Local Library grants are awarded competitively to projects that affect a local library or group of local libraries (such as a system, district or multi-county area).
The grant period for these occur between July 1 and June 30.
Grant guidelines explain project priorities, which organizations are eligible to apply, application deadlines, and how applications are evaluated.
Apply for local library grants via eGrants. Access eGrants through MyPDESuite with your Keystone ID.
Learn more about how to apply:
Click the name of the local library grant below to view guidelines specific to that opportunity.
Excellent and Equitable Youth Services Local Library Grant
This competitive grant opportunity for Pennsylvania school and public libraries provides $5,000 for youth services collections that reflect and serve the unique needs of youth ages birth to 18. Successful applicants will engage in community of practice sessions to facilitate an information exchange of quality library materials in a variety of formats and best practices for collection development and community youth engagement.
This project is made possible by Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Office of Commonwealth Libraries.
April 2024 |
Get Ready to Apply Webinar (requires PA Staff Academy log-in) |
April 19 - May 20, 2024 |
Applications accepted |
May-June 2024 |
Application review period |
July 2024 |
Awards announced |
Summer 2024 |
Contract execution period |
Fall 2024 - Spring 2025 |
Libraries participate in community of practice sessions |
Winter 2024 - Spring 2025 | Libraries make collection purchases |
June 30, 2025 |
Reimbursement requests deadline and Grant activities end (all funds encumbered and supplies/materials received) |
July 2025 |
Impact Reports due |
Eligible libraries include:
Administrative units that are not attached to a local library that is publicly accessible are not eligible for this grant opportunity.
The purpose of this project is to support community engagement that positions libraries at the center of identifying and responding to emerging needs, particularly in systemically marginalized populations, through a special focus on collections for youth ages birth to 18. As a result of this project, libraries will be prepared to meet the unique needs of community youth through access to inclusive library collections.
Eligible purchases include:
Ineligible purchases include:
Please refer to the Grant Fund Restrictions information
This grant will be dispersed on a reimbursement basis; expenses will not be paid directly. Applicants are responsible for any expenses in excess of the award amount.
According to §9335 (b) (2) of the Education Code (24 PA.C.S.) – Public Library Code, the local library or library system shall annually spend not less than 12% of its operating budget on collections, excluding costs of an unusual, emergency or nonrecurring nature. In this instance, the Excellent and Equitable Youth Services Local Library Grant is considered as a nonrecurring cost. This applies only for the Incentive for Excellence level of the Pennsylvania State Aid to Public Libraries Program.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education has implemented an online grant application system, eGrants, to simplify and streamline the process of applying for and managing grants. Before you can apply for this grant, you need to complete all the steps to get ready to apply.
The eGrants application can only be accessed through MyPDESuite with a Keystone ID.
Office of Commonwealth Libraries staff will manage the application process through the eGrants system as well as notify applicants of the status of their award.
All applications must be submitted in eGrants by Monday, May 20, 2024 at Noon. Applications submitted after this date and time will not be accepted or reviewed. Incomplete applications, applications without appropriate documentation attached, and those with expired SAM.gov registrations will not be reviewed as they will be considered ineligible.
Applicants must click the FINAL “Complete Step” button once within the eGrants system before the application is considered submitted for peer review.
Applicants are encouraged to FULLY review the full application prior to finalizing the submission process. Once submitted, the application workflow step will change to “submitted for peer review.” This is the only notification the applicant will receive that the submission process has been completed.
Additional tips:
Application Attachments
The system will not accept attachments over 3MB (megabyte). If you are scanning your attachments, please set the scanner resolution to low. Attachments can only be submitted in WORD, EXCEL and/or PDF formats. Make sure each document is accurately labeled.
Attachments include:
1. Uniform Grant Guidance (PDF) policies and procedures
2. Internet Safety Certification (PDF)
Submission Instructions
The Pennsylvania Department of Education’s eGrants System is used by the Office of Commonwealth Libraries to facilitate the electronic completion and submission of grant applications as well as the contracted agreements. The Getting Started Guide that covers the basic function of eGrants is available on the right side of the eGrants 'Home' tab.
Once the application is completed, the workflow status should show "Grant Application Received". Seeing "Grant Application Received" is the confirmation that the application has been submitted for review.
To change the workflow status from “Data Entry” to "Grant Application Received”, the Complete Step located at the bottom of the application home page must be clicked. If that button is inactive for you, please make sure all sections of the application are marked as complete. On the application home page, a checkmark will appear next to the section if it’s been marked as complete.
