Sigma Alpha Iota

sai-national.org • Summer 2026 17 SAIs In Action forget the state of the music hall's crumbling ceiling, or the water damage on the walls framing the stage and balcony. She knew the building could be restored to its former glory. She knew, deep down, that it had to be her. "It's me," she finally thought to herself. "I can make the impact." It was almost too easy to get the project off the ground. The Carnegie Free Library's Board of Trustees had already started fundraising and writing grant applications, and before she could even bring her ideas to the city and the board, the massive roof had been replaced. The city cared deeply about the historic building, and Jacobs found herself surrounded by people who not only could help, but were enthusiastic about the prospect of renovating the music hall. She got in touch with local lineage societies, who are passionate about historic preservation. The renovations also became a family affair—her husband holds a Master of Library Sciences, and is now also on the library's Board of Trustees. Her mother, a retired elementary and college educator, stepped up as Director for the library. Jacobs herself now serves as Secretary of the Board of Trustees, navigating the overarching renovation project to bring the music hall back to life. The community response to the renovations was overwhelming from the start. Beaver Falls had always been known as a "music city," being home to many musicians over the years, including Henry Mancini and blues violinist Papa John Creach. In only a few years, the Board of Trustees helped raise close to one million dollars through fundraisers, events, and donations. These funds went directly into renovating the library facility and its music hall. In that time, several updates have already been made to the building, and parts of the previously-unusable event space are already back in use. The Allegheny Foundation and City of Beaver Falls helped replace the dilapidated roof, an urgent task that had to be completed before anything else. Restoration of two interior rooms followed, which had been completely ruined by water leaks. Not only are they now fully functional, but local groups have already started using them as well. With much of the music hall being renovated in the 60s, it's now become a blank slate. "There's nothing stopping us from using the space how we want," Jacobs says, who has plans to both modernize the space and restore it to its original beauty. The Allegheny Foundation also invited Jacobs to formally apply for a grant to cover architectural and feasibility studies. Immediate future plans include: • Install air conditioning, for the first time Install air conditioning, for the first time in the building's history in the building's history • Restore the stained glass windows Restore the stained glass windows • Update the electric to meet modern standards Update the electric to meet modern standards • Install and reseal new window panes Install and reseal new window panes • Extend the elevator to reach all floors Extend the elevator to reach all floors One project in development is starting a collection of books and materials on local artists who have made it big. Jacobs plans to create special collections and an exhibit, with hopes to display some of the artifacts and information in the music hall. She's collaborating with a friend from a local band—who happens to be a music librarian— who will help guide the development of the collection. Every time Jacobs turns around, it feels like there's someone already there with the necessary skills for the next big project. Everyone she's spoken with wants to restore the space back to its original purpose: a cultural community center and performance space. The library's event center has already hosted concerts to get the community inside to see the progress. They're hosting a gala in August for the 250th anniversary of the United States, which will bring together local business leaders, elected officials, and philanthropists to "invest boldly in the future of [their] communities." Jacobs is also getting ready to file paperwork to start her own arts nonprofit, furthering the reach of arts and music in the Beaver Falls community. The music hall restoration project is ongoing, and more fundraisers and events are planned for the future. For more information about the Carnegie Free Library of Beaver Falls, and its upcoming events, visit www.cflbf.org. Removing the stained glass windows for restoration. Removing the stained glass windows for restoration. Bill Cwyner, photo Bill Cwyner, photo Carnegie Free Library oF beaver FaLLs • Construction began 1899; open to the public December 1903 • Designed by architect Frederick J. Osterling • First building in Beaver County with space for stage performances • First library established in Beaver County • Space previously used for classrooms, arts performances, and administration offices • Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985 • Library has remained open since 1903, including during current renovations

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