Pennsylvania Citizens for Better Libraries

08/10/2026

Congratulations, PaLA Scholarship Winners!

See you in October...

08/04/2026

08/04/2026

Congratulations, Friends of the Joseph T. Simpson Public Library, 2026 Pennsylvania Citizens for Better Libraries Friends Group of the Year

Here is an excerpt from the nomination: "Over their many years of support, the Friends of Simpson Library have been instrumental in supporting our Library as it has evolved into the outstanding organization it has become. Our expansion to accommodate the growth in our Library’s service area -- the fastest-growing area of the fastest-growing County in the Commonwealth -- became possible over the past three years only because of their sustained energy, effort, and dedicated support. The Friends of the Simpson Library has earned the heart-felt thanks of the Simpson Library Board of Trustees, the Library staff, and the leadership and residents of the five municipalities the Library serves. Without their support, our Library would not have become the community gem it is today. The sustained accomplishments of the Friends of the Simpson Library merit this recognition "

Photo - Friends of Simpson Library at August 3 Event

For information about Pennsylvania Citizens for Better Libraries, a statewide library advocacy and education organization, visit www.pcblpa.org. The 2027 award nomination form is available, plus regular and affiliate member information.

07/29/2026

Libraries have expanded to offer game nights, health services, and more. But this programming comes with costs they increasingly can’t afford.

07/13/2026

Congratulations, Kristin Reilly, Friends of the Free Library of New Hope and Solebury, 2026 Pennsylvania Citizens for Better Libraries Friend of the Year

Here is an excerpt from the nomination: Kristin expanded the formerly week-long annual book sale to weekend book sales that ran from May through to November, allowing the Friends to bring in triple or even quadruple the amount from book sales as had been made previously. She has been in charge of membership and has co-chaired the fundraising committee for years. In addition she has helped organize the Friends of the Library’s participation in New Hope’s two annual parades, helping to increase awareness of the library and its many programs as well as fundraising efforts.

Check back in August for a post about the 2026 Friends of the Library Group Award.

Photo, L-R: Deborah Dorshimer, Pennsylvania Citizens for Better Libraries; Kristin Reilly, Recipient, 2026 Friend of the Year; Pamela Kerr, Nominator

For information about Pennsylvania Citizens for Better Libraries, a statewide library advocacy and education organization, visit www.pcblpa.org. The 2027 award nomination form is available, plus regular and affiliate member information.

07/03/2026

Happy 4th of July Weekend!

06/26/2026

Scholarships for First-Time PaLA Conference Attendees

The Pennsylvania Citizens for Better Libraries (PCBL) is pleased to offer four (4) $500 scholarships to first-time attendees for the 2026 Pennsylvania Library Association annual conference. The awards are intended to cover the registration fee and travel to Harrisburg.

Eligibility Criteria

First-time PaLA Conference attendee
Full conference registration for the conference in Harrisburg is required.
PaLA/PCBL membership is not required; however, members receive priority.
(Non-members will be entered into the drawing for available funds after members are awarded.)

Not a member? Join PaLA now. Join PCBL now.

Application Deadline and Award Procedures
The application deadline is 11:59 pm, July 15, 2026.
The PaLA Scholarship Committee will draw winners meeting the above criteria in a random drawing.
Winners will be notified in late July
Scholarship awards will be applied to the winner's unpaid conference registration invoice, with any remaining funds disbursed via check to the winner at the mailing address indicated on the scholarship application. If conference registration is already fully paid, scholarship funds will be remitted, in full, via check to winner at the mailing address provided on the application form.
Post Award Expectations

Scholarship winners must register for the conference by August 15. (Payment due in 30 days)
Winners will be expected to submit a thank you letter to the sponsoring group
Award winners are expected to attend the PaLA Membership meeting to take place online, Tuesday, October 13, at 1:00 p.m. where they will be recognized.
After the conference, awardees will be asked for a comment about what they learned or to provide a tip for a future first-time conference attendee.

Click the link below to apply
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2026PCBLSchol

PCBL is an organization of advocates that speaks for libraries throughout Pennsylvania.

06/17/2026

05/28/2026

Congratulations!

Effective May 30, 2026, Pennsylvania’s new Deputy Secretary of the Office of Commonwealth Libraries and State Librarian will be Heather Sharpe. Learn more ➡️ pa.gov/agencies/education/newsroom/shapiro-administration-appoints-new-state-librarian-of-pennsylvania

04/18/2026

Happy National Library Week!

Celebration Days During National Library Week

Monday, April 20: Right to Read Day, a day for readers, advocates, and library lovers to take action to protect, defend, and celebrate the right to read. The American Library Association (ALA) kicks off National Library Week with the release of its State of America's Libraries Report, including the list of Top Ten Most Challenged Books of 2025.

Tuesday, April 21: National Library Workers Day, a day for library staff, users, administrators, and Friends groups to recognize the valuable contributions made by all library workers.

Wednesday, April 22: National Library Outreach Day (formerly National Bookmobile Day), a day to celebrate library outreach and the dedicated library professionals who are meeting their patrons where they are.

Thursday, April 23: Take Action for Libraries Day, a day to rally advocates to support libraries.