Introduction
Act 50 of 1993 established the Keystone Recreation, Park, and Conservation Fund. The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), through the Office of Commonwealth Libraries, administers the public library portion of this program through a competitive grant process. The competitive grant is used to award matching planning, acquisition, construction, and rehabilitation grants to municipalities that sponsor state-aided public libraries.
Grants are awarded to municipalities for up to 50 percent of their eligible costs for public libraries facilities projects. A dollar-for-dollar match is required for each project awarded grant funds. By providing funds to public libraries to make critical repairs, renovate existing space, or to build new public library buildings, the General Assembly has ensured better facilities to provide vital library services to Pennsylvania citizens.
Act 61 of 2011 requires PDE to submit to the Governor's Office and the General Assembly an annual report of the projects and services provided by the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund. This report, which pertains to the period July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017, meets that mandate.
The Keystone 2014 cycle is largely complete. Three projects remain on extensions. Ridley Township received an extension until January 31, 2018. Radnor Township received an extension until October 31, 2017. The City of Philadelphia received an extension until July 31, 2017.
The current Keystone Grant cycle initiated in 2016 and will terminate December 31, 2018. Nearly all municipalities have submitted their signed contracts, and some have already submitted bid specifications.
The 2016 Keystone cycle began with the Letter of Intent in April 2016. Letters to Proceed were issued in mid-June 2016. Applications were due in October 2016. Award announcements were made in March 2017.
In 2016, the Office of Commonwealth Libraries received 31 applications from municipalities on behalf of their public libraries. All grant applications were reviewed by a team of evaluators, and approval for funding was given to 27 library projects for a total of $5,939,310.47. Note: Adams Township withdrew as of June 30, 2017. Once these funds are unencumbered, the total funds committed will be $5,439,310.47.
Summary of 2016-Initiated Projects
Grant Recipient: Adams Township (Butler County)
Project: Mars Area Public Library
Adams Township withdrew from the Keystone grant program effective June 30, 2017.
Grant Recipient: City of Allentown (Lehigh County)
Project: Allentown Public Library
Granted $500,000 to replace the electric HVAC system with energy efficient natural gas. Project requires minor structural and interior renovations.
Total project cost: $2,218,000
Amount requested: $500,000
Matching funds: $2,476,781
Contract expiration date: 12/31/2018
Grant Recipient: Baldwin Borough (Allegheny County)
Project: Baldwin Borough Public Library
Granted $500,000 to renovate the municipal building into a community library, adding 1,000 square feet. ADA requirements will be met. The project will also replace the roof and update HVAC, electrical and interior elements of the building.
Total project cost: $1,345,122
Amount requested: $500,000
Matching funds: $1,001,850
Contract expiration date: 12/31/2018
Grant Recipient: Bethel Township (Berks County)
Project: Bethel-Tulpehocken Public Library
Granted $307,500 to merge the library with a former municipality community room (on a 50- year lease). The improvements will merge the two buildings into a single unified space and make long-needed repairs to the existing structure.
Total project cost: $615,000
Amount requested: $307,500
Matching funds: $307,500
Contract expiration date: 12/31/2018
Grant Recipient: Centre Region Council of Governments (Centre County)
Project: Schlow Centre Region Library
Granted $25,000 for a facilities study to assess all major components and systems to plan for the care of this 11-year old facility.
Total project cost: $50,000
Amount requested: $25,000
Matching funds: $25,000
Contract expiration date: 12/31/2018
Grant Recipient: City of Chester (Delaware County)
Project: J. Lewis Crozer Library
Granted $50,000 to remove and salvage the existing copper roof, and install aluminum standing seam roof panels, clips and drip edge, and gutters.
Total project cost: $105,000
Amount requested: $50,000
Matching fund: $55,000
Contract expiration date: 12/31/2018
Grant Recipient: Clearfield Borough (Clearfield County)
Project: Joseph and Elizabeth Shaw Public Library
Granted $32,000 to replace roof shingles to prevent leaking. Project will replace deteriorating exterior light fixtures with energy-efficient LED lights for safety during evening hours.
Total project cost: $64,000
Amount requested: $32,000
Matching fund: $45,160
Contract expiration date: 12/31/2018
Grant Recipient: Borough of Emmaus (Lehigh County)
Project: Emmaus Public Library
Granted $500,000 to add a 2,600 square foot wing to house Children's/Young Adult collection and add space for programs, technology, and other areas, plus ADA restrooms. A ramp will transition to the new addition.
