The Carnegie of Homestead’s modern mission is to provide programs and facilities that enhance learning, wellness and quality of life within and outside the Steel Valley. In 2019, there were nearly 7,000 cardholders (35% of our residents) and 230,000 visits (750 per day). Our 30 computers provided nearly 32,239 sessions by the general public, including disadvantaged individuals who cannot afford home computers and online services. Last year, the library held 1,236 learning programs attended by 18,387 people of all ages. On any given day, a variety of activities are happening: toddler and children story time, arts and crafts; science and art classes for homeschooled children and their parents; literacy outreach & book distribution to 30+ local preschools and daycare centers; homework assistance for teens equipped with computers and media; laptops and iPads with college-level computer programming, and STEAM (Science, Technology, Arts, Math) workshops including robotics in the Makerspace classroom; book clubs for teens through seniors, knitting classes, crafting workshops for adults, and cultural programs such as Russian language and psyanky egg decorating! The Athletic Club enrolled 1,130 members who pay affordable fees to attend in Yoga, Water Aerobics, Spinning, Tai Chi, and Zumba classes in the fitness studios, enjoy our heated indoor swimming pool, gymnasium with a walking track, and train for baseball/softball in our indoor batting cages. 200 youth participate in year-round sports lessons and 230 adults enjoy year round basketball and volleyball leagues. 150 children and adults learned to swim, participated in aquatics exercise and scuba instruction classes. 550 seniors are active members of our Silver Sneakers/Silver and Fit exercise classes geared to older adults. The Music Hall seats 1,045 guests in an intimate atmosphere that has changed very little from the original venue. In 2019, 40,000 patrons traveled from Western Pennsylvania and across the country to see nationally known entertainers. Affordably priced tickets are purchased to enjoy popular artists such as American Idol, Little River Band, Boz Scaggs, Jeff Goldblum, and more. The Music Hall uniquely serves also as a “community house” to local nonprofits offering meeting space for civic engagement, programs and services such as graduation commencement exercises, naturalization ceremonies, school band concerts, church plays and local dance recitals. Year-round, the music hall serves as an economic driver for nearby restaurants, retail establishments and hotels – for every 50 shows held, the Carnegie brings over $1,000,000 in revenue to the Waterfront and Eighth Avenue business districts. Space rentals and ticket sales provide revenue to support the facility and programs that serve our community.
