Founded in 1901, the Pennsylvania Library Association (PaLA) is the state's oldest and most diverse professional library organization serving libraries, library employees, library trustees, and Friends of the Library groups. PaLA continues its campaign to raise public awareness of library services and to inform policymakers of the fundamental role we play in programming across generations. Since 2004, Pennsylvania libraries have been recognized for their exceptional services to youth (birth to 18) with the Best Practices Awards. The Best Practices Committee, a subcommittee of the Youth Services Division of PaLA, will recognize libraries with Best Practices Awards for exemplary programs or displays that took place in 2024.

Winners are selected in 12 categories. Unless otherwise noted, categories span youth of all ages, 0-18 years. The categories are: Infant/Toddler (ages birth-2), Preschool (ages 3-5), School Age (grades K-5), Middle /High School (grades 6-12), Design/ Display, Family/Intergenerational, Partnerships/Outreach, Shoestring Budget, Social Emotional Learning, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging, Teen Co-Design, and Humanities in Action (ages 12-18).

The Humanities in Action Award is presented in partnership with PaLA, and was created to spotlight and honor library programs for youth ages 12-18 that effectively use the humanities as a tool for positive youth development. This award, which includes a $500 monetary gift, will go to a program for youth ages 12-18 that builds skills in communication, critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, literacy and leadership; guides youth in socio-emotional learning and supports them as they begin to discover who they are, who they want to be, and how to relate to other people; and promotes youth voices and compels youth to take action to create positive change in their communities. 

And finally, one library will receive the David J. Roberts EXCEL Library Service Award. This award will recognize the “Best of the Best" from the entire group of best practices winners. The David J. Roberts EXCEL Library Service Award includes a monetary gift of $1,000.

All awards will be presented in October at the Carolyne L. Smith Best Practices Awards session at the 2025 PaLA Annual Conference in Erie, PA. Winners are invited, though not required, to attend the Conference.

The application deadline is Wednesday, April 30th at 11:59 p.m.

Click here to preview the application in PDF format. This is for your planning purposes only; all applications must be submitted using this Google Form. You do not need to have a Google account to complete and submit the application.

Click here to apply!

Find a list of the 2024 winners and honorable mentions.

Find a list of the 2023 winners and honorable mentions.

Find a list of the 2022 winners and honorable mentions.

Find a list of the 2021 winners and honorable mentions.

Find a list of the 2020 winners and honorable mentions.

Find a list of the 2019 winners and honorable mentions.

Find a list of the 2018 winners and honorable mentions.

Find a list of the 2017 winners and honorable mentions.

Find a list of the 2016 winners and honorable mentions.

Find a list of the 2015 winners and honorable mentions.

Rachel Fecho

Link to Article Here!

Please send a message to your PA Representative and PA Senator. You can look up your legislators here: Look up PA state level legislators

The message should include

1) the attached ASK document showing our request for $6.2 million more ($1.55 more per card holder) in the public library subsidy, AND

2) asking legislators to show their support by sending a letter to their party caucus leaders (listed below) telling them they agree with increasing the public library subsidy, AND

3) libraries make a difference in READING, literacy, and the success of our residents and communities. 

Legislative leaders where YOUR official should send their support email/letter (only send to their own party):

  Senate Republican Appropriations Chair:  Scott Martin
Senate Republican Caucus Chair:  Kristin Phillips-Hill

  Senate Democratic Appropriations Chair:  Vincent Hughes
Senate Democratic Caucus Chair:  Maria Collett

  House Republican Appropriations Chair: Jim Struzzi 
House Republican Caucus Chair:  Martina White

  House Democratic Appropriations Chair:  Jordan Harris
House Democratic Caucus Chair: Robert Matzie

Questions?  christi@palibraries.org

Christi Buker, CAE, Executive Director

Press Release - https://www.ala.org/news/2025/02/ala-announces-applications-third-year-building-library-capacity-grants

Award-winning children's author Kate Messner is coming to Penn State Harrisburg for 2 programs on March 17th. We'd love to see you there. 

If you're interested Here is a link to more information: https://www.psu.edu/news/university-libraries/story/harrisburg-campus-host-bestselling-childrens-author-kate-messner-march. 

If you plan to attend or to bring companions, please have each person register, as we have a cap on seating for each event: https://forms.office.com/r/7BtKiCwAEW.

My name is Joanna Goldfarb and I am a member of the ALA Sustainability Round Table (SustainRT) and the Awards Committee, and hope that you will pass this information about two available awards on to your members. 

SustainRT is looking for libraries that promote employee wellness to be recognized at the American Library Association Annual Conference, featured on our website as an award winner, and awarded a plaque! The award is titled the SustainRT Citation for Wellness in the Workplace and is given to any library or organization that has made efforts to meet the needs of their staff in the areas of continuing education, wellness, positive work environment, unions, salaries, gender equity, pay equity initiatives, and other activities designed to improve the salaries and status of librarians and other library workers. The library or organization does not have to be a member of the ALA to apply for the citation.  Below is a copy of the press release that contains links, instructions on how to apply, and award requirements. 
Webpage: https://www.ala.org/sustainrt/wellness-award

 SustainRT also offers a New Voices in Sustainability Conference Stipend. The stipend recognizes the importance of social equity to SustainRT and ALA, and works to support new and diverse members to overcome barriers to participating in the professional development and networking opportunities presented by ALA conferences and events. The Sustainability Round Table will offer a $250 conference stipend in addition to paying the full registration cost to a SustainRT member attending the 2025 ALA Annual Conference. Applicants should be new and diverse voices in library sustainability or first-time attendees. The Awards Committee will arrange for disbursement of funds with the recipient ahead of the conference. These can be used for reimbursement of fees associated with housing, meals, travel, or any other costs incurred as a result of attending the conference.
Webpage: https://www.ala.org/sustainrt/stipend-award

Call for the SustainRT Citation for Wellness in the Workplace Nominations

To acknowledge the fact that library staff are our greatest asset in building and supporting sustainable libraries and communities, the ALA Sustainability Roundtable (SustainRT) is recognizing libraries that go above and beyond in meeting the wellness needs of their staff with the SustainRT Citation for Wellness in the Workplace. All ALA members are invited to nominate any library who has made efforts to meet the needs of their staff in the areas of continuing education, wellness, positive work environment, unions, salaries, gender equity, pay equity initiatives, and other activities designed to improve the salaries and status of librarians and other library workers. The call for nominations is open now through March 17, 2025. 

The SustainRT Citation for Wellness in the Workplace was initiated by ALA past president Loida Garcia-Ferbo in 2019 as the ALA Presidential Citation for Wellness in the Workplace and the Sustainability Round Table continues that legacy of recognition. SustainRT will honor the winning library or organization with a plaque recognizing their efforts to promote wellness. The winner will be recognized during the American Library Association (ALA) 2025 Annual Conference at the SustainRT Membership Meeting and the virtual SustainRT Membership Meeting in May 2025.

For more information, visit the SustainRT Citation for Wellness in the Workplace page.  

Public Bodies and Non-Profits are eligible for USDA funding for projects including Fire Companies, Hospitals, Food Banks, Administrative Offices, Historical Societies, Libraries, Courthouses, Radio Equipment projects, Prisons and Prison Release Centers, and much more!

USDA Rural Development -PA Website- Community Facilities

In Cambria County, Governor Shapiro Highlights $45 Million Investment in High-Speed Internet at Community Hubs Across the Commonwealth

Article Here!

Applicants can apply for grants ranging from $5,000 to $100,000, with a total of $2 million available from the Keystone Recreation, Park & Conservation Fund.

PHMC will promote projects that align with 2026’s celebrations of America’s 250^th birthday.

Harrisburg, PA - The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC) today announced the opening of the Keystone Historic Preservation Grant Program to help fund local projects that identify, preserve, promote, and protect historic and archaeological resources in Pennsylvania for both the benefit of the public and community revitalization.

Two categories of grants—construction and planning—are available for historic resources in Pennsylvania that are listed, or eligible for listing, in the National Register of Historic Places. Applicants may apply for only one type of grant.

For this year’s grant round, PHMC will give special consideration to proposals that advance one of the America250(opens in a new tab) themes and align with the United States Semiquincentennial celebration in 2026. Applicants will be required to explain how their project aligns with one of the themes.

Keystone Historic Preservation Construction Grants are available for rehabilitation, preservation, and restoration activities for historic resources that are publicly accessible and under nonprofit or local government ownership. Construction grants are available from $5,000 to $100,000 and require a 50/50 cash match.

Prospective applicants for Construction Grants should attend a PHMC webinar on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at 3:00 PM. To register, please visit the Eventbrite Construction Grant registration page(opens in a new tab).

Keystone Historic Preservation Planning Grants are available for planning and development initiatives that enhance historic preservation in communities. Planning grant applications may include municipal planning initiatives focusing on historic resources or may be used to meet building- or project-specific planning goals. Project grants are available from $5,000 to $25,000 and require a 50/50 cash match.

Prospective applicants for Planning Grants should attend a PHMC webinar on Friday, January 24, 2025, at 3:00 PM. To register, please visit the [Eventbrite%20Planning%20Grant%20registration%20page]Eventbrite Planning Grant registration page.

Recordings of the webinar series will be available on the PHMC’s PA Trails of History YouTube channel(opens in a new tab). 

Applications are due March 3, 2025. Grants will be awarded through a competitive selection process and are contingent on the availability of funds.

Please note that all PHMC grant applications are now submitted on the Commonwealth’s Single Application for Assistance system(opens in a new tab). Paper or emailed applications cannot be accepted. Visit the PHMC website for eligibility information and grant guidelines.

About the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office

 The Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office(opens in a new tab) (SHPO), the official historic preservation agency for the Commonwealth, protects, promotes and educates Pennsylvanians about the state’s vast collection of historic and archaeological sites and artifacts, encourage them to value these resources as part of our shared past and future, and enable them to preserve the places that tell our local, state, and national stories for future generations. By administering grant and tax credit programs, overseeing historic designations, providing technical assistance, and more, SHPO is safeguarding our Pennsylvania’s cultural heritage.

 The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission is the official history agency of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Learn more by visiting PHMC online or following us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram or LinkedIn.

Congratulations to Victoria Freeny for begin selected as the Pennsylvania Library Association Emerging Leader representative.

The American Library Association (ALA) has selected forty-six (46) people to participate in its 2025 class of Emerging Leaders (EL). The EL program is designed to enable library staff and information workers to participate in project planning work groups, network with peers, gain an inside look into ALA structure, and have an opportunity to serve the profession in a leadership capacity early in their careers. See the list of participants.

The Emerging Leaders program will kick off with a day-long session during the ALA LibLearnX: The Library Learning Experience (LibLearnX25) event in Phoenix, Arizona. Participants will continue in a virtual learning and networking environment for six months. The EL program culminates with a poster session where the Emerging Leaders will highlight the results of their project planning work during the ALA 2025 Annual Conference in Philadelphia this June.

Christina Fuller-Gregory and Libby Holtmann, co-chairs of the Emerging Leaders program, look forward to working with this class of Emerging Leaders. Commenting on the EL program, Fuller-Gregory and Holtmann shared that ' We feel privileged to work with a group of dynamic early career librarians and library workers. The 2025 Class of Emerging Leaders continues the EL programs tradition of excellence, bringing with them both a passion for the field, and a desire to continue to advance the larger work or ALA. This year's class can expect to engage in more specialized programming, intentional peer-to-peer engagement, and a continued tradition of providing Emerging Leaders with project-based learning opportunities."

The EL cohort consists of individuals from across the U.S. and Canada. The participants commit to taking part in all aspects of the program and may have an opportunity to serve on an ALA, division, chapter, round table, or affiliate committee or workgroup upon completion.

This year, approximately sixty-one (61%) percent of participants have received sponsorships. The sponsors include ALA divisions, roundtables, the National Associations of Librarians of Color, state chapters, and ALA affiliate organizations. Each sponsor commits to financial support of an Emerging Leader to help defray costs of attending the LibLearnX and the ALA Annual Conferences.

The complete list of the selected participants and sponsoring organizations can be found on the Emerging Leader’s webpage.

The ALA Emerging Leaders program is managed by the ALA Office for Human Resource Development and Recruitment (HRDR).

Additionally, LCFCU is offering scholarships for two 2025 HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES pursuing an undergraduate degree and two scholarships for GRADUATE STUDENTS pursuing a Masters in Library Science!  LCFCU membership is required.

Scholarship Webpage (Official Rules):  https://www.lcfcu.org/resources/resources-2/scholarship/

Scholarship Application:  https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/99841-Library-Of-Congress-Fcu

The deadline to apply is March 31, 2025.  Good luck!

Read her full obituary here.

PA Forward® from the Pennsylvania Library Association

Helping Pennsylvania Libraries Cultivate Literacy Skills in Their Communities

PA Forward® was highlighted in a community spotlight at the Information Literacy website developed by the Institute for Museums and Library Services.  Check out the Spotlight here:

PA Forward® Spotlight

Melinda Tanner, District Services Manager and Consultant Librarian with Westmoreland County Federated Library System, Greensburg, PA presented with the Distinguished Service Award for 2024.

The Recording of the Ceremony can be watched Here!

Mechanicsburg, PA (October 15, 2024) – Each year, the Pennsylvania Library Association (PaLA) honors the service of their members, as well as those community volunteers, who go above and beyond the call of duty to support the work of libraries throughout the commonwealth.

On Tuesday, October 15, 2024, Melinda Tanner was recognized for her service to the Association with the 2024 Distinguished Service Award.

It is with great pleasure and appreciation that the Pennsylvania Library Association recognizes Melinda Tanner with the 2024 Distinguished Service Award, an award to recognize exceptionally meritorious statewide service to libraries and the Pennsylvania Library Association.

