Burns: Library grant opportunity available for improvements, upgrades to public library facilities
Rep. Frank Burns March 4, 2019 | 12:26 PM
EBENSBURG, March 4 – Local public libraries are encouraged to apply for state grants to help them secure funding for vital facility improvements, including – but not limited to – handicap access upgrades, replacements of windows and doors and energy efficient upgrades, announced state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria.
Burns said the Keystone Grants for Public Library Facilities, available through the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Office of Commonwealth Libraries, can help libraries secure funding for these projects.
“Libraries are the cornerstone of our communities, offering free educational resources to everyone and opportunities to connect with others through job training, events for families and youngsters, and more,” Burns said. “These grants can provide the funding for necessary repairs or upgrades, ensuring they remain vital components of our towns and cities for years to come.”
PDE will be accepting grant applications through April 26. Applicants must partner with a sponsoring municipality, and grants must be matched dollar-for-dollar. Matching funds may include cash and in-kind contributions, federal funds and other state funds.
For the past several years, Burns has made a priority of informing and encouraging government, nonprofit and other eligible entities to apply for available grants – and has offered the assistance of his own in-house grant writer.
Burns said Brittany Blackham, who fills that role, can be reached in his Portage office at 814-736-7339 to provide information or help with this and other grant applications.
More information on the Keystone Grants for Public Libraries can be found here: https://www.statelibrary.pa.gov/libraries/subsidies-and-grants/pages/keystone-recreation-park-and-conservation-funds.aspx