A Word about PA Forward:  Basic Literacy

   Libraries are ideal places in the community to serve as centers of information, technology, and learning.  With the PA Forward initiative in mind, libraries across the state continue to provide resources to increase Basic Literacy, Information Literacy, Civic and Social Literacy, Health Literacy, and Financial Literacy.  These resources can come in many forms including print, online databases, free educational programs, partnerships with community organizations, and a dedicated library staff.  

    The first literacy that we will mention is Basic Literacy.  The Pa Forward initiative aims at increasing Basic Literacy with the help of library resources.  At the Mary S. Biesecker Public Library you can bring your children to check out books or attend a story hour, you can join a book club, meet a new author, attend a writing class, just to name a few options.   Families can attend free events that reinforce reading and learning and anyone can meet their neighbors from the community.  Online resources for children can reinforce school readiness skills and help kids tackle homework.  For adults, Library databases can offer job skills information, career coaching, and employment help.

    Why worry about Basic Literacy?  Because an increase in Basic Literacy across Pennsylvania, will lead to a stronger workforce, higher tax base, and a growing economy and population.  

    It’s easy to use the library.  Just stop in and register for your free library card today.  If you already have a card, stop in to see what programs are coming up or check out our collection of books, audio books, magazines, dvds, and cds.  

    We’d love to see you!

We are a PA Forward Star Library Partner

Libraries are no longer just buildings that house books. Today’s libraries are agile institutions serving real-life needs. They hold the key to powering progress and elevating the quality of life in Pennsylvania by fueling the types of knowledge essential to success: Basic Literacy, Information Literacy, Civic and Social Literacy, Health Literacy, and Financial Literacy. The PA Forward Star Library Program showcases and recognizes libraries that incorporate PA Forward and the five key literacies into their programming activities, displays and events. Read more about the partnership on http://www.paforward.org/.