Melinda is a District Services Manager and Consultant Librarian with Westmoreland County Federated Library System, Greensburg, PA. According to her nominator, Melinda has been a force in Pennsylvania libraries. She began her career as a library director and soon after took on the role of District Consultant serving numerous libraries. Melinda possesses a deep understanding of library codes, operational strategies, human resources management, and governance issues, which she generously shares with her peers and colleagues.

Some of her most influential accomplishments have involved the work she did mentoring other librarians and shaping the careers of numerous young library professionals.

Melinda's impact extends well beyond the more than fifty libraries she has directly served in four counties in Southwestern Pennsylvania (Fayette, Greene, Washington, and Westmoreland). Her contributions to the Pennsylvania Library Association are numerous and significant. Through leadership on various committees her proactive involvement in statewide initiatives has earned her the respect and admiration of colleagues statewide.

One of her many notable achievements was the creation of the association’s Rural and Small Libraries Roundtable. Melinda saw the need for librarians working in small and rural communities to have a place to focus on their unique issues. She was also involved with important work with state library code revisions and was a part of the committee that created the highly successful PA Forward initiative.

Beyond Pennsylvania, Melinda has been involved with numerous initiatives including service on a National Science Foundation project which brought high quality science programming to libraries.

Melinda continues to serve as a District Consultant making an indelible mark on the landscape of Pennsylvania libraries.

“Congratulations to our 2024 award winner!  Their efforts truly serve as an inspiration to the library community” said Sylvia Orner, 2024 President of the Pennsylvania Library Association.   “I am so proud of their amazing work and humbled by their generosity with both their time and talent.  I hope that all PaLA members will join me in celebrating these well-deserved awards.”

“The Pennsylvania Library Association is able to do what we do thanks to the unwavering efforts of our members,” said Christi Buker, PaLA Executive Director. “These awards are just our small way of shining a light on what all librarians and library workers do to continue promoting the value libraries bring to communities they serve. We are thankful for their support and engagement and are honored to be able to recognize their efforts. Congratulations to all our 2024 winners.”

A committee comprised of association members reviews the nominations submitted in late summer and selects winners for a series of categories.

Founded in 1901, the Pennsylvania Library Association is the state's oldest professional library organization serving libraries, library employees, library trustees, and Friends of the Library groups. PaLA represents more than 1,300 personal, institutional, and commercial members affiliated with public, academic, special, and school libraries throughout the commonwealth. The association represents the profession in Harrisburg with the state legislature and provides opportunities for professional growth, leadership development and continuing education for librarians.

For a listing of previous award winners, click here . For more information about the work of the Pennsylvania Library Association, visit www.palibraries.org .

# # #

Weinberg Memorial Library at the University of Scranton named 2024 Library of the Year

The Recording of the Ceremony can be watched Here!

Mechanicsburg, PA (October 15, 2024) – Each year, the Pennsylvania Library Association (PaLA) honors the service of their members, as well as those community volunteers, who go above and beyond the call of duty to support the work of libraries throughout the commonwealth.

On Tuesday, October 15, 2024, the 2024 Library of the Year was recognized.

The Weinberg Memorial Library’s vision is to promote “an accessible, inclusive, supportive, and welcoming environment where everyone can learn and grow creatively, intellectually, and spiritually.” The library staff embodies this vision in their day-to-day operations, and prides themselves on service to the community, professional development, and service to the Pennsylvania Library Association.

Over the past year and a half, the Weinberg Memorial Library has accomplished much in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion. They collaborated with campus groups, offices, and faculty to host a series of films to celebrate Black History, Arab American Heritage, and Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander months for both students and the Scranton community at large. Library staff created new research guides for gender and sexuality and accessibility, and a Statement on Harmful Language to address systemic problems in the Library of Congress subject headings. They also created an Accessibility/Sensory Map to highlight the library’s spaces and features with general accessibility, types of lighting, and noise level. The guide is helpful to all, but particularly valuable to neurodiverse students. From library support for open educational resources to a collection diversity audit focused on children’s books to support the greater Scranton community, and to hiring an outside consultant to review DEI efforts, the Library has demonstrated their ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Deserving of recognition is the Library’s focus on professional development. The Weinberg Memorial Library has been a long-time institutional member of the Pennsylvania Library Association as well as supporting their staff both financially and with time as personal members of the Association. They not only support their own staff, but were a 2023 conference sponsor so that all librarians could have an enhanced experience through coffee and conversation.

Many staff attend, volunteer, and lead within the Association. Sylvia Orner served as conference chair in 2020 and is currently President. Kate Cummings was previously Treasurer on the statewide board of directors and is now serving as Intellectual Freedom Committee Chair. Rebecca Dzikowski is the current Mentorship Subcommittee Chair. Ian O’Hara serves as the College and Research Division grant funds manager and is on the EDI Committee. Sheli Pratt-McHugh was 3rd Vice-President, Membership Committee Chair, and is currently on the conference committee and EDI committee. Marleen Cloutier was the 2023 Conference Chair for Technical Arrangements and is now the vice-chair elect for the Technical Services Round Table. Melissa Gallo is the treasurer for the Northeast Chapter. As the nominator indicated, “We all individually have gained so much from our time and efforts within and for the Association, and it has collectively contributed to the Weinberg Memorial Library’s ability to serve its community in impactful ways.”

“Congratulations to our 2024 award winner!  Their efforts truly serve as an inspiration to the library community” said Sylvia Orner, 2024 President of the Pennsylvania Library Association.   “I am so proud of their amazing work and humbled by their generosity with both their time and talent.  I hope that all PaLA members will join me in celebrating these well-deserved awards.”

“The Pennsylvania Library Association is able to do what we do thanks to the unwavering efforts of our members,” said Christi Buker, PaLA Executive Director. “These awards are just our small way of shining a light on what all librarians and library workers do to continue promoting the value libraries bring to communities they serve. We are thankful for their support and engagement and are honored to be able to recognize their efforts. Congratulations to all our 2024 winners.”

A committee comprised of association members reviews the nominations submitted in late summer and selects winners for a series of categories.

Founded in 1901, the Pennsylvania Library Association is the state's oldest professional library organization serving libraries, library employees, library trustees, and Friends of the Library groups. PaLA represents more than 1,300 personal, institutional, and commercial members affiliated with public, academic, special, and school libraries throughout the commonwealth. The association represents the profession in Harrisburg with the state legislature and provides opportunities for professional growth, leadership development and continuing education for librarians.

For a listing of previous award winners, click here . For more information about the work of the Pennsylvania Library Association, visit www.palibraries.org .

# # #

On Tuesday, September 24, 2024, three members of the Association were honored with Certificates of Merit.

Certificates of Merit are awarded to individuals making outstanding contributions during the last five years in Pennsylvania.

This year’s winners are Brenda Beikert, Library Director of the Knox Public Library in Knox, Heather Weleski , director of the Avalon Public Library in Avalon, and Emily Reed, Reference and Instruction Librarian for the Madlyn L. Hanes Library at Penn State Harrisburg, Middletown.

Brenda Beikert’s many contributions to the Association include service as 2019 Chair of the Northwest Chapter after serving on the executive committee, service to the Membership Committee from 2014-2018, as a member of the PA Forward Literacy Team since 2019 and as a member of the Literacy Summit Planning Committee in 2019, 2021, and 2023. Additionally, she served on the 2019 Conference Committee and as the Chair of the 2020 Nominations Committee. She is an active member of the Legislative Information Committee since 2021 and has been very involved in planning and holding the Legislator Information Sessions and Legislative Town Halls for fellow members.

Brenda began her public library career in 2009 as the Director of the Foxburg Free Library in Clarion County where she applied for and received an LSTA grant for hotspots to help her rural community have more ready access to the internet when the library wasn’t open. In 2017, she became the Assistant Director of the Knox Public Library where she led their quest to become a PA Forward Gold Star library in 2019. Also in 2019, Brenda was appointed as the Director of the Knox Public Library where she continued to work diligently to find more resources for her community and successfully applied for both the Community Connect: Fostering Digital Access grant through the American Library Association in 2020 and the Libraries Transforming Communities grant in 2021.

Heather Weleski has been actively involved in the Association since becoming a member in 2015. She started off her involvement by presenting at and attending conferences in 2015, 2016, and 2018. Heather served on the Best Practices Award Committee from 2017-2020 and has served on the Scholarship Committee since 2017, including chairing the committee in 2023. She is a 2019 graduate of the Leadership Academy by PALS and was invited to serve as a mentor at the Directors’ Institute in 2023. A member of both the Southwest Chapter and the Public Library Division, Heather served as division chair in 2022 and chapter chair in 2024. Additionally, she has written articles for the Bulletin and continues to proofread and review the Bulletin in volunteer service to the Association. In all of her professional service roles, Heather is known to be supportive and encouraging and sharing her good nature to welcome others.

Heather began her public library career in 2014 as the Children and Youth Services Coordinator at the Community Library of Castle Shannon. While working full time, she pursued her master’s degree in library science. In 2019, Heather was appointed the director of the Avalon Public Library and immediately began expanding programming, developing an inclusive environment for all those who visit, and took the library outside the walls and into schools and community spaces. Under her guidance, the Avalon Public Library entered the PA Forward Star Library program and as of 2024, the library has received a silver star in all but one of the essential literacies.

Emily Reed is a dedicated professional - to her organization and work, to librarianship more broadly, and to the Pennsylvania Library Association.  Her contributions to the Association are numerous, including using her tech savvy in her role as Technical Coordinator on the College and Research Division Board, facilitating meaningful connections between professionals as a member and chair of the Mentorship Subcommittee, and supporting first-time conference attendees to get the most out of the conference experience in helping to create the Conference Buddy Program.  Emily is also now a member of the Pennsylvania Library Association Board of Directors, where she continually exemplifies thoughtful leadership in her role.

Emily represents the best of what our Pennsylvania librarians and libraries have to offer.  As noted by one of the nominators, her efforts are marked by enthusiasm and hard work, she routinely seeks additional responsibilities and new opportunities that align with her professional interests, and she consistently provides guidance and support by striving to participate in meaningful ways.

Also worthy of recognition is Emily’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, evidenced by her work on various committees and projects within her role at Penn State Harrisburg, and also seen in her support and efforts for marginalized communities.   Emily played an integral role in her library’s nomination for the Association’s Library of the Year Award in 2023, the first academic library to receive the honor.  And finally, Emily has proven to have the deep respect, appreciation, and support of her colleagues who also recognize her successful contributions.  One of them said this about Reed, “Through librarianship, research, and service Emily is pushing the field of librarianship – particularly in Pennsylvania – to new heights.”

“Congratulations to our 2024 award winner!  Their efforts truly serve as an inspiration to the library community” said Sylvia Orner, 2024 President of the Pennsylvania Library Association.   “I am so proud of their amazing work and humbled by their generosity with both their time and talent.  I hope that all PaLA members will join me in celebrating these well-deserved awards.”

A committee comprised of association members reviews the nominations submitted in late summer and selects winners for a series of categories.

“The Pennsylvania Library Association is able to do what we do thanks to the unwavering efforts of our members,” said Christi Buker, PaLA Executive Director. “These awards are just our small way of shining a light on what all librarians and library workers do to continue promoting the value libraries bring to communities they serve. We are thankful for their support and engagement and are honored to be able to recognize their efforts. Congratulations to all our 2024 winners.”

Founded in 1901, the Pennsylvania Library Association is the state's oldest and most diverse professional library organization serving libraries, library employees, library trustees, and Friends of the Library groups.

PaLA represents more than 1,300 personal, institutional, and commercial members affiliated with public, academic, special, and school libraries throughout the commonwealth. The association represents the profession in Harrisburg with the state legislature and provides opportunities for professional growth, leadership development and continuing education for librarians.

For a listing of previous award winners, click here . For more information about the work of the Pennsylvania Library Association, visit www.palibraries.org .

# # #

On Tuesday, September 24, 2024, the 2024 Trustee of the Year was awarded to Philip Whitehurst of the Clymer Library in Monroe County.

Mr. Whitehurst is commended for his outstanding leadership, resourcefulness, and dedication in supporting the Clymer Library as the Treasurer of the Library Board. As part of his service, he has improved financial reporting and transparency to better engage donors and stakeholders and has mentored and trained new board members.

As with many organizations post-pandemic, Clymer Library suffered from inflation, as well as a lack of volunteers and lessened capacity. Philip Whitehurst took the lead in finding solutions to the monetary problems. When the Library asked the local township to raise the millage rate for library funding, the township supervisors believed a public referendum was the only course of action. Mr. Whitehurst argued that under Pennsylvania law, the township could avoid this lengthy and fraught process by simply having the supervisors vote in favor of the increase. Mr. Whitehurst convinced the library to take its case to court. In August 2022, a judge ruled in favor of the library and made clear that no referendum was necessary. When the township voted the increase through, it resulted in a $145,000 increase of stable and sustainable funds to the library budget. This funding allowed for maintenance to the historic library building and modernized compensation and benefits for library employees. Even more impressive is that other Pennsylvania libraries can now benefit from the legal precedent established by the Clymer Library and Philip Whitehurst.

“Congratulations to our 2024 award winner!  Their efforts truly serve as an inspiration to the library community” said Sylvia Orner, 2024 President of the Pennsylvania Library Association.   “I am so proud of their amazing work and humbled by their generosity with both their time and talent.  I hope that all PaLA members will join me in celebrating these well-deserved awards.”

A committee comprised of association members reviews the nominations submitted in late summer, and selects winners for a series of categories.

“The Pennsylvania Library Association is able to do what we do thanks to the unwavering efforts of our members,” said Christi Buker, PaLA Executive Director. “These awards are just our small way of shining a light on what all librarians and library workers do to continue promoting the value libraries bring to communities they serve. We are thankful for their support and engagement and are honored to be able to recognize their efforts. Congratulations to all our 2024 winners.”

