ygtfd

Harrisburg, PA (May 30, 2017) – With a theme of “Money Matters: Financial Literacy for All Ages,” the 2017 PA Forward® Financial Literacy Summit offered an array of information and resources, informing and educating attendees about money management, including practices, tools and tips to help make sound financial decisions for life. This year’s summit was sponsored by PA Forward® partnering organization First National Bank.

“As business partners and neighbors, we’re involved with the community by providing financial support to economic development groups and nonprofit organizations such as the PA Library Association. We also help organizations succeed by contributing our time. Many FNB employees serve on local boards and provide valuable expertise to drive financial education for our business community,” said Candy Abram, a Harrisburg-area Branch Manager for FNB. “For me, the ability to partner with the PA Library Association and members of the library community to educate the public on how to better manage their day-to-day finances is an exciting and rewarding opportunity. 

“It is vital that we work together to provide this valuable service to the communities in which we work and live. Financial Literacy affects individuals of all ages and all economic incomes. If individuals lack the proper tools to be in control of their financial situations, our communities suffer. First National Bank takes pride in giving back to the communities and this partnership with PA Forward® provides that natural platform and I am proud to be a part of such an impactful solution.”

Libraries are more than book repositories and over time, these community centers have begun to provide outlets for programs and information sessions to help patrons live and lead more productive lives. The summit which took place at Penn State – Altoona earlier this month, was an opportunity for librarians and their staffs to not only learn about programs and resource information available for them to share with their patrons but to gain some information that may help inform decision-making processes regarding their own finances.

The PA Forward® Financial Literacy team works to assist libraries in providing information to consumers, individuals, small business and organizations so they in turn can contribute to the economic vitality of their communities through innovation, entrepreneurship and economic development. As a part of that outreach, they work with multiple community partners, including First National Bank. 

Abram, who’s been involved with the initiative since 2013, presented a luncheon session entitled Successfully Navigating Finances for the Sandwich Generation, covering how to best steer through the challenges facing individuals who are balancing their personal finances, along with the financial well-being of their children (no matter their age) and their aging parents, as a part of their daily financial planning and in addition to their own plans for retirement.

First National Bank is one of the region’s leading full-service banks, offering comprehensive financial solutions, including commercial and consumer banking, trust, wealth management, insurance and brokerage, along with innovative online and mobile banking services. Learn more at www.fnb-online.com. Equal Housing Lender, Member FDIC.

This year’s Financial Literacy Summit was hosted in partnership with PA Library Association’s Juniata-Conemaugh Chapter. Conference presenters included: First National Bank, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, PA Treasury, Northland Public Library, Penn State University Libraries, Peters Township Public Library, Susquehanna Foundation, PA Attorney General’s Office, PA Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEEA), Carbondale Public Library, Abington Community Library and the Taylor Community Library.

For more information about PA Forward®, visit www.paforward.org. 

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 that will fuel educational and economic opportunity for all of our citizens. For more information, visit www.PAForward.org, facebook.com/paforward or @PAForward5 on Twitter.

York, PA (May 1, 2017) – Standing in the Martin Library in York County, PA Library Association (PaLA) President Carrie Turner joined state officials and community members to highlight how libraries continue to meet the needs of their local communities. The morning event, hosted by the York County Libraries, put a spotlight on a new partnership between the PA Library Association and the PA Insurance Department through the PA Forward® program.

“Long gone are the days of libraries being known simply as book repositories,” noted Turner during the morning press conference. “Our libraries have transformed into community centers offering a multitude of programs, resources and opportunities, helping our patrons become more informed and more engaged in their local areas.

“We are honored to have the PA Insurance Department 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. Through this partnership, the department will offer programs at libraries throughout the state on topics ranging from insurance 101 for teens to health to car to renters’ insurance options. When you think about it, when we are talking about insurance, we are talking about our lives. The PA Insurance Department is a wonderful addition to the work of PA Forward®, extending the reach of our libraries.”

Staffs from both organizations met and realized some commonalities in relation to their goals and efforts to educate and assist residents throughout the commonwealth. After further discussion, they realized there was synergy between the two and that the PA Insurance Department would make a great addition as a PA Forward® partner.

