The Pennsylvania Library Association’s 21st Century Literacies Initiative, PA Forward, was conceived to give voice to what the library community already knows, and what other states throughout the nation are also recognizing:
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.
Libraries have moved far beyond just being book repositories. They’re agile institutions serving real-life needs. Libraries are 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.
PA FORWARD STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Working in tandem with the PA Forward Project Manager, the Steering Committee advises on the best ways to lead and sustain the statewide initiative, working to ensure lasting results through library community engagement, partnership development, training and outreach, fundraising and by measuring impact.
Paula Gilbert – Chair
Martin Library
Paula Collins
Clearfield County Public Library
Joann Eichenlaub
Madigan Library, Penn College of Technology
Barb Eshbach
Penn State York
Kelli Knapp
Warren Library Association
Jessica Church
Punxsutawney Memorial Library
Rob Lesher
Dauphin County Library System
Allison Mackley
Hershey High School
David Schappert
Marywood University
Jennifer Long
Easton Area Public Library & District Center; PaLA Immediate Past President
Denise Sticha
Centre County Library & Historical Museum
Alicia Stine
PA Citizens for Better Libraries
Mary Garm - Immediate Past Chair
Lackawanna County Library System
Tina Hertel - PA Library Association, President
Trexler Library, Muhlenberg College