Founded in 1901, the Pennsylvania Library Association is the state's oldest professional library organization serving libraries, library employees, library trustees, and Friends of the Library groups. PaLA represents more than 1,300 personal, institutional, and commercial members affiliated with public, academic, special and school libraries throughout the commonwealth. The association represents the profession in Harrisburg with the state legislature and provides opportunities for professional growth, leadership development and continuing education for librarians.

For a listing of previous award winners, click here. For more information about the work of the Pennsylvania Library Association, visit www.palibraries.org.

# # #

Sara Kern of Penn State University Libraries named New Professional Librarian of the Year

Mechanicsburg, PA (September 24, 2024) – Each year, the Pennsylvania Library Association (PaLA) honors the service of their members, as well as those community volunteers, who go above and beyond the call of duty to support the work of libraries throughout the commonwealth.

On Tuesday, September 24, 2024, the 2024 New Professional Librarian of the Year was awarded to Sara Kern.

Sara began her librarian career at Juniata College where she worked as an Access Services and Instruction Librarian and a Student Success and Outreach Librarian. She is currently an Engineering Librarian at Pennsylvania State University’s University Park Campus where she works as an instructor, department liaison, and manager.

In her teaching role, Sara promotes inclusivity in her information literacy classes and programs for students. Her well-structured information literacy plans have significantly enhanced the curriculum and benefited countless students and faculty members. She also provides innovative opportunities for students to engage with the library that contributes to the growth of the whole student as a lifelong citizen of this world.

Sara takes her role as a department liaison very seriously. By acquiring more foundational subject knowledge and developing strong working relationships with faculty and staff, Sara has become an integral part of the Engineering department’s functions. When the university was unable to deliver a donation of books to the Acoustics Engineering Department, Sara decided to deliver the books herself.

Sara’s dedication to the field of librarianship makes her an outstanding role model for her colleagues and students.

She is an accomplished writer and presenter in the field. Her involvement with the Pennsylvania Library

Association includes serving as a Member-at-Large for the Pennsylvania Library Association College and Research Division Board and as the Nominations & Elections Representative for the Juniata-Conemaugh Chapter.

“Congratulations to our 2024 award winner!  Their efforts truly serve as an inspiration to the library community” said Sylvia Orner, 2024 President of the Pennsylvania Library Association.   “I am so proud of their amazing work and humbled by their generosity with both their time and talent.  I hope that all PaLA members will join me in celebrating these well-deserved awards.”

“The Pennsylvania Library Association is able to do what we do thanks to the unwavering efforts of our members,” said Christi Buker, PaLA Executive Director. “These awards are just our small way of shining a light on what all librarians and library workers do to continue promoting the value libraries bring to communities they serve. We are thankful for their support and engagement and are honored to be able to recognize their efforts. Congratulations to all our 2024 winners.”

A committee comprised of association members reviews the nominations, submitted in late summer, and selects winners for a series of categories.

Founded in 1901, the Pennsylvania Library Association is the state's oldest professional library organization serving libraries, library employees, library trustees, and Friends of the Library groups. PaLA represents more than 1,300 personal, institutional, and commercial members affiliated with public, academic, special and school libraries throughout the commonwealth. The association represents the profession in Harrisburg with the state legislature and provides opportunities for professional growth, leadership development and continuing education for librarians.

For a listing of previous award winners, click here . For more information about the work of the Pennsylvania Library Association, visit www.palibraries.org .

# # #

Watch the recorded Webinar Here!

If you've never met with your elected officials before, join us for "How to Do Advocacy" on Thursday, August 8, 2024, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm on Zoom.  Register NOW - at https://www.palibraries.org/event/2024Advocacy  This session is free for both members and non-members, and open to all regardless of whether you've already registered for the conference or not yet!

Members of the PaLA Legislative Committee will review the basic steps in advocacy on the attached handout, share their tips, and answer any of your questions!  

We hope that everyone will plan to take an hour in October to meet with your legislators!

Don't forget to register by August 15 for the early-bird rates

for the Annual Conference!

https://www.palibraries.org/event/2024ConferenceAttendeeReg

Register now:  https://www.palibraries.org/event/2024ConferenceAttendeeReg

Registration Checklist:

c  View the Registration Fees and Deadlines.

c  Review the Conference Registration Policies (You will need to agree to these to register.)

c  Consult the Registration Brochure to plan your personal schedule.  This publication is your guide to keynote presentations, 80+ breakout sessions, poster presentations, as well as the special events to take place thoughout this important 4-day event.  In addition, access to the growing list of exhibitor partners participating during the 2-day Library Products & Services Tradeshow is also included.  Visit the exhibit hall to find out the latest in library products & service innovations!

c  Download the Registration Worksheet to map out your attendance schedule and streamline the registration process.  Be sure to include your meal selections! (Meals are included with registration, however pre-registration is required.)

c  Check out these Conference Registration FAQs for some extra tips

c  Event Insurance, offered by third party provider, Allianz Global Assistance, is available for purchase at 5.75% of total registration fees.  Please note that payment by credit card is required if event insurance is selected. What is covered?

c   NOW - Log-in before registering to obtain the member rate.  
(Member rate available to personal members only.  Eligible Institutional members may utilize PaLA Bucks to register non-member staff at the member rate. Contact the PaLA office for more information on this program before registering.)

c   Print your Invoice/Receipt when your registration confirmation appears on-screen.

c   See your confirmation message for hotel reservation information. (Conference rate is $157/night plus 11% taxes). SATURDAY night is sold out at the group rate. 

See you in Harrisburg for #pala2024!

Scholarships are offered by the PA Black Librarians' Caucus (PABLC) and Pennsylvania Citizens for Better Libraries (PCBL).

Click here for the criteria, requirements, deadlines, and links to apply:  https://www.palibraries.org/page/2024ConfScholInfo

I am pleased to share with you that the PA Commonwealth Budget passed both the House and Senate last night and was signed by Governor Shapiro. Additionally, the necessary distribution language for public library funds to be distributed was signed as SB700 (library language begins on page 70). 

The numbers are funded at the same amount as last year:

  Public Library Subsidy, $70.47 million

  Library Access, $3.071 million

  Library Services for the Visually Impaired and Disabled, $2.567 million

The State Library line did receive an increase of $180,000 which brings their total to $2.664 million. 

While we didn't get the modest increase to the public library subsidy that we asked for, we are tremendously relieved that there was not a delay of more than 5 months on the distribution language that happened last year.  

I wish to extend my thanks to the members of the PaLA Legislative Information Committee, co-chaired by Kimberley Hrivnak and Karla Trout, for their work to contact every member of the House and Senate Appropriations Committee. We are appreciative for Greenlee Partners who connect us to legislative leaders and provide support and guidance in our advocacy. 

I'd also like to thank YOU, our members, who support the advocacy work by reaching out to your own state-level elected officials and repeat our messaging. It takes all of us working on these important tasks to make progress.  

Christi

Christi Buker, CAE, Executive Director

As soon as possible, send a message to your PA Representative and PA Senator. You can look up your legislators here: Look up PA state level legislators

The message should include

1) the attached ASK document showing our request for $2.8 million more in the public library subsidy = 4%, AND

2) asking legislators to show their support by sending a letter to their party caucus leaders (listed below) telling them they agree with increasing the public library subsidy, AND

3) emphasizing that public libraries need an on-time budget! Libraries do not have the reserves to cover delayed payments like last year. 

Legislative leaders where YOUR official should send their support email/letter (only send to their own party):

  Senate Republican Appropriations Chair:  Scott Martin
Senate Republican Caucus Chair:  Kristin Phillips-Hill

  Senate Democratic Appropriations Chair:  Vincent Hughes
Senate Democratic Caucus Chair:  Wayne Fontana

  House Republican Appropriations Chair:  Seth Grove
House Republican Caucus Chair:  Geoge Dunbar

  House Democratic Appropriations Chair:  Jordan Harris
House Democratic Caucus Chair:  Michael Schlossberg

Please act as soon as possible so that they hear our voices!

Questions?  christi@palibraries.org

Christi Buker, CAE, Executive Director

ALA announces 2024 recipients of distinguished library Intellectual Freedom Awards

CHICAGO – The Intellectual Freedom Round Table (IFRT) of the American Library Association (ALA) is pleased to announce the Pennsylvania School Librarians Association (PSLA) as the recipient of the 2024 Gerald Hodges Intellectual Freedom Chapter Relations Award; Matthew Good as the recipient of the 2024 John Phillip Immroth Memorial Award; and Hannah Natanson as the recipient of the 2024 Eli M. Oboler Memorial Award.

Many of the tools can be found at the PA Forward® section of the palibraries.org website.  Click on the “Get Involved” tab and scroll down to the PA Forward® flyout.  All of these tools are available to all libraires and library workers, regardless of their association membership status.

They are asking you to please take a few moments complete a brief survey for us. The survey is open now through May 25, 2024, at 4 p.m.

Questions can be directed to Rob Lesher, PA Forward® Program Manager, at paforward@palibraries.org.

Thank you for your assistance as we continue to develop the PA Forward® Star Library Program.

Ok, yes, I’ve used a lot of exclamation points, but I am truly excited that this is done.  Some of you have been closely tracking and trying to understand all of this.  While the state budget is complex by nature, it was very complicated this year with amendments adding wrinkles and delays to the process that also had political finger-pointing.  If you really want to know more, call me and I’ll be happy to talk you through it and answer your questions.

A HUGE thank you goes to our Legislative Committee and Board of Directors who both helped us strategize with the advice of our professional lobbying firm, Greenlee Partners, for whom we are also sending our thanks. Another huge thank you goes to YOU – our members, colleagues in the library field, Friends of the Library Groups, and volunteers who serve on library boards as Trustees.  If you made a phone call (or multiple), if you sent an email, if you had a meeting with your PA Representative and Senators, THANK YOU!  I also want to say thank you to those of you who spoke to the press, those news articles and tv spots can be a little scary, but that helped show that there was a real and pressing problem with the budget not getting done. Your delivery of these important advocacy messages to say the budget wasn’t done and was hurting libraries is a key component of why the General Assembly finished this now (and not in March). Because you all spoke up with the same message, legislators heard us and took action. 

Now that we are relieved that the 2023-2024 state budget is done, please make plans to thank your legislators.  Yes, thanking them is important.  It shows that we pay attention, and that we appreciate their paying attention to libraries too!

Christi

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

(EXTON, PA) The Southeast Chapter of the Pennsylvania Library Association (SEPLA) honored Agatha Lyons, District Consultant of the Chester County Library System, with its 2023 Patricia A. Dobbin Award on Friday, December 1.

The prestigious award is given annually to a library employee or resident of Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, or Philadelphia counties who demonstrates one or more of the characteristics of outstanding service, exceptional commitment, distinguished leadership, significant contributions, unique ability, and sound judgment.

Lyons has been active across libraries in southeast PA for many years.  After her time in Virginia, where she was the Assistant City Librarian for Richmond, she relocated to PA and served as the Director at Aston Public Library. After this, she joined the Chester County Library System as our District Consultant and has been serving in that position for over 14 years.

“Agatha has been the consummate professional serving librarians across Chester County and the region.  She is always available for consultation and advice; and works tirelessly to help each library serve its communities to the best of its resources.  Beyond being the primary access point for member libraries to communicate with the Office of Commonwealth Libraries, she has worked diligently in helping find new Directors and mentoring staff at all levels, all while keeping the needs of the patrons at the forefront of her mind,” said Joe Sherwood, Executive Director of the Chester County Library System.

Jennifer Spade, Director of Honey Brook Community Library, describes Lyons as the most wonderful resource. “She met with me to explain all the parts of the library system and was always very kind to me.  I knew if I asked her any question, she would be able to answer it or point me in the right direction.  She is patient and really listens to what you need and always gives good advice.  She was invaluable to me as a library director when I started, and 8 years later, she is still invaluable to me.”    

The mission of the Chester County Library System ensures that every resident has access to exceptional opportunities to read, learn, create, connect, and contribute to a better quality of life. Chester County Library & District Center is located at 450 Exton Square Parkway, Exton, PA. For hours or more information, visit our website at https://www.ccls.org.

The American Library Association (ALA) has selected fifty (50) people to participate in its 2024 class of Emerging Leaders (EL). The EL program is designed to enable library staff and information workers to participate in project planning work groups, network with peers, gain an inside look into ALA structure, and have an opportunity to serve the profession in a leadership capacity early in their careers. See the list of participants.

The Emerging Leaders program will kick off with a virtual day-long session during the ALA LibLearnX: The Library Learning Experience (LibLearnX24) virtual event. Participants will continue in an online learning and networking environment for six months. The EL program culminates with a poster session where the Emerging Leaders will highlight the results of their project planning work during the ALA 2024 Annual Conference in San Diego this June.

Christina Fuller-Gregory and Libby Holtmann, co-chairs of the Emerging Leaders program, look forward to working with this most recent cohort of talented and committed group. Commenting on the EL program, Christina Fuller-Gregory stated “We are excited to welcome the 2024 Class of Emerging Leaders. Now, more than ever it is critical to provide early career librarians and library workers with leadership opportunities that will help them to cultivate and refine the skills needed to make lasting contributions in both their organizations and in ALA. This year, we will offer more programming and increased peer-to-peer engagement, while continuing the tradition of providing Emerging Leaders with project-based learning opportunities.”

The EL cohort consists of individuals from across the U.S. and Canada. The participants commit to taking part in all aspects of the program and may have an opportunity to serve on an ALA, division, chapter, round table, or affiliate committee or work group upon completion.

This year, sixty-eight (68%) percent of participants have received sponsorships. The sponsors include ALA divisions, round tables, the National Associations of Librarians of Color, state chapters, and ALA affiliate organizations. Each sponsor commits to financial support of an Emerging Leader to help defray costs of attending the LibLearnX and the ALA Annual Conferences.

