HARRISBURG, PA — The Office of Commonwealth Libraries (OCL), a branch of the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), has recently announced nearly $4.5 million in funding awarded to 17 libraries across 14 counties. The grants, aimed at the construction and rehabilitation of public library facilities, underscore the Shapiro Administration’s commitment to investing in local communities and creating opportunities across the state.
Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid N. Mumin highlighted the significance of these institutions, saying, “Pennsylvania’s libraries provide critical resources and services to the residents of their communities, and this funding will enable them to continue those efforts in state-of-the-art spaces. By investing in our libraries, we are investing in the health of our towns and cities and all of the people who call them home.”
Recipients of the funds were chosen through a competitive grant process. The Keystone grants will aid public library facilities in enhancing their operations, installing new equipment, and upgrading security systems.
Among the libraries receiving the Keystone Grants for Public Library Facilities are Shaler North Hills Library, South Fayette Township Library, Dormont Public Library, and Pleasant Hills Public Library in Allegheny County; Carnegie Free Library of Beaver Falls in Beaver County; Hamburg Public Library in Berks County; Monroeton Public Library in Bradford County; and Easttown Library in Chester County, among others.
These grants, funded by a portion of the state’s realty transfer tax, are administered through the OCL’s Bureau of Library Development as part of the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund established in 1993. The grants can cover up to 50 percent of eligible costs in planning, acquisition, construction, and rehabilitation of public libraries.
Projects eligible for funding encompass a wide range, including but not limited to ADA upgrades, roof improvements, replacement windows, energy efficiency upgrades to HVAC systems, facility expansion, and new construction.
This funding will enable libraries to continue serving as vital community hubs, providing resources and services to residents, promoting lifelong learning, and fostering community engagement. It’s a significant investment in Pennsylvania’s public libraries, reinforcing their role in strengthening communities and contributing to the state’s cultural and educational landscape.
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