Contact the eGrants help desk at ra-egrantshelp@pa.gov with eGrants system navigation or other technical questions you may have.
After the review process is completed, all applicants will be contacted with the next steps as it pertains to them.
Incomplete applications or those that do not meet the minimum requirements as outlined here will not be reviewed.
Reviewers will use the point values in the rubric below to score each application.
In the event of a tie score, the grant advisor will compare the percent enrollment of economically disadvantaged students and the in the library’s service area as answered in questions 16 in the application. Areas that include schools with high economic disadvantage will be given preference when all other indicators are tied.
In addition to the LSTA Grant Requirements, grant award recipients agree to the following:
Q. Who is the grantee?
A. Libraries/School Libraries/Organizations will be the applicants and will become the Grantee of awarded Excellent and Equitable Youth Services Local Library Grant. All grant agreements are made between the Library/School Library/Organization (Grantee) and OCL, not with any individual.
Q: Who receives the grant funds?
A: As the Library/School Library/Organization is the official grantee, the funds are reimbursed to the Library/School Library/Organization after completion of the activity. If the participant has personally paid for some grant-related expenses, they will need to request reimbursement from the Library/School Library/Organization for those expenses.
Q: Can a main library (or Grantee organization) apply on behalf of a library outlet?
A: Yes. A Library/School Library/Organization can apply on behalf of more than one Library/School Library/Organization outlet (including branch locations and bookmobiles). In the application, Library/School Library/Organizations will be asked to list out each outlet and will need to provide answers for each outlet, as indicated in the application. This grant opportunity is meant for individual Library/School Library/Organization buildings and outlets and not intended for organizations at a systems or headquarters level.
Q. What if my library is not listed as an approved agency when I try to access the online application in eGrants?
A: Send an email to ra-egrantshelp@pa.gov to request to be added to the Excellent and Equitable Services Local Library Grant as an approved agency.
Q. My organization is listed as approved agency, but there is not a user account attached for me. How do I create a user account?
A. If someone in your organization doesn’t already have an Agency User Administrator account, you’ll need designate someone to act as your Agency User Administrator (usually the director). That person should complete the Request Form: eGrants Administrator Account.
Once an Agency User Administrator account is created, the Administrator will receive an email with the subject “eGrants Alert Message” from ra-egrantshelp@pa.gov. It will provide the Administrator with a temporary password. The Administrator must visit the eGrants site to set-up their own password, complete their profile, and set-up any other user accounts.
Q. Where I can find the information session webinar?
A. The information session webinar for local library grants can be found in the Pennsylvania Library Staff Academy.
Q. How are funds for this grant dispersed?
A. This grant will be dispersed on a reimbursement basis; expenses will not be paid directly. Applicants are responsible for any expenses in excess of the award amount.
Q. Are purchases using grant funds eligible for annual collection expenditure requirements according to the Statute?
A. According to §9335 (b) (2) of the Education Code (24 PA.C.S.) – Public Library Code, the local library or library system shall annually spend not less than 12% of its operating budget on collections, excluding costs of an unusual, emergency or nonrecurring nature for Incentive for Excellence level of the Pennsylvania State Aid to Public Libraries Program. In this instance, the Excellent and Equitable Youth Services Local Library Grant is considered as a nonrecurring cost.
Q. Does grant income need to be included on the Annual Report for public libraries?
A. Recipients of Federal grant funds must report project-related reimbursements within a calendar year on the Annual Report.
Q. What does “Community of Practice” refer to on the application?
A. As per the sub-recipient requirements listed on the LSTA LibGuide, grant awardees will be required to participate in monthly Community of Practice sessions as part of the grant process. From the grant announcement on the Compendium: "In addition to developing appealing fiction and non-fiction collections, successful applicants will be provided with professional support through participation in community of practice sessions that will facilitate an information exchange of quality library materials and best practices for collection development and community youth engagement." The CoP will take a deeper look into evaluating and curating inclusive youth collections.
Q. Are we required to submit all these policies: Cash Management, Bid and Procurement, Conflict and Interest, and Travel?
A. Yes. Because this is a federally funded grant, applicants must comply with federal Uniform Administrative Requirements for grants (2 CFR §200.300 - §200.345). All the policies requested on the application must be submitted before the application close date. Additional information about policies and procedures can be found under “Get Ready to Apply” on the LSTA LibGuide.
