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Mechanicsburg, PA (July 18, 2018) – The Pennsylvania Library Association (PaLA) congratulates several libraries throughout the state for their progress in the PA Forward™ Star Library Program.

“Libraries continue doing all they can to provide quality programs and resources to the patrons they serve,” said Christi Buker, Pennsylvania Library Association Executive Director. “Anything from financial educational seminars to healthy eating, activity programs to toddler story time, library staffs and volunteers offer opportunities for all age groups to come, learn, grow and explore.

“Patrons’ needs are changing which means the services libraries provide are changing,” Buker added. “The PA Forward™ framework helps libraries increase their visibility, and in many instances, have helped them tap into local community partnerships, maximizing the program opportunities and resources available to their patrons. PA Forward™ really is a win not only for libraries but for Pennsylvania communities.”

PA Forward™ works through five key literacies – Basic, Information, Civic & Social, Health and Financial – to assist all residents in enhancing their overall quality of life. The Star Library recognition offers support to libraries who participate and integrate the literacies in their programming activities. Those libraries are recognized, on a quarterly basis, for meeting benchmarks within the bronze, silver and gold star levels of the Star Library Program. Programs range from teen reading lounges, tying into Basic Literacy and Civic and Social Literacy, to investment planning workshops, tying into Financial Literacy.

The following libraries achieved the highest level, the Gold Star, in the statewide program between April 1 and June 30, 2018:

Bala Cynwyd Memorial Library – Montgomery County; Bellwood Antis Public Library – Blair County; Carbondale Public Library – Lackawanna County; Carnegie Free Library of Beaver Falls – Beaver County; Degenstein Community Library – Northumberland County, Mifflin Community Library – Berks County; Monongahela Area Library – Washington County; Tyrone-Snyder Public Library – Blair County; Whitehall Public Library – Allegheny County; and Palmyra Public Library – Lebanon County. These libraries are each now one of more than 60 gold star libraries throughout the state.

A full listing of all libraries recognized, along with their star level achieved between April 1 and June 30, 2018, appears below:

Allegheny County

·         Borough of Jefferson Hills Library – Silver 5

·         Bridgeville Public Library – Silver 5

·         Carnegie Library of McKeesport – Bronze

·         Community Library of Castle Shannon – Silver 2

·         Monroeville Public Library – Silver 2

·         Northland Public Library Authority – Bronze

·         Penn Hills Library – Silver 2

·         Plum Community Library – Bronze

·         Shaler North Hills Library – Bronze

·         South Fayette Township Library – Silver 4

·         Upper St. Clair Township Library – Silver 5

·         Whitehall Public Library – Gold

Beaver County

·         Carnegie Free Library of Beaver Falls – Gold

Berks County

·         Mifflin Community Library – Gold

·         West Lawn-Wyomissing Hills Library – Bronze

Blair County

·         Bellwood Antis Public Library – Gold

·         Claysburg Area Public Library – Silver 5

·         Tyrone-Snyder Public Library – Gold

·         Williamsburg Public Library – Bronze

Bucks County

·         Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Library – Silver 1

Butler County

·         Prospect Community Library – Silver 4

Cambria County

·         Cambria County Library – Silver 1

Chester County

·         Honey Brook Community Library – Bronze

Clarion County

·         Knox Public Library – Bronze

Lackawanna County

·         Carbondale Public Library – Gold

·         Dalton Community Library – Silver 1

·         Lackawanna County Library System Bookmobile – Silver 5

Lancaster County

·         Learning Commons, Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences – Silver 5

