Written by Megan Guza
A familiar face will return to head the Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall in Carnegie.
Maggie Forbes, who served as executive director from 2003 to 2011, was approved by the library board of trustees on July 31 after being recommended by the library’s search committee.
“She was one of our top two finalists, and she ended up being the recommendation of the committee,” said Amanda Sargent, search committee member and acting board president. Forbes’ employment is contingent upon acceptance of the board’s offer letter.
Forbes came to the library in 2003 after being hired as manager of fundraising by the Chartiers Valley Partnership. The partnership was formed in an effort to save the library, which was in dire financial straits at the time.
The fundraising efforts raised more than $7 million to complete renovations in the library and music hall.
Sargent said the position of executive director will take on a different focus this time.
“The way we’re envisioning the executive director position going forward is that that person is charged with more of the development side of the library,” she said, referring to raising funds, “rather than day-to-day library operations.”
She said Nate Wyrick, interim director of the library, will continue with administrative duties, and Lynn Cochran will continue to be in charge of the music hall.
“Things have been going smoothly with the way the setup is,” Sargent said. “We would like to continue to have these responsibilities distributed going forward.”
Forbes left the library in 2011, and has been vice president of development at the Hill House Association in the Hill District since October.
Megan Guza is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. She can be reached at 412-388-5810 or mguza@tribweb.com.