Happy New Year, library colleagues!
In last year’s January Bureau of Library Development (BLD) Update I shared key developments around our priorities and initiatives. As we begin 2025, I’m excited to recap some of the highlights from 2024. You’ll also find BLD’s fourth-quarter digest at the end of this post, in case you missed any updates from the past few months.
Statewide Needs Assessment
As outlined in Project Area 1.1 of OCL’s five-year plan, the Office of Commonwealth Libraries (OCL) partnered with Blue Willow Consulting LLC to conduct a statewide needs assessment. The first phase of this project involved focus groups held in July and August with statewide partners, library directors, administrators, and consultants. In September, an online survey was launched, gathering input from over 600 public library leaders and leaders of other stakeholder organizations on the needs and expectations that Pennsylvania residents have of public libraries.
Moving into the winter, the assessment will continue with additional data collection from Pennsylvania residents through statewide polling, interviews, and focus groups using random selection procedures. By spring, we anticipate presenting the assessment results to library leaders and stakeholders, who will participate in activities designed to synthesize the findings and reflect on their implications for the future.
Based on these insights, a set of recommendations, along with collateral marketing materials, will be developed in summer 2025. A final report will be delivered in fall 2025 to key library leadership organizations.
Library Regulations
The BLD work group submitted proposed changes to existing library regulations, along with the required supporting materials, to the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) for internal review in August 2024. We received feedback on the Regulatory Analysis Form (RAF) in November. Following this, the team made the necessary adjustments and resubmitted the RAF to PDE in December. We are still awaiting feedback on the Preamble document. We expect to submit the regulatory package to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) early this year, once the new General Assembly convenes and committees are established. Information about the process and the draft regulations can be found on the Library Regulations LibGuide.
- Statewide Library Service Grants: Awards for the FY 2024-25 new and renewal Statewide Library Service Grants have been made, totaling $1,149,590.89. Additionally, $1,277,215.00 was allocated toward the AccessPA/POWER Library contract.
- Local Library Grants: A total of 42 Local Library Grants were awarded, amounting to $149,056.28. These grants are designed to enhance services for families, young learners, and library professionals. Through the Excellent and Equitable Youth Services Collections Grants, libraries are creating inclusive collections for ages 0-18. The Sustaining Success Grants support early childhood spaces in Family Place and Play & Grow Libraries. Additionally, Professional Development Mini-Grants are providing library staff with valuable training and learning opportunities. These grants were awarded in 2024, with projects set to launch early in 2025. Collectively, these initiatives aim to strengthen library services and support Pennsylvania’s diverse communities.
- Keystone Grants for Public Library Facilities: The 2025 round of Keystone Grants for Public Library Facilities is in its final review stage. OCL received 12 applications requesting a total of $5.3 million in grant funds. Applicants will be notified of their award status by March. Efforts to address program improvements outlined in the Keystone Long-Range Plan are ongoing. The Keystone program will also be promoting the value of eligible planning projects to the library field and developing materials and resources to streamline the application and grant management processes.
- Weekly State Aid Office Hours: Weekly office hours continued to be held for the library field, providing an opportunity for library staff to ask questions and discuss issues related to State Aid.
- State Aid Applications and Waivers: A total of 468 State Aid applications and plans were reviewed, along with 125 waiver applications. This marks a 32% decrease from 183 waiver applications in 2022.
- Annual Report Process: The Annual Report process was updated, and all 468 reports were internally reviewed for accuracy and completeness, covering both the IMLS Public Libraries Survey and state requirements.
- District Negotiated Agreements (DNA): DNAs were moved to LibPAS (Counting Opinions), and the Statewide Services Advisor attended over 20 DNA meetings in person.
- New District Names: New district names were implemented for four districts, with changes reflected in LibPAS and other OCL documentation.
- Data Work Group: A new data work group was formed to provide input on data collection, usage, and analysis.
- Collaboration with Statewide Library Resource Centers: OCL worked closely with the four Statewide Library Resource Centers (Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Free Library of Philadelphia, the State Library, and Penn State University Libraries) to discuss and define the statewide services that can and should be provided.
- Things to Look Forward To:
- Community Profiles for library service areas
- Public Library Annual Report Data Dashboard
- Annual Report User Guide and Data Entry User Guide
- Streamlined support documents for reporting
Professional Development
- Communities of Practice (COPs):
- New Library Director COP: The New Library Director COP held its inaugural meeting in October 2024. This group meets monthly to explore specific topics, share and receive information, troubleshoot common challenges, and offer mutual support. It is designed for library directors with two years or less in their role. If you’re interested in joining, please contact Julie Moore at julmoore@pa.gov.
- Training and Development COP: This group meets every other month and is ideal for library staff responsible for training. If you’re interested in participating, reach out to Julie Moore at julmoore@pa.gov.
