On March 9, 2022. the PA Department of Education (PDE) announced that nearly $5.3 million in funding has been awarded to 21 libraries in 17 counties for the construction and rehabilitation of public library facilities.

“Public libraries are a community staple — helping residents access critical services, resources, and programming, from educational materials to broadband,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Noe Ortega. “This year’s round of Keystone Library grants will help Pennsylvania’s libraries improve their facilities and operations to better serve visitors and patrons.”

The award recipients were selected through a competitive grant process. The Keystone grants will help public library facilities improve their operations, install equipment, and upgrade security systems.

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 efficient upgrades to HVAC systems, facility expansion and new construction.

To learn which libraries received the Keystone Grants for Public Library Facilities, click here.