Reading, Pa – Reading Public Library was awarded a $10,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Humanities Council (PHC) as part of the PHC CARES emergency relief grant program. The library was one of 140 Pennsylvania cultural nonprofits to receive support from this fund, designed to sustain the state’s cultural infrastructure by advancing humanities programs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Laurie Ziegler, PHC’s Executive Director, stated, “Despite facing unprecedented hardship, Pennsylvania’s resilient and creative cultural organizations continue to provide important services and programs to our communities.” Reading Public Library will use a portion of these funds to support the Order Online-Lobby Pick Up program providing contactless service for patrons who enjoy the library’s print books and DVD collection. Additionally, over 90,000 items have been borrowed from the library’s digital collection since April and 2,500 children and families have participated in virtual youth activities.
According to a release issued by the PHC, “The 140 PHC Cares awards, funded by the national Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act will help organizations continue to serve their communities by retaining staff, shifting to online formats, and making resources available to those who depend on them for education, connection, and inspiration.”