Corbett Administration Announces $3.7 Million in Grants to Public Libraries

The Corbett administration today announced that more than $3.7 million has been awarded to 15 public libraries across The Commonwealth through the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund.

These awards will assist local communities in financing repairs and upgrades to library facilities.

"Public libraries play an important role in communities across Pennsylvania," Secretary of Education Ron Tomalis said. "This financial assistance provides the much-needed resources to ensure that citizens continue to have access to programs and services at their local library as well as makes each location accessible to all residents."

Established in 1993, the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund supports improvements to Pennsylvania communities, including public libraries.

Through a competitive grant process, municipal applicants could qualify for up to $500,000 for their local library, which must be matched dollar-for-dollar.

The department received 28 applications, which were reviewed by a committee that evaluated priorities of the grant, including economically distressed communities, ADA compliance projects, energy efficiency, building additions and new construction.

Funds can be used to pay up to 50 percent of eligible costs in the planning, acquisition, construction and rehabilitation of public libraries. Eligible projects include Americans with Disabilities Act upgrades, new roofing, replacement windows, energy efficient upgrades to heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, facility expansion and new construction.

Since the program's inception, more than $23.6 million in funding has been awarded to support 212 projects in 48 counties across the state.