Libraries continue to be strong community resources, demonstrating the power of literacy in action. During the 2018 National Library Week celebration, the Pennsylvania Library Association is thanking libraries throughout the commonwealth for their tireless resolve and for all they offer to their local communities.
National Library Week, observed April 8-14, puts a spotlight on the changing role of libraries, librarians and library workers. Libraries aren’t just book repositories or places of quiet study, but also community centers that provide refuge and fuel creativity and civic engagement. Patrons and visitors can collaborate, use new technologies, acquire job-ready skills, access online classes, and connect with other community members.
PA Forward works through five key literacies – Basic, Information, Civic & Social, Health and Financial – to assist all residents in enhancing their overall quality of life. The Star Library recognition offers support to libraries who participate and integrate the literacies in their programming activities. Those libraries are recognized for meeting benchmarks within the bronze, silver and gold star levels of the Star Library Program. Programs range from story times, tying into Basic Literacy, to investment planning workshops, tying into Financial Literacy.
“Libraries everywhere are providing critical resources, services and programs to the communities they serve,” said Christi Buker, PA Library Association Executive Director. “It is only fitting that we take some time during National Library Week to thank our libraries, librarians, staff and volunteers for all they do daily. We also want to highlight Pennsylvania’s libraries for incorporating the PA Forward framework into their programming and for earning their libraries Star status. These programs are investments in our patrons and they in turn invest in their local areas. The five literacies of PA Forward help build stronger communities, a stronger economy and a stronger Pennsylvania.”
Among the libraries recognized for their highest level of star status achieved between January 1 and March 31, in Berks County, Fleetwood Area Public Library was awarded Gold star status and Mifflin Community Library was awarded Silver, Level 2.
To date, more than 200 Pennsylvania libraries are registered in the Association’s Star Library program. For more information about the PA Forward Star Library program, visit http://paforwardstarlibraries.org/.
“This project is made possible by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services as administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education through the Office of Commonwealth Libraries, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Tom Wolf, Governor.”
