RAD to Provide New Computers to Libraries Across Allegheny County

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – The newest investment from the Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD) will provide much-needed computer replacements and upgrades at public libraries across Allegheny County.

The RAD Board announced a $3,123,075 grant at its quarterly meeting Wednesday to purchase 2,464 new personal computers, which will replace out-of-date PCs with upgraded models at every library currently funded by RAD, including Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh branches and libraries within the Allegheny County Library Association.

RAD, the largest funder of libraries in the Pittsburgh region, will provide the grant from its already-approved $40.3 million allocation to libraries in 2024. A competitive bidding process led eiNetwork, the IT service arm for public libraries in Allegheny County, to select Lenovo as the supplier of the new computers, servers and monitors.

“We are most excited that the quality of each of the new computers will be the exact same at each branch – a true example of technology equity,” said RAD Board Chair Dan Griffin, a member of RAD’s Library Committee. “Funding projects that further equity in Allegheny County is in our DNA. Whether you visit East Liberty or the West End, Homestead or Homewood, the South Side or South Fayette, every library patron will now have the state-of-the-art technology needed to keep up in today’s world.”

The new PCs will come as welcome news to libraries operating computers well beyond their useful life – for both staff members and patrons. Over the past half-decade, as virtual work and schooling sessions have proliferated, library computers have taken on added importance for patrons.

“Libraries are one of our region’s most valuable assets and play an important role in fostering literacy, enabling exploration and creating connections with all of our neighbors,” said Andrew Medlar, President & Director, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. “This investment from RAD will help remove the barriers to emerging technology, connectivity and digital skills that so many residents in our community face. In addition, RAD’s support will help us be responsive to the ever-changing needs of our community through engaging programs, new materials and dynamic spaces.”

Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic pushed eiNetwork past its typical four-year rolling schedule of library equipment refreshes, and the costs of leasing new equipment have increased substantially. eiNetwork workers and support partners will do the logistical work of replacing the old equipment in the months ahead.

“This is a major project that will impact every member library and community in Allegheny County,” said Carlos Correa, Executive Director at eiNetwork. “The benefit of this generous RAD grant extends beyond simply paying for the replacement and upgrade of the library equipment. It frees up budget dollars for each library to enhance the services and outreach to their communities.”

eiNetwork is scheduled to receive the new equipment this spring, where workers will unbox and build the computers, load software and licenses, and distribute the PCs to libraries in all corners of Allegheny County. The order will include 1,643 all-in-one units, 515 laptops, 306 desktops, 262 monitors and 78 servers. Every library branch should have the new technology, ready to use, by the end of this summer.

“We want to thank the RAD for this generous investment in our communities,” said Amy Anderson, Executive Director of the Allegheny County Library Association. “The libraries of Allegheny County are committed to providing excellent service in a wide variety of ways to the communities we serve and this $3.1 million investment will allow us to move into the future with the strong technology needed to get us there.”

RAD has expanded its support of public libraries in recent years. In addition to its annual operating support, the RAD Board awarded more than $4 million in grants through its Transformative Community Library Fund in 2023 – funding projects in Braddock, Clairton, Homestead, McKeesport, Millvale and Swissvale. RAD also provided a one-time supplemental grant of $3 million in 2023 to libraries through the Allegheny County Library Association.