Sustaining Success: Local Library Grants for Pennsylvania Family Place Libraries and Play & Grow Libraries
The Bureau of Library Development has been supporting libraries by providing the initial funding for training and materials needed to join the national Family Place Libraries network for over 20 years. As part of this national network, registered Family Place Libraries transform into community centers for early childhood information, parent education, socialization, emergent literacy, and family support. Play & Grow was introduced as a similar initiative in 2019 with local training staff and fewer barriers to participate.
The purpose of this project is to support existing Pennsylvania Family Place Libraries and existing Play and Grow Libraries by offering funding in the form of a local library grant to update their childhood/parenting space in the children’s room including toys and collections for very young children and resources for parents. The Office of Commonwealth Libraries is continuing support for these programs due to the success of the programs both from the librarians and community's perspectives and to ensure that the project continues to be sustainable for libraries.
For fiscal year 2024-25, the Office of Commonwealth Libraries intends to award 30 libraries $2,500 each for this project.
April 2024 |
Get Ready to Apply Webinar (requires PA Staff Academy log-in) |
April 19 - May 20, 2024 |
Applications accepted |
May-June 2024 |
Application review period |
July 2024 |
Awards announced |
Summer 2024 |
Contract execution period |
Fall 2024 |
Libraries make purchases and plan events |
Winter 2024 - Spring 2025 | Libraries host Family Place and Play & Grow programming |
June 30, 2025 |
Reimbursement requests deadline and Grant activities end (all funds encumbered and supplies/materials received) |
July 2025 |
Impact Reports due |
Eligible applicants include public libraries in Pennsylvania who are currently registered as a Family Place Library with the national Family Place network and Pennsylvania public libraries that are in current or previous Play & Grow cohorts.
Not sure if your library is a registered Family Place Library? Click here to see if you are listed on the Family Place website.
The purpose of this project is to support existing Pennsylvania Family Place Libraries and Play & Grow Libraries by providing funding for Supplies and Materials to update their childhood/parenting space in the children’s room including toys and collections for very young children and resources for parents. Selected libraries will receive $2,500.00 in reimbursements. Eligible purchases include:
Ineligible purchases include:
Please refer to the Grant Fund Restrictions for additional information on ineligible purchases.
This grant will be dispersed on a reimbursement basis; expenses will not be paid directly. Applicants are responsible for any expenses in excess of the award amount.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education has implemented an online grant application system, eGrants, to simplify and streamline the process of applying for and managing grants. Before you can apply for this grant, you need to complete all the steps to get ready to apply.
The eGrants application can only be accessed through MyPDESuite with a Keystone ID.
Office of Commonwealth Libraries staff will manage the application process through the eGrants system as well as notify applicants of the status of their award.
All applications must be submitted in eGrants by Monday, May 20, 2024 at Noon. Applications submitted after this date and time will not be accepted or reviewed. Incomplete applications, applications without appropriate documentation attached, and those with expired SAM.gov registrations will not be reviewed as they will be considered ineligible.
Applicants must click the FINAL “Complete Step” button once within the eGrants system before the application is considered submitted for peer review.
Applicants are encouraged to FULLY review the full application prior to finalizing the submission process. Once submitted, the application workflow step will change to “submitted for peer review.” This is the only notification the applicant will receive that the submission process has been completed.
Additional tips:
Application Attachments
The system will not accept attachments over 3MB (megabyte). If you are scanning your attachments, please set the scanner resolution to low. Attachments can only be submitted in WORD, EXCEL and/or PDF formats. Make sure each document is accurately labeled.
Attachments include:
1. Uniform Grant Guidance (PDF) policies and procedures
2. Internet Safety Certification (PDF)
Submission Instructions
The Pennsylvania Department of Education’s eGrants System is used by the Office of Commonwealth Libraries to facilitate the electronic completion and submission of grant applications as well as the contracted agreements. The Getting Started Guide that covers the basic function of eGrants is available on the right side of the eGrants 'Home' tab.
Once the application is completed, the workflow status should show "Grant Application Received". Seeing "Grant Application Received" is the confirmation that the application has been submitted for review.
To change the workflow status from “Data Entry” to "Grant Application Received”, the Complete Step located at the bottom of the application home page must be clicked. If that button is inactive for you, please make sure all sections of the application are marked as complete. On the application home page, a checkmark will appear next to the section if it’s been marked as complete.
Contact the eGrants help desk at ra-egrantshelp@pa.gov with eGrants system navigation or other technical questions you may have.
