Clarion, PA – $5.1 million total in Keystone Grants were given to 18 libraries throughout our state, including more than $103,000 given to the Clarion Free Library. In Clarion, the money will be used to replace the boiler at the library, plus make ADA upgrades to sidewalks, entry doors, and restrooms at the building.
***
Harrisburg, PA – The Department of Education (PDE) today announced $5.1 million in Keystone Grants to 18 libraries for the construction and rehabilitation of public library facilities.
“Public libraries are a staple in communities for access to educational and informative programming and materials,” said Acting Secretary of Education Noe Ortega. “I am thankful that these grants will allow the renovation and improvement of public libraries across the commonwealth so they can safely continue to provide resources to all.”
The award recipients were selected through a competitive grant process. The Keystone grants will aid public library facilities in installing equipment, upgrading security systems, and more.
“The Office of Commonwealth Libraries is pleased that the Keystone grants will be distributed to the selected libraries for the preservation, construction, and maintenance of their facilities,” said Deputy Secretary for the Office of Commonwealth Libraries Glenn R. Miller. “Our staff is delighted to assist libraries in gaining access to resources necessary to provide accessible services to the communities they support.”
Libraries receiving $5,189,530 in Keystone Grants for Public Library Facilities include:
| County | Municipality | Project Library | Amount Awarded | Project Description |
| Allegheny | Braddock Borough | Braddock Carnegie Library Association | $750,000.00 | Install new HVAC system, and rehab/securing of all windows, doors, stairwells, shafts. |
| Allegheny | Richland Township | Northern Tier Regional Library Association | $38,579.50 | Make entrance doors automatic; install efficient lighting in program area; new flooring and paint in main library. |
| Allegheny | Township of Upper St. Clair | Upper St. Clair Township Library | $750,000.00 | Reconfigure and increase library space. |
| Armstrong | Kittanning Borough | Kittanning Free Library | $28,976.00 | Upgrade lighting; upgrade flooring; upgrade security system. |
| Berks | Borough of Leesport | Schuylkill Valley Community Library | $134,712.00 | Construct addition, replace roof, upgrade entrance for ADA, add restrooms. |
| Chester | County of Chester | Chester County Library & District Center | $387,500.00 | Renovate first floor for accessibility, adding public workspaces and seating; combine service desks. |
| Clarion | Clarion Borough | Clarion Free Library | $105,385.00 | Replace boiler; ADA upgrades to sidewalks, entry doors, restrooms. |
| Dauphin | Dauphin County | Dauphin County Library System: McCormick Riverfront Library | $750,000.00 | Full library renovation incorporating newly acquired adjacent building. |
| Erie | Erie County | Erie County Public Library: Millcreek Branch | $25,000.00 | Needs assessment / feasibility study for relocating branch. |
| Huntingdon | Huntingdon County | Huntingdon County Library | $48,650.00 | Replace elevator. |
| Indiana | Burrell Township | Burrell Township Library | $229,000.00 | Construct new library facility. |
| Lackawanna | Lackawanna County | Lackawanna County Library System: Abington Community Library | $49,150.00 | Renovate and expand community room kitchen facilities. |
| Mercer | Town of Greenville | Greenville Area Public Library | $75,000.00 | Replace boiler; replace roof; upgrade lighting. |
| Montgomery | Souderton Borough | Indian Valley Public Library | $97,480.00 | Roof replacement. |
| Montgomery | Upper Moreland Township | Upper Moreland Free Public Library | $70,457.00 | Make two emergency exits ADA compliant. |
| Somerset | Borough of Somerset | Mary S. Biesecker Public Library | $241,798.53 | Improve entrance steps and sidewalks for accessibility; install solar canopy parking structure; interior plaster, tile and flooring. |
| Warren | Warren County | Warren Public Library | $659,697.00 | Create teen space and maker spaces; add ADA entrance doors; reconfigure restrooms; upgrade signage; update elevator; upgrade HVAC; upgrade lighting; install security cameras. |
| Westmoreland | City of Greensburg | Greensburg Hempfield Area Library | $748,145.00 | Rebuild restrooms for ADA; build service counters; improve mechanical systems and life safety systems. |
The Office of Commonwealth Libraries within the Pennsylvania Department of Education supports, develops, and provides library services for learning and advancement. For more information on the Pennsylvania State Library, follow them on Twitter.
For more information about Pennsylvania’s education policies and programs please visit the Department of Education’s website at www.education.pa.gov or follow PDE on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest.
