January 23, 2026
CSCL CELEBRATES EXPANSION’S GRAND OPENING
FOX CHAPEL, PA – Cooper-Siegel Community Library (CSCL) celebrated the grand opening of its newly expanded lower-level space with a ribbon cutting Friday morning.
Cooper-Siegel Community Library, located in Fox Chapel Borough, is part of the Community Library Association (CLA), which also represents Sharpsburg Community Library in Sharpsburg Borough.
The new space, which was funded by a successful $2.5 million fundraising campaign, features additional study and program rooms, a Makerspace, innovative technology and more. Led by Executive Director Jill McConnell, CSCL began preparing to expand its square footage and offerings in 2017.
“We started gathering input from our community about how to best utilize the unfinished space,” McConnell said. “After a couple of stops and starts, we launched a capital campaign in 2024 that surpassed our fundraising goal, thanks to the tremendous support from the community and two large state grants.”
The library received support from the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA), as well as a Keystone Grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Bureau of Library Development. Construction began in 2025, after Massaro Corporation was contracted to complete construction.
“Jim Mitnick was key in getting this project done. He served as the library’s Project Manager and made sure the project stayed on track. We wouldn’t have been able to complete this project without his leadership and expertise,” McConnell said. “Rob Trettel, Kolby Randolph and Lemont Morand from Massaro were also fantastic to work with. They were extremely communicative and kept the project running smoothly and on budget for us.”
McConnell also acknowledged the invaluable contributions made by the Campaign Committee, which included Mitnick, Bryant Mitchell, Alex Scott and CLA Library Board President Steve Lackey.Lackey credited Massaro with keeping the project “on time and on budget,” and also thanked McConnell, Mitnick, the project’s architects and the Burke Family Foundation.
“The lower level continues our goal to foster lifelong learning and community engagement,” Lackey said. “The capital campaign was embraced by our community, and we exceeded our target, allowing us to
increase the capital reserve to support ongoing maintenance of the facilities. I hope our patrons enjoy the opportunities afforded by the Makerspace rooms and community events in the meeting rooms.”
The new space, accessible from the first floor via a new grand staircase located just past the front desk or via the lower rear entrance, includes:
- A state-of-the-art Makerspace featuring specialized equipment (3D printers, sewing machines, laser cutter/engraver, and more);
- A new display case for use in highlighting library programs and services, as well as high-interest collections of artifacts and other community ephemera.
- Upgraded technology in all spaces, accommodating remote learning, virtual meetings,
presentations and more;
- Three small, group study rooms;
- An open-concept common area with information desk;
- A large program/meeting room with moveable walls for custom space;
- Vending machines;
- A perpetual puzzle area;
- A new home for the library’s popular “Library of Things.”
- Additional storage;
- And much more!
“I envision the large, open, multi-functional space as a hangout place for people who just want to chat, work on a jigsaw puzzle, listen to some music or grab a snack; and I’m really excited to see what people create in the new Makerspace,” McConnell said. “I look forward to seeing the library reach its full potential as a true hub of the community.”
Friday’s ceremony featured remarks from both McConnell and Lackey, as well as Seron Cox, District Director for U.S. Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17); Pennsylvania Senator Lindsey M. Williams; Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato; and PBDA Public Affairs Manager Kalie Snyder. Also in attendance were representatives from the Allegheny County Library Association and the nearby Lauri Ann West Community Center, as well as library board members, staff and countless patrons.
After cutting a ribbon at the top of the new staircase, attendees descended to the lower level to mark the space’s official opening to the public. Patrons are now able to reserve all lower-level study and program rooms and schedule Makerspace appointments via the library’s website.
“This project brings the original founders’ vision of what this library could be to fruition,” McConnell said.
“I am honored to have been a part of helping to make that happen for those who fought to build this library and for the communities we serve.”
For more information about Cooper-Siegel Community Library, including upcoming programming, visit
www.coopersiegelcommunitylibrary.org.
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For media inquiries, contact Communications & Marketing Specialist Kaylie Glaze at 412-828-9520, ext. 5012, or glazek@coopersiegelcommunitylibrary.org. Cooper-Siegel Community Library belongs to the Allegheny County Library Association; is part of the Community Library Association; and serves all Fox Chapel School District communities.
