The Reading Public Library and Berks County Public Libraries have been awarded a combined $18,100 in state grants to expand programs.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education announced Monday that nearly a quarter million dollars in grant funding was awarded to 26 libraries to design and deliver responsive services that strengthen their role as community catalysts.
State officials said the Library Services and Technology Act grants aim to empower libraries to respond to community priorities, build strong local partnerships, expand access to services for residents who need them most and strengthen their capacity for strategic planning.
“Libraries are the cornerstones of their communities, providing critical resources to patrons,” Dr. Carrie Rowe, secretary of education, said in an announcement. “This funding will help libraries serve the diverse and unique needs of their local residents by creating innovative educational programming and services.”
Reading Public Library will use its $10,000 grant to fund a free four-month program series that celebrates cultural heritage, promotes lifelong learning and strengthens community connections in the city.
Berks County Public Libraries will use its $8,100 grant to fund a staff development day event that will provide professional training to those who work at libraries across the county at no cost to the local facilities.