Pennsylvania’s hundreds of public libraries have long been known as a safe place to access books and educational resources. And while they continue to provide that service for the over 40 percent of Pennsylvanians who are registered library users, they also do so much more, offering STEM programs and equipment, providing crucial internet and computer access to many underserved people, engaging in workforce development, and providing additional access to services, including passports.

Especially in the context of long-term funding issues for libraries on the local governmental and state levels, locally-generated revenue – fundraising and donations – has become increasingly important in ensuring libraries can continue to provide these valuable services.

Current state law allows for libraries to use isolated sales, less than seven days each year, of used books without paying sales tax as a means of generating additional revenue. My legislation would expand that to allow libraries to sell used books for supplemental income without paying sales tax throughout the year, granting an extra way that our struggling libraries could help support themselves.

With so many Pennsylvanians relying on libraries for many aspects of their lives, we need to look for additional ways to support them and make sure they can remain a valuable resource for years to come. Please join me in co-sponsoring this bill to enhance libraries’ ability to generate local revenue, helping reduce their reliance on uncertain government funding.

Prior Co-Sponsors (HB 108): CIRESI, SANCHEZ, MADDEN, R. MACKENZIE, GUENST, KAZEEM, CERRATO, NEILSON, HILL-EVANS, ORTITAY, GALLOWAY, KHAN, GILLEN and MALAGARI

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 0131: P.L.6, No.2