·         Manheim Community Library – Bronze

Lawrence County

·         New Castle Public Library – Bronze

Lebanon County

·         Lebanon Community Library – Silver 1

·         Matthews Pubic Library – Silver 4

·         Myerstown Community Library – Silver 5

·         Palmyra Public Library – Gold 

Lehigh County

·         Emmaus Public Library – Silver 5

·         Lower Macungie Library – Silver 3

Luzerne County

·         Hazleton Area Public Library – Silver 1

·         Marian Sutherland Kirby Library – Silver 2

·         Monroeville Public Library – Silver 1

Mercer County

·         Community Library of the Shenango Valley – Silver 5

Montgomery County

·         Ardmore Library – Silver 3

·         Bala Cynwyd Memorial Library – Gold

·         Conshohocken Free Library – Bronze

·         Montgomery County Norristown Public Library – Silver 5

Northumberland County

·         Degenstein Community Library – Gold

Washington County

·         Chartiers-Houston Community Library – Bronze

·         Citizens Library – Bronze

·         Monongahela Area Library – Gold

Warren County

·         Warren Library Association – Bronze

Westmoreland County

·         Peoples Library – Bronze

York County

·         Guthrie Memorial Library – Bronze

·         Paul Smith Library of Southern York County – Silver 3

To date, roughly 200 libraries are participating in the PA Forward™ Star Library program. For more information, visit www.paforwardstarlibraries.org.

IMLS is celebrating its 20^th Anniversary. As the primary source of federal support for the nation’s approximately 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums, IMLS’ mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Their grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Mechanicsburg, PA (May 17, 2018) – The PA Library Association (PaLA) is proud to announce Prevent Suicide PA as the latest PA Forward™ partner organization.  

“Suicide claims the lives of more than 1,900 Pennsylvanians each year. This is an average of five lives a day,” said Govan Martin, chair Prevent Suicide PA’s Board of Directors. “Partnering with the Pennsylvania Library Association is a prime opportunity to connect with libraries and place resource information in the hands of those who need it and potentially, help to save someone’s life.”

Through PA Forward™, academic, school, and public libraries throughout Pennsylvania empower residents and businesses alike with the necessary skills and knowledge needed to succeed in today’s ever-evolving society.

PA Forward™ works through five key literacies – Basic, Information, Civic & Social, Health and Financial – to assist all residents in enhancing their overall quality of life. The statewide program works to improve the literacy levels of Pennsylvanians by connecting them with the information, learning, and technology resources available at their local libraries. Working through each of the five literacies, the initiative aims to develop a better trained and more skilled workforce, which in turn grows Pennsylvania’s tax base, economy and population.

Staffs from both organizations met and realized some commonalities in relation to their goals and efforts to educate and assist Pennsylvanians. 

“Libraries are not simply book repositories,” said Christi Buker, Pennsylvania Library Association Executive Director. “Libraries are pillars in our communities, offering a multitude of programs, resources and opportunities to help our patrons become more informed and more engaged in their local areas.

“We are honored to have Prevent Suicide PA join us as a partner through PA Forward™. PA Forward™ is truly the framework that paints the picture of what all Pennsylvania’s libraries offer and helps us to tell the story of just how valuable libraries are to society’s greater good. Prevent Suicide PA has an array of trainings and resource materials that can be made available through libraries. Their experts can speak to prevention, recognizing the signs of the suicide and how to discuss suicide with families. Prevent Suicide PA is a great addition to the work of PA Forward™, extending the reach of our libraries.”

Prevent Suicide PA will work with the Association through the PA Forward™ Health Literacy Team. This committee is comprised of member librarians and partner organizations working with individuals to provide information and resources for them to make health decisions for themselves and/or their loved ones. 

About the Pennsylvania Library Association

Founded in 1901, the Pennsylvania Library Association (PaLA) is the state’s oldest and most diverse professional library organization serving libraries, library employees, library trustees, and Friends of the Library groups. For more information, visit www.palibraries.org, facebook.com/PALibraries or @PALibraryAssoc on Twitter.

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 recognize – with the right support, libraries are ideally positioned to become the community centers of information, technology, and learning, fueling educational and economic opportunity for all citizens. For more information, visit www.PAForward.org, facebook.com/paforward or @PAForward5 on Twitter.

About Prevent Suicide PA

The mission of Prevent Suicide PA is to support those who are affected by suicide, provide education, awareness, and understanding by collaborating with the community to prevent suicide, and reduce the stigma associated with suicide. For more information about their work, visit www.preventsuicidepa.org. Prevent Suicide PA is a resource organization ONLY. It is not a hotline or counseling service/center. If anyone needs immediate assistance, they are encouraged to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) or Dial 911.

