Pittsburgh, PA — September 30, 2025 — In 2024, the Allegheny County Library Association (ACLA) and their 46 member libraries approached the 26 representatives and state senators who represent Allegheny County with a funding request for a project entitled “Providing Books to Children in Difficult and Challenging Situations.” The primary goal of this project was to reach more children and students where they are by installing book vending machines in locations where children are often vulnerable. By providing free books featuring characters in similar situations to the children accessing the vending machines, the children can build their personal libraries while ACLA would increase awareness of public libraries, and their resources and services.
Shortly after hearing about this project, Senator Jay Costa and Senator Lindsey Williams contacted ACLA and indicated that they would team up to fully fund this $140,000 project. Not only did they secure the funds, but they have maintained an active interest in its success and expansion plans. The two Senators assist ACLA regularly in connecting with the leadership of other potential partners. This interest, understanding, and generous support of ACLA and public libraries is a hallmark of both Senators.
Senators Costa and Williams are champions of public libraries and strong advocates both locally and statewide. They are voices in the rooms where we cannot be, and public libraries in Allegheny County are better for having them in our corner. It is for these reasons that the Pennsylvania Library Association recognized Senator Jay Costa and Senator Lindsey Williams as the Pennsylvania Library Association 2025 Elected Officials of the Year. This award may be given annually to an elected official or officials for exemplary support of library service in Pennsylvania. The award is in recognition of the nominee’s demonstration of support for Pennsylvania libraries over the previous year.
“Libraries in Allegheny County have champions in Senator Williams and Senator Costa,” said ACLA CEO Amy Anderson. “Their support is never-wavering, and I, along with everyone at the Allegheny County Library Association, could not be happier to see them win the Elected Official of the Year Award. Libraries in Allegheny County and throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are better because of the work of Senator Costa and Senator Williams.”
“Many people support public libraries, and while that support maybe through patronage or positive marketing, Senator Costa and Senator Williams have gone further in their support by providing essential funding for libraries,” said Pennsylvania Library Association Executive Director Christi Buker. “Thank you to both Senators for the funding needed to allow libraries to support their communities. Congratulations on earning the Elected Officials of the Year Award for 2025!”
Senator Costa
Throughout almost 30 years of service, Senator Costa has been a thoughtful advocate and supporter of Allegheny County libraries. In 2010, he authored Act 1, the local share assessment on the Rivers Casino’s table game revenue that added an annual funding stream for libraries in Allegheny County. He frequently works with the libraries in his district to provide assistance, information, and support for their projects and activities. The libraries know they can call on Senator Costa and his office at any time.
“As a lifelong library lover, I am profoundly honored to be receiving the designation of Elected Official of the Year from such incredible community partners and leaders,” said Senator Costa. “It’s a humble privilege to play a small part in supporting Allegheny’s public libraries and librarians as they seek to deliver knowledge, access, and community throughout our county. I look forward to many more years of successful partnerships and initiatives to continue the powerful, necessary work only libraries can do. I’m grateful for and touched by this award today.”
Senator Williams
Senator Williams, while newer to her office, has also proven to be a huge advocate for our libraries. She serves as the Minority Chair of the Education Committee where she leads the fight for fully funded education and includes advocacy for public libraries in that battle. She has been instrumental in securing funding for building projects, making libraries aware of opportunities for funding and resources, and providing amazing one on one service to her constituents. Senator Williams and her staff are quick to reach out to ACLA and her district libraries with questions, ideas, concerns, and assistance.
“The public libraries in Allegheny County are incredible neighborhood spaces where everyone is welcome, and our librarians work every day to bring the magic of the library to more people,” said Senator Williams. “Getting to support this community-building work is truly one of the best parts of being a State Senator for me. I am deeply grateful for the partnerships I have built with our libraries, and for the honor of being named the Pennsylvania Library Association’s Co-Elected Official of the Year along with my colleague Senator Costa. I look forward to continuing to work with the ACLA and all of our libraries to get more books into the hands of our kids because books—and libraries—change lives for the better.”
ACLA’s Vending Machine Program
The vending machine initiative continues ACLA’s efforts to increase early literacy in Allegheny County. Vending machines are being placed in locations that serve children and their families who are experiencing difficult and challenging situations to expand access to books and reading to children who need them the most. The first vending machine was installed in the waiting room at the Allegheny County Jail in the spring of 2025. The second machine is due to be delivered in the next week to the Allegheny County Family Court, and the contract has been signed to install the third machine at Jeremiah’s Place – a 24-hour crisis nursery providing emergency childcare for families in need.
At the Allegheny County Jail, any child or teen visiting an incarcerated loved one will receive a token to choose a free book at the vending machine. The book selection includes a variety of classics (Goodnight Moon, Because of Winn-Dixie), formats (picture books, graphic novels, chapter books) and titles where the child or teen might see themselves reflected in the main character. The book vending machine at the jail features two titles with an incarcerated parent, a title in Spanish and an autographed edition of Wicked Marigold by local author Caroline Carlson. ACLA hopes that these books are a bright spot for these children in what might be a scary or unhappy time.
For more information about the vending machine program, follow ACLA Youth Services on Facebook.