What is PA Forward? It is a campaign created by the Pennsylvania Library Association to help Pennsylvanians improve essential literacy skills.  Through the emphasis of five areas of literacy – basic, information, civic and social, health, financial – SMPL is connecting the St. Marys community with the tools we need for success!
 
PA Forward has been around for a few years.  You might remember seeing it in a few articles in The Daily Press, through flyers at the library, or in our 2014 Fund Drive Letter. 
 
The Star rating system is beginning in January 2017.  Our goal for the year is to become a Gold Star Library.  It is a volunteer program, where libraries need to meet certain benchmarks in order to gain Star status.  It is similar to the Keystone Stars programs daycare centers use. 
 
We are focusing on using the PA Forward message in our advertising to show the positive impact our services can have on our community.

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Every dollar saved
by the St. Marys Public Library
is a dollar that can be spent
elsewhere in our community.

 
In borrowing library books and dvds, by using our wi-fi and computers, and attending programs at the library, you are saving money.  This money can improve our community by shopping locally, enrolling in classes activities taught by our neighbors, and donating to local non-profits.
 
A better informed community will lead to a stronger work force, healthy residents, and more involved citizens.