Annual Meeting 2013

Our Annual Public Meeting took place on Thursday, March 21.
This was a time for the public to learn about the Library’s accomplishments in 2012 and our plans for 2013. Attendees were invited to share comments and questions and to interact with Board members and staff.

During the Annual Public meeting we announced the 2012 Advocate of the Year.

The nominees were:

• Rebecca Altes (CLP-Lawrenceville)


• The Beechview Friends (CLP-Beechview)


• John and Pat Bender (CLP-Squirrel Hill)


• Karen Derzic (CLP-Woods Run and CLP-Friends Council)


• Kazuyo and Hiro Good (CLP-Main)


• Frank Lucchino (CLP-Board of Trustees)


• Dave Malehorn (CLP-East Liberty)


• Susanne Park (CLP-Lawrenceville)

2012 Advocate of the Year

Karen Derzic

Ms. Derzic joined the Friends of Woods Run Library in August of 2011 and within a month became the president of the group. She immediately took on an active role, working directly with Library staff to plan fundraisers and volunteer opportunities at the neighborhood location. Due to her efforts and assistance, the Friends raised nearly $6,000 for library programming in 2011 and 2012. As a Friends Council Member, Ms. Derzic led efforts to update the Council’s bylaws. She is currently in the process of surveying the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Friend’s Groups in an effort to put together a Friends Annual Report. This report will serve as a tool for sharing fundraising ideas and best practices across the Library system.

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Advocate of the Year Award was created as a way for Library board and staff to recognize the outstanding library advocacy efforts of community members. Ms. Derzic was selected because of her belief in the importance of free and equitable access to information in a democratic society; belief that libraries and librarians are vital to the economic, social and educational fabric of our community and her ability to act as an ambassador in the community; serving as the eyes and ears of the Library, as well as its voice.

Nominate a Community Advocate of the Year:

Tell us about a person or group who demonstrated a deep commitment to further the mission and vision of Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh in 2013. Nominations are due by March 1, 2014.

Submit a nomination form online or submit a printed nomination form to your library's Customer Services desk.