PA Forward
What is PA Forward?
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.
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PA Foward Star Program​​
Libraries are more than a place to conduct research or to complete assignments. They house more than shelves of books and multi-media devices. Libraries are integral parts of our societies, serving as hubs for activity and engagement, adding value to their communities.
Our libraries envision a Pennsylvania where citizens know how to use online resources and current technology to improve their education, to enhance their job skills, and to fully participate in a digital society.
PA Forward® is an initiative of the Pennsylvania Library Association that highlights libraries’ role in moving Pennsylvania forward. Libraries are key to powering progress, elevating the quality of life by fueling the types of knowledge essential to its success:
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PA Forward® is guided by the Pennsylvania Library Associations commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. It also is committed to the American Library Association Library Bill of Rights and the American Library Association’s Statement of Professional Ethics.