GREENCASTLE – The Pennsylvania Department of Education Office of Commonwealth Libraries has granted the Lilian S. Besore Memorial Library in Greencastle $9,794 to upgrade facility security infrastructure to include video surveillance and gas/carbon monoxide detectors.
“Public libraries are vital hubs within community ecosystems across the Commonwealth, connecting residents to essential resources, educational opportunities and critical services—from access to technology and information to lifelong learning and community engagement,” said Acting Secretary of Education Dr. Carrie Rowe. “The Commonwealth understands the important role libraries of all sizes play in their communities, and this funding will help Pennsylvania’s libraries build, repair and improve their facilities and operations to better serve visitors and patrons.”
Libraries are community centers that – in addition to creating learning opportunities – also help community members access the internet, explore work and employment opportunities, find health care resources and more. Libraries bring communities together and provide necessary services to patrons, including individuals with specialized needs such as people experiencing homelessness, seniors and veterans.
The Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund was established by the General Assembly in 1993. The Department of Education, through the Office of Commonwealth Libraries, Bureau of Library Development, administers the public library portion of this program which is funded from a portion of the state’s realty transfer tax.
Grants pay up to 50 percent of eligible costs in planning, acquisition, construction and rehabilitation of public libraries. Examples of fundable projects include but are not limited to: ADA upgrades, roof improvements, replacement windows, energy efficiency upgrades to HVAC systems, facility expansion and new construction.
The Office of Commonwealth Libraries supports, develops and provides library services for learning and advancement. For more information on the Pennsylvania Department of Education, readers may visit the Department’s website or follow PDE on Instagram, Facebook, X, YouTube and Pinterest.
