The children's program of Millvale library has ended to allow the group working to open a library in the community to focus its energy on the new facility.

Brian Wolovich, a resident who is heading the project, said materials from the children's program will be stored at the future home of the library on Grant Street. Fifteen volunteers packed and moved the supplies Saturday from the Community Center, where the program had been operating.

"Our hope was to transition the children's library into the new one, but we decided we were stretched too thin, trying to run it efficiently with the long-term plans coming to fruition," Mr. Wolovich said.

The library project dates back to 2007, when Mr. Wolovich and Tricia George, another resident, began working to establish a facility in the community. The children's library opened in the summer of 2008, with the larger project hinging on its success. Grants and donations of equipment enabled the program to continue.

Mr. Wolovich, and his brother, Scott Wolovich, founded New Sun Rising, a nonprofit organization to seek funding for the library and, in June 2008, purchased property at 209-213 Grant Avenue for $59,000. Rent from a second-floor tenant pays the mortgage.

The Pittsburgh architectural firm Pfaffmann+Associates was hired with a $23,000 grant from the Allegheny county Urban Development Authority to come up with a plan for the library space.

"We are hoping to have a the final design at our January meeting," Mr. Wolovich said.

In the meantime, volunteers have done work to improve the condition of the building, Mr. Wolovich said.

Ted Wassell, of Millvale, who is a carpenter, has reinforced the flooring, and another resident, Dave Holtz, has volunteered to be the electrician on the project.

Volunteers with expertise in the construction trades and plumbing are being sought, Mr. Wolovich said.

"Starting in January, people are needed on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to help organize donations of materials and volunteers as we turn the plans into reality," he said.

Fundraising will continue through grant-writing. Local unions will be approached about sending trainees to earn hands-on experience in helping with the work, Mr. Wolovich said. Individual donations will also be accepted, he said.

"We have found the need, support and interest in a library in Millvale. Now plans are getting started in a clear direction, and it comes down to executing them so the library will provide services for all ages," Mr. Wolovich said.

For information, or to volunteer or donate, call 412-822-7081 or go to newsunrising.org.

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