Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa Announces Nearly $2 Million in Keystone Grants for Libraries in the 43rd District

PITTSBURGH, PA - April 7, 2026 − Today, Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa announces $1,900,000 in funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Education Office of Commonwealth Libraries benefitting three libraries in the 43^rd Senatorial District.

Keystone grants prioritize public library facility projects that address accessibility, energy efficiency, non-routine maintenance of essential systems, improving or restoring interior public spaces, and constructing new libraries or building additions.

"I am a lifelong lover of our public libraries, and I am so proud to be announcing these grants to benefit these critical community resources," said Senator Costa. "Libraries foster a lifelong love of learning, providing space for friends and neighbors to engage with books, media, data, and social services. I look forward to continuing to support our public libraries so that every Pennsylvanian has ready access to knowledge, books, internet, social services, and belonging."

In the 43^rd Senatorial District, the awards are as follows:

• Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh: Squirrel Hill Branch, $400,000 to replace roof and HVAC.
• CC Mellor Memorial Library, $750,000 to restore roof and renovate interior space.
• Penn Hills Library, $750,000 to renovate entrance area, upgrade HVAC and lighting, and add solar panels.

For more information on this grant program, including the entire list of Keystone Grant Recipients across Pennsylvania, click here.

Learn more about the PA Senate Democrats' commitment to safe communities for every Pennsylvanian here.

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