Mistick's magic: Carnegie Library chief defied the tough times
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When Barbara K. Mistick steps down as president of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh in May, she will do so as arguably one of the most effective directors in its history.
For five years, Dr. Mistick added to her reputation as a forceful administrator, fundraiser and tactician who knows how to stay a step or two ahead of the budget cutters. She has also accrued her share of critics along the way.
When last year's $1.5 million budget shortfall practically guaranteed the closing of at least four neighborhood libraries and the rolling back of hours at all remaining branches, Dr. Mistick swept into action.
Community outrage at the scale of the proposed closings forced City Council and Mayor Luke Ravenstahl to get creative. They found and allocated $1.2 million to the cause, but only about half of that has been released.
Even the state House came through with an amendment tacked onto table games legislation that gives the Carnegie a cut of annual casino revenues that could be as much as $850,000.
Not to be outdone, the Carnegie's last capital campaign posted $58 million in donations -- $3 million over its goal.
The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh is in relatively good shape thanks to Dr. Mistick's leadership, but it still needs a dedicated funding stream capable of covering unanticipated budget shortfalls. The successes of the last year have helped, but haven't solved the crisis.
That will be the primary challenge for Dr. Mistick's successor. The Carnegie has already begun a national search for her replacement.
When Herb Elish stepped down from the position in 2005, Dr. Mistick led the Carnegie through challenging times. Many challenges remain. To keep the momentum going, the Carnegie must choose its next leader wisely.
First Published December 16, 2010 12:00 am
