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The cheerful color palette --- reds, yellows and blues --- can't hide the fact that the children's room at Carnegie Library of McKeesport is looking run-down at the heels.

More than 1,000 Mon-Yough area children use the library each month, borrowing books or hearing tales that are mostly happy stories.

But the thread-bare carpets and peeling paint in the children's room tell a sad story: Too much need, not enough money.

The first floor of the 1902-vintage library was restored to its original glory in 2005. The contrast between its attractive but functional appearance and the appearance of the children's room, located on the ground floor, is jarring.

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Thankfully, the children's room is about to turn a new page.

With help from the Allegheny Foundation and other private donors, as well as a matching grant from the state, the children's room will close in a few weeks for $100,000 in renovations, says Jo Ellen Kenney, executive director of the library, which has branches in White Oak, Duquesne and Elizabeth Township.

The work --- which will take about three months --- comes as more families with small children are taking advantage of free educational and entertainment events at the McKeesport library.

Kenney expects that's a function of the economy.

"We now have 30 or 40 families showing up for programs, and attendance at our story hours (is) building," she says. "So we can see that the popularity of the library is out there for these kids."

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The children's room is located in the library's former auditorium, once the home of community dances and piano recitals. The auditorium closed in 1969 and was converted to the children's department the following year. Chris Kritikos is the manager.

Under the direction of Pittsburgh architects Pfaffman + Associates, the stage area will be partially restored for use during story hours and other events.

The story hours and the annual Summer Reading Program have been temporarily relocated to the three branch libraries, and Charley Quinn, assistant director of the McKeesport library, says other sites in the city are under consideration for use while the construction continues.

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Shelving will be relocated to open up more floor space for school visits and other events, and careworn desks and tables will be replaced. New carpeting will also be installed, except on the stage, which will revert to its original wood surface.

The renovations will also include moving several public Internet terminals up to the main floor and making some of them wireless.

Eventually, Kenney says, the library would like to convert to movable shelving, which would allow the book stacks to be rolled away when additional room is needed for children's activities.

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For now, however, those plans are somewhere in the future, dependent on funding --- something that remains in short supply despite the McKeesport library system's yearly allocations from the Allegheny Regional Asset District.

Giving is way down, Kenney says. "This is not one of our better years," she says. "Foundation giving is down, and everybody's holding onto their money as long as they can."

Kenney has also warned the library's board to be prepared for a cut in RAD money. The funding comes from the 1 percent Allegheny County sales tax, and consumer spending has been sharply curtailed in the current recession.

"This year, we are truly more wary than we have been in a long time," Kenney says. "If there are any 'library angels' out there who want to help fund the renovations, I hope they'll step forward."

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On May 8, the Palisades will host a fundraiser for the library, featuring the '70s and '80s style funk band "Dancing Queen." Tickets are $8 in advance or $10 at the door, and a table for eight can be reserved for $80.

"Polyester suits and big hair are not required," Kenney says.

All proceeds from the 8 p.m. show will benefit the library.

Tickets are on sale at the library or the Palisades, 100 Fifth Ave. at Water Street, Downtown. Call (412) 678-6979 or (412) 672-0625.

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Donations to the Carnegie Library of McKeesport's capital campaign may be made via PayPal or credit card at its website, or send a check or money order payable to Carnegie Library of McKeesport, 1507 Library Ave., McKeesport 15132.