PA Forward

FOR RELEASE: February 13, 2012

Libraries Launch PA Forward Campaign

On February 13, at the Capitol in Harrisburg, the Pennsylvania Library Association launched a statewide library literacy initiative. PA Forward was launched to expand the role of libraries in the lives of the residents of Pennsylvanians and demonstrate the importance of libraries to their future. Libraries across Pennsylvania, including Franklin County Library System, are joining forces to implement this new initiative in 2012 and forever change the way people use and see their library.

The keynote speaker was award –winning and bestselling author, Ms. Lisa Scottoline. She is the PA Forward Advisory Board Honorary Chair and she spoke about how she personally values libraries and how they do so much more than provide reading materials. Scottoline talked about how libraries and book discussions connect people and inspire the imagination. Imagination and innovation are the keys to moving PA Forward.

PA Forward embraces the premise that 21st Century libraries are ideally positioned to be community centers of information, technology, and learning that will fuel educational and economic opportunities for all of our citizens. At the heart of PA Forward are five essential Literacies – Basic, Information, Civic and Social, Health, and Financial. Pennsylvania’s libraries are uniquely placed to help people of all ages garner the knowledge essential to function successfully in the 21st Century as citizens, parents, students, employers, employees, and consumers.

Locally, Franklin County Library System has planned at least one event for each Literacy over the coming weeks. The 5 Literacies with coordinating events are as follows:

Basic Literacy – Libraries can push Pennsylvania to achieve one of the highest literacy rates in the country, a better trained and more skilled workforce, and a growing tax base, economy, and population.

Events: PA One Book Every Young Child author Zachary OHora visits Grove Family Library at 10:00 a.m. and Besore Memorial Library at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, March 26, to talk to children about his book Stop Snoring, Bernard! Sponsored in part by a Library Services and Technology Act grant from the Institute for Museum and Library Services administered by the Office of Commonwealth Libraries

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, and to participate fully in a digital society.
Events: E-book Device Orientations at Coyle Free Library, on Tuesday, April 10 – 10:00 a.m. Kindle, 11:00 a.m. IPAD & IPHONE, 12:00 Noon NOOK; on Thursday, April 12 – 4:00 p.m. Kindle, 5:00 p.m. IPAD & IPHONE, 6:00 p.m. NOOK

Civic and Social Literacy – Libraries can give citizens of all ages the knowledge and skills they need to improve their lives, to contribute effectively in their communities, and to participate in civil discourse.

Events: Voter Registration at Coyle Free Library during all open hours from March 19 – 23
Civil War Author Bob O’Connor speaks at Fort Loudon Community Library, Thursday,
April 12, at 6:00 p.m.

Health Literacy – Libraries can play an important role in helping citizens actively manage their own and their family’s well-being, making them effective partners with their health care providers and reducing costs.

Events: Soul Surfer movie showing and discussion, Grove Family Library, Thursday, February 16, from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. Popcorn and beverage for first 50 youth to arrive. Door prizes at 8:30
Sponsored in part by Healthy Communities Partnership

Family Place Care & Share Time series of workshops for children birth to age 3 and their parents/caregivers at St. Thomas Library, April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 at 10:30 a.m.

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 communities.

Event: “ Right on the Money” program for ages 4 – 8 and their parents, Besore Memorial Library, Thursdays, April 12, 19, 26, & May 3 at 6:00 p.m.
Sponsored in part by Greencastle-Antrim Kiwanis and Penn State Extension

Many of the above programs require registration in advance. Please contact the host library to register:

Coyle Free 717-263-1054
Grove Family 717-264-9663
Besore Memorial 717-597-7920
St. Thomas 717-369-4716
Fort Loudon Community 717-369-4704

It is critical that all Pennsylvanians attain these literacies to be successful in the 21st century. Knowledge is power and your local libraries have the power to move Franklin County and Pennsylvania forward.