Local lawmakers, librarians celebrate $5M increase in Pa. budget for public libraries

Librarians and others joined local legislators Dec. 5 at Northland Public Library to celebrate a $5 million increase in the Pennsylvania budget for public libraries.

The extra funding is reflected in the statewide public library subsidy of $75,470,000 for the coming fiscal year and is part of the $50.1 billion Pennsylvania state budget signed by Gov. Josh Shapiro on Nov. 12.

“It is so nice to celebrate our public libraries and how they support our community as a third space. They’re spaces that are important places. (They) aren’t home, and they aren’t at work, but they’re community social spaces that build civic engagement, and they fight loneliness and depression and we see it in the calls that come into our office all the time,” said state Sen. Lindsey Williams, D-West View.

She was joined by state Rep. Arvind Venkat, D-McCandless; Kimberley Hrivnak, chief operating officer of the Allegheny County Library Association; Dana Getz, president of the Northland Library Authority Board; and Amy Steele, executive director of Northland Public Library.

A representative from the office of state Rep. Emily Kinkead, D-Brighton Heights, also was present.

The group spoke during a news conference at Northland, which serves the residents of Bradford Woods, Franklin Park, McCandless, Marshall and Ross.

Hrivnak acknowledged the efforts of the members of the general assembly to help get the funding, including Venkat and Williams. Hrivnak oversees Allegheny County’s 46 independent libraries in more than 70 locations and a budget of $14 million.

“We also celebrate those who made this possible for libraries like Northland to continue to do all of the amazing things they do and continue to provide critical programs, resources and support for our families,” Hrivnak said.

Venkat said it was his privilege to work with Williams and his bipartisan colleagues in the Legislature to increase state support for public libraries.

“I can’t think of a more important investment for the future of the community. I will continue to make sure, on a bipartisan basis, we will continue to make these investments so that this library and all of our public libraries will continue to fulfill their critical role in these communities,” he said.

Libraries create an educational, welcoming space for all, Getz said.

“We have incredible staff here at Northland that work tirelessly to achieve this mission. … Without outside support, without funding, this is not possible,” she said.

The boost in funding will help purchase more materials for patrons, such as e-books, children’s picture books and board games, as well as help cover various library programs, Steele said.

Steele oversaw the $4.1 million renovation of the new Northland Public Library, which began in the fall of 2024 and is nearing completion.

Steele is retiring in February, which she calls bittersweet.

“But I look forward to becoming a patron and bringing my grandchildren,” she said.

After the conference, Williams took time to chat with members of the Tea and Stitches crafting circle during their meeting at the library.

The 2026 $3.5 million budget for Northland Public Library, the second-largest library in Allegheny County, is funded in part by the five municipalities it serves; the state, including some table gaming funds; locally generated income; and the Allegheny County Regional Asset District. It also receives funding from the nonprofit Northland Public Library Foundation, according to northlandlibrary.org.