Bureau of Library Development (BLD) FAQs

How do I inform OCL that our library or branch library has had a name change and what are the steps needed to have my library's name changed within OCL?
To complete a library name change request, the following documents need to be submitted to the Office of Commonwealth Libraries via the state aid email address: RA-stateaid@pa.gov.
- Letter (or email) from library director or board president requesting the name change within PDE/OCL
- Board meeting minutes documenting the approval of the library’s name change
Last Updated: Aug 06, 2025 | Views: 4
Where can I find the Statutory formula? Is it publicly accessible?
Last Updated: Jul 23, 2025 |
Topics:
- State Aid
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Views: 3
For fiscal year libraries, what timeline would they use for the 12% calculation for using the previous year?
Last Updated: Jul 22, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 3
What should I upload for an audit/financial review if my document is part of a larger organization's financial report? (e,g, municipality, federated system, etc.)
Last Updated: Jul 17, 2025 |
Topics:
- State Aid Library Subsidy Application (SALSA)
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Views: 6
The SALSA is requesting that the audit/financial review from two years ago be uploaded. Shouldn't this be last year's audit/financial review?
Last Updated: Jul 17, 2025 |
Topics:
- State Aid Library Subsidy Application (SALSA)
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Views: 4
If my library runs on a July-June fiscal year, what budget do I attach?

Related to the SALSA.
Last Updated: Jul 17, 2025 |
Topics:
- State Aid Library Subsidy Application (SALSA)
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Views: 2
For federated system overarching reports, does the Local Government Income (LGI) section rollup to provide a total LGI of our member libraries?
Last Updated: Jul 17, 2025 |
Topics:
- State Aid Library Subsidy Application (SALSA)
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Views: 4
Why is the 12% collection expenditure calculation for Incentive for Excellence Aid not listed on the WAFL for Member Libraries?
Last Updated: Jul 17, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 13
How do I find the Waiver Assessment for Libraries (WAFL)?
Last Updated: Jul 17, 2025 |
Topics:
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Views: 22
Where is there training information for the State Aid Library Subsidy Application (SALSA)?
Last Updated: Jul 17, 2025 |
Topics:
- State Aid Library Subsidy Application (SALSA)
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Views: 12

Does a library need a full-time employee?
Last Updated: Jul 17, 2025 |
Topics:
- State Aid Library Subsidy Application (SALSA)
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Views: 76
For the Verification of Actual Costs and the Verification of Estimated Costs, does the seal need to be visible in the scanned pdf?
Last Updated: Sep 03, 2024 |
Topics:
- Annual Report (AR) / Public Library Survey (PLS)
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Views: 63
How do I find my library's AUN number?

How do I find my library's AUN number?
Last Updated: Feb 27, 2025 |
Topics:
- Grants
- State Aid
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Views: 50
Is there a suggestion on how to manage the reduction of hours and still be in compliance with the standards?
Last Updated: Sep 03, 2024 |
Topics:
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Views: 43
What is a branch?
Last Updated: Jan 18, 2024 |
Topics:
- Service Area Change / Mergers - Branches & Members
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Views: 43
Can we simply state "this number is correct" or another generic response for the external public annotations?

Can we simply state "this number is correct" or another generic response for the external public annotations?
Last Updated: Feb 24, 2025 |
Topics:
- Annual Report (AR) / Public Library Survey (PLS)
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Views: 41
Can shipping costs be counted towards the 12% collection expenditure?

One of my libraries will be paying more in shipping of materials this year (formerly free.) They want to know if shipping counts toward their 12% Collections spending or needs to be tracked separately.
Last Updated: Sep 03, 2024 |
Topics:
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Views: 40
Does the Square Footage encompass staff areas, or only areas open to the public? (Eg. should a basement used solely for storage be counted?)
Last Updated: Sep 03, 2024 |
Topics:
- Annual Report (AR) / Public Library Survey (PLS)
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Views: 36
What resources are available to help complete the 2024 Annual Report?

What resources are available to help complete the 2024 Annual Report?
Last Updated: Jan 30, 2025 |
Topics:
- Annual Report (AR) / Public Library Survey (PLS)
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Views: 34
What are some established best practices for StoryWalks®?
Last Updated: Jan 18, 2024 |
Topics:
- Youth Services
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Views: 34

A resource for general information and frequently asked questions revolving around Pennsylvania's Annual Report (Public Library Survey).

Bureau of Library Development (BLD) General LibGuide

The LibGuide created to provide overarching content and information regarding work done or related to the Bureau of Library Development (BLD).

District Library Center Guide

A guide to assist district library centers and district library center consulting staff.

Grants LibGuide

This guide provides information on grant opportunities in Pennsylvania.

Office of Commonwealth Library (OCL) 5-year Plan

This guide outlines the Office of Commonwealth Libraries Five Year Plan from 2023-2027.

Promising Practices for Youth Services in Pennsylvania's Public Libraries

This LibGuide contains information related to programming, onboarding, management, technology, and collection development for youth services.

State Aid Resources for Pennsylvania Public Libraries

The State Aid LibGuide that provides information related to the State Aid Library Subsidy Application (SALSA), Plans for State and County Coordination Aid, Audits and Financial Reviews, Librarian Certification, Annual Report, and Documentation Uploads into LibPAS.

StoryWalks® for Pennsylvania Libraries

An activity guide for public libraries to use for StoryWalk® programs for children and their families and caregivers.

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