Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl wants Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh officials to attend a Saturday community meeting on their planned library closing plans, but so far, they're begging off.

Carnegie Library President and Director Barbara Mistick last night issued a letter to Mr. Ravenstahl, saying the library system wants to see how a possible Regional Asset District audit plays out "before scheduling public meetings. We urge you to work with us in rescheduling a public meeting that provides the community with ample notice to participate and enables the library to share information based on the recently released state budget, which reduced library funding to our system," she wrote.

The Ravenstahl administration responded today with a statement that it had "spoken to the library and we're hopeful that they will attend the public meeting. We strongly encourage their attendance."

The community meeting on the proposed closure of the Lawrenceville, Beechview, Hazelwood and West End library branches, and the proposed merger of the Carrick and Knoxville branches, is set for 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Mary's Lower Lyceum, 321 45th St. in Lawrenceville. The mayor's administration informed library officials yesterday morning and issued a press release announcing the meeting that afternoon.

Mr. Ravenstahl has questioned the planned closures, and has criticized any suggestions that the city has not sufficiently funded the library system, which is privately run and relies heavily on the 1 percent RAD sales tax.

The RAD board is set to meet tomorrow to vote on whether to audit the library system -- a step Mr. Ravenstahl has urged.

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