- Ryan Dowd’s Homeless Library Academy: BLD is now offering a statewide subscription to Ryan Dowd’s Homeless Library Academy, which provides video tutorials focused on empathy-based de-escalation and conflict resolution in library spaces. Visit the PA Library Staff Academy’s Homeless Library category to access these resources, and check out the related Compendium article for more information.
- Artificial Intelligence Workshops: Libraries nationwide are preparing for the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). In 2023, Digital Librarian Nick Tanzi hosted a series of three virtual workshops for Pennsylvania library staff, addressing key questions about AI and its use in libraries. These tutorials, along with additional AI-specific learning opportunities, are available in the Technology and Digital Skills category of the PA Library Staff Academy. Visit this section to stay informed and prepare for 2025.
- Inclusive Regional Statewide Meetings and Information Sessions: Coming this Spring 2025! Stay tuned for more details.
Operations and Relationships
- Sample Policy and Procedure Development: In 2024, a steering team was formed with members from public libraries across the Commonwealth, representing various roles, library types, and structures. The team’s goal is to develop sample policies and procedures that libraries can use as templates to create their own. A few policies and procedures are currently in draft form and will soon be available on BLD’s LibGuide for Operations and Relationships. We’re excited to continue this important work in 2025! If you have suggestions for a sample policy or procedure, please complete this form https://forms.office.com/g/CPJBet6bpw, and we’ll add it to our list.
- New Board Trustee Manual: A steering team was created with representatives from libraries across the Commonwealth, encompassing a wide range of roles, library types, and structures. The goal is to update the “Getting on Board” manual, which is designed for both new and current library board trustees. The team is currently working on new content, which will be made available on BLD’s LibGuide for Operations and Relationships. We look forward to sharing this updated resource with public libraries in 2025!
- The 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence: Engaging Our Communities: OCL partnered with PA Humanities on a pilot project funded by the IMLS, focusing on community engagement and the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The project included training sessions in June and August, which covered the history of the Declaration and taught libraries how to create safe spaces for meaningful community discussions. A total of 36 individuals and 22 organizations, including libraries and their community partners, participated in the pilot project. As a result of the pilot, a toolkit and related website of valuable resources are nearly ready for release. These materials will help libraries continue their important work in building connections and engaging with their communities. Stay tuned for their release!
Youth Services
- Early Childhood Conversations (ECC): In 2024, ECC sessions brought library professionals across Pennsylvania together to explore innovative early childhood programming. Participants engaged in discussions on group programming and strategies for diverse communities, with feedback highlighting the sessions’ value in fostering collaboration and actionable ideas.
- Transforming Teen Services: From February to May 2024, library professionals participated in statewide conversations on designing and delivering programs for youth ages 8-18. These sessions focused on youth development, educational equity, and building authentic community relationships. Feedback emphasized the importance of empathy for young adults and strengthened professional connections. Additional opportunities will be offered in 2025.
- Play & Grow: The Spring 2024 cohort of the Play & Grow project empowered libraries to enhance early childhood programming. Participants gained confidence in early literacy, brain development, and social-emotional learning, implementing new initiatives like process art and sensory play. The Fall 2024 cohort is concluding, with new cohorts scheduled for 2025.
- PA One Book: The 2024 PA One Book project, featuring Slug in Love by Rachel Bright, focused on early literacy and fostering reading habits in preschool-aged children. Resources like bilingual guides, bookplates, and outreach through social media complemented library programming.
- Youth Services Steering Committees:
- The Early Childhood Steering Team shaped the ECC series, moderating sessions and ensuring relevance for staff working with children ages 0-8. They are planning sessions for 2025. Contact Heather Smith at sheather@pa.gov to get involved.
- The Teen Services Steering Committee reviewed feedback from Transforming Teen Services and planned future professional development opportunities, including quarterly conversations starting in Winter 2025. Contact Corri Hines at cohines@pa.gov to join.
Pennsylvania Summer Library Program – All Ages
In 2024, the Pennsylvania Summer Library Program expanded its focus to include adults and intergenerational audiences, adding the Accessible Adult Services Advisor to the team. The team hosted two roundtable sessions on Building Equity-Based Summers and celebrating summer success, with three more sessions scheduled for January to March 2025.
Approximately 375 libraries contributed to the Summer 2024 Impact Report, which highlighted the program’s success. The Pennsylvania Summer Advisory Committee is refining the impact report for 2025 to celebrate library achievements.
The Pennsylvania Summer Library Program 2024 Showcase featured dynamic programs selected by the School Age and Early Childhood Services Advisors, with 30 on-demand interviews shared via the PA Library Staff Academy. These interviews, viewed over 3,200 times, focused on equity, inclusion, and program outcomes. The 2025 Showcase will be available in early February.
