Library imbalance

Brian O'Neill's Oct. 18 column jarred me out of my early morning lethargy ("City's Pittance Unbalances Library's Books"). If the facts on funding for neighboring community libraries and Regional Asset District distributions of taxpayer dollars are accurate, the officials of the city of Pittsburgh and RAD have to be concerned (Pittsburgh contributes $40,000 vs. Wilkinsburg $176,000 and Shaler $530,000; RAD allocates $17.6 million to the Carnegie Library and $14.4 million to our sports venues and convention center).

Mr. O'Neill infers that the proposed audit of the library system may not be as critical as the contextual assessment of the library in this sports-crazed city; this is an issue that should worry all of us. Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh has been an exceptional resource for the community, and our sports teams have added greatly to the city's image; hopefully, a way will be found to provide a proper balance in funding. Mr. O'Neill's suggestion to shift some of the amusement tax to the libraries should be considered.

 

 

SYLVESTER DAMIANOS

Edgewood