Pittsburgh, Pa. − December 9, 2025 − Senator Lindsey M. Williams (D-Allegheny) Representative Arvind Venkat (D-30), representatives from the Allegheny County Library Association, and Board Members and staff from the Northland Library gathered on Friday to celebrate the $5 million increase to the Public Library Subsidy line item in the FY2025-26 state budget. This increase represents a 7.1% increase from the previous year.
Following the brief press event, Senator Williams joined Northland’s “Tea and Stitches” group, which meets to enjoy light refreshments and conversation. This group meets monthly, and members are encouraged to bring a craft project to work on.
“Public libraries bring people together and give them access to incredible resources, often at low or no cost to patrons,” said Senator Williams. “Programs like the Tea and Stitches group that welcomed us on Friday for crafting and conversation are about so much more than needlework and knitting—they make up the very fabric of our community. I am so glad to see this year’s $5 million budget increase will benefit Northland and all of our public libraries, and I’m ready to build on this success next year.”
“Our public libraries are the beating heart of our communities, said state Rep. Venkat. “I am very proud to represent Northland Public Library within my home community of McCandless. Thank you to Senator Williams for her leadership in our successfully advocating for an increase in public library support in the state budget in addition to the leadership of both Northland Public Library and the Allegheny County Library Association for their remarkable service to our region. I look forward to continuing to work with bipartisan colleagues in the General Assembly to support Northland and all of our public libraries.”
“Public libraries are a special place where everyone is welcome and every resource is free,” said state Rep. Emily Kinkead. “From early learning to job searches to digital access for senior resources, libraries empower people at every stage of life. Increasing funding for our libraries affirms our commitment to building a more equitable society. I’ll continue working alongside Senator Williams and Rep. Venkat to ensure our local libraries get the support they deserve.”
“Senator Williams’ support for the libraries in her district has been remarkable, as is the support she provides to the Allegheny County Library Association and Allegheny County libraries,” said Kimberley Hrivnak, Chief Operating Officer of the Allegheny County Library Association. “Champions like Senator Williams, who amplifies our voices calling for increased public library funding to the General Assembly, made the 7.1% increase to the Public Library Subsidy possible and allows our libraries to continue to provide critical programs and resources for our communities.”
“The increased funding for the Public Library Subsidy, enables us to keep up with rising healthcare costs without having to reduce staffing as we’ve done in the past,” added Amy Steele, Executive Director of Northland Library. “We will also use the additional funding to meet the ever-increasing demand for library materials items like e-books and children’s materials.”
Full video of the event can be found here.
Videos of Senator Williams’ remarks can be found here and here.
All photos of the event can be found here.