The complete list of the selected participants and sponsoring organizations can be found on the Emerging Leader’s webpage.

The ALA Emerging Leaders program is managed by the ALA Office for Human Resource Development and Recruitment (HRDR).

The President’s Award is recommended to the Board of Directors of the Association by the Chair of the Awards Committee and voted upon at a Board Meeting preceding the Annual Conference. Previous President’s Award winners include former Governor Tom Ridge in 1999, Katherine Stephanoff, longtime Director of the Allentown Public Library and Chair of the Governor’s Advisory Council in 2010, and Representative Stan Saylor, previous Chair of the House Appropriations Committee in 2022.

“There are few members in its almost 122 years who have made more of a sustained and lasting impact on the Pennsylvania Library Association than Mary Garm.” noted Christi Buker, PaLA Executive Director. “Mary has shared her expertise and mentoring support to library workers and library initiatives for more than 25 years. Her legacy will be measured in stronger libraries, stronger library workers and a richer Commonwealth for generations.”

Congratulations to these deserving individuals: 

Alyssa Coleman, Luzerne County Community College, New Professional Librarian

Alan Metzler, Cambria County Library System, Trustee of the Year

Senator Lynda Schlegel-Culver, Elected Official of the Year

On Thursday, September 21, 2023, three members of the Association were honored with Certificates of Merit.

Certificates of Merit are awarded to individuals making outstanding contributions during the last five years in Pennsylvania.

This year’s winners are Dana Barber, Library Director of the Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Library in Bristol, Jeffrey D. Swope, director of the Bosler Memorial Library in Carlisle, and Kate Cummings Research & Instruction Librarian for Business at the University of Scranton’s Weinberg Memorial Library in Scranton.

Watch the presentation here!

Be sure to register for the conference and engage with your peers on Monday & Tuesday in the poster area for these informal, but very informative presentations!

2023 Poster Schedule & Descriptions

Featuring:

• 60+ Educational Sessions
• Innovative, Informative and Inspirational Keynotes
• 2-Day Library Products & Services Expo
• Author Appearances
• 30+ Poster Sessions
• One of the country's largest indoor waterparks
• Guided Walking Tour of Hauser Nature Preserve at Long Pond
• Sittings for Professional Head Shot Photos (limited & first come, first-served)
•  Lots of opportunities to connect & collaborate with other library professionals!

Program Brochure & Registration Link

Earlybird Registration ends AUGUST 15!

2023 PA public library funding ASK

Since we had an 18% increase ($11 million) in the public library subsidy last year, it is important that we thank and share with state legislators how you are using these additional funds.  Much-needed staff increases or additions, new resources, or however you plan to implement this - show your legislators that every bit really helps!

This document has key phrases and points, but you are encouraged to add your library stories and information.  What core services are used at your library, what impact are you hearing from patrons and community members? 

**If your legislator is supportive of keeping library services stable for your community, please ask them to tell their specific party leadership (meaning the House Democratic or Republican Appropriations Chair, or the Senate Democratic or Republican Appropriations Chair). They can send a simple email to say, "please keep public library funding stable!"

We hope that you were able to join us for the members only Legislative Town Hall in March where more detail and insight was provided about the state budget for this year.  If you have questions, you may certainly reach out to me, but you are also encouraged to talk to the Committee members who give updates at chapter meetings. 

Our voices - when in unison - are strong!  Please take a little time to talk to your state legislators! Find your legislator here:  Find your PA legislators!

If you are able to share responses from your legislators with us, please do so!  

Sincerely,
Christi

Christi Buker, Executive Director

We invite you to submit a proposal for a poster session to share your findings, successful ideas or innovations with conference attendees through the use of pictures, graphs and text in poster format. The objective is to share information, gather feedback and make connections with others interested in the topic.

For more information, and for the link to submit, please visit the
Poster FAQ page.

The deadline to submit is noon, Wednesday, May 31.

https://www.palibraries.org/page/2023AttendeeRegInfo

The event will take place October 1 - 4 at Kalahari Resort in the Poconos.

Attendee registration will open later in June.

For more information about the conference, as plans unfold, visit
https://www.palibraries.org/page/2023ConferenceGeneralInfo

The 2023 Pennsylvania Library Association Conference, Rising to the Challenge! is scheduled to take place October 1 - 4, 2023 at Kalahari Resort in the Poconos. 

If you are, or know, an expert on a topic that you feel will be of interest to this group, we invite you to submit a session proposal!

The deadline for submissions is Sunday, March 5, 202

Submission Form

This single-day, online event has been designed specifically for frontline library staff or anyone who has direct involvement with library users!  The day will include six live session periods, with three sessions taking place concurrently.  All sessions will be recorded, with an opportunity for extended viewing, for a total of eighteen (18) educational hours!  

Individual regstration starts at $85 and budget-stretching multi-pack purchases are available for member libraries who wish to send ten or more staff members. Directors, consider this your "Staff Development Day."

For more information and the link to register:  https://www.palibraries.org/page/FrontlineOnline2023

Video of the Business Meeting can Be viewed Here!

Watch Rep. Stan Saylor read a House Proclamation Here!

On Wednesday, September 28, 2022, the 2022 New Librarian of the Year was awarded to Jennifer Powell.

To watch the award presentation click here!

Andrew Amrhein of the Bethel Park Public Library named Trustee of the Year

Mechanicsburg, PA (September 28, 2022) – Each year, the Pennsylvania Library Association (PaLA) honors the service of their members, as well as those community volunteers, who go above and beyond the call of duty to support the work of libraries throughout the commonwealth.

On Wednesday, September 28, 2022, the 2022 Trustee of the Year was awarded to Andrew Amrhein, Bethel Park Public Library.

To watch the award presentation click here!

On Wednesday, October 5, 2022, two members of the Association were honored with Certificates of Merit.

Certificates of Merit are awarded to individuals making outstanding contributions during the last five years in Pennsylvania.

This year’s winners are Michele Legate of the Scranton Public Library in Scranton, and Adam Haigh of the Lower Merion Township Library System in Ardmore.

To watch Adam Haigh's presentation click here

To watch Michele Legate's presentation click here

COVID-19 Protocols

• If you are sick, please stay home! Refunds will be issued on a case-by-case basis after the conference, minus a $40 cancellation fee.
• Masking is optional and attendees will be respectful of each other's choices.
• Due to hotel staffing levels, all meals will be offered as buffets. 
• A hand sanitizing station will be in place at the start of each buffet. 
• For those choosing to mask, lunches served in the exhibit hall may be boxed to go to allow attendees to eat in their room, outside, or in another area of the hotel.  We encourage those who do not dine in the exhibit hall to be sure to visit the exhibits during no conflict times and throughout exhibit hours.
• Health safeguards practiced by the Hilton Harrisburg:
• Sanitizing of frequent touch points will be conducted by hotel staff.
• Hand sanitizer stations are located throughout public spaces
• For those staying at the Hilton, guest room cleaning during your stay will be available upon request.

Additional conference policies: https://www.palibraries.org/page/ConfRegPolicies

We look forward to your participation at #pala2022!

The Department of State has released its annual Vote Education Toolkit!

The goals of the Department of State are:

The Department of State (DOS) is working to promote public confidence in elections and educate voters about the elections in 2022. The Ready to Vote initiative aims to inform voters about key information, including:

• How the passage of election reforms in PA will impact elections this year and beyond.
• What voters can expect when they use the more secure voting systems in place in every PA county.

In the toolkit you will find non-partisan materials that you can use in your library to help promote voting and Civic Literacy. 

Please check it out and consider how your library can further civic participation in your communities.

The Governor's Executive Order in early September noted that libraries have paper forms available to register to vote.  Until the logistics are worked out in a distribution of forms, please consider printing on demand the forms like we deal with tax forms.  The link to the pdf of the voter registration form is here:

Printable Voter Registration Form

Also, late in coming, but a reminder that Tuesday, September 20th is National Voter Registration Day.  Consider pushing a social media post to which highlights the online voter registration form from the department of state.

Register to vote!

A variety of sizes and designs will enable you to embrace the theme and remind others of the importance of libraries in our communities.  Order by September 20 to receive in time for the conference!

2022 PaLA Online Store

We are seeking proposals for sessions to be presented during the Pennsylvania Library Association's brand new educational event, Frontline Online, to take place entirely online on February 8, 2023.

Featured content will be specific to library workers who have direct contact with library users. Potential topics could include Customer Service, Reader's Advisory, Program Planning & Marketing, Personal Safety/Awareness, as well as trainings on popular software such as CANVA, EXCEL and Office365 or Google applications.

Note: The submission deadline has been extended until September 8, 2022!

Submission Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/frontlineonline2022

This is a RARE moment!

The state budget for 2022-2023 has been passed by the Legislature, the Governor signed it, and it includes an

$11 million increase in the public library subsidy!

Here is a quick table to show the numbers for each line compared to last year:

This is a major success in our advocacy efforts.  It comes from YEARS of having conversations, building relationships, sharing both the positive things libraries are doing, but also showing the real needs for restoring library funding after the major cuts (almost 30%) in 2008-2009, and everyone using the same key talking points from our “ask” document to the legislature each year. 

WE achieved this success with the key leadership of Chairman Stan Saylor, House Appropriations Chair, from York.  He spoke at our 2018 Annual Conference and publicly stated that he would work to restore library funding – and he did!  Chairman Saylor negotiated a $5 million dollar increase in 2019 as part of a multi-year plan to restore the loss of roughly $20 million.  Then, Covid. Now he wanted to make sure libraries got their funds before his public service ends in December, and spear-headed the negotiation to get libraries $11 million more this year.  He has been a true library champion!

A new component this year was also the vocal support of Eric Hagarty, Acting Secretary of Education. You may have seen the email he sent on the list servs, and as the son of a retired librarian, he is also a library champion. He went to the Governor in support of our full ask of an $11.28 million increase.  Deputy Secretary Susan Banks was also a key leader in speaking up for library funding within the Department and making our needs for restored funding known.

A real factor was the work of the Legislative Committee of the Pennsylvania Library Association, co-chaired by Kimberley Hrivnak and 2022 1^st VP, Melissa Rowse, who have been making calls, having personal meetings, and sending emails to the entire list of Appropriations Committee members in both the House and Senate.  This targeted work has been essential – and will be for our future with legislative leadership changes in 2023. 

Finally, a big thank you to each member of the Association.  Both your individual outreach to your own elected officials to share our “ask” for more funding, and your investment of membership dollars that help support our advocacy.  Without your membership commitment, we wouldn’t have the talented and passionate work of Greenlee Partners including Matt Steck, Ben Dannels (whose mom worked in York libraries!), and Madison Stromswald.  The support of our professional lobbying folks makes a huge difference in getting to the right people, and at the right times! 

So now, we need your help to THANK these folks!  The outpouring of gratitude to Stan Saylor in 2019 made a real impact on him – and that is part of why we are having success this year. Let’s keep it up!

Please send thank you notes to either his district or Capitol office so that both he and the Appropriations staff see them.  Encourage your staff and trustees to sign them too -

Please share copies of your thank you letters with us.  Kimberley Hrivnak, Co-Chair Legislative Committee, hrivnakk@aclalibraries.org and Melissa Rowse, mrowse@degensteinlibrary.org.

You can send thanks to Secretary Eric Hagarty at ra-educationsecretary@pa.gov, and to Deputy Secretary Susan Banks at ra-edocldeptysecty@pa.gov.

Finally, I’d like to repeat my thanks to YOU as members of the Association for being members, for the members who are serving as the 2022 Board of Directors, and our staff.

PS – Please register for the Annual Conference in Harrisburg, Oct. 16-19.  We will be doing a lot of important advocacy work – being present in front of legislative staff and members, and more!  Stay tuned for special notes.

Gratefully,

Christi Buker
Executive Director

Awards nomination deadline extended to MONDAY, July 25.

There are people across the state doing great work. Please take a little time to submit them for well-deserved recognition!

Trustee of the Year * Elected Official of the Year

New Librarian of the Year * Certificate of Merit Award

Distinguished Service Award * Library of the Year Award

Full details on criteria for awards (must sign in first): https://www.palibraries.org/page/awardsmemberinfo

SUBMIT NOW in SurveyMonkey:

Award nomination form submission

Preview copy of the nomination form: PREVIEW nomination form

The Awards Committee can only make decisions based on what is submitted in the nomination. So how do you gather and write a good nomination?

• Talk to the person’s co-workers to get quotes or examples that support the nomination. (PS – multiple people can write nominations for the same candidate, but you can also collaborate in writing a nomination.)
• Review the person’s LinkedIn profile to get supporting information such as previous places of employment, having earned an MLS, or other community engagement.
• Ask the nominee to provide details. Yes, many award nominations are submitted in secret, but there is no requirement to do it that way. If you write a preliminary nomination, then tell the person you think they are awesome and want to give a few more details, I think the potential nominee would be honored and thrilled to provide remaining information you might need.
• Remember, the Committee may have no knowledge of the person. So be sure to write enough detail and context of significant achievements.

Professional recognition is a powerful tool! Don’t miss this chance to tell people they are doing great work!

Application Deadline:  July 20, 2022

Get the Details & Apply today: 
 https://www.palibraries.org/page/2022ConfScholInfo

Registration for the Pennsylvania Library Association 2022 Annual Conference, October 16-19, will be opening soon. We are excited to be back in Harrisburg and have plans for you for inspiring keynotes, 60 educational sessions, collaboration, networking and advocacy opportunities in the Capitol.  You won’t want to miss this in-person statewide event!  Current information is posted HERE, and stay alert for messages on how to register at the early bird rates (same as 2018!). 

