Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) Office of Commonwealth Libraries (OCL) today announced that more than $4 million in funding has been awarded to 11 libraries in eight counties for the construction and rehabilitation of public library facilities. Supporting public libraries is part of the Shapiro Administration’s work to invest in Pennsylvania communities and create opportunities across the Commonwealth.
"Public libraries are vital hubs within community ecosystems across the Commonwealth, connecting residents to essential resources, educational opportunities, and critical services—from access to technology and information to lifelong learning and community engagement,” said Acting Secretary of Education Dr. Carrie Rowe. “The Commonwealth understands the important role libraries of all sizes play in their communities, and this funding will help Pennsylvania’s libraries build, repair, and improve their facilities and operations to better serve visitors and patrons.”
Libraries are community centers that – in addition to creating learning opportunities – also help community members access the internet, explore work and employment opportunities, find health care resources, and more. Libraries bring communities together and provide necessary services to patrons, including individuals with specialized needs such as people experiencing homelessness, seniors, and veterans.
Award recipients were selected through a competitive grant process. The Keystone grants help public library facilities improve their operations, install equipment, and upgrade security systems.
Libraries receiving the Keystone Grants for Public Library Facilities include:
Allegheny County:
- Brentwood Library, $100,850 to replace flooring and windows.
- Cooper-Siegel Community Library, $750,000 to renovate 6,500 square feet of unfinished space and create new public library space.
- Northern Tier Regional Library Association, $91,831.50 to replace restrooms for ADA compliance and add a family restroom.
Crawford County:
- Benson Memorial Library, $220,796.50 for roof replacement and exterior repair of library building.
Cumberland County:
- Cleve J Fredricksen Library, $305,292 to replace boiler and thermostats, replace flat roof, install automatic door openers on lower level restrooms, and add solar panels.
Delaware County:
- Darby Library Company, $748,771.50 to renovate two-story library into cohesive accessible facility with energy-conservation measures.
- Springfield Township Library, $653,800 to retrofit building to update outdated HVAC, elevator, lighting and roof.
Fayette County:
- Carnegie Free Library of Connellsville, $175,000 to complete exterior structural repairs to 125-year-old building.
Franklin County:
- Lilian S. Besore Memorial Library, $9,794.12 to upgrade facility security infrastructure to include video surveillance and gas/carbon monoxide detectors.
Lawrence County:
- New Castle Public Library, $405,000 to replace failing heating and AC system with energy-efficient components.
Montgomery County:
- Upper Dublin Public Library, $750,000 to renovate and restore public spaces to include accessible, energy efficient and mechanical upgrades.
The Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund was established by the General Assembly in 1993. The Department of Education, through the Office of Commonwealth Libraries, Bureau of Library Development, administers the public library portion of this program which is funded from a portion of the state’s realty transfer tax.
Grants pay up to 50 percent of eligible costs in planning, acquisition, construction, and rehabilitation of public libraries. Examples of fundable projects include but are not limited to: ADA upgrades, roof improvements, replacement windows, energy efficiency upgrades to HVAC systems, facility expansion, and new construction.