The Carnegie Library of McKeesport has had a Christmas tree in its lobby since December. But the library, like others across the state, is not celebrating.

McKeesport library director Jo Ellen Kenney left the tree up after Christmas but replaced its decorations with Band-Aids and information about library budget cuts. For the 2010-11 year, the state cut the budget for Pennsylvania's libraries by 9 percent, or $5.5 million, in addition to a 20 percent cut the previous year.

The Christmas tree began as a way to tell people about the library's hardships, but it turned into a way for patrons to help. Each month, McKeesport Library now sells $1 seasonal ornaments - hearts for February, flags for July - that include the donor's name. Ms. Kenney said the tree has raised hundreds of dollars.

Many libraries have been forced to come up with creative fundraisers that go beyond the traditional used-book sale. Some libraries are losing more than $100,000 following both state budget cuts and a proposed redistribution of funds by the Allegheny Regional Asset District.

Every penny the libraries get counts, directors say.

Brentwood Public Library patrons put change in a blue pig named Kay Tee sitting near the circulation desk. The creature originally was a prize won at Kennywood Park many years ago, but today it pulls in winnings for the library. Sharon Luther, president of the Brentwood Friends of the Library, said the pig has gathered $750 since its introduction in January.

Ms. Luther's husband, Dennis, is Brentwood library director.

Mt. Lebanon Public Library also is collecting nickels and dimes, about $650 worth, with a book-shaped bank sitting at its circulation desk.

The library's Book Cellar has become its major fundraiser. The volunteer-operated venture, which opened a little more than a year ago, offers used books, snacks and drinks for sale. Since its inception, the Book Cellar has raised $65,000.

"As people face increasing cuts, they're looking toward social ventures" said Cynthia Richey, library director. The Book Cellar helps the library make money, but it also has become a place for many to spend an inexpensive afternoon, especially students coming from the nearby Mt. Lebanon Middle School. Ms. Richey said the library may be picking up where possible underfunded after-school activities left off.

"The students come in and get hot chocolates and feel so sophisticated!" Ms. Richey said. "They think they're in a Starbucks in Manhattan."

Although people continue to flock to libraries and donate when they can, some are not convinced that everyone understands just how bleak the outlook is, Ms. Luther said.

Not all libraries are Carnegie libraries, she said. Ms. Luther said the public sees Carnegie Library receiving grants and assumes libraries, such as Brentwood, benefit from that money as well.

"That's not us," Ms. Luther said. "We're not getting money. It gets frustrating that people think we are."

Whether Carnegie libraries struggle to the same extent non-Carnegie libraries do can be debated, but they do struggle. Carnegie libraries have lost $2 million in the past two years, and Karlyn Voss, director of the office of external and government affairs at Carnegie Library, said the situation at the state level isn't getting any better.

She does think the public is noticing, though.

"Just last weekend, I had an e-mail from an illustrator, wondering if there was a creative way he could get the word out about libraries needing help," Ms. Voss said. She also mentioned that in the past year, five to 10 Carnegie Library fundraising initiatives were not sponsored by the library but by individuals.

No matter who does it - librarians, board members or the public - fundraising must continue.

Bethel Park Library sells a $10 cookbook and held a gala in April, said library director Christine McIntosh.

Pleasant Hills Library is trying to tie its fundraising to its 65th anniversary. Overall, said program director Shirley Gealy, the library is trying to "make things painless" for patrons.

Although the amount of fundraising at libraries has increased recently, libraries have always raised funds, Ms. Richey said. What has changed is what those efforts must now support.

"Fundraising was used for that margin of excellence," Ms. Richey said. "Now, it's used for basic operating costs."

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