ABOUT ACLA

These libraries are community connectors, providing opportunities for personal and professional development through access to content and experiences for all ages. ACLA libraries support education and exploration, while developing early literacy skills, school readiness and lifelong learning programming and resources for all. Through its coordination, ACLA expands the resources of local libraries beyond what they could accomplish individually.

ACLA’s story began in 1991 when the County Controller’s office issued “A Quiet Crisis: Libraries in Allegheny County.” The report detailed the dismal state of County libraries, each working independently of one another without any centralized coordination or communication structure. In response, the Allegheny County Library Association was established, becoming a 501(c)(3) corporation in 1994, and became one of the charter contractual assets to receive funding through the Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD).

The primary funder is the RAD, which annually has committed one third of its allocations for library service since its inception in 1995.  ACLA and its member libraries are grateful for their commitment to our County’s cherished resources.

With the main foundation of countywide cooperation established, Allegheny County’s libraries have many more resources at their disposal and are better positioned to meet the increased demand from residents for services in education and community enhancement.