PA Forward Star Library Program

In today’s modern landscape, libraries are uniquely positioned to provide communities access to much more than just books. This is in part why the Pennsylvania Library Association launched the PA Forward program in 2012. This program seeks to establish a consistent focus on key literacies in libraries’ community engagement efforts across the state.

These literacies include:

PA Forward defines Basic Literacy as “developing foundational competency including reading, writing, math, job application assistance, and overall life-skill development. Also includes STEM (Science Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) knowledge building on basic skills and concepts.”

PA Forward defines Information Literacy as “having the ability to express, connect with and understand knowledge and communication through comprehensive and innovative formats; the ability to distinguish between credible and non-credible sources; recognizing when information is needed to further oneself, an objective or a project.”

PA Forward defines Civic and Social Literacy as “engaging in discourse while remaining respectful of other individuals of varying opinions; understanding the importance of community engagement which allows individuals to interact with one another, in a participatory manner; invoking societal change.”

PA Forward defines Health Literacy as “having the ability to make informed decisions in relation to an individual’s physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual health; Also applies to caregivers understanding the health information of a loved one.”

PA Forward defines Financial Literacy as “having the knowledge and understanding necessary to make informed fiscal/economic decisions for personal life planning and business interests including responsible budgeting, spending and saving skills.”

William Jeanes Memorial Library has committed to this effort as a PA Forward Silver Star Library.

Libraries in Pennsylvania can earn stars for providing programs, information, and other resources related to the key literacies, to their library communities. As such, patrons of WJML will find opportunities in the library for growth in all vital areas of life, benefitting themselves as well as growing a responsible and thriving community of multi-literacy driven citizens.