Computers topped the list of items that some Millvale residents would like to have in addition to books in the proposed Millvale Community Library.

Twenty residents attended a recent design workshop led by library architects Pfaffmann & Associates of Pittsburgh.

The architects listed the suggestions on large sheets of paper and, after an hour's discussion, participants marked their choices.

Nick Grubic, 16, the only teen attending, said he would use the library.

"I would go to use the computers," he said.

Pfaffmann's Jeff Slack led the group through a series of topics outlined on a handout, including the typical steps in designing a library, understanding the building space, what's important to the community and discussion questions about the library's purpose and function, collections and information, programs, building features and services.

Mr. Slack said the firm spent a year understanding the building and measuring the new library space at 213 Grant Ave. and drew a plan to be expanded upon. The property next door, which is part of the library purchase, could be a long-term project, he said. The firm, which did the initial work at no charge, was recently hired for the project.

Mr. Slack hung the preliminary drawings of the library proposal on a wall of the Millvale Community Center meeting room, along with a landscape plan of the backyard and garden area, designed by John Nugent of Hampton, as an Eagle Scout project.

"We will develop objectives of the project and a general concept, then bring it back for a final design. I want to understand what's important to you," Mr. Slack said.

Councilman Ed Wirkowski said that as an electrician, he is always looking for research and reference books, which came in second as a desired category.

Tammy Wassell, who has a teenage daughter, agreed that reference materials were important for school assignments, and children with working parents might visit the library for computers or tutoring after school. She also would like to see a play area for younger children.

"It will be so nice to have a library close by," Mrs. Wassell said.

Her husband, Ted, a contractor, said his work is slowing down, so he will have time to volunteer at the library.

Space where children could work on arts and crafts would be a plus, according to Brian Wolovich, a borough resident who spearheaded the library project.

John Kelly agreed, saying the Children's Museum has activity rooms with glass walls where children do clay modeling and finger painting.

"With glass walls, the children could be seen easily," Mr. Kelly said.

He said children could play in the enclosed backyard in the summer.

Also proposed were outdoor movies and other events. Tina Galioto, a volunteer librarian at the temporary children's library in Millvale Community Center, suggested a multipurpose room, which could be used for meetings and/or classes.

Other features mentioned were CD, DVD and books-on-CD rentals and a community bulletin board.

After participants marked their choices, discussion was held about the building itself. Robert Pfaffmann asked group members if they would want the library to feel warm and cozy or bright and active.

"It's on a main street and people should be able to see some activity going on there," Ms. Galioto said.

"Maybe what you want to see there is wood tones, reading lamps and wooden tables instead of plastic," said John Kelly, who pointed out the classic Victorian style of the building.

Scott Wolovich of Penn Hills, who started the nonprofit New Sun Rising with his brother, Brian, said the Victorian exterior could be preserved but the interior could have an open feeling. New Sun Rising, an organization that aims to improve the quality of life for people in Western Pennsylvania, is a sponsor of the library project.

Mr. Pfaffmann showed drawings of the present and proposed building front. "We have to separate the apartments upstairs," he said, leading a discussion of stairway locations. Rental of apartments is expected to pay the mortgage.

The architect answered a question from Brian Wolovich, saying the electric panels could be moved upstairs from the basement to prevent damage in case of flooding. Diane Nugent suggested moving all the mechanicals to the second floor and Mr. Pfaffmann said that was a possibility.

The Millvale Children's Library currently operates on the second floor of the Millvale Community Center on Lincoln Avenue and is open from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays.

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