Pennsylvania Office of Commonwealth Libraries

The Pennsylvania Department of Education- Office of Commonwealth Libraries will use funds under the American Rescue Plan Act to help communities respond directly and immediately to the pandemic, as well as to related economic and community needs through equitable approaches in digital inclusion and library services. They will continue to support the goals of their Five-Year Plan for FY 2018-2022. In Pennsylvania, specific goals address 1) Developing and improving services and collaborations with community organizations in all types of libraries for individuals of all ages in order to support their needs for lifelong learning and literacy competencies in areas such as basic, civic and social, digital, financial, health, science, technology, engineering and mathematics; 2) Increasing and improving Pennsylvanians' access, knowledge and ability to use and share digital library services, resources and content; 3) Supporting and enhancing the skills of library staff and board leadership, advancing the delivery of library services, and improving public libraries' engagement with local community members through continuing education, professional development and the provision of relevant data, analytical tools and research; 4) Developing and improving services and community organization collaborations in all types of libraries for underserved populations or for Pennsylvanians who have difficulty using libraries, especially those living in poverty or with disabilities; and 5) Developing and improving workforce development services and community organization collaborations in all types of libraries for individuals of all ages.