ANNOUNCING: An All-New Opportunity!  
Born from comments made by the library community that the online platform allowed more staff to attend, we are pleased to debut: 

Frontline Online

This one-day conference will be conducted entirely online on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, with content recordings available for post-event viewing.  The focus will be topics for frontline and operational staff but may also be helpful for directors at small or rural libraries.  With discounted registration multipacks available for our member libraries, some may opt to use the event as their staff development day!

A Call for Session Proposals for FRONTLINE ONLINE will open in July and will be limited to 12 – 15 live sessions. Registration will open in December.  Stay tuned as plans unfold!

With these TWO unique conferences and their different content and features, the Pennsylvania Library Association is focused on YOU, and your needs and interests! 

Questions?  Please contact Kim Snyder-Wise, Meeting Planner, kim@palibraries.org

On February 8, 2022, Governor Wolf put forward his proposed budget for the 2022-2023 fiscal year. It did include an increase in the public library subsidy to support district services.  While it is important to recognize it pointed us in the right direction - it is not a guarantee, and it is not a sufficient increase for the need for funding public libraries. 

Linked below is our one-pager, or ASK document.  We continue to ask for an increase in the public library subsidy, and this year are asking for $11.28 million more. 

2022 ASK for public library funding increase

On behalf of the PaLA Legislative Committee, we hope that you will do the following:

1. Share it with your Board of Trustees - everyone from staff, patrons, Friends, and especially Board members - need to help advocate for increased library funding
2. ADD your local library stories - the impacts you've heard from patrons, community partners, and those who rely on your library services.
3. Send it to your state-level elected officials.  Ask them to tell their party leadership that they want to see an increase in public library funding.  

If you need some inspiration, please take a look at this great article by Immediate Past President Tom Reinsfelder that gives some answers to "Why Libraries are Important."

Finally, please join us for the Members-Only Legislative Town Hall on Tuesday, March 22 from 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm.  REGISTER - Legislative Town Hall We will share more insights and take time to answer your questions!

Christi Buker | Executive Director

As most of you know, April 3-9, 2022 is National Library Week. 

In honor of National Library Week, the Public Relations and Marketing Committee of the Pennsylvania Library Association has put together a tool kit to help you put out your message about the importance of libraries during this special week.

County Library request!

As we have done the last few years, we encourage county libraries to ask your county commissioners for a show of support for the amazing work that libraries are doing.   Linked here is a sample proclamation which you can submit to your commissioners.    It can be edited to include specifics about your library. When you are successful, email us a picture to post to our Facebook page. paforward@palibraries.org The goal is to get all 67 counties to recognize libraries!

If you are not a county library, use the attached proclamation and ask your borough/township supervisors for a show of support for the amazing work that libraries are doing.  Please send us a picture of the presentation event and we will post to our Facebook page.

How to submit a proclamation request!

If you have not done this process before, it is not hard.  The easiest first step is to call the commissioners/supervisors office and talk to the Chief Clerk or Secretary and they will tell you who to send the proclamation to, which is usually them.  If they agree to do the proclamation, they will let you know the date that it will be issued, and you want to show up with representation from your Board and staff.  Be sure to bring a camera! 

Send out press releases!

Also at the tool kit page are a sample press release which you can use to notify your local press that you are celebrating National Library Week and some Social Media posts which you can use during the week or the week leading up to National Library Week to notify the public that you are celebrating National Library Week. 

Thanks for your engagement, and don’t forget to ask your Board of Trustees and Friends’ group to do outreach too!

Christi Buker

Executive Director | Pennsylvania Library Association

Mechanicsburg, PA (January 25, 2022) – The Pennsylvania Library Association just announced the 2021 fourth quarter PA Forward® Star Library awardees. More than 35 libraries from throughout the state earned their star status and are being recognized by the Association for their efforts to provide patrons with educational resources and opportunities.

“The PA Forward® Star Library program spotlights libraries’ efforts to continue making intentional investments in literacy-aligned programs,” said Christi Buker, Pennsylvania Library Association Executive Director. “Our libraries continue to be community pillars, meeting citizen needs, helping businesses, government organizations and others connect with residents, sharing resources and information which have the potential to positively impact multiple lives.

“Yes, you can go to your local library and check out books, but these agile institutions demonstrate day in and day out that they offer more than books,” Buker added. “Libraries offer the world to those who enter their doors. It is an honor to highlight those efforts with the PA Forward® Star Library designation. Congratulations to all of our participating Star Libraries.”

PA Forward®, which launched statewide in 2012, works through five key literacies – Basic, Information, Civic & Social, Health and Financial – to assist individuals in enhancing their overall quality of life. To continue helping libraries use PA Forward® to demonstrate all their libraries offer, in January 2017, the Association kicked off the Star Library program statewide. The Star Library recognition offers support to libraries who participate and integrate PA Forward®’s literacies in their programming activities. Program topics can include information such as retirement planning (financial literacy) to more physically active programs such as walking book club discussions (civic and social literacy and health literacy).

Libraries are recognized by their peers for meeting benchmarks within the bronze, silver, and gold star levels of the program. While one star is awarded for both the bronze and gold levels, a total of five stars are awarded in the silver category – one silver star for each of the five literacies of PA Forward®. For each silver star award, a number appears denoting the number of silver stars obtained to date.

Stars are awarded on a quarterly basis in the calendar year and the recognition is for the highest level attained in the program at the time of the award. The libraries noted below are those that earned a first-time star or a new star level between September 30 and December 31, 2021. For more information about the Star Library Program, visit https://paforward.org/pa-forward-star-program/.

The next round of awards will be announced after April 6, 2022.

The list of awardees, by county, follows:

Allegheny County

Borough of Jefferson Hills Library – Gold, Maintenance

Avalon Public Library – Bronze

Northland Public Library – Gold, Maintenance

Brentwood Library – Gold, Maintenance South Park Township Library – Gold, Maintenance

Sewickley Public Library – Gold, Maintenance

Berks County

Reading Public Library – Gold, Maintenance

Bernville Area Community Library – Silver, 5

Bucks County

Free Library of Northampton Township – Gold, Maintenance

Cambria County

Carrolltown Public Library – Silver, 2

Centre County

Centre Hall Area Branch, Silver, 3                                           

Centre County Library and Historical Museum – Silver, 3

Penn State University Park Library – Bronze

Holt Memorial Library – Silver, 4

Chester County

Chester Springs Library – Bronze

Clinton County

Annie Halenbake Ross Library – Gold, Maintenance

Cumberland County

Bosler Memorial Library – Gold, Maintenance

Delaware County

Yeadon Public Library - Gold

Indiana County

Indiana Free Library – Gold, Maintenance

Lackawanna County

North Pocono Public Library – Gold, Maintenance

Carbondale Public Library – Gold, Maintenance

Scranton Public Library (Albright Memorial Library) Gold, Maintenance

Lancaster County

Adamstown Area Library – Silver, 5

Ephrata Public Library – Gold, Maintenance

Manheim Township Public Library – Silver, 2

Manheim Community Library - Gold

Lehigh County

Coplay Public Library – Bronze

Parkland Community Library – Gold, Maintenance

Lycoming County

James V. Brown Library – Gold, Maintenance

Mercer County

Community Library of the Shenango Valley – Gold, Maintenance

Montgomery County

Bala Cynwyd Memorial Library – Gold, Maintenance

Washington County

Peters Township Public Library – Gold, Maintenance

Frank Sarris Public Library – Silver, 3

Beginning January 2020, once a library achieves the Gold level of the PA Forward® Star Library program, libraries will now be able to take steps to maintain their PA Forward® Gold Star status. More information about that process, can be found at www.paforwardstarlibraries.org under the Getting Started tab.   

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This project is made possible, in part, by Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) as administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education through the Office of Commonwealth Libraries, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Tom Wolf, Governor.

The Pennsylvania Library Association is pleased to honor Tina Hertel, Director of the Trexler Library of Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA.

Tina came to the library profession after serving as a United States Air Force Officer. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aerospace Engineering from Penn State – she is a rocket scientist -- and a Master’s of Information Science Degree from Indiana University. 

She held a variety of positions at the libraries of the University of Scranton, Marywood University, and Lehigh University, before becoming Director of the Trexler Library at Muhlenberg College in 2011.  She has been an effective and innovative leader there, instituting an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Task Force, developing a plan for library operations under pandemic conditions, and serving on campus-wide committees of faculty and administrators.

Tina is a Past President of the Pennsylvania Library Association (PaLA) and a co-founder of the highly successful PaLA Academy for Leadership Studies (PALS) in 2009. Tina developed the model for the PALS curriculum that is still in use today. Hundreds of Pennsylvania librarians have benefitted from Tina’s belief in personal and professional leadership development.

She has also held positions as Northeast Chapter Chair, Lehigh Valley Chapter Webmaster, College & Research Division Webmaster, and Equity Diversity and Inclusion Committee member, among many others.

Tina exemplifies what a librarian leader looks like in today’s world. She was an influencer before “influencer” was a title. Her many talents and experiences are matched only by the various ways she has inspired Pennsylvania librarians.

The Pennsylvania Library Association is pleased to present the 2021 Library of the Year Award to the James V. Brown Library, located in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

This award is presented to a library that excels in service to its community, prioritizes staff development, and provides leadership in and support of the Pennsylvania Library Association.

In June 2021, the James V. Brown Library withstood a substantial censorship challenge from the Lycoming County Commissioners (the Library’s main funding source) due to an LGBTQ+ Pride Month display in the children’s section. The James V. Brown Library provides a welcoming environment for every member of its community as reflected in its core values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and intellectual freedom. The courage displayed by the staff of the James V. Brown Library in the face of this challenge serves as an inspiration to all Pennsylvania libraries.

At a public meeting, two of the three County Commissioners accused the Library’s Pride display of introducing children to inappropriate content. They requested that the display be dismantled.  In accordance with the Library Bill of Rights, the James V. Brown Library did not remove the display and directed concerned citizens to the Library’s challenged item procedures. As a result, they received multiple hostile and uncivil communications but more importantly, the Library received overwhelming support from their community, many who publicly spoke in their defense at the next Commissioner's meeting.

The James V. Brown Library is an Institutional Member of the Pennsylvania Library Association (PaLA), a PA Forward® Gold Star Library, and serves as the North Central District’s hub for PA Forward. Employees of the James V. Brown Library have served on multiple PaLA committees, and two staff members participated in the PALS leadership program. 

On Wednesday, October 13, 2021, the 2021 Elected Official of the Year was awarded to the Lancaster County Commissioners.

Joshua Parsons, Ray D'Agostino, and Craig Lehman

At a time of great uncertainty, during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Lancaster County Commissioners showed excessive concern in making sure that the county libraries’ interests were not neglected.  They ensured that the libraries’ needs were addressed according to their unique situation, calling libraries “friends of the government” and recognizing the important role libraries play in education and in the community. 

The Commissioners met with library leaders and acknowledged the challenges they were facing, such as lost revenue from fundraisers and everyday services that were on pause and therefore not bringing in income.  Their libraries were also facing the challenge of implementing specific pandemic protection plans in order to reopen.  In response, the Lancaster County Commissioners awarded a CARES Act grant for more than $1.2 million which funded the Lancaster County Libraries. 

The proactive and forward thinking of Parsons, D’Agostino, and Lehman protected the Lancaster Libraries financially and set a high bar for other counties across the Commonwealth.  They didn't know exactly how best to apply the funds at the time, but most importantly, they knew the libraries would need the funding and they took the libraries’ best interests into consideration. 

Some selected thoughts from Lancaster County Library directors: 

“Without the emergency funding, our organization had little chance of recovering from the devastating loss of revenue during 2020.” 

“We are grateful to the county and all the individuals who have helped the library serve throughout the COVID-19 crisis.” 

“It means so much that the County Commissioners show again and again that they care about the success of our library.” 

Commissioner Ray D'Agostino attended regular meetings of the Lancaster County Budget Board and frequently invited the libraries into the bigger conversation to ensure they had a voice in the discussion of the county's recovery efforts.  

In April of 2021, the Commissioners took time to celebrate Lancaster County Libraries with a National Library Week proclamation, once again elevating the work of the Library System and the librarians of Lancaster County and highlighting the libraries’ vital role in assisting Lancaster residents to reach the services and information they need to succeed.   

“Libraries continued to serve their communities throughout the CoVID pandemic” explains Christi Buker, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Library Association.  “The Lancaster County Commissioners recognized the vital role played by their libraries during the past year.  Libraries have a significant impact on their communities and the level of that impact is directly proportional to the financial support they receive from their local elected officials.”

A committee comprised of association members reviews the nominations, submitted in late summer, and selects winners for a series of categories. Previous Elected Official winners include Senator Carolyn Comitta in 2020, Representative Stan Saylor in 2019, PA Senator Guy Reschenthaler in 2018, and Easttown Township Supervisor Christopher Polites in 2017.

2021 Elected Official of the Year was awarded to the Lancaster County Commissioners

Andrea Pritt of Penn State Harrisburg named 2021 New Librarian of the Year

 Jim and Judy Dible of the Erie County Library System named 2021 Trustee of the Year

Watch the award ceremony at:   Click Here to Watch the Video

Allegheny County

Western Allegheny County Library - Gold, Maintenance

Upper St. Clair Township Library – Gold, Maintenance  

Northern Tier Regional Library - Silver 3

Armstrong County

Kittanning Public Library - Bronze                         

Berks County

Boyertown Community Library – Gold

Brandywine Community Library – Gold, Maintenance

Wernersville Public Library – Silver, 4

Wyomissing Public Library – Bronze       

Sinking Spring Public Library – Bronze

Centre County

Centre Hall Area Branch, Silver, 2                                         

Holt Memorial Library – Silver, 3

Delaware County

Lansdowne Public Library - Gold

Franklin County

Alexander Hamilton Memorial Free Library – Gold         

Penn State Fayette – Silver, 5                   

Lancaster County

Manheim Community Library – Silver, 5

Lebanon County

Palmyra Public Library – Gold, Maintenance

Annville Free Library, Silver 5

Montgomery County

Free Library of Springfield Township – Gold, Maintenance

Roslyn Branch (Abington Township Public Library) – Silver, 1

Northumberland County

Degenstein Community Library – Gold, Maintenance

Potter County

Genesee Area Library – Gold, Maintenance

Wyoming County

Tunkhannock Public Library – Gold, Maintenance

PA LIBRARY ASSOCIATION RECOGNIZES 3 MEMBERS WITH 2021 CERTIFICATES OF MERITS

Any Geisinger, Leslie LaBarte and Rose Chiocchi

To Watch the recording of the presentation CLICK HERE!!

