Government Offices and Publications
The Pottsville Free Public Library was designated a selective Federal Depository Library in 1967, and we provide access to the United States and Pennsylvania agency publications in print (when available) and online. Books received through the program can be found in our catalog.
While most Federal publications are now online-only, the Pottsville Library will continue to receive important print titles such as the Constitution and the US Code. Most of the statistics people are looking for come from government agencies, and the Library purchases books with a wide variety of government statistics, both recent and historical. Contact the Reference Department for assistance in locating government information and publications.
The links below are good starting points for finding federal, state and local information online.
Get Started and Get Informed
U.S. Government Departments and Agencies – Find the site for an agency or bureau or track down the form you need.
Government Info – Official U.S. Government publications – Free to download.
Core U.S. Government Resources – These titles are considered the most basic and vital sources of information about the workings and essential activities of the U.S. Government.
Congressionally Mandated Reports – Reports that are required to be submitted by Federal agencies to the Senate, the House of Representatives, or to congressional committees or subcommittees, and then electronically to the U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO).
FDLP Resource Guides – Collections of resources and websites on specific subjects, like Natural Hazards or Military History.
Ben’s Guide To The U.S. Government – information about the federal government just for kids and parents.
PA.Gov – Find the site for a Pennsylvania department or commission.
Pennsylvania Manual – The Pennsylvania Manual is a comprehensive guide to Pennsylvania’s government and is published biennially by the Bureau of Publications. It includes Pennsylvania history, the constitution, and elections, and profiles the executive, judicial, and legislative branches including information on the powers, functions, and duties of those offices.
U.S. Government Information Weekly Roundup – Hear about something in the news? Check this list put together by the Library at UC San Diego for press releases, bills and laws, and other recent activities by the federal government. Check the Archives for older announcements and publications.
Get Help
Assistance Listings – Federal programs that provide grants, loans, scholarships, insurance, and other types of assistance awards.
Benefits – Federal benefits such as disaster relief and other financial assistance, plus state programs available for individuals.
COMPASS – Pennsylvania benefits application site. Note that the main site does not have a link to the Pennsylvania Child Welfare page for clearances, etc.
FTC Consumer Info – How to protect yourself from fraud and scams, and what to do if you are a victim.
Pennie – Pennsylvania’s health insurance marketplace.
Pennsylvania Business One-Stop Shop – Everything you need to plan, operate, and grow a business in PA.
Pueblo.GPO.gov – free federal publications for U.S. citizens, to order in print or to download, on a variety of consumer topics and concerns.
Social Security Administration – Social Security retirement or disability, SSI, and Medicare.
Find Laws and Regulations
Congress – current legislative activities including live or recorded meetings, bill texts, and legislative calendars.
U.S. Code – Consolidation of the general and permanent laws of the United States.
Code of Federal Regulations – Consolidation of the general and permanent rules of the United States.
Pennsylvania Statutes – Consolidated and unconsolidated laws of the state.
Pennsylvania Code – Official rules and regulations issued by Commonwealth agencies.
Pennsylvania Office of Open Records – Find answers to your questions about Right-to-Know Law and the Sunshine Act.
Pottsville City Code – Official ordinances and resolutions of the Pottsville City Council
Find Your Representative
Vote Smart: Facts Matter – Find out how your representatives have been voting and how to contact them.
The White House – Office of the President of the United States
Pennsylvania State Senate – PA State Senate
Pennsylvania House of Representatives – PA House of Representatives
PA Governor – Office of the Governor of Pennsylvania
PA Magisterial Judges – A list of sitting magisterial judges in the state of PA.
Schuylkill County – Website for Schuylkill County, PA
Pottsville, PA – Website for the City of Pottsville.
SERIOUS AND SERIOUSLY FUN
Citizenship Resource Center – What does someone need to do to become a U.S. citizen? Would you pass a civics test if you took one today?
Library of Congress – Get lost in exploring the massive digital collections in many different formats.
Local Income Tax (Berkheimer) – File online, or print out the local income tax form to fill out and mail in.
National Park Service – Preserving our country’s history and beauty.
PA DEP Active and Abandoned Mine Operation – Find information on mine safety, mine reclamation, and mining history here.
PA History 2 Go – a series of videos produced by the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC) to introduce you to Pennsylvania’s state-owned historic sites and museums to explore the varied stories that make up the Commonwealth’s rich history.
Smithsonian – Art, science, history, … comics, rock and roll? Yep.
USA Jobs – Official site for federal employment.
USGS topoView – Get lost down the rabbit-hole of historical and current maps! You can view and download a topographic map of the Pottsville area from 1891 or 2023, showing the community in the terrain. Or a relief map of the area showing the hills, valleys, streams and rivers from 1944.
Have Questions?
Contact the library today with any questions or concerns you might have about library services or collections.
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