Media Contacts:

Alyssa Marsico, Marketing Specialist 412-261-5040 ext 3104 [email protected]

Brandi Hunter-Davenport, PA Forward® Project Manager 717-766-7663 [email protected]

ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION GREATER PENNSYLVANIA CHAPTER AND PENNSYLVANIA LIBRARY ASSOCIATION WORKING TOGETHER TO MOVE PA FORWARD®

Greater PA Chapter joins PA Forward® partnership; Provides community educational programs and resources through libraries

Erie, PA (Feb. 14, 2018) – As the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research, the Alzheimer’s Association is committed to raising awareness of this fatal brain disease. In partnership with the Pennsylvania Library Association (PaLA) the Alzheimer’s Association staff will provide educational programs and resources to the community at libraries throughout Pennsylvania.  

“We are so pleased to partner with a great organization such as the Pennsylvania Library Association” said Gail Roddie-Hamlin, President and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Pennsylvania Chapter. “These programs will provide our local communities with vital information on facing the challenges that arise when confronted by Alzheimer’s disease.”

Know the Ten Signs and Healthy Living for your Brain and Body will be the programs initially offered through libraries in Clearfield, Erie, Luzerne, Northumberland and Westmoreland counties between March and June. Previous programs also occurred in Blair County. Additional topics and discussions will be offered in other areas of the state as scheduled.

“We are honored to have the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Pennsylvania Chapter join us as PA Forward® partner,” said Christi Buker, Pennsylvania Library Association Executive Director. “PA Forward® frames the picture of what all Pennsylvania’s libraries offer to our citizens daily and helps us to share the value they bring to the communities they serve. The Alzheimer’s Association has a myriad of programs and resources that can truly help change the trajectory of someone’s life. They are a welcomed addition to the work of PA Forward® and will help libraries provide more health literacy opportunities for their patrons.”

PA Forward®, an outreach initiative of the Pennsylvania Library Association, works through five key literacies – Basic, Information, Civic & Social, Health and Financial – to assist all residents in enhancing their overall quality of life. The program seeks to improve the literacy levels of Pennsylvanians by connecting them with the information, learning, and technology resources available at their local libraries. These programs aim to develop a better trained and more skilled workforce, which in turn grows the commonwealth’s tax base, economy and population.

The Know the Ten Signs programs encourages awareness of Alzheimer’s so that recognition of the Ten Signs could lead to earlier diagnosis as well as care and planning options. Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body teaches attendees that the health of the brain and body are connected, providing insight on how to optimize physical and cognitive health throughout one’s life. These programs allow facilitators from the Greater Pennsylvania Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association to engage with the community and are equipped with care, support and educational resources for attendees. 

For more information on this program as well others offered by the Alzheimer’s Association Greater PA Chapter, call 814-456-9200. The Association also has a toll-free, 24/7 helpline available at 800-272-3900. Information is also available at alzconnected.org. Libraries interested in hosting a program in their local area can contact the Pennsylvania Library Association at 717-766-7663 or [email protected].

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Alzheimer’s Association®

The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. For more information, visit alz.org/pa.

About the Pennsylvania Library Association

Founded in 1901, the Pennsylvania Library Association (PaLA) is the state’s oldest and most diverse professional library organization serving libraries, library employees, library trustees, and Friends of the Library groups. For more information, visit www.palibraries.org, facebook.com/PALibraries or @PALibraryAssoc on Twitter.

Mechanicsburg, PA (October 20, 2017) – Roughly one year ago, the Pennsylvania Library Association launched their bench-mark, PA Forward® Star Library program.  Today the program has some 170 libraries registered.  

“We are elated to see how well the program has taken off,” said PA Library Association Executive Director Christi Buker. “PA Forward® frames the way libraries talk about their programs, working to help their patrons understand how programs and materials made available through the library are investments in their own literacy skill development. The Star Library program is just our way of recognizing all that libraries are doing and our way of thanking them for being pillars of support in our local communities.”

PA Forward® works through five key literacies – Basic, Information, Civic & Social, Health and Financial – to assist all residents in enhancing their overall quality of life. The Star Library recognition offers support to libraries who participate and clearly demonstrate their incorporation of the literacies in their programming activities. Those libraries are recognized for meeting action items within the bronze, silver and gold star levels of the program. 

