The Allegheny County Library Association (ACLA) and Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (CLP) announced today that during September’s annual Love Your Library campaign, the 47 library systems in Allegheny County raised a record-breaking $1.71 million in charitable contributions, a 31% increase from the previous year. Of this amount, more than $977,902, the largest amount of eligible funds ever raised, qualifies for a prorated match from a $200,000 donor pool contributed by the Jack Buncher Foundation.

Now in its ninth year, the county-wide Love Your Library campaign continues to raise money to support essential services libraries provide, including books and materials, support for job seekers, facility improvements, and much, much more.

More than 9,400 donors contributed to the campaign, including 1,526 new supporters, which are also record-breaking numbers for the campaign.

“The continued record-breaking success of the Love Your Library campaign reminds us of how important our libraries are to our communities,” said Amy Anderson, CEO of the Allegheny County Library Association. “We are so grateful for the support that our patrons bring to our libraries year-round, but especially during Love Your Library Month.”

“We are incredibly proud to see Love Your Library month consistently set new fundraising records for libraries across Allegheny County,” said Andrew Medlar, President and Director of Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. “Each September our community comes together and demonstrates their unwavering support for local libraries. The incredible success of this campaign shows just how much people value the collections, people, programs and spaces their neighbor library provides.”

Since its inception in 2016, Love Your Library has helped Allegheny County libraries raise more than $10 million during the annual September fund drive. The campaign coincides with the American Library Association’s National Library Card Sign-Up Month.

“Libraries play an essential role in strengthening our communities by providing access to knowledge, culture and opportunity,” said Karen Emmerich, Grants Manager of The Buncher Foundation. “We are excited to contribute to their continued success and to help ensure that these vital resources remain available for all residents of Allegheny County.”

Libraries have shared that the Love Your Library campaign continues to highlight the vital role of library services, which are accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds at no cost. Many libraries were able to expand their fundraising efforts from individuals, corporations, and foundations to address community needs, support essential services, improve facilities and enhance popular programs.

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