“Governor Wolf’s and my top priority for the Insurance Department is consumer protection and education,” Insurance Commissioner Teresa Miller said. “Partnering with the PA Library Association will allow us to bring information on important insurance topics, from helping high school students learn more about auto insurance, to educating renters on why they should have renters’ insurance, to helping seniors better understand whether a given annuity is right for them, will help us deliver this information directly to consumers who need it.”

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 initiative has grown into a statewide program which seeks 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 literacies, PA Forward® aims to develop a better trained and more skilled workforce, which in turn grows the commonwealth’s tax base, economy and population. As a result, 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.

“Libraries can help ensure that our youth are equipped with the necessary basic skills in financial matters to become confident and informed consumers,” said Robert Lambert, President of the York County Libraries. “From understanding money, to consumer literacy; from personal finance, to money management; this partnership will provide youth with the knowledge, resources and skills to be able to secure and improve their financial wellbeing.”

After a few brief remarks, Insurance Commissioner Miller offered a 101 on auto insurance session for teens. Juniors and seniors from the Helen Thackston Charter School were in attendance for the presentation. 

Pennsylvania Department of Education Deputy Secretary and Commissioner for Libraries Glenn Miller was also on hand for the morning event and spoke to the importance of how libraries serve as a bridge in our communities.

“For generations, resource-sharing and collaboration have been hallmarks of library services. PA Forward® builds on this long tradition of collaboration by bringing together libraries, state agencies, businesses, non-profits, and associations to advance literacy,” said Commissioner for Libraries Miller. “When we break down our silos and leverage our assets together to tackle illiteracy in all its forms, we underscore the lasting benefits of a literate citizenry, we empower their capacity to succeed in the 21^st Century economy, and we display the kind of ingenuity required of a Government That Works.”

Libraries interested in scheduling PA Forward® programming, including sessions with the PA Insurance Department, can contact the PA Library Association at 717-766-7663 or [email protected]. A full listing of PA Forward® partners can be found at www.paforward.org. For more information about the PA Insurance Department, visit http://www.insurance.pa.gov. For more information about York County Libraries, visit http://www.yorklibraries.org/.

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  that  will  fuel  educational  and  economic  opportunity for all our citizens. For more information, visit www.PAForward.org, facebook.com/paforward or @PAForward5 on Twitter.

April 9-15, 2017 libraries and counties shined spotlight on all libraries offer to communities   

Mechanicsburg, PA (April 28, 2017) – With a goal of highlighting the value libraries add to communities daily, the PA Library Association undertook a task of asking all 67 counties in Pennsylvania to officially observe and recognize April 9-15, 2017 as National Library Week. Sponsored by the American Library Association, the designation is designed to celebrate the contributions of libraries and library workers around the country and is used to encourage library use and support.

Being more than book repositories, libraries provide online resources for families, access to community and social services, and serve as activity hubs, supporting entrepreneurship, training opportunities and are a true example of an information exchange.  

“The library embraces the entire community, offering unlimited opportunities for personal growth and lifelong learning,” said Christi Buker, PA Library Association Executive Director. “Libraries level the playing field for people of any age who are seeking the information and access to technologies that will improve their quality of life, filling the gaps that are left gaping when other areas have to cut services and programming due to budgetary constraints. Libraries truly do transform their communities so it was only fitting that this year’s National Library Week spoke to that, showcasing all our libraries provide. It was also a way to thank countless library staffers throughout the country and Pennsylvania for all they do to help citizens tap into their potential.”

The theme for 2017 National Library Week was “Libraries Transform” and was a time to highlight the changing role of libraries, librarians and library workers. 

“Libraries aren’t only a place of quiet study, but also creative and engaging community centers where people can collaborate using new technologies, learn how to use a 3D printer or even record their own music,” said June Houghtaling, Consultant for the North Central Library District. “Pennsylvania libraries are working to meet the diverse needs of their patrons. Whether you are a school student, an elected official or a business owner, libraries are providing resources to be of assistance. Libraries are an investment in a community member’s success and that investment transforms the larger community.”

