Construction on the new library on Federal Street is turning a new page as workers will soon be putting a roof on the building.

Suzanne Thinnes, the communications manager for the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, said that construction was moving along well, and that they were hoping to put the roof on the building within a month. They had originally wanted to do it earlier, but early snow has delayed that aspect of construction.

Thinnes, who said that the opening date will be sometime in the summer of 2009, said that the new location has generated interest in and around the community.

“I think people are anticipating this location and are looking forward to the new facility,” Thinnes said.

She said that certain records are still in the old library building in Allegheny Center, and that a team from the library system is working on preserving and moving those records, which includes the “Iron and Steel” collection.

“People are going to see a great change in the new location,” Thinnes said. “It will retain some of the historic charm but bring the library into the 21st century.”

Some of these changes include greater Internet and wi-fi access, as well as more convenient parking and a bigger children’s’ area. 

Thinnes also noted that the library’s location on Federal Street near North Avenue is part and parcel of redevelopment efforts that are currently focused in that area.

“Having a library in the community increases safety, raises property values and provides literacy programs to people who need them,” Thinnes said. “And we’re happy to be a part of that redevelopment.”