Friends of the Berks County Public Libraries Fund

This fund awards grants to Berks County public libraries for emergency needs and special projects.

EMERGENCY NEEDS

The Friends of the Berks County Public Libraries Fund distributes grants for emergency needs at Berks County’s public libraries. Public libraries are eligible for grants if they achieved state-aided status or qualified for affiliate membership in the Berks County Public Libraries federated system.

An emergency grant will be considered if a library has exhausted all other sources of revenue and is in immediate danger of closing due to unforeseen circumstances or circumstances beyond its control. Applications for emergency grants must include information highlighting what steps have been taken to avoid a similar emergency in the future.

SPECIAL PROJECTS

The Friends of the Berks County Public Libraries Fund distributes grants for special projects at Berks County’s public libraries. Public libraries are eligible for grants if they achieved state-aided status or qualified for affiliate membership in the Berks County Public Libraries federated system. Special projects should not be part of the library’s regular operating budget and should run for a predetermined period of time. Special consideration is given to projects that pilot an idea and can be shared with other libraries in the system after the initial grant period. Partnerships with other libraries or organizations are encouraged.