Lawrence Times

Rep. Marla Brown (R-Lawrence) announced that the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Office of Commonwealth Libraries has awarded $1,000 Professional Development Mini-Grants to the Lawrence County Federated Library System and the New Castle Public Library. These grants aim to support the continuing education and skill development of librarians and library staff across Pennsylvania.

“This grant is a fantastic opportunity for our libraries to enhance the skills and knowledge of their staffs, ensuring they are equipped to meet the evolving needs of our community,” said Brown. “Investing in our local libraries means investing in the future of our community, and I’m thrilled to see these funds being allocated to support continued learning and development.”

The Professional Development Mini-Grants provide resources for individual and group learning experiences. Individual learning mini-grants of up to $1,000 can be used for activities such as virtual courses, webinar/conference attendance, and self-directed learning activities. Group learning mini-grants of up to $5,000 are available to support training activities for multiple learners, including hiring speakers for staff trainings, offering online courses for a group, or providing district or region-wide training sessions.

Eligible expenses for the grant include virtual and in-person learning experiences, continuing education courses, supporting materials, speaker fees, and conference attendance. The funds must be used by June 30, 2025.

The PDE Office of Commonwealth Libraries awarded a total of 14 Professional Development Mini-Grants to libraries across Pennsylvania as part of its commitment to fostering professional growth and excellence within the state’s library systems.

For more information:

Representative Marla Brown

9th Legislative District

Pennsylvania House of Representatives

Media Contact: Rick Leiner

717.260.6437 (office), 717.497.8478 (cell)

Rleiner@pahousegop.com