More than 40 libraries reached PA Forward Star Library status July 1 to September 30, 2018

Mechanicsburg, PA (October 4, 2018) – “Libraries throughout Pennsylvania continue highlighting that they are more than book repositories, earning stars along the way and underscoring their continued connections in their local communities,” Christi Buker, Pennsylvania Library Association (PaLA) Executive Director states as the Association announces the 2018 third quarter PA Forward Star Library recipients.

“Our libraries provide safe spaces, shelter, and community connections to programs ranging from financial education to how to care for others dealing with unexpected life changes,” Buker added.  “Using the PA Forward framework, libraries help patrons meet their own needs and those of their loved ones in an ever-evolving society. We are honored to be able to showcase their efforts and help all residents connect more with these community pillars.”

PA Forward works through five key literacies – Basic, Information, Civic & Social, Health and Financial – to assist individuals in enhancing their overall quality of life. To continue helping libraries use PA Forward to demonstrate all their libraries offer, in January 2017, the Association launched the Star Library program statewide. 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 program. While one star is awarded for both the bronze and gold levels, a total of five stars are awarded in the silver category. Libraries must demonstrate proficiency with each of the five literacies when working toward the silver level of the program.

Programs range from teen reading lounges, tying into Basic Literacy and Civic and Social Literacy, to investment planning workshops, tying into Financial Literacy.

Stars are awarded on a quarterly basis in the calendar year and the recognition is for the highest level attained in the program at the time of the award. The following library awards are listed by county and are for achievements earned between July 1 and September 30, 2018.

Allegheny County

• Bridgeville Public Library – Gold
• Community Library of Castle Shannon – Silver 4
• Monroeville Public Library – Gold
• Plum Community Library – Silver 1
• Sewickley Public Library – Bronze
• South Fayette Township Library – Silver 5
• South Park Township Library – Silver 2
• Upper St. Clair Township Library – Gold

Armstrong County

• Apollo Memorial Library – Bronze

Berks County

• Kutztown Community Library – Silver 5

Blair County

• Claysburg Area Public Library – Gold

Bucks County

• Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Library – Silver 2

Butler County

• Prospect Community Library – Gold

Chester County

• Tredyffrin Public Library – Bronze
• Chester County Library – Silver 1

Clarion County

• Knox Public Library – Silver 3

Dauphin County

• Hershey Public Library – Bronze
• Penn State Harrisburg Library – Bronze

Erie County

• Erie County Public Library – Bronze

Elk County

• Ridgway Public Library – Bronze

Franklin County

• Lilian S. Besore Memorial Library – Bronze

Greene County

• Eva K. Bowlby Public Library – Silver 2

Lackawanna County

• Dalton Community Library – Silver 5
• Lackawanna County Library System Bookmobile – Gold

Lancaster County

• Learning Commons, Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences – Gold

Lebanon County

• Lebanon Community Library – Silver 2
• Matthews Public Library – Silver 5
• Myerstown Community Library – Gold

Lehigh County

• Southern Lehigh Public Library – Gold

Mercer County

• Community Library of the Shenango Valley – Gold

Montgomery County

• Gladwyne Free Library – Silver 5
• Ludington Public Library – Silver 5
• Indian Valley Public Library – Silver 4

Schuylkill County

• Frackville Free Public Library – Gold

Somerset County

• Meyersdale Public Library – Bronze
• Somerset County Library – Silver 1

Washington County

• Carnegie Free Library of Connellsville – Bronze

Westmoreland County

• Mount Pleasant Free Library – Bronze

York County

• Collinsville Community Library – Silver 5
• Martin Library – Gold
• Paul Smith Library of Southern York County – Silver 4

To date, more than 200 libraries are registered in the program. For more information, including a listing of libraries and their previous Star achievements, visit www.paforwardstarlibraries.org.

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submitted by
Brandi Hunter-Davenport,
PA Forward Project Manager