Jan 4, 2022 _ news

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh LAMP Extends Access to All

Representatives of GBBN recently joined library staff, administrators, board members, and patrons to celebrate the opening of Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s (CLP) newly renovated Library of Accessible Media for Pennsylvanians (LAMP).

Formerly the Carnegie Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, the library’s new name reflects its service to a wider public seeking access to the library’s extensive physical and digital collections.

CLP LAMP’s newly renovated space tends to the physical needs of its visually impaired patrons by providing bold visual and tactile cues to assist with wayfinding; roomy milled-wood booths, capable of hosting service animals; and removing visual clutter.

“At the same time,” GBBN Principal, Matt Plecity, explains, “the renovation declares the value of this space and the community it serves to a wider public.”

A former Studebaker factory and showroom, windows that were once bricked up have been opened and marked with braille supergraphics to celebrate the library’s work and a prominent new, recessed corner entry is framed by a field of vibrant red.

“Community libraries are all about access, and CLP LAMP is one of the most accessible of all,” Matt says. “We’re very excited for what this space will do to serve the wider community.”

Want to learn more about CLP LAMP? Read more about the opening here or visit our case study.

For more on GBBN’s work with community libraries, read about CLP Beechview, CLP Knoxville, Baldwin Borough Public Library, or Braddock Carnegie Library.