Mechanicsburg, PA (September 22, 2021) – Each year, the Pennsylvania Library Association (PaLA) honors the service of their members, as well as those community volunteers, who go above and beyond the call of duty to support the work of libraries throughout the commonwealth.

Certificates of Merit are awarded to individuals making outstanding contributions during the last five years in Pennsylvania.

On Wednesday, September 22, 2021, three members of the Association were honored with Certificates of Merit.

This year’s winners are Amy Geisinger of the Office of Commonwealth Libraries, in Harrisburg, Leslie LaBarte of the Seneca Library District in Warren, Rose Chiocchi, Pike County Public Library in Milford.

Amy Geisinger is well known for her library experience, organizational skills, wisdom, and leadership. Her passion for libraries shines through everything she does, either working with her own district libraries or assisting with Pennsylvania library initiatives and training, both for library staff and Boards of Directors.Being active in the SNOE Region (Seneca, New Castle, Oil Creek, and Erie Library Districts), Amy is both inspirational and transformative. She is a forward-thinker but does not overlook the daily needs of libraries and staff. Amy is the ultimate professional by always seeking to apply her knowledge to local libraries, as well as thinking broadly to how her impact can extend to libraries across Pennsylvania.

Leslie LaBarte was also instrumental in the establishment of the groundbreaking SNOE region, which combines the efforts of the Seneca, New Castle, Oil Creek, and Erie districts and fosters cohesion in the area as well as shared common goals. She remains an integral part of this contingent, serving as a mentor to other district consultants.In the Pennsylvania Library Association, Leslie has served on the Legislative Committee, as Chair of the Northwest Chapter, and is a member of the Small & Rural Libraries Roundtable. A mainstay at conferences, she was expressly invited by the association to be a part of a televised panel discussing the changing roles of libraries.Nationally, Leslie has worked with the American Library Association as a mentor for the Library Leadership & Management Association and as an advocate in the Association for Small & Rural Libraries.

Rose Chiocchi is also active with conference planning for the Pennsylvania Library Association (PaLA), serving on the 2020 Conference Committee as Events Chair, moderating a very well-received author panel, and successfully winning the election to serve as the 2022 Conference Chair.Rose leads her library with innovation and enthusiasm, and she shares her knowledge and resourcefulness with her community. In 2020, seeing a need when local blood supply was low, she held the area’s first pandemic Blood Drive.

“Each year these awards allow us to celebrate a number of individuals who have gone above and beyond to make significant contributions to libraries and their communities.” said Tom Reinsfelder, 2021 President of the Pennsylvania Library Association. “The accomplishments of these recipients are valued by their peers and recognized by the PaLA Awards selection committee. Congratulations to all of our 2021 winners!"

“The Pennsylvania Library Association is able to do what we do thanks to the unwavering efforts of our volunteers and our members,” said Christi Buker, PaLA Executive Director. “These awards are just our small way of shining a light on what all librarians, library staffs and our volunteers do to continue promoting the value libraries bring to communities they serve. We are thankful for their support and engagement and are honored to be able to recognize their efforts. Congratulations to all of our 2021 winners.”

For a listing of previous award winners, click here. For more information about the work of the Pennsylvania Library Association, visit www.palibraries.org.

For Immediate Release

CONTACT: Rob Lesher, Interim PA Forward® Project Manager, 717-766-7663 or rob@palibraries.org

LIBRARIES BEGIN TO PLAN FOR A RETURN TO REGULAR PROGRAMMING

Pennsylvania Library Association recognizes libraries for PA Forward^® Star achievements earned between April 1 and June 30, 2021

Mechanicsburg, PA (July 8, 2021) – The Pennsylvania Library Association just announced the 2021 second quarter PA Forward® Star Library awardees. More than 30 libraries from throughout the state earned their star status and are being recognized by the Association for their efforts to provide patrons with educational resources and opportunities.   

Since Pennsylvania has lifted the in-door visitation limits, libraries in Pennsylvania have begun to schedule and plan for more robust in-person programming.  Libraries continue to provide programming based upon local conditions and local community restrictions.  Libraries never stopped working for their communities over the past year.  The libraires highlighted here not only continued to provide programming to their communities but provided programming which was of such a high quality and following professional good practices, they received a star honor by the Pennsylvania Library Association.

“The PA Forward® Star Library program spotlights libraries’ efforts to continue making intentional investments in literacy-aligned programs,” said Christi Buker, Pennsylvania Library Association Executive Director. “Our libraries continue to be community pillars, meeting citizen needs, helping businesses, government organizations and others connect with residents, sharing resources and information which have the potential to positively impact multiple lives.

“Yes, you can go to your local library and check out books, but these agile institutions demonstrate day in and day out they offer more than books,” Buker added. “Libraries offer the world to those who enter their doors. It is an honor to highlight those efforts with the PA Forward® Star Library designation. Congratulations to all of our participating Star Libraries.”   

PA Forward®, which launched statewide in 2012, works through five key literacies – Basic, Information, Civic & Social, Health and Financial – to assist individuals in enhancing their overall quality of life. To continue helping libraries use PA Forward® to demonstrate all their libraries offer, in January 2017, the Association kicked off the Star Library program statewide. The Star Library recognition offers support to libraries who participate and integrate PA Forward®’s literacies in their programming activities. Program topics can include information such as retirement planning (financial literacy) to more physically active programs such as walking book club discussions (civic and social literacy and health literacy).

Libraries are recognized for meeting benchmarks within the bronze, silver and gold star levels of the program. While one star is awarded for both the bronze and gold levels, a total of five stars are awarded in the silver category – one silver star for each of the five literacies of PA Forward®. For each silver star award, a number appears denoting the number of silver stars obtained to date.

Stars are awarded on a quarterly basis in the calendar year and the recognition is for the highest level attained in the program at the time of the award. The libraries noted below are those that earned a first-time star or a new star level between April 1 and June 30, 2021. For more information about the Star Library Program, visit https://paforward.org/pa-forward-star-program/. The next round of awards will be announced after October 1, 2021.

The list of awardees, by county, follows:

Adams County

Adams County Library System - Bronze

Allegheny County

Carnegie Library of Homestead – Silver                  Robinson Township Library - Silver          

Armstrong County

Ford City Public Library – Gold, Maintenance                     

Berks County

Bernville Area Library - Silver

Blair County

Claysburg Area Public Library – Gold, Maintenance

Bucks County

Warminster Public Library – Gold, Maintenance

Bucks County Community College Library – Bronze

Centre County

Centre Hall Area Branch, Silver                                  Holt Memorial Library - Silver

Chester County

Atglen Public Library – Gold                                       Kennett Library - Silver                 

Lancaster County

Manheim Community Library - Silver

Lycoming County

Madigan Library – Penn College – Gold, Maintenance

Muncy Public Library – Gold Maintenance

Montgomery County

Abington Township Public Library - Gold                Swedenborg Library at Bryn Athyn College – Gold

North Wales Area Library – Gold, Maintenance

Somerset County

Meyersdale Public Library – Gold

Westmoreland County

New Florence Community Library - Silver

Beginning January 2020, once a library achieves the Gold level of the PA Forward® Star Library program, libraries will now be able to take steps to maintain their PA Forward® Gold Star status. More information about that process, can be found at www.paforwardstarlibraries.org under the Getting Started tab.   

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This project is made possible, in part, by Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) as administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education through the Office of Commonwealth Libraries, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Tom Wolf, Governor.

We invite you to share information about successful programs, the results of a survey, or new innovation at your library with your colleagues at this year's virtual conference to take place September 27 - 29, 2021.

For more information, and the submission link:   https://www.palibraries.org/page/VirtualPosterLT2021

The Summit will be completely virtual this year.

The Summit takes place onJuly 21, 2021 from 8:30AM to 4PM.

Attendees will receive 6.75 CE or 6.75 ACT 48 Credits.

Registration is available via the PaLA website:https://www.palibraries.org/event/2021PAFInfoLitSummit

Registration will be open through Friday July 16, 2021

Registration fees are as follows, and registration includes lunch and snacks:

• ●PaLA members:$25.00
• ●Non-members:$45.00

Linked below is our one-page, legislative ASK document for the 2021-2022 state budget.  We are asking for an increase in state aid to public libraries - $5 million more to the public library subsidy, and just under 5% ($153k and $128k) for library access, and LAMP (Libraries for Accessible Media for Pennsylvanians) lines.

What should you do with this?
Please engage with your legislators in the next few weeks to share stories about YOUR library and community, and you can center it around the points on this document.  You can share this document with your legislators, and boards to further the conversations.  Then be sure to ASK your legislator to show their support for libraries by having them send a message to their legislative leaders indicating they support increased library funding.

Appropriations hearings:
During the General Assembly Appropriations Committee hearings with the PA Department of Education, a couple of legislators raised questions and made comments about the importance of libraries. 

Sen. Kearney (D-Chester, Delaware) asked if the Secretary could discuss libraries and the funding they receive. Sec. Ortega explained the budget for libraries has "remained flat-funded for our second year" but there was an increase before that (2019-2020). He emphasized the role libraries have played in helping students gain access to virtual learning and helping to understand areas that have broadband issues. Sen. Kearney noted he has libraries in districts that put boosters on their wi-fi to get it to the parking lots and have it running after library hours, so students could access the internet.  View his comments at the 1 hour, 43 min. mark:  https://www.pasenategop.com/blog/education-part1/

Sen. Vogel (R-Beaver, Butler, Lawrence) referenced the importance of public libraries in the community how much money will be distributed through the $59.47 million in library subsidy funds. Sec. Ortega responded this is level funding from last year and noted there was an increase last year. Sen. Vogel asked if there will be money from the American Recovery Fund to go to libraries. Sec. Ortega answered they just got the money and information from the American Recovery Fund, so they have been working on carrying over programs already in place with their libraries and schools.  View his comments at 2 min, 47 sec. mark: https://www.pasenategop.com/blog/education-part-2/

Rep. Stan Saylor (R-York) used his leadership time in concluding Chairman remarks to say, “I took notice in the budget this Governor doesn’t believe libraries are critical to education when they’re the ones providing the broadband to many students and people across this Commonwealth at this time.” View his comments at the 74 min, 10 sec. mark: http://www.pahousegop.com/Video/Appropriations/Page-2

We appreciate the support that these legislators showed and encourage you to send emails and notes of appreciation for calling attention to public library funding. 

Find your legislator:  https://www.legis.state.pa.us/

If you need assistance on advocacy, you are encouraged to reach out to our Legislative Committee co-chaired by Kimberley Hrivnak and Jennifer Knisely. 

Thank you for taking a few minutes to do this very important work!

Christi

If you, or someone you know, is an expert on a topic that would be of interest to the Pennsylvania library community, we invite you to submit a proposal:

https://www.palibraries.org/page/2021SessionProposalSubmission

Our members are proud to be a part of the Pennsylvania Library Association. Check out the Memberships Spotlights series to find out why. You'll meet some of our institutional and personal members, learn about their experiences in the Pennsylvania Library Association and why membership matters to them.   

Interested in becoming a member? Explore our membership options.

Already a member? If you would like to be featured in an upcoming spotlight, please submit your information for consideration. Sign up today!

Dana Barber

3rd Vice President, Membership Committee Chair
Pennsylvania Library Association

It is wonderful to have the work of libraries be featured in our local government entitites!

You can download the article by clicking on the button below. 

As most of you know, April 4-10, 2021 is National Library Week.  The theme is “Welcome to your Library!”

In honor of National Library Week, the Public Relations and Marketing and the Legislative Committees of the Pennsylvania Library Association have put together a tool kit to help you put out your message about the importance of libraries during this special week.

Library request!

We are asking libraries to contact your elected officials (County Commissioners, City Council, Borough Council, Township Supervisors) and ask them to show their support of the great work which libraries do by passing a proclamation in support of National Library Week.    The proclamation can be found at the PR/Marketing Committees tool kit page.  It can be edited to include specifics about your library.

When you are successful, email us a picture to post to our Facebook page at paforward@palibraries.org The goal is to get a proclamation passed by a municipal government in all 67 counties.

How to submit a proclamation request!

If you have not done this process before, it is not hard.  The easiest first step is to call the commissioners/supervisors office and talk to the Chief Clerk or Secretary and they will tell you who to send the proclamation to, which is usually them.  If they agree to do the proclamation, they will let you know the date that it will be issued, and you want to show up at the presentation with representation from your Board and staff.  Be sure to bring a camera! 

Send out press releases!

Also at the tool kit page are a sample press release which you can use to notify your local press that you are celebrating National Library Week, some Social Media posts which you can use during the week or the week leading up to National Library Week, and the ALA graphic of the 2021 Honorary National Library Chair Natalie Portman to notify the public that you are celebrating National Library Week. 

Additional information and social media formats can be found at the ALA National Library Week Website.

Thanks for your engagement, and don’t forget to ask your Board of Trustees and Friends’ group to do outreach too!

