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Centre Hall Library wins $2.4 million Keystone grant to double space, commissioners say
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Summary
Library leaders told Centre County commissioners the Keystone grant will fund a roughly $2.4 million expansion of the Centre Hall Library, a one-to-one match requiring about $750,000 of local fundraising; construction is expected to begin in 2026 with grant contract completion required by 2027.
Denise, a representative of the Centre County Library and Historical Museum, told the Board of Commissioners that the Centre Hall Library has received a Keystone grant that will fund a major expansion of the library’s facilities.
“It’s about $2,400,000,” Denise said, describing a project that she said will roughly double the library’s existing floor space and add upgraded electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems, two meeting rooms (one divisible into two), and a family restroom. Kathleen Edwards, branch manager at Centre Hall Library, said the extra space will allow more programming and services for the Penns Valley community.
The Keystone program requires dollar-for-dollar matching funds, Denise said, and the library must raise about $750,000 to unlock the full award. She told commissioners the library has an active capital campaign committee and expects the grant announcement to focus the organization’s fundraising. “Now that we have the grant, we can move forward full steam ahead,” Denise said.
Commission staff and library leaders said they will meet to map next steps and timetables; Denise said the grant contract requires project wrap-up by 2027 and that, barring delays, construction could start in 2026 and continue through the following spring and summer. Commissioners thanked library staff and volunteers for the years of planning and advocacy that led to the successful application.
The expansion funding will cover construction, landscaping, design and project management, the presenters said. The library emphasized that the Keystone award is competitive: a county official noted the governor’s office allocated $11 million across 27 libraries in 15 counties, and the library team highlighted the project’s benefits for both residents and staff, including outdoor and therapeutic garden space and improved meeting and program areas.
The board did not vote on appropriation at the meeting; Denise and county staff said further steps will include project planning, finalizing the local match and returning to commissioners with schedule and financing details.
