In 2017 the Kutztown Community Library took the first steps toward “gold status” with the PA Forward’s Star Library Program, a statewide initiative created by the Pennsylvania Library Association designed to highlight ways in which libraries enrich the lives of residents.
The Star Program unifies resources and information so a library, such as the Kutztown Community Library, is an information hub for its community. With the guidance of this initiative, libraries help residents succeed as citizens, parents, students, teachers, employers, employees and consumers.
“The Star Library Program not only assists in planning experiences at KCL, it also confirms that we are already providing the community with essential opportunities,” says Taylor Kutz, Kutztown Youth Librarian.
Knowledge is one of those fundamental keys to success and libraries are fundamental in helping to provide communities with the tools to help achieve it. These tools are known as the five literacies; Basic, Health, Civic and Social, Information, and Financial. The values of the Star Program are truly being embraced with ongoing events such as Story Time, 1000 Books Before Kindergarten, Summer Quest (Basic Literacy); Kids Yoga (Health Literacy); Conversacion con Amigos (Civic and Social Literacy); computer training for adults (Information Literacy); and programs about managing finances (Financial Literacy). Another part of the program includes incorporating PA Forwards logo into KCL’s marketing tools.
“With the right support, libraries are ideally positioned to become the community centers of information, technology and learning that will fuel educational and economic opportunity for all of our citizens,” according to PA Forward’s website.
KCL currently holds the bronze star and will capture the silver star on their journey to gold. Visit the library to make your mark in the movement as you take advantage of these exciting programs and events. To learn more about the movement visit PAForward.com or catch them on Facebook and Twitter at @PAForward5.
For more information, call 610-683-5820 or visit www.kutztownlibrary.org.
