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Official Website

of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

    The .gov means its official.

    Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania government websites and email systems use "pennsylvania.gov" or "pa.gov" at the end of the address. Before sharing sensitive or personal information, make sure you're on an official state website. 

    Programs and Services

    The Office of Commonwealth Libraries' Bureau of Library Development strengthens and improves Pennsylvania's library services by:

    • Providing advisory services and continuing education for library staff and volunteer leadership at public, school, academic, and special libraries;
    • Coordinating and funding library services and programs, such as POWER Library or Library Services for the Visually Impaired and Disabled;
    • Awarding state Keystone Recreation, Park, and Conservation Act grants to public libraries for construction and renovation projects; and
    • Collecting financial and statistical data (primarily from public libraries).

    For Libraries

    The Office of Commonwealth Libraries' Bureau of Library Development strengthens and improves Pennsylvania's library services by:

    • Providing advisory services and continuing education for library staff and volunteer leadership at public, school, academic, and special libraries;
    • Coordinating and funding library services and programs, such as POWER Library or Library Services for the Visually Impaired and Disabled;
    • Awarding state Keystone Recreation, Park, and Conservation Act grants to public libraries for construction and renovation projects; and
    • Collecting financial and statistical data (primarily from public libraries).
    Resources and Services for Libraries

    For State Agencies

    The State Library of Pennsylvania is the library at the center of Pennsylvania government and serves the information needs of the members of the General Assembly, state employees, and the judiciary.  The library offers a wide range of services which include research assistance, access to a variety of online resources and workshops that teach research skills.

    The goal of the State Library is to be a repository of the written word of Pennsylvania. The library collects and preserves U.S. and Pennsylvania government documents; laws and regulations; other materials pertaining to Pennsylvania; and books that cover various subjects. Agencies should dep​osit with the State Library documents produced for the general public.

    Resources and Services for State Agencies

    STEMlab

    The State Library of Pennsylvania STEMlab provides science, technology, engineering, and math programming and education to children, adults, librarians, and teachers in Pennsylvania.

    Learn more about STEMlab

    Statewide Library Card Program

    The Statewide Library Card Program's purpose is to increase the availability of library materials for Pennsylvanians by allowing eligible residents to register for a free library card at any participating public library.

    Learn more about the Library Card Program

    Library Services for Those With Visual, Physical and Reading Disabilities

    Every community in Pennsylvania has people with visual impairments, physical limitations that may prevent them from holding a book or turning pages, or reading disabilities, such as dyslexia. These individuals with print disabilities may have trouble using your library, or they may be limited in what they are able to use at your library.

    Services for Residents with Visual, Physical or Reading Disabilities
    child in a wheelchair studying in the library or school with a book with a friend. Integrity and equality with disabled children