By Ashley Flynn

By nature, libraries are constantly changing and evolving.  PA Forward represents an important step forward for Pennsylvania libraries in the way we market our programs, services and resources. Most libraries are already engaging all five literacies, but might not be implementing PA Forward branding. It may seem daunting to rethink the way you talk about what you do, but we are here to help!

My group and I will continue the good work of those that came before us by sharing a PA Forward article with you each week. These articles will strive to give you real-life examples of programs in action, as well as other tips and tricks for making the best use of PA Forward in your library.

We are graduates of the 2015 Pennsylvania Library Association Academy of Leadership Studies (PALS). This engaging workshop gives emerging leaders from around the state the training they need to fulfill their best potential as leaders. The class is divided into sub-groups to complete year-long projects in service to the PA Forward initiative. I am lucky to be a part of the group tasked with writing PA Forward articles for the Compendium. We’ll strive to give you some insights into the campaign, as well as practical suggestions for how to use the literacies in your library, throughout the upcoming year. I am very excited to be a part of this great team, and I hope you’ll browse everyone’s bio below to “meet” my fellow authors!

Angie Andre

As the Children’s Librarian for Tredyffrin Township I inspire children to love reading. I am the head of the Children’s Department for Tredyffrin Public Library and Paoli Library in Chester County. When I am not planning new ways to engage children in the library I might be reading, writing for my blogs, playing with my dogs, or shaking out my sillies in a storytime. I look forward to this next year when I will be sharing many great programs that support the PA Forward Literacies.

Sarah Applegate

Pictures are not really my thing so the most current one of just me is one where I’m not even looking at the camera (I’m looking at butterflies, if you wanted to know). I currently work at Coyle Free Library where I do a variety of things including interlibrary loans and teen programming. I believe that by enriching the lives of others, I’ll be able to make not only myself better, but the world around me a better and more harmonious place.

Caitlyn Bovard

I want to live in a world where nachos are healthy, cats don’t shed and every borrowed book comes with a bar of chocolate. As the Assistant Director of the Butler Area Public Library for nearly one year and a librarian for less than three years, I am honored to be among the 2015 PALS group. When I’m not busy planning events, teaching computer classes, writing grant proposals, compiling library newsletters, processing ILLs, working on collection development and answering reference questions, I will most likely be found taking a nap alongside my Italian greyhound, Phoenix or playing Settlers of Catan, Munchkins, Risk, Bang! and whatever else.

Melissa Correll

Teaching students to think critically about information can help them earn better grades, as well as encourage them to develop skills they need to be good citizens and savvy consumers. Engaging students in fun events helps them see the library as a friendly, inviting place where they are welcome to study, socialize, or just hang out. As Instructional Services Librarian, Coordinator of Information Literacy and Outreach at Lycoming College’s Snowden Library, I’m lucky to do both.

Ashley Flynn

As the director of Highland Community Library, I believe that developing an engaged community is the best way for public libraries to succeed. My favorite daily challenge is to offer unique, engaging programs for all age groups. I especially love working with teens, and it gives me a great excuse to read more YA novels than is strictly necessary – although too many is never enough! I love cooking, baking, and being herded by my Old English Sheepdogs.