McKeesport Library Parking Lot Opening
August 9, 2019
Board president Mr. Michael Abraitis III (center) and White Oak Mayor Ina Jean Marton, Senator James Brewster, Representative Austin Davis, McKeesport Mayor Michael Cherepko and additional library board members during a ribbon cutting ceremony for Carnegie Free Library of McKeesport's new parking lot.
Photograph by Vickie Babyak
The Carnegie Free Library of McKeesport proudly announced the ribbon cutting ceremony for their new parking lot. It was held on Friday, August 9, 2019 at 11:00 a.m.
The welcoming address was given to the many guests and visitors by Mr. Michael Abraitis III, Library Board President. "Good morning and welcome to the ribbon cutting ceremony,” he said.
The new parking lot began as a small project which was completed by a landscaping company. "Senator Brewster made the building of the parking lot a reality,” said Mr. Abraitis.
He also thanked Mayor Michael Cherepko and his staff, Representative Austin Davis, Mrs. Parrish and numerous donors for their efforts towards the building of the parking lot.
The library's parking lot will accommodate 26 patrons and visitors. It is on a nice expanse of land, built on the side of the library. The Carnegie Libraries were named after the great industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. The library hours are Monday through Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The invocation was given by Rev. William Meekins Jr. As the crowd anxiously waited for the ceremony to begin, the largest pair of scissors - the length of what would be from your index finger to your elbow - was handed to Sen. Brewster and Mayor Cherepko.
The shiny, bright green ribbon was held by the board of directors of the library. Suddenly there was a snap and the ribbon had been cut, celebrating the opening of the library's new parking lot. The crowded applauded the honored guests, as they each came forward to speak.
Mayor Cherepko proudly explained that on the behalf of the city of McKeesport, the parking lot was part of the effort to make McKeesport a "Better McKeesport."He seemed to be quite happy about the completion of the project. He also added that it was a beautiful parking lot and that the people must depend on the library for all of their needs.
Sen. Brewster explained that he identifies such projects and that he facilitated the parking lot request and obtained funding through the state so the excavation work began.
Everyone was surprised to learn that the senator reads books to the kids at his local library. He also heads a group that facilitates a cultural center, an educational center, churches and subsequently the Library Revitalization Project, which will include the paving of the road in front of the library.
The senator concluded his speech by thanking the board, the mayor, library director Colleen Denne, staff and donors.
State Rep. Austin Davis said that he lives here in McKeesport, and that his mother brought him to the library when he was just 3 weeks old. He feels the library is a special place.
After the guests spoke, the library served refreshments to everyone. We had delicious croissant sandwiches, coffee and two huge cakes, which read "Parking For Books" and had four colorful books of icing on it. The other read, "Book Lovers - Come In - We're Open," and was decorated with miniature cars.
The reception began to wind down, although the day was still beautiful and sunny; the crowd was sure to remember a wonderful time and a reminder to still send in donations to complete the project. The goal is $16,000.