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Grants

This guide provides information on grant opportunities in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania's Library Services and Technology Act Program

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.

In Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s (PDE) Office of Commonwealth Libraries (OCL) administers these funds to support local and statewide programs for academic (postsecondary), public (including volunteers and library boards), school (K-12), or special libraries (such as those in prisons) that align with its IMLS-approved five-year plan.

 

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

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.).

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.