Total project cost: $1,055,969
Amount requested: $500,000
Matching funds: $530,969
Contract expiration date: 12/31/2018
Grant Recipient: Borough of Ephrata (Lancaster County)
Project: Ephrata Public Library
Granted $80,212.50 for a multi-phase plan to repurpose an adjacent library-owned building that will provide space for agencies in partnership with the library. The goal is to better-serve clients, and to expand library programs and services.
Total project cost: $160,425
Amount requested: $80,212.50
Matching funds: $80,212.50
Contract expiration date: 12/31/2018
Grant Recipient: County of Erie (Erie County)
Project: Raymond M. Blasco M.D. Memorial Library
Granted $100,000 for Phase II of a Master Plan to relocate Teen Space from 2nd to 1st floor, improve Teen area and consolidate Youth Services. The project will also create space for the library to promote materials.
Total project cost: $200,000
Amount requested: $100,000
Matching funds: $100,000
Contract expiration date: 12/31/2018
Grant Recipient: Franklin County (Franklin County)
Project: Coyle Free Library
Granted $306,900 to fit out the expanded and renovated library facility with necessary furnishings and equipment.
Total project cost: $627,700
Amount requested: $306,900
Matching funds: $320,800
Contract expiration date: 12/31/2018
Grant Recipient: Haverford Township (Delaware County)
Project: Haverford Township Free Library
Granted $500,000 to renovate the library for: ADA-compliance, safety and security and reallocation of space for efficiency and flexibility. In addition, the project will address essential features of a community-focused library including: Makerspace, room for tutoring, business development and creative expression.
Total project cost: $7,866,600
Amount requested: $500,000
Matching funds: $500,000
Contract expiration date: 12/31/2018
Grant Recipient: Borough of Hellertown (Northampton County)
Project: Hellertown Area Library
Granted $12,312.50 to remove and replace all roofing shingles and install a new gutter. The project will also replace and recoat deteriorating stucco on the library building.
Total project cost: $24,625
Amount requested: $12,312.50
Matching funds: $12,312.50
Contract expiration date: 12/31/2018
Grant Recipient: Borough of Indiana (Indiana County)
Project: Indiana Free Library
Granted $500,000 to restore, rehabilitate, and improve the Indiana Community Center building owned by the Borough. Work will include HVAC and electrical replacement, and modifications to the Children's Department. The project will also entail exterior, roof, and ADA improvements.
Total project cost: $1,400,000
Amount requested: $500,000
Matching funds: $900,000
Contract expiration date: 12/31/2018
Grant Recipient: Borough of Kutztown (Berks County)
Project: Kutztown Community Library
Granted $20,000 to replace the aging HVAC system. The oil furnace will be replaced with a high-efficiency gas system. Air conditioning units will be replaced with an earth-friendly system. Point-of-use water heaters will be located in each restroom.
Total project cost: $45,582
Amount requested: $20,000
Matching funds: $25,582
Contract expiration date: 12/31/2018
Grant Recipient: City of Lock Haven (Clinton County)
Project: Annie Halenbake Ross Library
Granted $44,445 for a building rehabilitation project that will replace windows with efficient glass panels in existing metal frames. Entrance glass doors will be replaced. Project will remove linear fluorescent lighting in the main library, rewire and install LED; install new 20-AMP breakers and switchbox to control lights. LED bulbs will be purchased for existing canister fixtures.
Total project cost: $88,890
Amount requested: $44,445
Matching funds: $44,445
Contract expiration date: 12/31/2018
Grant Recipient: Lower Macungie Township (Lehigh County)
Project: Lower Macungie Library, Inc.
Granted $500,000 to expand the current library space to establish a separate children's area. This additional space will give the library much needed additional office space, meeting rooms and storage. The project also includes upgrades to restrooms for ADA compliance.
Total project cost: $1,629,739
Amount requested: $500,000
Matching funds: $1,129,735
Contract expiration date: 12/31/2018
Grant Recipient: Township of Lower Merion (Montgomery County)
Project: Lower Merion Library System (Belmont Hills Library)
Granted $500,000 to renovate and expand the Belmont Hills Library to include: ADA restrooms and better handicapped parking, addition of meeting room, librarian's office and tutoring space. The project will also relocate the main entrance with automatic doors; upgrade to high-efficiency HVAC and replace lighting with LED fixtures. Other improvements will include new furniture, shelving and fixtures.
