HARRISBURG, PA — More than $11 million in state funding will support upgrades and repairs at 27 public libraries across Pennsylvania, targeting aging infrastructure, accessibility issues, and energy efficiency improvements.
What This Means for You
- Local libraries will receive upgrades to buildings, accessibility, and technology
- Funding supports safer, more modern community spaces
- Projects include repairs, expansions, and new construction
The funding comes through Keystone grants, a state program that supports public library construction and renovation projects. These grants focus on major facility needs such as structural repairs, heating and cooling systems, accessibility upgrades, and building expansions.
Where the Funding Is Going
The Pennsylvania Department of Education said 27 libraries in 15 counties will receive funding for specific projects:
Adams County
- Adams County Library System: Gettysburg Library — $750,000 for a new library facility
Allegheny County
- Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (Squirrel Hill Branch) — $400,000 for roof and HVAC replacement
- CC Mellor Memorial Library — $750,000 for roof restoration and interior renovations
- Mt. Lebanon Public Library — $747,390 for accessibility upgrades, lighting, flooring, and HVAC improvements
- Penn Hills Library — $750,000 for entrance renovations, HVAC and lighting upgrades, and solar panel installation
- Sewickley Public Library — $750,000 for first-floor redesign and renovation
Bucks County
- Bucks County Free Library (Perkasie Branch) — $63,952 for HVAC replacement
- Township Library of Lower Southampton — $89,500 for children’s and teen space expansion
Butler County
- Butler Area Public Library — $95,131 for HVAC updates, meeting space creation, and accessibility improvements
- Zelienople Area Public Library — $515,000 for building addition
Cambria County
- Cambria County Library — $748,771.50 for elevator upgrades and creation of a learning lab and community room
Carbon County
- Palmerton Area Library — $303,050 for water damage repairs and restoration of a historic building
Centre County
- Centre County Library (Centre Hall Area Branch) — $750,000 for expansion and infrastructure upgrades
Clearfield County
- DuBois Public Library — $43,332 for window replacement and accessible entry improvements
Delaware County
- Marple Public Library — $750,000 for renovations and accessibility upgrades
- Ridley Park Public Library — $30,000 for drainage improvements
- Sharon Hill Public Library — $750,000 for construction of a new facility
Lackawanna County
- Valley Community Library — $197,500 for HVAC replacement
Montgomery County
- Abington Township Public Library — $749,750 for facility planning and design
- Indian Valley Public Library — $290,000 for HVAC replacement
- Jenkintown Library — $81,900 for a comprehensive facility master plan
- Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library — $750,000 for structural, mechanical, and accessibility upgrades
Somerset County
- Mary S. Biesecker Public Library — $10,757 for window restoration and ADA ramp replacement
Westmoreland County
- Greensburg Hempfield Area Library — $750,000 for major structural and system repairs
- Mount Pleasant Library — $131,120 for roof replacement and accessibility upgrades
Wyoming County
- Tunkhannock Library — $49,281 for roof replacement
York County
- Kaltreider-Benfer Library — $99,782 for roof and HVAC replacement
Focus on Infrastructure and Access
State officials said the grants are designed to address long-term infrastructure needs in libraries that serve as community hubs.
“Public libraries are a staple in communities throughout the Commonwealth, helping residents access critical services, resources, and programming,” said Education Secretary Dr. Carrie Rowe.
Projects funded through the program prioritize accessibility improvements, energy efficiency upgrades, and repairs to essential building systems.
Program Funding and Oversight
The Keystone grants are funded through the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund, which receives revenue from the state’s realty transfer tax. The Pennsylvania Department of Education administers the library portion of the program through the Office of Commonwealth Libraries.
Since 2023, the state has awarded $23.5 million for 76 library projects.
“The Office of Commonwealth Libraries is pleased to share the awards for this round’s Keystone grant process,” said Deputy Secretary and State Librarian Susan Banks.
Additional Library Funding
Officials said the latest grants come in addition to increased state support for libraries.
The 2025–26 state budget included a 7 percent increase in funding for libraries, including a $5 million increase for public libraries and $433,000 for services for residents who are visually impaired through the Library of Accessible Media for Pennsylvanians.
Officials said the investments are intended to improve library facilities and expand access to services for communities across the state.
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