LIBRARIES’ LITERACY PROGRAMS MAKE POSITIVE IMPACTS ON CITIZENS, COMMUNITIES
Some 50 libraries recognized in statewide program for achievements gained
between April 1 and June 30, 2018
Mechanicsburg, PA (July 18, 2018) – The Pennsylvania Library Association (PaLA) congratulates several libraries throughout the state for their progress in the PA Forward Star Library Program.
“Libraries continue doing all they can to provide quality programs and resources to the patrons they serve,” said Christi Buker, Pennsylvania Library Association Executive Director. “Anything from financial educational seminars to healthy eating, activity programs to toddler story time, library staffs and volunteers offer opportunities for all age groups to come, learn, grow and explore.
“Patrons’ needs are changing which means the services libraries provide are changing,” Buker added. “The PA Forward framework helps libraries increase their visibility, and in many instances, have helped them tap into local community partnerships, maximizing the program opportunities and resources available to their patrons. PA Forward really is a win not only for libraries but for Pennsylvania communities.”
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, on a quarterly basis, for meeting benchmarks within the bronze, silver and gold star levels of the Star Library Program. Programs range from teen reading lounges, tying into Basic Literacy and Civic and Social Literacy, to investment planning workshops, tying into Financial Literacy.
The following libraries achieved the highest level, the Gold Star, in the statewide program between April 1 and June 30, 2018:
Bala Cynwyd Memorial Library – Montgomery County; Bellwood Antis Public Library – Blair County; Carbondale Public Library – Lackawanna County; Carnegie Free Library of Beaver Falls – Beaver County; Degenstein Community Library – Northumberland County, Mifflin Community Library – Berks County; Monongahela Area Library – Washington County; Tyrone-Snyder Public Library – Blair County; Whitehall Public Library – Allegheny County; and Palmyra Public Library – Lebanon County. These libraries are each now one of more than 60 gold star libraries throughout the state.
A full listing of all libraries recognized, along with their star level achieved between April 1 and June 30, 2018, appears below:
Allegheny County
· Borough of Jefferson Hills Library – Silver 5
· Bridgeville Public Library – Silver 5
· Carnegie Library of McKeesport – Bronze
· Community Library of Castle Shannon – Silver 2
· Monroeville Public Library – Silver 2
· Northland Public Library Authority – Bronze
· Penn Hills Library – Silver 2
· Plum Community Library – Bronze
· Shaler North Hills Library – Bronze
· South Fayette Township Library – Silver 4
· Upper St. Clair Township Library – Silver 5
· Whitehall Public Library – Gold
Beaver County
· Carnegie Free Library of Beaver Falls – Gold
Berks County
· Mifflin Community Library – Gold
· West Lawn-Wyomissing Hills Library – Bronze
Blair County
· Bellwood Antis Public Library – Gold
· Claysburg Area Public Library – Silver 5
· Tyrone-Snyder Public Library – Gold
· Williamsburg Public Library – Bronze
Bucks County
· Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Library – Silver 1
Butler County
· Prospect Community Library – Silver 4
Cambria County
· Cambria County Library – Silver 1
Chester County
· Honey Brook Community Library – Bronze
Clarion County
· Knoxville Public Library – Bronze
Lackawanna County
· Carbondale Public Library – Gold
· Dalton Community Library – Silver 1
· Lackawanna County Library System Bookmobile – Silver 5
Lancaster County
· Learning Commons, Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences – Silver 5
· Manheim Community Library – Bronze
Lawrence County
· New Castle Public Library – Bronze
Lebanon County
· Lebanon Community Library – Silver 1
· Matthews Public Library – Silver 4
· Myerstown Community Library – Silver 5
· Palmyra Public Library – Gold
Lehigh County
· Emmaus Public Library – Silver 5
· Lower Macungie Library – Silver 3
Luzerne County
· Hazelton Area Public Library – Silver 1
· Marian Sutherland Kirby Library – Silver 2
· Monroeville Public Library – Silver 1
Mercer County
· Community Library of the Shenango Valley – Silver 5
Montgomery County
· Ardmore Library – Silver 3
· Bala Cynwyd Memorial Library – Gold
· Conshohocken Free Library – Bronze
· Montgomery County Norristown Public Library – Silver 5
Northumberland County
· Degenstein Community Library – Gold
Washington County
· Chartiers-Houston Community Library – Bronze
· Citizens Library – Bronze
· Monongahela Area Library – Gold
Warren County
· Warren Library Association – Bronze
Westmoreland County
· Peoples Library – Bronze
York County
· Guthrie Memorial Library – Bronze
· Paul Smith Library of Southern York County – Silver 3
To date, roughly 200 libraries are participating in the PA Forward Star Library program. For more information, visit www.paforwardstarlibraries.org.
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This project is made possible, in part, by Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) as administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education through the Office of Commonwealth Libraries, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Tom Wolf, Governor.
IMLS is celebrating its 20th Anniversary. As the primary source of federal support for the nation’s approximately 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums, IMLS’ mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Their grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.