Huntingdon Valley Library earns Bronze Star in PA Forward Star Library Program to Support Literacy
Huntingdon Valley Library Earns Bronze Star in PA Forward
Star Library Program to Support Literacy
Huntingdon Valley, PA (October 3, 2019) – The Huntingdon Valley Library earned a Bronze Star in the PA Forward Star Library Program as part of the Pennsylvania Library Association’s 21st Century Literacies Initiative, PA Forward. This statewide initiative places the spotlight on Pennsylvania libraries and the important role our libraries have in the lives of citizens.
Huntingdon Valley Library is raising awareness of their programs and offerings that help Pennsylvania citizens improve their command of five types of literacy – basic, information, civic and social, health, and financial. These literacies are essential to greater success in all vital roles of life: as students, as parents, as employees, as consumers, as citizens.
As part of the program, logos on the libraries’ event flyers and marketing materials identify which specific literacies the events support. PA Forward assists the library in presenting a cohesive brand to help effectively communicate to key stakeholders – elected officials, community leaders, donors, patrons, board, Friends, and employees. The Library uses the five literacies to help set service priorities, identify potential community and funding partners, and structure strategic plans.
“Huntingdon Valley Library is very excited to take part in PA Forward,” said Sharon Moreland-Sender, Library Director. “We highlight each of the five literacies by developing innovative programs and inviting interesting speakers that help strengthen our community.
Visit Huntingdon Valley Library to take advantage of their exciting programs and events and become part of moving PA Forward!
About PA Forward
The Pennsylvania Library Association’s PA Forward | Pennsylvania Libraries initiative was conceived to give voice to what the library community already knows, and what other states throughout the nation are also recognizing: 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.
Libraries have moved far beyond just being book repositories. They’re agile institutions serving real-life needs. Libraries can be key to powering progress and elevating the quality of life in PA by fueling the types of knowledge essential to success: Basic Literacy, Information Literacy, Civic and Social Literacy, Health Literacy, and Financial Literacy.
For more information: PAForward.org; facebook.com/paforward; @PAForward5
What Are the Five Literacies?
In an era when the public is demanding greater efficiency and program consolidation at all levels of government, Pennsylvania’s libraries – public, academic, and school libraries – serve as
models of cost-effective service. Libraries stretch the public’s resources through sharing books, computers, DVDs, facilities, and expertise. By their very definition, libraries serve the public
broadly and efficiently.
Yet, much potential remains for libraries to do even greater things to prepare Pennsylvanians to compete successfully in the information age labor force and to live healthy, productive lives. Our libraries – properly leveraged – can help solve some of the Commonwealth’s biggest economic and social problems.
To refocus and reinforce the ways in which libraries can support Pennsylvanians in leading successful, productive lives, the Pennsylvania Library Association is pleased to introduce the new statewide initiative, PA Forward | Pennsylvania Libraries. This initiative redefines the library’s role in our Commonwealth within the context of five essential literacies that Pennsylvanians must attain in order to succeed as citizens, parents, students, employers, employees, and consumers.
The Five Literacies:
1. Basic Literacy – Libraries can push Pennsylvania to achieve one of the highest literacy rates in the country, a trained and skilled workforce, and a growing economy, tax base, and population.
2. Information Literacy – Libraries can help all Pennsylvanians learn how to use online resources and current technology to improve their education, to enhance their job skills, to develop their personal lives, and to fully participate in a digital society.
3. Civic and Social Literacy – Libraries can play an important role in helping citizens have the knowledge and skills they need to improve their lives, to participate and contribute effectively to their community, government, and society, and to connect with one another through discourse.
4. Health Literacy – Libraries can play an important role in helping citizens manage their own and their family’s well-being, and empower them to be effective partners with their healthcare providers so they can live longer, more productive lives.
5. Financial Literacy – Libraries can help citizens become informed consumers and guide individuals, small businesses, and other organizations to contribute to the economic vitality of their community through innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development.
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