After the review process is completed, all applicants will be contacted with the next steps as it pertains to them.
Incomplete applications or those that do not meet the minimum requirements as outlined here will not be reviewed.
Reviewers will use the point values in the rubric below to score each application.
In the event of a tie score, the grant advisor will compare the percent enrollment of economically disadvantaged students and the in the library’s service area, as well as the percentage of students who demonstrate on-track performance measured by a locally selected assessment of the state issued Grade 3 English Language Arts as answered in questions 16 and 17 in the application. Schools with high economic disadvantage and low third grade reading schools will be given preference when all other indicators are tied.
In addition to the LSTA Grant Requirements, grant award recipients agree to the following:
For Family Place Libraries
For Play & Grow Libraries
Q. Where I can find the information session webinar?
A. The information session webinar for local library grants can be found in the Pennsylvania Library Staff Academy.
Q. What if my library is not listed as an approved agency when I try to access the online application in eGrants?
A. Send an email to ra-egrantshelp@pa.gov to request to be added to the Sustaining Sucess Local Library Grant as an approved agency.
Q. My organization is listed as approved agency, but there is not a user account attached for me. How do I create a user account?
A. If someone in your organization doesn’t already have an Agency User Administrator account, you’ll need designate someone to act as your Agency User Administrator (usually the director). That person should complete the Request Form: eGrants Administrator Account.
Once an Agency User Administrator account is created, the Administrator will receive an email with the subject “eGrants Alert Message” from ra-egrantshelp@pa.gov. It will provide the Administrator with a temporary password. The Administrator must visit the eGrants site to set-up their own password, complete their profile, and set-up any other user accounts.
Q. How are funds for this grant dispersed?
A. This grant will be dispersed on a reimbursement basis; expenses will not be paid directly. Applicants are responsible for any expenses in excess of the award amount.
Q. Does grant income need to be included on the Annual Report for public libraries?
A. Recipients of Federal grant funds must report project-related reimbursements within a calendar year on the Annual Report.
Q. Can these funds be used to pay for Family Place Training?
A. No. These funds are for supplies and materials only. If you are interested in applying for funds for professional development, please apply for the Professional Development Mini-Grant.
Q. Are we required to submit all these policies: Cash Management, Bid and Procurement, Conflict and Interest, and Travel?
A. Yes. Because this is a federally funded grant, applicants must comply with federal Uniform Administrative Requirements for grants (2 CFR §200.300 - §200.345). All the policies requested on the application must be submitted before the application close date. Additional information about policies and procedures can be found under “Get Ready to Apply” on the LSTA LibGuide.
Q. In the grant announcement it was noted that this grant will provide $2,500 to each library that wins the award. But on the actual application page it states $2,750. Are you able to clarify?
A. The larger amount showing as the allocation in eGrants takes into account any indirect costs the library would claim. The grant award itself is $2,500. You can read more about indirect costs here: https://pa-gov.libguides.com/ld.php?content_id=71585044.
The indirect costs would also need to be added to the application. You can view the questions asking about this on the application PDF, page 22: https://pa-gov.libguides.com/ld.php?content_id=76009992
Please keep in mind that this grant will be dispersed on a reimbursement basis; expenses will not be paid directly.
Professional Development Mini-Grants
Professional development is continuing education and career training that a person participates in after they have entered the workforce. This learning helps to develop new skills and stay up to date on current trends. Investing in personal and organizational learning is the best way to ensure both career growth for yourself and/or your staff and to ensure the provision of high-quality library services for Pennsylvania communities.
Gaps in knowledge and learning should be assessed on an individual/organizational level and learning goals should strive to close those knowledge gaps. This mini-grant serves to provide financial support to meet those goals on an individual or organizational level.
Individual learning mini-grants (up to $1000) are available to support the activities of a single learner (virtual course, webinar/conference attendance, self-directed learning activity) and group learning mini-grants (up to $5000) are available to support any activity that would apply to a group of learners (hiring speakers for virtual or in-person staff-training, online course for a group).
This grant can be used to host district or region wide training, as well as to provide training for trustees or volunteers.
April 2024 |
Get Ready to Apply Webinar (requires PA Staff Academy log-in) |
April 19 - May 20, 2024 |
Applications accepted |
May-June 2024 |
Application review period |
July 2024 |
Awards announced |
Summer 2024 |
Contract execution period |
Fall 2024 - Spring 2025 |
Awardees attend professional development sessions |
June 30, 2025 |
Reimbursement requests deadline and Grant activities end (all funds encumbered and supplies/materials received) |
July 2025 |
Final Reports due |
Eligibility includes:
Each organization may apply only once and must choose to pursue either an individual or group learning activity.
