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Library Codes and Regulations

The Library Code, passed in 1961, set up a system of local libraries, district library centers and regional resource centers. It provides state money to support this system and to stimulate local funding of public libraries. The Library Code defines what a public library is and how it is governed, including the responsibilities of the library's board.

The Public Library Code, passed November 1, 2012, is a continuation of the act of June 14, 1961, known as The Library Code.

Title 22 of the Pennsylvania Code contains the regulations that implement The Library Code. These regulations, which have the force of law, contain the Basic and Minimum Standards, System Standards and District Library Center Standards, the Certification Regulations and others. The Library Code should be read in tandem with the Pennsylvania Code regulations in order to understand the intent of the law and how it is implemented on a local library, system or district level.

Other laws also impact libraries. They are the Retention of Library Property Law, the Library Theft Act, the Obscene and other sexual materials from the PA Consolidated Statutes, and the Child Internet Protection Act.

Public Library Code, 24 C.S. §§9301 to 9376 (PDF)

Title 22 of the Pennsylvania Code
     PART IX. State Library and Advisory Council on Library Development
         Subpart A. State Library
               Chapter 131. General Provisions; State Aid HTML PDF
               Chapter 133. Certification of Library Personnel HTML PDF
               Chapter 135. Library TraineeshipsHTML PDF
               Chapter 137. Use of the State LibraryHTML PDF
         Subpart B. Advisory Council on Library Development
               Chapter 141. Plans for the Use of State Aid HTML PDF
               Chapter 142. Grants for Public Library Facilities HTML PDF
               Chapter 143. State Document Depositories HTML PDF

Child Internet Protection Act (CIPA)

FUNDING FOR PUBLIC LIBRARIES

  • Fiscal Year 2011-12 Section 2318 of the Public School Code of 1949, Act of March 10, 1949, P.L. 30, as amended, 24 P.S. § 23-2318
  • Fiscal Year 2012-13 Section 2319 of the Public School Code of 1949, Act of March 10, 1949, P.L. 30, as amended, 24 P.S. § 23-2319


For additional information, please contact:

Eileen Kocher | State Aid Librarian
Pennsylvania Department of Education - Library Development
607 South Drive. Forum Building | Harrisburg, PA 17120-0600
Phone: 717.783.5743 | Fax: 717.772.0044 | TTY: 717.783.8445
ekocher@pa.gov | www.education.state.pa.us
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