Columbia, Lycoming County libraries win state grants

Harrisburg, Pa. — The Columbia County Traveling Library and the James V. Brown Library in Lycoming County are among 26 libraries throughout Pa. sharing more than $243,000 in Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Action Grants administered by the Pa. Department of Education.

The Columbia County Traveling Library received $10,000 for a project that creates Community Access Points in everyday gathering places to bring digital access, books, and resources directly to residents experiencing economic hardship across Columbia County.

The James V. Brown Library received $9,390 for All Are Welcome: District Sensory Welcoming Kits, which will provide Sensory Welcoming Kits to all district libraries to support neurodiverse youth with tools that promote regulation, comfort, and inclusive participation during library visits.

Action Grants provide up to $10,000 per project for initiatives that strengthen library services, address local needs, deepen partnerships, and build organizational capacity. Eligible projects may focus on adult or youth services, community engagement, staff training, technology and digital access, or innovative programming.

“Libraries are the cornerstones of their communities, providing critical resources to patrons,” said Secretary of Education Carrie Rowe. “This funding will help libraries serve the diverse and unique needs of their local residents by creating innovative educational programming and services.”

Other approved projects highlighted by the department include the Community Library of the Shenango Valley in Mercer County ($8,788), the Greensburg Hempfield Area Library in Westmoreland County ($9,510) and the Haverford Township Free Library in Delaware County ($10,000).

Funds are provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services. The full list of awardees is posted on the Pa. Department of Education’s website.