Christi Buker

Executive Director | Pennsylvania Library Association

The 2021 Program Committee is currently accepting proposals for breakout sessions to take place during the virtual conference. Submission information.

But, that’s not all!  A Post-Conference Retreat to take place October 18 & 19 at the Pittsburgh-Monroeville Convention Center is also being planned.  This follow-up event will provide the opportunity for a deeper dive into select content from the virtual conference through peer-to peer conversations led by facilitators.  Attendance is open to only those who attended the virtual conference and will be limited to approximately 100 – 115 attendees and 25 exhibitors.  Every effort will be made to incorporate safety protocols for in-person meetings as recommended by the CDC.

The 2021 Conference will continue to evolve and adapt to the challenges presented by COVID-19.  Stay tuned and mark your calendars!  Registration will open this summer!

Today Governor Wolf shared his proposed 2021-2022 budget through a live streamed, but recorded presentation. For libraries, he proposed the same levels as the final 2020-2021 budget, and here are the numbers:

We will need to work hard again this year! On a positive note, we know that Appropriations Chairman Stan Saylor is still interested in working to increase the public library subsidy. This will take a team approach and we can’t rely on just one person. So, I hope that you, your fellow library workers, friends’ groups, board members, and community are ready.

For now, continue to engage your elected officials with YOUR library. Maybe a legislator wants to record a story time to share. Ask legislators to share links on their webpages that direct constituents back to the library website or Facebook page or YouTube if that is where you have virtual programming.Reach out and make sure they know about the library and the amazing work you do, even if the building can't allow people inside!

The Legislative Committee of the PA Library Association will be meeting in a few weeks, and we will be in touch as we roll out the messaging and strategy to get more money for libraries! Plan to join the informational town hall for the PA library community on Wednesday, March 10 at 10:30 am. The connection information will be shared out closer to the date.

Finally, your membership dues help fund our advocacy work and we thank you for your continued membership. If you know someone who isn’t a member, please be sure to let them know that their membership matters at times like this!

Questions? Good stories of patron impact to share? Feel free to reach out at christi@palibraries.org, or call me at the office.

Looking forward to your advocacy help,

Christi

Christi Buker
Executive Director

Pennsylvania Library Association recognizes libraries for PA Forward® Star achievements earned between October 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020

Mechanicsburg, PA (January 8, 2021) – The Pennsylvania Library Association just announced the 2020 fourth quarter PA Forward® Star Library awardees.  

As libraries continue to re-instate services which are in high demand by the public, they have been provided with evolving safety guidelines provided by the Office of Commonwealth Libraries and Pennsylvania Department of Health.   Libraries are developing processes and procedures to provide physical library service based upon their unique building circumstances, staffing levels, and ability to maintain safe practices.  

Many libraries continue to focus on the offering of 24/7 digital resources, virtual programming, and reference services via chat or email.  Because of this, we believe “Libraries move PA Forward®” and should be recognized for these outstanding contributions to their communities. 

Even though many libraries were not allowed to have regular activity in their buildings, 15 libraries from throughout the state earned their star status and are being recognized by the Association for their efforts.

“Libraries are community focused entities.  During these challenging times, each library has worked to make the best decisions for their library and the communities they serve” explains Christi Buker, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Library Association.  “Whether it is curbside/pick-up services, restructured hours and access, and expanded digital resources and virtual programming, libraries have continued to serve all year long!  For those libraries that have continued to work on encouraging literacy activities, resources, and programs, it is just fantastic that you have reached new PA Forward® Star status levels during these last few months.  We are honored to recognize these amazing organizations and their dedicated staffs!”

For a full listing of PA Forward® Star Libraries, visit http://paforwardstarlibraries.org/star-status/. The next round of awards will be announced after April 1, 2021.

The list of awardees, by county, follows:

Allegheny County

Carnegie Library of Homestead – Silver, 3             

Community Library of Allegheny Valley – Gold

Berks County

Boyertown Community Library – Silver, 5

Blair County

Hollidaysburg Area Public Library – Maintained Gold

Cambria County

Carrolltown Public Library – Silver, 1

Centre County

Centre County Library and Historical Museum - Bronze

Chester County

Atglen Public Library – Silver, 2

Delaware County

Yeadon Public Library – Silver, 5

Erie County

McCord Memorial Library – Silver, 2

Montgomery County

Huntingdon Valley Library – Gold

Indian Valley Public Library - Gold            

Swedenborg Library, Bryn Athyn College – Silver, 4

Lackawanna County

Scranton Public Library, Albright Memorial Library – Maintained Gold

Somerset County

Mary S. Biesecker Public Library – Bronze

York County

Mason-Dixon Public Library - Bronze

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This project is made possible, in part, by Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) as administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education through the Office of Commonwealth Libraries, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Tom Wolf, Governor.

The Calendar can be found here:  2021 Digital Media Calendar

In the coming months, the committee will be releasing monthly additional information such as social media posts, graphics, hashtags, and newsletter suggestions.  Look for these updates in future message. 

All PR/Marketing information can be found on the Pennsylvania Library Association under the PA Forward™ Marketing Materials (Get Involved, PA Forward™, PA Forward™ Marketing Materials, then click on the button for Communications & Media.)

Tips for Navigating the PaLA 2020 Virtual Conference

"See" you October 19 - 21!

Click Here

PA LIBRARY ASSOCIATION RECOGNIZES REPRESENTATIVE CAROLYN COMITTA AS 2020 ELECTED OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR

Representative Carolyn Comitta, 156^th Legislative District, Chester County.

Mechanicsburg, PA (October 15, 2020) – Each year, the Pennsylvania Library Association (PaLA) honors the service of their members, as well as those community volunteers, who go above and beyond the call of duty to support the work of libraries throughout the commonwealth.

On Thursday, October 15, 2020, the 2020 Elected Official of the Year

The Pennsylvania Library Association is honored to present the 2020 Elected Official Award to Representative Carolyn Comitta of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 156th Legislative District, Chester County.

For over 45 years, Representative Carolyn Comitta has been an advocate of libraries, whether an elementary school teacher advocating for her school library, an avid user of her local public library in West Chester, or a voice in support of funding for all public libraries in Pennsylvania.

Ms. Comitta started her political career in West Chester.  As a Borough Council member, she supported the increase of funding for the West Chester Public Library.   When she became a two-term Mayor of West Chester, PA, she backed many library projects, was especially active in the local summer reading programs, and always made room in her schedule for a library event.

When Ms. Comitta moved to the state-wide political arena, she maintained her commitment to libraries.  She still participates in the local Legislative Breakfast and often speaks on how to increase state and local library funding and how libraries should connect with elected officials.  And, as Member of the House Appropriations Committee, Representative Comitta was permitted one question at the Education Department hearings. Her question was directed at increasing library funding in Pennsylvania and she added her own emphasis by saying: “Libraries are an investment in our children and adults, as well as workforce development.   They provide enhanced opportunities for each person, regardless of economic class, race, or gender.  Libraries need, at the very least, continued funding now more than ever. I will continue to raise my voice on behalf of public libraries in Pennsylvania.”

For her dedication to supporting and advocating for public libraries in her role as an elected official, it is with sincere appreciation and gratitude that the Pennsylvania Library Association presents the 2020 Elected Official Award to Representative Carolyn Comitta.

“Representative Carolyn Comitta has been an enthusiastic library supporter, speaking passionately on behalf of the value of public libraries and the role they play in the everyday life of Pennsylvania’s residents throughout her political career.” Said Kimberley Hravnik, Chair of the Pennsylvania Library Association Legislative Committee. “The libraries of Chester County, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, are fortunate to have a staunch ally in Representative Comitta.”

A committee comprised of association members reviews the nominations, submitted in late summer, and selects winners for a series of categories. Previous winners include Representative Stan Saylor in 2019, PA Senator Guy Reschenthaler in 2018, and Easttown Township Supervisor Christopher Polites in 2017.

“The Pennsylvania Library Association and its members rely on the support of elected officials.  Without State and Local funding support and awareness our libraries could not support their communities effectively.  We are grateful for the support of Representative Comitta and spotlighting the work of libraries in their communities.”   said Christi Buker, PaLA Executive Director.

Founded in 1901, the Pennsylvania Library Association is the state's oldest professional library organization serving libraries, library employees, library trustees, and Friends of the Library groups. PaLA represents more than 1,300 personal, institutional, and commercial members affiliated with public, academic, special and school libraries throughout the commonwealth. The association represents the profession in Harrisburg with the state legislature and provides opportunities for professional growth, leadership development and continuing education for librarians.

For a listing of previous award winners, click here . For more information about the work of the Pennsylvania Library Association, visit www.palibraries.org .

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 Mechanicsburg, PA (October 8, 2020) – Each year, the Pennsylvania Library Association (PaLA) honors the service of their members, as well as those community volunteers, who go above and beyond the call of duty to support the work of libraries throughout the commonwealth.

On Thursday, October 8, 2020, the 2020 Trustee of the Year was awarded.

The Pennsylvania Library Association is pleased to present the 2020 New Librarian Honors Award to Julie Miller, Interlibrary Loan Librarian at the Warren Public Library.

When Julie was hired at Warren Public Library, she was given the difficult task of revamping the Interlibrary Loan department, which was in much need of an update. She jumped at the opportunity with confidence and ability, improving accessibility and efficiency for not only Warren Public Library patrons and staff, but also for the 17 libraries and 5 counties within the district.

   With a background in graphic arts, Julie undertook the design and management of the library’s advertising and promotional materials which vastly improved the cohesiveness of the library’s marketing efforts. Sharing her editing skills and valuable insight, she also worked on the Midwinter Fundraiser and the Annual Giving Letter, which saw an increase in donation mailings under her new design.

Continuing to go above and beyond her responsibilities, Julie became an invaluable member to several library committees, including the art gallery and the Teen Space. She was instrumental in turning the library’s Teen Space project into a massive library renovation and managed the library’s Keystone Grant application, ensuring it was accurate, complete, and submitted on time. Julie also regularly assists the Teen and Adult Services Specialist and helped institute a special teen library card for Warren Public Library patrons.

Louis Labar of the Wayne County Public Library named Trustee of the Year

On Thursday, October 1, 2020, the 2020 Trustee of the Year was awarded.

The Pennsylvania Library Association is pleased to present the 2020 Trustee of the Year Award to Louis Labar of the Wayne County Public Library.

Louis served on the Wayne County library’s Board of Trustees for nine years, including terms as President and Treasurer before rotating off the Board in accordance with the bylaws’ term limits. Because he inspires with words, leads by example, and advocates constantly, he was re-appointed to the Library’s Board in May 2018.   Concurrent to his time on the Wayne County Public Library Board, Louis was a representative to the Wayne Library Authority Board from 2009-2017 and held the offices of President and Treasurer. Recognizing that small rural libraries were under-represented, Louis applied for and was appointed to the Governor’s Advisory Council for Library Development and has held this important position since October 2010.   There are very few trustees who have been dedicated enough to serve on three library boards at the same time, but this is exactly what Louis did and part of why his work is so worthy of recognition.

One of Louis’ most notable efforts was his work with the Wayne Library Alliance, a federated library system, after they lost a dedicated library tax.  Louis was instrumental in the process which led to a reinvention of the Alliance. He attended member library board meetings, drawing on diplomacy and his experience as a trustee of a small and rural library to reassure those reluctant to change. And, when the process was finished, Louis represented the newly invigorated Alliance.

“Our members and libraries have been doing amazing things, particularly during this pandemic” said Michele Legate, 2020 President of the Pennsylvania Library Association.   “It is so important to take a little time to recognize the incredible work that our colleagues have done.”

A committee comprised of association members reviews the nominations, submitted in late summer, and selects winners for a series of categories. Awardees are then invited to attend the association’s annual conference where they are recognized among the membership, their peers, representing all library types and sizes from throughout Pennsylvania.   

“The Pennsylvania Library Association is able to do what we do thanks to the unwavering efforts of our volunteers and our members,” said Christi Buker, PaLA Executive Director. “These awards are just our small way of shining a light on what all librarians, library staffs and our volunteers do to continue promoting the value libraries bring to communities they serve. We are thankful for their support and engagement and are honored to be able to recognize their efforts. Congratulations to all of our 2020 winners.”

A committee comprised of association members reviews the nominations, submitted in late summer, and selects winners for a series of categories. Awardees are then invited to attend the association’s annual conference where they are recognized among the membership, their peers, representing all library types and sizes from throughout Pennsylvania.

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Mechanicsburg, PA (September 24, 2020) – Each year, the Pennsylvania Library Association (PaLA) honors the service of their members, as well as those community volunteers, who go above and beyond the call of duty to support the work of libraries throughout the commonwealth.

On Thursday, September 24, 2020, three members of the Association were honored with Certificates of Merit.

Certificates of Merit are awarded to individuals making outstanding contributions during the last five years in Pennsylvania.

This year’s winners are Joann Eichenlaub of the Madigan Library Pennsylvania College of Technology, in Williamsport,  Marissa Guidara of the Reading Library District in Reading, June Houghtaling, Consultant for the North Central Library District at the James V Brown Library in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

Joann Eichenlaub chairs the PA Forward™ Steering Committee and is now helping both the PA Forward™ and its Star program to adapt to the changing landscape of library services during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond.   She also dedicates her time serving as a Director at Large for the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Library Association since 2017.

Marissa Guidara’s steady support and mentorship has empowered others to take on positions of leadership, further themselves educationally and to step forward in bringing their bravest ideas to fruition. She has also volunteered on the Carolyn W. Field Subcommittee of the Youth Services Division of the Pennsylvania Library Association and the Awards Committee.

June Houghtaling has made many contributions to the Pennsylvania Library Association include involvement in her local West Branch Chapter, the PaLA Academy for Leadership Studies, the Mentorship Program, Chairing the PA Forward™ Training Team and involvement in many committees and annual conferences.

