Pennsylvania Awards $11 Million in Keystone Grants to 27 Public Libraries

Funding will help libraries across the state build, repair, and improve facilities to better serve their communities.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 5:26pm

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An abstract, impressionistic scene of blurred, warm-toned images of people using library resources, conveying the welcoming and community-focused nature of public libraries.The Keystone Grants will help Pennsylvania's public libraries upgrade their facilities to better serve local communities.Today in Pittsburgh

The Pennsylvania Department of Education's Office of Commonwealth Libraries has awarded over $11 million in Keystone Grants to 27 public libraries across 15 counties. The grants will support a variety of facility upgrades and renovations, including roof and HVAC replacements, accessibility improvements, and expansions to create new community spaces.

Why it matters

Public libraries play a vital role in communities across Pennsylvania, providing access to resources, services, and programming. This significant investment in library infrastructure will help ensure these important community hubs can continue to serve residents and meet evolving needs.

The details

The Keystone Grants for Public Library Facilities will fund projects ranging from designing a new purpose-built library facility to replacing roofs, upgrading HVAC systems, and renovating interior spaces to improve accessibility and create dedicated areas for children, teens, and community gatherings.

  • The grants were awarded by the Pennsylvania Department of Education's Office of Commonwealth Libraries in April 2026.
  • The funded library projects will take place over the coming months and years to improve facilities across the state.

The players

Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE)

The state agency that oversees education, including public libraries, in Pennsylvania.

Office of Commonwealth Libraries (OCL)

A division of the Pennsylvania Department of Education that administers the Keystone Grants program to support public library facilities.

Dr. Carrie Rowe

Secretary of Education for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Susan Banks

Deputy Secretary and State Librarian for the Pennsylvania Office of Commonwealth Libraries.

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What they’re saying

“Public libraries are a staple in communities throughout the Commonwealth, helping residents access critical services, resources, and programming, from educational materials to internet and more.”

— Dr. Carrie Rowe, Secretary of Education

“The Office of Commonwealth Libraries is pleased to share the awards for this round's Keystone grant process. We understand and appreciate that every public library in the Commonwealth is challenged with finding the resources to repair, maintain or construct facilities to serve their communities.”

— Susan Banks, Deputy Secretary and State Librarian

What’s next

The funded library projects will begin in the coming months, with the goal of completing renovations and improvements to better serve Pennsylvania communities.

The takeaway

This significant investment in public library infrastructure across Pennsylvania demonstrates the state's commitment to supporting these vital community hubs and ensuring residents have access to the resources and services they need, from educational materials to internet access and beyond.