This grant is available to support library workers in their pursuit of professional development and of continuing education hours to meet requirements set forth in the Governor's Council on Library Development's Continuing Education guidelines.
Eligible purchases may include:
Ineligible purchases include:
This grant will be dispersed on a reimbursement basis; expenses will not be paid directly. Applicants are responsible for any expenses in excess of the award amount.
All travel related expenses must be the most economical and must adhere to GSA rates.
Please refer to the Grant Fund Restrictions information for additional restrictions.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education has implemented an online grant application system, eGrants, to simplify and streamline the process of applying for and managing grants. Before you can apply for this grant, you need to complete all the steps found in the Get Ready to Apply module.
Please keep in mind the following:
Additional tips:
Application Attachments
The system will not accept attachments over 3MB (megabyte). If you are scanning your attachments, please set the scanner resolution to low. Attachments can only be submitted in WORD, EXCEL and/or PDF formats. Make sure each document is accurately labeled.
Attachments include:
1. Uniform Grant Guidance (PDF) policies and procedures
2. Internet Safety Certification (PDF)
Submission Instructions
The Pennsylvania Department of Education’s eGrants System is used by the Office of Commonwealth Libraries to facilitate the electronic completion and submission of grant applications as well as the contracted agreements. The Getting Started Guide that covers the basic function of eGrants is available on the right side of the eGrants 'Home' tab.
Once the application is completed, the workflow status should show "Grant Application Received". Seeing "Grant Application Received" is the confirmation that the application has been submitted for review.
To change the workflow status from “Data Entry” to "Grant Application Received”, the Complete Step located at the bottom of the application home page must be clicked. If that button is inactive for you, please make sure all sections of the application are marked as complete. On the application home page, a checkmark will appear next to the section if it’s been marked as complete.
Contact the eGrants help desk at ra-egrantshelp@pa.gov with eGrants system navigation or other technical questions you may have.
After the review process is completed, all applicants will be contacted with the next steps as it pertains to them.
Incomplete applications or those that do not meet the minimum requirements as outlined here will not be reviewed.
Reviewers will use the point values in the rubric below to score each application.
In the event of a tie score, reviewers will compare the percent of annual budget dedicated to professional development as the tie-breaker. This grant seeks to support libraries and library workers that do not have funding in place for professional development or continuing education efforts.
In addition to the LSTA Grant Requirements, grant award recipients agree to the following:
Q: Who is the grantee?
A: Libraries/Organizations will be the applicants and will become the Grantee of awarded Professional Development Mini-Grants. The individual staff member attending the professional development event will be referred to as Learner in the application. All grant agreements are made between the library (Grantee) and OCL, not with the individual (or Learner).
Q: Who receives the grant funds?
A: As the library is the official grantee, the funds are reimbursed to the library after completion of the activity and after appropriates have been submitted. If the participant has personally paid for some grant-related expenses, he/she will need to request reimbursement from the library for those expenses.
Q: Can a library (or Grantee) apply on behalf of more than one employee?
A: At this time, an organization can only apply to receive one award but can choose whether to apply for an individual learning activity (one learner focused on individualized project) or a group learning activity (multiple learners focused on the same project).
Q. What if my library is not listed as an approved agency when I try to access the online application in eGrants?
A: Send an email to ra-egrantshelp@pa.gov to request to be added to the Professional Development Mini-Grant Local Library Grant as an approved agency.
Q. Does grant income need to be included on the Annual Report?
A. Recipients of Federal grant funds must report project-related reimbursements within a calendar year on the Annual Report.
Q: Do I have to apply for a SAM.gov number before applying?
A: Yes, all grant applicants must have a Unique Entity ID (UEI) Number from System for Award Management (SAM) before applying.
Q: Should I use the district budget or the library's budget when applying for a professional development mini-grant?
A: When applying for grants, it's important to consider who the training is intended for. Here’s how to determine which budget to use: If the training is offered district wide: Use the district budget. This budget reflects the financial resources available for activities and initiatives that impact the entire district. If the training is specifically for local library staff: Use the local library's budget. This budget pertains to the individual library applying for the grant and highlights the library’s own commitment to advancing the skills and knowledge of its direct staff.