kathy Mehler about the possibility of including a café, Mr. Pfaffmann said one could be considered in the property's adjoining, unused space if there is demand for one. Kelly Glass asked how many people the library space would hold, considering the popularity of the temporary children's library in Millvale Community Center. Tina Galioto, a volunteer librarian at the children's library, said the fire department could provide the number of people allowed.

A discussion of the building's use for community activities followed. Ms. Galioto said opening the building as a resource center might help with funding. Al Kamper, of Ross, the committee's library consultant, suggested using the word community in the library's name. Naming rights still are available for $50,000.

Volunteers have played a big role in the project's progress, Mr. Wolovich said. A gardening committee has turned a gravel pit into a garden, he said. Linda Lang said the space has been divided into three sections, a raised garden and shade and perennial gardens. Ground for the shade garden has been tilled and planted with rye grass, which will be tilled again in the spring. The area could be used as a teaching garden, she said.

Mr. Wolovich has declined to put a final price tag on the project because, he said, much will depend on what is received in grants and in volunteer work.

Volunteers from two Downtown businesses and the Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council worked at the site last Friday as part of a day of service planned during the Group of 20 summit in Pittsburgh. The volunteers helped finish demolition, moved out furniture, cleaned the library space and did other garden work. Tom Walker, of Mullen, a Downtown advertising and public relations firm that developed the Pittsburgh Day of Service, said Soergel Orchard in Franklin Park donated two plum trees and an apple tree.

"Three electricians will donate their skills, but we still are looking for plumbing, heating and air-conditioning help," Mr. Wolovich said.

On Oct. 23, Pitt's eco-art class will install two rain barrels and design an artwork around them.

"We don't have an opening date. We push forward and it will happen eventually," Mr. Wolovich said of the library.

For information or to volunteer, e-mail millvalelibrary@hotmail.com or call Brian Wolovich at 412-977-7672.

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