Redefining PA Libraries
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.
Doing Greater Things
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.
A Statewide Initiative
Pennsylvania 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 Altoona Area Public Library is pleased to join forces with the Pennsylvania Library Association for the statewide initiative, PA Forward | Pennsylvania Libraries.
PA Forward- Five Essential Literacies
The PA Forward 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.
1Basic Literacy:
Helping 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.
2Information Literacy:
Helping 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.
3Civic and Social Literacy:
Playing 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.
4Health Literacy:
Playing 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.
5Financial Literacy :
Helping 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.The Altoona Area Public Library is committed to this initiative. For more information on PA Forward, look for our library programming with the Literacy logos or go to www.paforward.org.
