McKeesport library short staffed, but still operating

By JEFF STITT

jstitt@yourmvi.com

Carnegie Library of Mc-Keesport Director Colleen Denne wants Mon Valley book lovers and those in need of computer access to know that the library’s doors are open. 

Denne said the McKeesport Carnegie Library, like all libraries in Pennsylvania that are open, is operating under state Department of Health guidelines about how to safely provide people with access to books and other services and materials while also trying to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Denne is glad the community library, located in McKeesport’s Cultural, Education and Library District, is open and providing services to those who need it, but she reminds patrons that the facility is open limited hours and is operating thanks to a dedicated skeleton crew of about six library employees who have been extremely busy helping patrons while also trying to do their regular daily duties.

The library was closed and its entire staff was laid off in March. Some staff members were called back to work June 15 to get the library ready for its reopening June 24.

Denne can’t wait for her full staff and volunteers to be back to work.

“We were non-stop this morning,” she said after lunch time Monday. “It’s kind of slowed down right now, but it was busy here all morning.

“We’re starting to get busier, but I think that’s because we’re one of the few libraries that are open for the public to come in.”

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