A repository of the types of programs that qualify libraries for Star Library status can be found in the PA Forward® Commons found at http://bit.ly/2ilY9Iv.  

The following is a listing of libraries and the highest level of star status achieved on or before Sept. 30, 2017.   

Gold Star Level

·         Abington Community Library – Lackawanna County

·         Allentown Public Library – Lehigh County

·         Altoona Area Public Library – Blair County

·         Annie Halenbake Ross Library – Clinton County

·         Blossburg Memorial Library – Tioga County

·         Coudersport Public – Potter County

·         Easttown Library – Chester County

·         Free Library of Northampton Township – Bucks County

·         Free Library of Springfield Township – Montgomery County

·         Genesee Area – Potter County

·         Green Free – Wellsboro – Tioga County

·         Grove Family Library – Franklin County

·         James V. Brown Library – Lycoming County

·         Monroeton Public Library – Bradford County

·         Muhlenberg Community Library – Berks County

·         Muncy Public Library – Lycoming County

·         North Pocono Public Library – Lackawanna County

·         Osterhout Free Library – Luzerne County

·         Oswayo Valley Memorial – Potter County

·         Peters Township Public Library – Washington County

·         Pittston Memorial Library – Luzerne County

·         Public Library for Union County – Union County

·         Reading Public Library – Berks County

·         S W Smith Memorial Public Library – McKean County

·         St. Marys Public Library – Elk County

·         Tunkhannock Public Library – Wyoming County

·         Ulysses Public Library – Potter County

·         Upper Merion Township Library – Montgomery County

·         Warminster Township Free Library – Bucks County

·         Wyalusing Public Library – Bradford County

Silver Star Level

·         Carnegie Free Library of Beaver Falls – Beaver County

·         Claysburg Area Public Library – Blair County

·         Easton Area Public Library – Northampton County

·         Fleetwood Area Public Library – Berks County

·         Free Library of New Hope and Solebury – Bucks County

·         Green Free Library – Canton – Bradford County

·         Hollidaysburg Area Public Library – Blair County

·         Lackawanna County Library System Bookmobile – Lackawanna County

·         Lower Macungie Library – Lehigh County

·         Madigan Library – Penn College – Lycoming County

·         North Wales Area Library – Montgomery County

·         Sayre Public Library – Bradford County

·         Scranton Public Library (Albright Memorial Library) – Lackawanna County

·         Tyrone-Snyder Public Library – Blair County

·         Valley Community Library – Lackawanna County

·         Western Allegheny Community Library – Allegheny County

Bronze Star Level

·         Beaver Area Memorial Library – Beaver County

·         Bellwood Antis Public Library – Blair County

·         Bethel Park Public Library – Allegheny County

·         Bloomsburg Public Library – Columbia County

·         Cambria County Library – Cambria County

·         Chippewa Branch Library – Beaver County

·         Collinsville Community Library – York County

·         Emmaus Public Library – Lehigh County

·         Frackville Free Public Library – Schuylkill County

·         Fulton County Library – Fulton County

·         Gladwyne Free Library – Montgomery County

·         Horsham Township Library – Montgomery County

·         Huntingdon County Library – Huntingdon County

·         Indian Valley Public Library – Montgomery County

·         Indiana Free Library – Indiana County

·         Kutztown Community Library – Berks County

·         Mansfield Free Public Library – Tioga County

·         Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Library – Bucks County

·         Marian Sutherland Kirby Library – Luzerne County

·         McBride Memorial Library – Columbia County

·         Mengle Memorial Library – Jefferson County

·         Mifflin Community Library – Berks County

·         Mt. Lebanon Public Library – Allegheny County

·         Nancy Kay Holmes Library – Lackawanna County

·         Northern Cambria Public Library – Cambria County

·         Schuylkill Valley Community Library – Berks County

·         Selinsgrove Community Library – Snyder County

·         Somerset County Library – Somerset County

·         Village Library of Morgantown – Berks County

·         Summerville Public Library – Jefferson County

·         West End Library – Union County

For more information about the PA Forward® Star Library program, contact Brandi Hunter-Davenport, Project Manager, at 717-766-7663 or [email protected].

