POTTSTOWN PA – Pennsylvania businesses, and particularly those across the greater Pottstown area, have a new opportunity to earn a tax credit while supporting programs at the Pottstown Regional Public Library.
The library, located at 500 E. High St., has been approved by Pennsylvania to receive funding through the state Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program, it announced Thursday (Dec. 11, 2025).
The program enables eligible Pennsylvania businesses to make donations to EITC-approved organizations. In return, businesses receive “significant credits” to offset state taxes they may owe.
Future EITC contributions, according to a library Board of Directors’ media release, will be used to expand its popular and growing activities for summer reading and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) learning.
Demand for library youth services, it explains, climbs as the weather warms and school sessions end. During the past summer alone, the board reports, the Youth Services Department catered to more than 2,300 children up to age 18. Its programming, it says, supported a wide variety of “literacy, learning, and safe enrichment opportunities.”
EITC donations that could increase funding for those events “is invaluable,” Library Director Katelin Gladback adds. “It opens opportunities to expand the type of programming we can offer which, in turn, expands experiences for the children.”
With EITC support, the library anticipates it could also expand initiatives that provide hands-on experiments, workshops, and interactive learning experiences. Its hopes to “spark curiosity and build foundational skills in science and technology.”
Top photo by Travels With The Post
‘Regional’ for a Reason
Pottstown’s library is a member of the Montgomery County Library & Information Network Consortium, which “shares resources and automation” across communities it serves. The library has a broad reach, and receives financial support from some municipalities. During 2009 it was officially renamed as a “regional” facility.
It issues library cards to residents of the borough, and Lower, Upper, and West Pottsgrove townships. Beyond that, it also can register and offer services to potential users from anywhere in Montgomery County, as well as serve cardholders of libraries in Berks and Chester counties.
The tax credit program was established in 2001, and is intended to create “a direct pathway” for private and corporate donors to invest in local education. It is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development.
Qualified businesses may apply for EITC tax credit through the state’s online Enterprise eGrants System. Once approved, contributions can be directed to the library.
EITC approval represents “a perfect opportunity for local businesses to show their direct support for the library, and the Pottstown community as a whole,” board Vice President Rich Bouher says.
Bouher is credited as being “instrumental in securing approval for the funding.” Business owners with questions about EITC, or that need more information on supporting children’s programs, can send him an e-mail to richbouher@yahoo.com.
Above photo by Jessica Ruscello on Unsplash, used under license
Private Donations Welcomed Too
Non-business donations from individuals and families are also welcomed to assist the library’s summer programming, outside of EITC participation. Donations are accepted in person or by mail, and online.
Photo by Travels With The Post
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