Corbett Administration Announces $3.7 Million in Grants to Public Libraries

HARRISBURG, Pa., Feb. 14, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- 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.

Editor's Note: Below is the list of libraries, county and grant amount.

Sharpsburg Community Library, Allegheny County, $349,701
Village Library of Wrightstown, Bucks County, $6,000
Cranberry Public Library, Butler County, $230,183
Barbara Moscato Brown Memorial Library, Cameron County, $28,000
Shippensburg Public Library, Cumberland County, $500,000
Media-Upper Providence Free Library, Delaware County, $500,000
Ridgway Public Library, Elk County, $26,847
Carnegie Free Library of Connellsville, Fayette County, $150,000
Punxsutawney Memorial Library, Jefferson County, $60,000
Albright Memorial Library, Lackawanna County, $500,000
West Pittston Library, Luzerne County, $500,000
Dorothy E. Warner Branch Library, Pike County, $203,215
Citizen's Library, Washington County, $500,000
Wayne County Public Library, Wayne County, $86,761
Youngwood Area Public Library, Westmoreland County, $65,950

Media Contact:  Tim Eller, 717-783-9802

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Education