PA Forward

Easttown Library is a Gold Star PA Forward Library! The PA Forward Star Library Program was developed by the Pennsylvania Library Association. The program's goal is to recognize libraries that incorporate PA Forward and the five key literacies into their programming activities, displays and events. The program celebrates the success of PA Forward libraries and their abilities to create new partnerships, develop broader community support, and help all libraries develop a powerful, unified voice throughout the state.

The five key literacies are Basic Literacy, Information Literacy, Civic and Social Literacy, Health Literacy, and Financial Literacy. The programming provided by the Easttown Library strives to incorporate these five literacies. Below please find more information about each literacy, along with some of the respective programs that the library provides for each one.

Basic Literacy
PA Forward envisions a Pennsylvania with one of the highest literacy rates in the country, with a trained and skilled workforce, and a growing economy, tax base, and population. Easttown Library provides story times for young children, summer reading programs for both children and adults, the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program, along with several book clubs for adults. Programs such as these help the library to support the vision of a Pennsylvania with one of the highest literacy rates in the country.

Information Literacy
The goal of this literacy is to create 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. Easttown Library seeks to help achieve this goal by providing free computer training sessions, which are staffed by our volunteers. The library also gives patrons access to computers with high speed Internet access, along with a free Wi-Fi network. Classes on such topics as using an iPad, and learning how to access electronic materials through OverDrive are also provided.

Civic and Social Literacy
The vision of this literacy is a Pennsylvania where citizens have the knowledge and skills they need to improve their lives, to participate and contribute effectively to their communities, and to connect with one another through discourse. The Easttown Library supports this literacy by hosting English as a second language (ESL) classes. The library also provides programs that educate its patrons about historic topics. 

Health Literacy
The vision of this literacy is a Pennsylvania with active citizens able to manage their own and their family's well-being, empowered to be effective partners with their healthcare providers, and living longer, more productive lives. Chair Yoga and an annual free flu shots event examples of the free programs the library provides to help support this literacy.

Financial Literacy
The goal of this literacy is to create a Pennsylvania where citizens are informed consumers and individuals, small businesses, and organizations that contribute to the economic vitality of their community. Easttown Library supports this literacy by providing programs such as a lectures on retirement and social security planning.