Happy Spring, library colleagues!
The Bureau of Library Development (BLD) in the Office of Commonwealth Libraries (OCL) has been diligently working on many ongoing projects and initiatives. Some highlights of our recent activities are listed below. Please refer to BLD’s first quarter Compendium posts at the end of this message for additional information.
Library Regulations
Proposed changes to existing library regulations have been drafted and are available for review and feedback. The draft as well as background information and FAQs can be found here: https://pa-gov.libguides.com/libraryregulations. Your feedback plays an important role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and stakeholder involvement in the regulatory process. We encourage you to take the time to review the information and tell us what you think by completing the feedback form by April 29.
Grant Programs
- The 2024-25 LSTA grant round was delayed, but local library grant applications are now open! We are currently offering the following:
- Professional Development Mini-Grant – Awards up to $1000 for individual learning projects or up to $5000 for group learning projects.
- Sustaining Success – Awards $2500 to support 30 existing Pennsylvania Family Place Libraries or existing Play & Grow Libraries in updating their childhood/parenting space in the children’s room including toys and collections for very young children and resources for parents.
- Excellent and Equitable Youth Services – Awards $5,000 to develop youth services collections in school and public libraries that reflect and serve the unique needs of youth ages birth to 18.
More information on the available grant programs and how to apply can be found here.
- FY 2024-25 applications for new Statewide Library Service Grants are open. Grant guidelines, timeline, and other useful information can be viewed on the Statewide Library Services LibGuide. Awarded contracts will run from July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025.
- Keystone Grants for Public Library Facilities – The 2025 grant round is expected to open in July.
State Aid
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- District Negotiated Agreements are open in LibPAS and due June 14, 2024.
- The Annual Report data submission period closed on March 15 and reports are currently under review.
- The equal distribution grant amount remains the same this year – $2,088.37. Take a look at the State Aid Resources LibGuide for more information.
Pennsylvania Summer Library Program
2024 Showcase
- The 2024 Showcase is now available on the Pennsylvania Library Staff Academy. The PA Youth Services Advisory Team selected interview candidates based on responses to the Pennsylvania Summer 2023 Impact Report. The 2024 Showcase features early childhood, school age, young adult, and intergenerational programs in addition to ideas for the “Adventure Begins at Your Library” 2024 program theme.
Summer 2024 Impact Report
- A preview of the questions to be asked on the Summer 2024 Impact Report will be available on the Compendium by Wednesday, May 1.
- A short, recorded information session outlining changes and providing clarity will be available on the Pennsylvania Library Staff Academy by Wednesday, May 1.
- The Summer 2024 Impact Report data collection will begin on Thursday, August 1 and will be open through Friday, September 20.
Upcoming Professional Development Workshop
Understanding the Importance of a Professional Development Plan with S. Michele Echols on April 30 at 1:00 PM. Register here.
BLD reorganization and rebuilding
We are currently interviewing for an administrative assistant in the Admin and Data Unit, and a posting is open for the Contracts and LSTA Coordinator. And we are thrilled to have two new advisors, Bri and Kris, join the Programs and Advising Unit!
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have questions. I am grateful for your continued patience and support as we move forward, and as always, thank you for all you do for Pennsylvanians.
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
January 2024:
January 3, 2024 Smokey Bear 2024 Reading Challenge (Heather Smith)
January 11, 2024 Sign Up Now for Professional Development Workshops (Julie Moore)
January 12, 2024 Register Now for Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Libraries (Julie Moore)
January 16, 2024 Register to join Early Childhood Conversations (ECC) (Heather Smith)
January 16, 2024 Register to Join Transforming Teen Services (Corri Hines)
January 17, 2024 Bureau of Library Development Updates – January 2024 (Heather Sharpe)
January 19, 2024 State Aid Payment Projections (Heather Sharpe)
January 24, 2024 Library Development Administrative Position Open for Application (Hadiyah Cleveland)
February 2024:
February 2, 2024 Annual Report – PA Public Library Data Survey for Reporting Year 2023 (Amy Geisinger)
February 5, 2024 Pennsylvania Summer Library Program: 2024 Showcase and Roundtables (Corri Hines)
February 14, 2024 Responses Needed: Statewide Gathering Interest Survey (Julie Moore)
February 15, 2024 Register Now for Reframing Library Organizations with the Futures School (Julie Moore)
February 21, 2024 Opening of LSTA 2024 Grant Round Delayed (Heather Sharpe)
February 29, 2024 Last Call: Complete the Statewide Gathering Interest Survey (Julie Moore)
March 2024:
March 8, 2024 Registration Deadline Extended: Reframing Library Organizations with the Futures School (Julie Moore)
March 18, 2024 Bureau of Library Development — Staff Updates (Heather Sharpe)
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.