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Grants

This guide provides information on grant opportunities in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania's Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Program and Keystone Fund

BLD Grant Programs

The Bureau of Library Development (BLD) in the Office of Commonwealth Libraries (OCL) administers state and federal funds to support libraries and their communities with local and statewide grants that align with its five-year plan

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) provides federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funding to states through its Grants to the States program. Visit Pennsylvania’s IMLS’ state profile page on the IMLS website to learn more about Pennsylvania’s LSTA program (e.g., its federal budget allocation, project examples, obtain a copy of the five-year plan, etc.).

OCL’s approved five-year LSTA plan has three goal areas:

  1. Statewide Infrastructure
  2. Libraries as Community Catalyst
  3. Libraries Integral to the Lifelong Educational Ecosystem

The Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund was established by an act of the General Assembly in 1993. The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), through the Office of Commonwealth Libraries, Bureau of Library Development, administers the public library portion of this program, Keystone Grants for Public Library Facilities, which is funded from a portion of realty transfer taxes. 

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About IMLS

IMLS is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s approximately 120,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. Its mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Its grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive.

 

 

To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow IMLS on Facebook and Twitter.

The Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) program improves residents’ lives every day in Pennsylvania. 

Through LSTA:

  • Preschoolers borrow books and attend LSTA-funded early learning programs to help them be ready for school.
  • School-age children use LSTA-funded online resources and participate in summer learning programs that improve their academic success.
  • Students and researchers find and use rare, digitized historic Pennsylvania newspapers and documents on the Internet.
  • Adults use LSTA-funded high-speed Internet connections and online resources to learn new skills, find jobs, and obtain government services.
  • Librarians learn new technology and management skills at LSTA-funded workshops.
  • Library boards use LSTA funds to leverage local funds, create partnerships and provide new services.

Previously funded projects can be found on the public view of our federal report via imls.gov. There, you can filter the search by various categories listed on the left side of the screen. Results can be printed and/or exported to a CSV file.