BLD also participated in the second year of the California State Library’s Building Equity-Based Summers (BEBS) project. In 2024, the PA Youth Services Advisory Team collaborated with five libraries to redesign summer services with an equity focus. Sessions emphasized the importance of community involvement, letting go of tradition, and understanding the role of evaluation in creating inclusive, impactful summer programs.
Adult Services
BLD began collaborating with the State Correctional Institutions (SCI) to support reentry services by forming a steering committee. This committee is tasked with assessing how we can assist community members facing reentry barriers, as well as evaluating how to strengthen SCI library infrastructure and support lifelong learning goals.
The Adult Services COP will launch in 2025. This workgroup will meet to network, share best practices, discuss professional development, collaborate on statewide projects, and provide expertise. If you’re interested in participating, please contact Kris LaVanish at krlavanish@pa.gov.
In partnership with the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA) and Folk & Traditional Arts organizations, libraries across the Commonwealth offered humanities-based programming focused on folk and traditional arts. Over 2,000 participants expressed appreciation for the artistic and cultural experiences, noting the rarity and value of this programming in fostering a broader cultural understanding within their communities.
LibAnswers and LibGuides
This year, we launched LibAnswers, a new communication tool that serves as both a ticketing and helpdesk system, as well as a database for frequently asked questions.
Also, we’ve expanded and enhanced the content in the Bureau of Library Development – LibGuides including:
- BLD Overview – Contact information and more detailed information on the work of the bureau.
- District Library Centers – A tool to assist consulting staff with their day-to-day work and as a resource for common questions and key work of consultants across the state.
- Public Library and Funding Recipient Data – Provides statistical information about state aided public libraries within the Commonwealth as well as information about other types of entities that receive federal and state funds from the Commonwealth that support library services.
- State Aid Allocation – A comprehensive overview of the statutory funding formula for State Aid distribution, including both current and historical legislative distribution formulas.
BLD Rebuilding
Over the past few years, I’ve frequently talked about the organizational challenges we’ve faced due to staffing turnover and vacancies, with more than half of our team turning over and many of us being new to our roles. This had a significant impact on our ability to maintain continuity, address longstanding issues, and effectively manage operations. I was thrilled to fill five vacancies in 2023, and in 2024, we welcomed Kris, Bri, Lilian, and Cynthia to the team. And we are about to welcome a new administrative assistant, bringing us close to being fully staffed.
I am incredibly proud of the work done by our exceptional BLD team. They’ve shown remarkable resilience, adapting to challenges and changes as we’ve worked to strengthen the team, refine our processes, and take on new initiatives. Their dedication and flexibility have been key to our continued progress.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue advancing our ongoing projects and initiatives. In 2025, we will focus on enhancing communication, refining processes, and increasing our direct engagement with libraries. We look forward to building on the momentum we’ve gained and achieving even greater success together. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us or visit our LibAnswers and LibGuides if you have questions, and as always, thank you for all you do for Pennsylvanians!
Wishing you all a successful and productive year ahead.
Heather
Heather Sharpe, MLIS | Director, Bureau of Library Development
Office of Commonwealth Libraries | Pennsylvania Department of Education
607 South Drive | Room 230 | Harrisburg PA 17120
Office: 717.783.0565 | Mobile: 717.903.1819 | www.statelibrary.pa.gov
Quarterly BLD Digest
October 2024:
October 1, 2024 — District Area Name Changes (Abbey Lukiewski)
October 8, 2024 — Bureau of Library Development Updates — October 2024 (Heather Sharpe)
October 15, 2024 — New: LibAnswers Now Available to Submit Questions to Bureau of Library Development (Julie Moore)
October 31, 2024 — Sign Up Now for Professional Development Workshop (Julie Moore)
November 2024:
November 25, 2024 — Opportunity Announcement – 2025 Play and Grow Library Project (Heather Smith)
December 2024:
December 9, 2024 — Opt in to Receive PA One Book Paperback (Heather Smith)
December 14, 2024 — U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) Library Facility Survey (Ed Lupico)
December 17, 2024 — 2024-2025 State Aid Payment to be Disbursed on January 6, 2025 (Mike Reilly)
The Bureau of Library Development (BLD) in the Office of Commonwealth Libraries supports libraries and library services for Pennsylvanians through the administration of state and federally funded programs and grant opportunities including LSTA (Library Services and Technology Act), Library Access, LAMP (Library of Accessible Media for Pennsylvanians), the Public Library Subsidy, and Keystone Grants for Public Library Facilities. BLD also provides advisory services, professional development, and continuing education for library staff and volunteer leadership at public, school, academic, and special libraries.
The Compendium is BLD’s primary communication channel. If you don’t already subscribe, please do so to ensure you receive the most up-to-date information.