How is Pike County Public Library Funded? 

Pike County Public Library relies on several sources to operate—government support, community generosity and revenue from library services. Together, these funds pay for staff, collections, technology, programs and the cost of keeping our buildings open.

In 2024, the library’s total operating revenue was $660,719.

To make this easier to understand, we’ve grouped library funding into three main categories.

1. Government Support (70.9%)

Government support makes up the largest share of the library’s funding. These funds help cover core operating costs like staffing, utilities, technology and essential services.

Government support comes from:

  • State support*: Allocation from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania that helps pay for staff, materials, technology and programs.
  • Pike County support*: Voluntary allocation from the county’s general budget that helps keep the library staffed and open.
  • Town and township contributions: Voluntary allocation from local municipalities to support library services for their residents. These contributions are not tied to property taxes.
  • School district support: Contributions from the Delaware Valley and Wallenpaupack Area School Districts in recognition of the library’s role in supporting students, families and educators.
  • Other government-related support: Smaller reimbursements and program-based funds, such as E-Rate support for internet services.

2. Community & Philanthropy (22.5%)

Nearly a quarter of the library’s funding comes from community support and philanthropy. This includes fundraising led by the library, along with grants, individual donations and business contributions. These funds help expand programs, strengthen collections and enhance services.

Community and philanthropic support includes:

  • Library fundraising and individual donations: Gifts raised through appeals, campaigns, events and direct donations.
  • Grants: Competitive funds awarded by foundations and organizations for specific programs or improvements.
  • Business contributions (EITC): Donations from local businesses through Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit program, capped at 10% of the funds received – the other 90% goes to support innovative educational programs in public or charter schools.
  • Donated books and materials: The estimated value of materials donated by community members.

Many of these funds are designated for specific purposes and cannot be used for everyday operating costs.

3. Library-Generated Revenue (6.7%)

A small portion of the library’s funding comes from services the library provides. While modest, this revenue helps offset daily operational needs.

This includes:

  • Service fees: Printing, copying, meeting room use and replacement costs for lost or damaged items. The library does not charge overdue fines on the majority of the collection.
  • Passport services: Fees received for processing passport applications.**
  • Interest and miscellaneous income: Small amounts earned through interest and other minor sources.


*State and county funding is not guaranteed. Each year, libraries must meet Pennsylvania’s statewide standards—such as minimum open hours, certified staffing and maintained collections—to remain eligible. Meeting these standards requires steady staffing, updated materials and local financial support, which is why community support remains essential.

**Passport services currently contribute to library revenue. Federal policy changes under review may affect whether nonprofit public libraries can continue offering this service. Current legislation on House Floor H.R. 6997.  Updates will be shared as more information becomes available.

Detailed Breakdown of Revenue Sources

Percentages below are based on total 2024 operating revenue of $660,719.

Government Support (70.9% of total revenue)

  • State support — $230,583 (34.9%)
    Funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania supporting staff, collections, technology and programs.
  • Pike County support — $200,000 (30.3%)
    Voluntary contribution used towards operational costs that helps keep the library staffed and open.
  • Towns and townships — $20,700 (3.1%)
    Voluntary municipal contributions supporting local library services.
  • School districts — $14,000 (2.1%)
    Support from Delaware Valley and Wallenpaupack Area School Districts.
  • Other government support (including E-Rate) — $3,870 (0.6%)
    Smaller reimbursements and project-based funds.

Community & Philanthropy (22.5% of total revenue)

  • Grants and individual donations — $131,430 (19.9%)
     Support from foundations, organizations and community members.
  • Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) — $12,500 (1.9%)
     Business contributions supporting educational programs.
  • Donated materials — $4,430 (0.7%)
     Estimated value of books and materials donated by the public.

Library-Generated Revenue (6.7% of total revenue)

  • Service fees and program income — $25,118 (3.8%)
     Printing, copying, meeting room use and replacement costs.
  • Passport services — $14,715 (2.2%)
     Revenue from passport processing services.
  • Interest and miscellaneous income — $4,373 (0.7%)