State Aid to Public Libraries
State aid, also known as the Public Library Subsidy, is paid to public libraries that meet standards found in the Public Library Code (24 PA. C.S. Education. Chapter 93) and the Pennsylvania Code (22 PA Code § 131; § 141.)
The state aid formula (Public Library Code §9334 – 9340) has not been in use since 2003 when significant state budget cuts occurred. As a result, laws are enacted each year that detail how state aid is distributed (for example the Public School Code of 1949. Article XXIII. Funding for Public Libraries § 2318 contains distribution instructions for FY 2011-2012 or § 2323 contains distribution instructions for FY 2019-2020.)
Payment Distribution Information
During each state fiscal year (July – June):
- District Library Centers are paid in August; and
- Local libraries, library systems, and statewide library resource centers are paid in January/February.
The documents below list state aid paid to libraries between July 1 and June 30 of the fiscal year specified:
State Aid Calendar - 2021/2022 Fiscal Year
See below for the general timeframe in which libraries can expect to be able to enter and submit reports and data that are part of the state aid process. Specific open and due dates will be released to libraries when known.
District Library Center report open – July 2021
District Library Center report due – August 2021
County Coordination Plans open – August 2021
County Coordination Plans due – September 2021
Audits due - October 1, 2021
Application/Plans for the Use of State Aid open – October 2021
Application/Plans for the Use of State Aid due – November 2021
Public Libraries Survey (Annual Report) open – January 2022
District negotiation documents and instructions sent – February 2022
Public Libraries Survey (Annual Report) due – March 2022
District negotiation documents due – June 2022
Report Bank Account Changes
State aid is paid annually to libraries via direct deposit. Libraries must be sure that the state has up-to-date bank account information before payments are made.
Library bank account changes and updates are made through state's Payable Services Center.
Statistics
Each year the Office of Commonwealth Libraries compiles public library statistics based on data that's submitted via the Pennsylvania Public Library Data Collection.
This information is used to determine eligibility for state aid to public libraries. In addition, this information is submitted to the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services national data collection program for public libraries.
Have a Question?
For more information or to ask a specific question, contact: Ra-stateaid.pa.gov.