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Bureau of Library Development

Bureau of Library Development (BLD)

The Bureau of Library Development (BLD) in the Office of Commonwealth Libraries (OCL) supports libraries and library services for Pennsylvanians through the administration of state and federally funded programs and grant opportunities including LSTA (Library Services and Technology Act), Library AccessLAMP (Library of Accessible Media for Pennsylvanians), the Public Library Subsidy, and Keystone Grants for Public Library Facilities. BLD also provides advisory services, professional development, and continuing education for library staff at public, school, academic, and special libraries.

Office of Commonwealth Libraries Five-Year Plan (2023-2027)

 

While BLD advises libraries on many topics, it is not a provider of legal advice, an advocacy organization, or a law enforcement agency. Public libraries are independent organizations and BLD does not govern local library policies and activities or municipal decisions regarding libraries. BLD's ability to hold libraries accountable to library laws is only related to the eligibility and standards required of libraries that receive state aid or other state and federal funds administered by the office.

BLD administers the following State funding:

State Appropriations​ FY24-25

Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund

 

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)  provides federal Library Services and Technolog​​y Act (LSTA) funding to Pennsylvania through its Grants to the States program.

BLD administers these funds to support the goals outlined in the IMLS-approved OCL five-year plan.

In addition to grant programs for statewide library services and local libraries, LSTA funding supports the work of BLD through professional library development advisors, projects, and continuing education and professional development opportunities. LSTA funds also support some of the work of the State Library including the rare books collection and digitization projects.