Sustaining Success: Shapiro Administration Announces New Local Library Grants for Pennsylvania Family Place Libraries and Play and Grow Libraries

Harrisburg, PA - The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) today announced grant funding totaling more than $37,000 was awarded to 15 libraries across the Commonwealth. Funding will help support existing programs in Family Place Libraries in Pennsylvania.

"The Sustaining Success local library grants are just one of the many grant funding opportunities available to libraries throughout Pennsylvania, and they help libraries continue to provide tools, resources, and learning spaces for learners," said Education Secretary Khalid N. Mumin. "Our libraries open the door to learning and opportunity for Pennsylvanians, while providing a place for the community to gather. These grants will help children, parents, and communities alike continue to learn, grow, and thrive together."

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 LibrariesOpens In A New Window 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. There are 90 Family Place Libraries throughout Pennsylvania. Play and GrowOpens In A New Window was introduced as a similar initiative in 2019 with local training staff and fewer barriers to participate.

Awardees include:

• Abington Community Library, Lackawanna County
• Allentown Public Library, Lehigh County
• Chester County Library, Chester County
• Columbia County Library, Columbia County
• Evans City Public Library, Butler County
• Ford City Public Library, Armstrong County
• Genesee Area Library, Potter County
• Hamburg Public Library, Berks County
• North Wales Area Library, Montgomery County
• Parkland Community Library, Lehigh County
• Quarryville Library, Lancaster County
• Ridley Park Library, Delaware County
• Somerset County Library, Somerset County
• William Jeanes Memorial Library, Montgomery County
• York County Library System, York County

The purpose of the Sustaining Success 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, 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 perspective of librarians, as well as the community, and to ensure that the project continues to be sustainable for libraries.

For more information on the Pennsylvania Department of Education, please visit the website or follow PDE on FacebookOpens In A New Window, TwitterOpens In A New Window, YouTubeOpens In A New Window, or PinterestOpens In A New Window.

MEDIA CONTACT: Erin James, [email protected]

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