Total project cost: $3,045,665
Amount requested: $500,000
Matching funds: $2,545,665
Contract expiration date: 12/31/2018
Grant Recipient: Lycoming County (Lycoming County)
Project: James V. Brown Library
Granted $40,000 to remodel adult circulation area to combine circulation and reference desks into one help desk. Project will also reinforce balcony with supports, allowing handicap access to circulation area. Circulation area will be re-wired for electric, LAN and phone. Carpet will be upgraded, as will furniture, paint, and window blinds.
Total project cost: $81,650
Amount requested: $40,000
Matching funds: $41,650
Contract expiration date: 12/31/2018
Grant Recipient: Municipality of Monroeville (Allegheny County)
Project: Monroeville Public Library
Granted $100,000 to replace the wheelchair lift with a new accessible elevator. An exterior enclosure will make the library easily accessible to the public.
Total project cost: $200,108
Amount requested: $100,000
Matching funds: $100,108
Contract expiration date: 12/31/2018
Grant Recipient: Nether Providence Township (Delaware County)
Project: HK Furness Library
Granted $51,500 to make the front entrance ADA-compliant with an automatic door opener. The project will also upgrade the HVAC to an energy-efficient system to provide a comfortable environment for patrons and protect the integrity of the collection.
Total project cost: $103,000
Amount requested: $51,500
Matching funds: $51,500
Contract expiration date: 12/31/2018
Grant Recipient: North Fayette Township (Allegheny County)
Project: Western Allegheny Community Library
Granted $50,000 to replace the roof. The project will also renovate and relocate Youth Services areas – this will improve the flow of patrons through the library, provide more visibility, and add additional space.
Total project cost: $100,000
Amount requested: $50,000
Matching funds: $50,000
Contract expiration date: 12/31/2018
Grant Recipient: Borough of Oakmont (Allegheny County)
Project: Oakmont Carnegie Library
Granted $43,000 for waterproofing and restoration work as well as interior plaster and paint. Automatic doors require adjustments for access and security. Project will also replace 30-year- old lighting with efficient alternative.
Total project cost: $86,000
Amount requested: $43,000
Matching funds: $43,000
Contract expiration date: 12/31/2018
Grant Recipient: City of Pittsburgh (Allegheny County)
Project: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (Carrick)
Granted $300,000 to nearly double the library size with a 4,000 square foot addition. The new space will provide program/meeting space as well as increased space for Youth/Teen/Adult service areas. The renovation will bring Carrick into ADA compliance by adding a ramp to the mezzanine. A "Passive House" HVAC system will yield an ultra-low energy building for comfort and value.
Total project cost: $3,931,000
Amount requested: $300,000
Matching funds: $3,631,000
Contract expiration date: 12/31/2018
Grant Recipient: City of Reading (Berks County)
Project: Reading Public Library
Granted $75,000 to replace the 42-year-old HVAC system of the Northeast Branch with a new system including an efficient gas-fired boiler, air volume terminal units, and air handling unit.
The project will replace most HVAC fixtures, retaining a few components.
Total project cost: $166,000
Amount requested: $75,000
Matching funds: $91,000
Contract expiration date: 12/31/2018
Grant Recipient: Upper Southampton Township (Bucks County)
Project: Southampton Free Library
Granted $199,940.47 to replace all interior lighting with LED; redesign Children's, Young Adult and Main Library with designated study and work spaces; repair rain damage; paint walls and improve light in lobby; improve energy efficiency of restrooms; transform basement meeting room into a state-of-the-art learning center.
Total project cost: $399,880.95
Amount requested: $199,940.47
Matching funds: $199,940.48
Contract expiration date: 12/31/2018
Grant Recipient: Warminster Township (Bucks County)
Project: Warminster Township Free Library
Granted $101,500 to replace the 40-year-old HVAC with an energy-efficient system.
Total project cost: $203,000
Amount requested: $101,500
Matching funds: $101,500
Contract expiration date: 12/31/2018
Summary of Reported Totals
The following is a summary of the cumulative totals for the 2016 Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund grant awards, initiated in 2016 and contained within this report:
Total Project Costs: $31,306,309.95
(includes Adams Township until funds can be unencumbered)
Total Amounts Requested by 2016 Awardees: $5,939,310.47
(includes Adams Township until funds can be unencumbered)
Total Grant Funds Commited to 2016 Awardees: $5,939,310.47
(includes Adams Township until funds can be unencumbered)