Pennsylvania Governor Signs
Historic Library Funding Bill
Gov. Tom Ridge signed into law June 26 a bill that, according to the governor’s office, “is the largest increase in state funding for Pennsylvania libraries and the first time in history that Pennsylvania made a multiyear commitment to public libraries.”
House Bill 17, proposed in February, will funnel $47.3 million in direct aid to the state’s public libraries during the 1999–2000 fiscal year. The amount represents an increase of $17 million in the first installment of a two-year, $32-million state commitment that will target funds to poorer libraries, help boost investments in local libraries, and enhance library services.
The funding will be used to purchase new books and computers, increase hours of operation, and provide staff development programs. The legislation will also provide matching funds for donations to local public libraries.
Posted July 5, 1999.
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