Pursuant to the Library Code, Act 210 of 2012, the Office of Commonwealth Libraries (OCL) is charged with providing excellent and equitable library services and leadership in developing excellent and equitable libraries across Pennsylvania to support all learners in their journeys to grow, achieve their goals, and live successful lives. OCL operates as a deputate within the Pennsylvania Department of Education. OCL has an administrative unit and two bureaus:  the Bureau of State Library and the Bureau of Library Development.

OCL and its Bureaus seek to:

• Advance the well-being of all our community members by maintaining inclusive, safe, and welcoming spaces and by providing resources, services, and programs that promote equity of access to good outcomes for every Pennsylvanian.
• Provide ongoing training and support for all library staff in developing competencies and enable libraries to overcome barriers to their services.
  Use our strengths as both a law library and government document repository to inform and guide a public that often has difficulty navigating the channels of state and federal government in relation to policy and law.
• Maintain strong relationships within our local and state communities, amplifying voices who have not been heard, listening and learning from their perspectives, and supporting the goals of every user and learner.
• Be a leader within the library and archives communities to advocate for broader adoption and implementation of all measures striving for equity of access to information and library services.