County commissioners in several counties proclaimed the designation, underlining their support for these community centers. These counties included:

·         Blair County

·         Bucks County

·         Carbon County

·         Centre County

·         Chester County

·         Clearfield County

·         Clinton County

·         Cumberland County

·         Delaware County

·         Franklin County

·         Greene County

·         Jefferson County

·         Lackawanna County

·         Mifflin County

·         Montgomery County

·         Northumberland County

·         Potter County

·         Snyder County

·         Tioga County

·         Washington County

“We are pleased that these counties, as well as multiple municipalities, stood up and declared how valuable libraries are in their communities,” Buker added. “National Library Week was a great opportunity to put a spotlight on all the work and services our libraries offer.  Our goal is to help all communities move forward, with strong libraries offering resources and programs in basic, financial, civic and social, information, and health literacies. We are very thankful to these counties and their commissioners for highlighting libraries and all they do every day, not just during National Library Week. We hope more counties, if not all, will issue proclamations to recognize National Library Week next year.”    

For more information about National Library Week, visit http://www.ala.org/news/mediapresscenter/factsheets/nationallibraryweek. To learn how to become more involved with a library in the local area, visit the PA Library Association at  www.palibraries.org or call 717-766-7663.  

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 that will fuel educational and economic opportunity for all of our citizens. For more information, visit www.PAForward.org, facebook.com/paforward or @PAForward5 on Twitter.

PA Forward® Star Library Program helps libraries provide literacy
programming in local communities

Mechanicsburg, PA (April 3, 2017) – Earlier this year, the Pennsylvania Library Association (PaLA) kicked off a statewide launch of the Star Library Program. Roughly two dozen libraries recently received their stars and are now officially recognized as PA Forward® Star Libraries.

“The response to this program has been nothing short of amazing,” said Christi Buker, PA Library Association Executive Director. “When you conceptualize a new program, and test it on a small group, you aren’t always sure what the response will be once you take it to the larger audience. In this instance, we absolutely made the right decision to broaden the program. More and more libraries are looking to receive their star and demonstrate their full value to the communities they serve. For the libraries, they are receiving tools and resources that allow them to offer needed programming to their patrons. For our partnering organizations, there is more opportunity to disseminate information and gain facetime with residents and businesses alike. The libraries have become the place to spark needed conversations and interactions. It’s a true win-win.” 

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. In 2015, one of the PA Library Association’s Academy of Leadership Studies (or PALS) cohorts conceived the Star Library Program and the more the program took form, the more they realized the potential for a longer-term opportunity. 

“The Star Library Program went statewide at the beginning of the year,” Buker added. “This program has truly lit a fire within our libraries as they are finding more ways to connect with their patrons and are excited to offer programs they may not have thought of offering previously, and connecting with local resource partners. These programs help our citizens become more informed, suggesting they would likely become more involved in their local areas. There is a real value here.” 

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 program.
 
Examples of the types of programs libraries offer patrons include those such as Cursive Club and Reading Clubs (Basic Literacy); Social Media for Seniors and Staying Safe Online (Information Literacy); Mock Trial and Mock Election programs (Civic & Social Literacy); Healthy Food Choices Storytime and Community Blood Drive (Health Literacy); and Children and Money and Identity Theft (Financial Literacy.) 

Below is a listing of those libraries awarded their PA Forward® Star status in the first quarter of this year’s program:  

Bronze Star Level

• Abington Community Library – Lackawanna County 
• Cambria County Library – Cambria County
• Chippewa Branch Library – Beaver County 
• Easttown Library – Chester County
• Emmaus Public Library – Lehigh County 
• Frackville Free Public Library – Schuylkill County
• Free Library of Northampton Township – Bucks County 
• Hollidaysburg Area Public Library – Blair County 
• Huntingdon County Library – Huntingdon County
• Indiana Free Library – Indiana County 
• Madigan Library at Penn College – Lycoming County 
• Muhlenberg Community Library – Berks County 
• Peters Township Public Library – Washington County 
• St. Mary’s Public Library – Elk County 
• Summerville Public Library – Jefferson County 
• Upper Merion Township Public Library – Montgomery County 
• Warminster Township Free Library – Bucks County 

Silver Star Level
• Altoona Area Public Library (5th Star) – Blair County
• Claysburg Area Public Library (1st Star) – Blair County 
• Easton Area Public Library (1st Star) – Northampton County
• Grove Family Library (5th Star) – Franklin County 
• North Pocono Public Library (2nd Star) – Lackawanna County 
• Osterhout Free Library (5th Star) – Luzerne County 
• Pittston Memorial Library (1st Star) – Luzerne County
• Tyrone-Snyder Public Library (1st Star) – Blair Community

Gold Star Level
• Tunkhannock Public Library – Wyoming 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].