PA Forward ®Star Library Program continuing to help libraries meet needs of local communities

Mechanicsburg, PA (July 10, 2017) – A program conceived to enhance staff training and support libraries in their efforts to provide patrons with opportunities that yield investments in local communities continues to shine throughout Pennsylvania. The PA Forward® Star Library program has grown into a s tatewide phenomenon, with libraries in all reaches of the state advancing their community engagement and programming efforts, as they become recognized star libraries. 

“The reception the Star Library Program has received and continues to receive is mind blowing, yet humbling,” said Christi Buker, PA Library Association Executive Director. “Mind blowing because this program began as an idea from the work of one of our leadership academy cohorts in 2015 and I don’t think anyone involved in that initial discussion could have forecast how much the program would grow in two short years. It’s also very humbling because of just how much we’ve grown in such a short time frame. 

“When you think of the Star Library Program, you see a library’s intentionality in offering community engagement opportunities to help meet the needs of the residents in the area,” Buker added. “You see the staffs going through training and development to ensure they are equipping themselves with the skills needed to develop quality programming. You see the library as a beacon of light in an area, helping that area find its own shine. We’re just so proud to be a part of a movement that is changing lives.”   

PA Forward® works through five key literacies – Basic, Information, Civic & Social, Health and Financial – to assist all residents in enhancing their overall quality of life. The Star Library recognition offers support to libraries who participate and incorporate the literacies in their programming activities. Those libraries are recognized for meeting benchmarks within the bronze, silver and gold star levels of the Star Library Program.
 
A repository of the types of programs that qualify libraries for Star Library status can be found in the PA Forward® Commons found at http://www.palibraries.org/members/group_content_view.asp?group=117296&id=670180. 

The following is a listing of libraries and the star status achieved between April 1 and June 30, 2017. 

Gold Star Level

• Abington Community Library – Lackawanna County
• Allentown Public Library – Lehigh County
• Altoona Area Public Library – Blair County
• Grove Family Library – Franklin County
• North Pocono Public Library – Lackawanna County
• Osterhout Free Library – Luzerne County 
• Peters Township Public Library – Washington County
• Pittston Memorial Library- Luzerne County
• Reading Public Library – Berks County
• Upper Merion Township Library – Montgomery County 

Silver Star Level

• Carnegie Free Library of Beaver Falls/3rd Silver Star – Beaver County
• Claysburg Area Public Library/2nd Silver Star – Blair County
• Easton Area Public Library/2nd Silver Star – Northampton County
• Free Library of New Hope and Solebury/2nd Silver Star – Bucks County
• Madigan Library at Penn College/1st Silver Star – Lycoming County
• Muhlenberg Community Library/4th Silver Star – Berks County
• S.W. Smith Memorial Public Library/2nd Silver Star – McKean County
• Tyrone-Snyder Public Library/2nd Silver Star – Blair County
• Warminster Township Free Library/5th Silver Star – Bucks County

Bronze Star Level

• Beaver Area Memorial Library –  Beaver County
• Bethel Park Public Library – Allegheny County
• Fleetwood Area Public Library – Berks County
• Fulton County Library – Fulton County
• Horsham Township Library – Montgomery County
• Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Library – Bucks County
• Marian Sutherland Kirby Library – Luzerne County
• Mengle Memorial Library – Jefferson County
• Nancy Kay Holmes Library – Lackawanna County
• Northern Cambria Public Library – Cambria County
• Scranton Public Library – Lackawanna County
• Valley Community Library – Lackawanna County
• Western Allegheny Community Library – Allegheny County

Libraries working toward their star status can submit their documentation by visiting www.paforwardstarlibraries.org.  Follow the prompts to create an account and review the submission instructions. More information about PA Forward® and the Star Library Program is also available at www.palibraries.org. Once there, click on the “Get Involved” tab and then click on “PA Forward®.” Also feel free to contact Brandi Hunter-Davenport, PA Forward® Project Manager, at 717-766-7663 or [email protected]