“Our members and libraries have been doing amazing things, particularly during this pandemic” said Michele Legate, 2020 President of the Pennsylvania Library Association.  “It is so important to take a little time to recognize the incredible work that our colleagues have done.”

A committee comprised of association members reviews the nominations, submitted in late summer, and selects winners for a series of categories. Awardees are then invited to attend the association’s annual conference where they are recognized among the membership, their peers, representing all library types and sizes from throughout Pennsylvania.  

“The Pennsylvania Library Association is able to do what we do thanks to the unwavering efforts of our volunteers and our members,” said Christi Buker, PaLA Executive Director. “These awards are just our small way of shining a light on what all librarians, library staffs and our volunteers do to continue promoting the value libraries bring to communities they serve. We are thankful for their support and engagement and are honored to be able to recognize their efforts. Congratulations to all of our 2020 winners.”

See the attached file for the full text of the news release.  

**If you had a meeting with a legislator or their staff, please give us a quick report on how it went by completing this form.  https://forms.gle/NA7tkQdQSV4Ee21J6 

Report on your meeting

As the General Assembly only approved 5 of 12 months worth of funding, there is significant risk that library funding may be cut.  Please take a minute to reach your state level elected officials and their staff and connect them to the amazing work of our library staffs and libraries!

Questions or comments may sent to the Legislative Committee, Kimberley Hrivnak and Tom Reinsfelder, Co-Chairs. 

The virtual conference will take place October 19 - 21, 2020, which are the same dates as the former in-person conference.  The conference theme, Mountains of Possibilities, is appropriate as all of us have forged new paths, over mountains of uncertainty, to connect and collaborate - with patrons, and with each other in this COVID-19 world.  The possibilities for education and engagement at this virtual event are real and will prepare and inspire you to continue your important work!

More information on the conference, rates, and the link to register

Visit PA Forward Digital Media Toolkit Page and scroll down to the 2020 Digital Media Toolkits Section to access:

The entire 2020 Digital Media Toolkits is also available here as well.

These toolkits are created by members of the Association's PR & Marketing Committee. The toolkits include sample social media templates, recommended hashtags and graphics, along with resource links and other background information to assist your library with programming.

All previously released toolkits are also available at the above link for your usage as well.

Cambria County Library will host Stronger Together for Workforce Development, a roundtable discussion covering the PA CareerLink® office fully embedded in the library as well as workforce development efforts in other Pennsylvania libraries. The roundtable will address federal and state policies that can enable greater access to – and impact of – those programs. Along with Jefferson, conversation participants include:

• Gwenn Dando, chief of staff, Office of Sen. Wayne Langerholc, Jr., Pennsylvania State Senator
• Jeff Dick, PA CareerLink® site administrator
• Glenn Miller, Deputy Secretary & Commissioner for Libraries
• Christi Buker, executive director, Pennsylvania Library Association
• Ashley Flynn, library director, Cambria County Library
• Alan Cashaw, president, Johnstown NAACP

ALA President Julius C. Jefferson, Jr.: “Cambria County Library and libraries across the commonwealth are improving lives every day, helping people find jobs and build careers, providing internet access to underserved communities, empowering students as they develop literacy skills that will lead to lifelong learning. Many of these successes take place in the shadows. Their stories need to be told, their local community and professional organization need to listen, and their elected leaders need to support them.”

PA CareerLink® Site Administrator Jeff Dick: "The PA CareerLink® in Cambria County was very excited to co-locate into the library in the fall of 2018 and it has far surpassed our expectations.  The accessibility of the library, along with the strong partnerships that we’ve already formed, has allowed us to better serve the residents of Cambria County in their employment needs."

Pennsylvania Library Association Executive Director Christi Buker: “Often libraries don’t recognize how awesome they are at serving their community.  The Cambria County Library in a rural area with economic challenges is one such library.  Workforce development has been and will continue to be a major need here and in many other communities.  Through the partnership with PA CareerLink®, the library can encourage and expand their support for residents who need assistance.”

Cambria County Library Director Ashley Flynn: “The Cambria County Library fully embraces our PA Forward™ tagline, Literacy is POWER. Libraries provide the fuel for you, for your community, for Pennsylvania. We are excited to share how they make a difference in their community!”

Cambria County Public Library is the first on Jefferson’s 12-stop virtual tour, Holding Space: A national conversation series with libraries, to spotlight how libraries of all kinds across the country are addressing the needs of their diverse communities and engaging stakeholders to advocate for libraries. At each stop of the 10-day tour, Jefferson will hold community discussions exploring local and national solutions to local and national issues addressed by libraries, such as workforce development programs, children and family services, outreach to rural residents, and broadband for Tribal communities. Jefferson will also invite tour participants to join ALA advocates, who are currently supporting the Library Stabilization Fund Act to provide federal resources to libraries during the COVID pandemic.

For more information on tour stops and how to join, visit ala.org/advocacy/holding-space. To speak with ALA President Julius C. Jefferson, Jr., or other library leaders/advocates, contact: 

• Shawnda Hines, assistant director, communications, ALA Public Policy and Advocacy Office, at (202) 628-8410 ext. 8208 or shines@alawash.org
• Macey Morales, deputy director, ALA Communications and Marketing Office, at (312) 280-4393 or mmorales@ala.org
• Steve Zalusky, Communications Specialist, ALA Communications and Marketing Office, at (312) 280-1546 or szalusky@ala.org 

The American Library Association (ALA) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, the ALA has been the trusted voice for academic, public, school, government and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library's role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit ala.org. 

ALA Press Release

A message from our 2020 President Michele Legate…

Members of the Pennsylvania Library Association,

I have wrestled with this message for too long and realize that sometimes we must say something, even when it may not be perfect. The death of George Floyd is a clear reminder that racial inequities continue to exist in the US. It is hard to convey in brief words how we feel when people of color are treated with such injustice. As a white woman, I know that my words are wholly insufficient compared to the experiences of my colleagues, friends, and valued community of color. Please know that while I struggle to find the right words to express my outrage on this injustice, I am committed to facing the work that needs to be done.

The depth and complexity of these issues are significant. Right now, it is vital that we take steps forward to address inequities within our own profession and community. The 2019 Pennsylvania Library Association Board of Directors took the first step when it approved a statement on equity, diversity and inclusion, listed below and posted on our homepage.

This was just the beginning, and we acknowledge that there is still much work to do; we need your help to make meaningful progress within the Association and among library staff across Pennsylvania. After the initial work of the 2019 task force, the Board also approved that work should continue and established an on-going committee on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). Robbin Degeratu, a member of the original task force, is chairing the new committee. We are actively recruiting members of the Association who have the time, commitment, and willingness to work on the challenges around EDI.

If you are interested in helping, please send an email to Robbin (use the member search to locate her email) as soon as possible, but no later than June 15. As the committee size each year will be limited, it would be helpful if you would indicate what chapter you are from, type of library (academic, public, school, other), type of community (urban, rural, suburban), and any background, skills, or experience that might be helpful on the committee.

“The Pennsylvania Library Association will actively and intentionally pursue, promote and champion equity, diversity, and inclusion within the organization and within the profession so that our association, libraries, librarians, and library staff will all thrive.”

We know we have a long way to go, but I am confident that the justice-minded, creative, and passionate library community will find ways to improve equity, diversity, and inclusion within our own profession. You are welcome to reach me via email (use the member search).

I understand that I will never understand. But, I stand. And I will listen.

Michele Legate, 2020 President, Pennsylvania Library Association

The PA General Assembly is likely to pass a stop-gap budget this week!  The House will be in session today at 1pm, and the Senate at 7pm. 

   It looks like K-12 funding will be the priority and would be passed for a full year’s worth of funding.  All other items are up in the air and may only be funded for a 5-month period through November.  The legislature would then pass another budget piece in November to cover the remainder of 2020-2021 fiscal year. 

Please take a few minutes to call or email your state elected officials today!

Messages to legislators should acknowledge these basic points:

1.      Libraries will be important for the recovery of PA by providing access to resources – Wi-Fi, computers, workforce development, educational items, and staff.

2.      There has been high demand for libraries during this time.  New processes to serve our communities are evolving – SHARE your own library’s plans for what you CAN do (don’t focus on items you can’t do).  Even if you have a draft or work in progress, let your legislator know that you are working to serve!

3.      Even during the toughest times in history, libraries have served and will continue to do so!

4.      ADD your local impact story in a very brief statement or 30 seconds.  What story?  Seniors, school-age children, virtual programming, outreach/delivery, helping people file unemployment, or completing the Census!  Pick one, and have your co-workers, boards, friends, patrons also connect!

    Libraries aren’t going away, but we sure could use legislative support to make sure all communities have access to library services!

At the bottom of this post you can download our 1-page flyer, and you are encouraged to share with your legislators. 

   For those that live in the Senator Corman, Senator Pat Browne, Rep. Cutler, and Rep. Saylor districts – we want to give them extra encouragement to reach out about how critical libraries are and will be for the strength of PA!

   Last year we made progress with a $5 million increase to the public library subsidy.  The Governor’s proposed budget in February retained that $5 million put forward by the legislature.  Now, we must advocate to make sure that we maintain that funding. 

   If you get a response from your legislator or their staff, we would appreciate hearing from you!  Feel free to send any info you gather to Kimberley Hrivnak, hrivnakk@einetwork.net, Legislative Committee Co-Chair, and christi@palibraries.org.

With great appreciation for your efforts,

Christi

Christi Buker, Executive Director
Pennsylvania Library Association

American Library Association (ALA) will host ALA Virtual - Community Through Connection, an online event that will offer educational programming, special author events, and social networking on June 24-26, 2020. ALA looks forward to this unique opportunity for members and library supporters to stay connected as we move forward to empower our profession and support our communities. Read more

National Library Week, April 19-25, 2020, celebrates libraries’ resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic

The novel Coronavirus crisis has dramatically and quickly changed American life.   Most libraries have closed their physical buildings on the recommendation of public health officials and the American Library Association (ALA), but remain open for business online and continue to support their communities with resources, services and programs.

As the impact of the current public health crisis continues to evolve and change the work of libraries and library workers, libraries are proving resourceful and resilient, serving as a rich pipeline for content, delivering access to ebooks, movies, music, video games, virtual storytimes and activities, and so much more.

Just as libraries are pivoting in response to the current situation, the ALA is changing the focus of its annual National Library Week celebration, April 19-25, 2020.

The theme for National Library Week (NLW) 2020, “Find your place at the library,” was chosen before the emergence of the global pandemic. To acknowledge our altered landscape, ALA flipped the script a bit on the theme. “Find the library at your place” highlights how libraries are offering virtual services and digital content their communities need now more than ever. Read more

ALA releases 2020 State of America’s Libraries report

The American Library Association (ALA) has released its 2020 State of America’s Libraries report, an annual summary of library trends released during National Library Week, April 19 – 25, that outlines statistics and issues affecting all types of libraries during the previous calendar year. Read more

AWARDS AND GRANTS

Martha Hickson receives AASL Intellectual Freedom Award

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign announced as 2020 Student Chapter of the Year Award Winner

Stefanie Throndson receives AASL Innovative Reading Grant

'The Power Project' receives AASL Roald Dahl's Miss Honey Social Justice Award

Samantha Grabus wins 2020 LITA/Ex Libris Student Writing Award

May 5 is "Giving Tuesday - Now"

The deadline to submit is Monday, May 11.

From the Office of Commonwealth Libraries

On April 9, 2020 Governor Tom Wolf announced that all Pennsylvania schools will remain closed for the remainder of the 2019-20 academic year.  At this time, I want to remind each of you that public libraries are to remain closed until further notice.  (Instructions on this closure period were issued on March 30, 2020).

I recognize that all of us want to return to normal as quickly as possible.  Unfortunately, we are experiencing an extraordinary, worldwide public health crisis.  And here in Pennsylvania, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases continues to grow.  This means that each of us must continue to do our part to make the public's (and our own) safety our highest priority. 

Library Re-Opening Plans

When the time comes to carry out plans to re-open libraries, the Office of Commonwealth Libraries will provide libraries with a preparation period prior to any formal re-opening to the public.  This will give libraries time to develop staffing plans, quarantine and sanitize returned materials for at least one day (as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control in a recent webinar), re-shelve returned materials, provide staff with training, address facility issues, etc.

In addition, depending upon the circumstances that exist when libraries re-open, we may need to adopt a phased-in approach toward public services.  For example, there may be restrictions on hours, pick-up methods, or the size of gatherings.  To put it simply, we will not know what public health issues may need to be addressed at the time of possible re-openings.

If you have recommendations about the amount of time your library might need to prepare for re-opening or ways in which services might be phased-in, please share your ideas with your District Library Consultant.  We will consult with them to discuss your ideas as we consider the elements of a sound re-opening plan.

Public Library Code Requirements

Finally, in light of this unprecedented situation, I recognize that many of you might already see declining revenues (including donations) or your expenses might increase due to COVID-19 issues.  This, in turn will require many libraries to make budget modifications that will significantly change their 2020 spending plan and (possibly) library operations such as hours, collection development expenditures, etc. 

Normally, if a library deviates from its Plan for the Use of State Aid, it would need to file a revised Plan for the Use of State Aid and obtain the Office of Commonwealth Libraries approval before implementing the plan.

However, let me reassure each of you that the Office of Commonwealth Libraries is giving each library flexibility to modify the requirement to file a revised Plan for the Use of State Aid for the period covering this calendar year (2020).

Instead, libraries may modify their budgets and operations to use their Public Library Subsidy funds in the areas that will best support service to the community for the remainder of the calendar year (especially as you consider supporting your most valuable resource—your staff).

Later this year, the Office of Commonwealth Libraries will set a deadline for the submission of these plans and reassess requirements as we move into 2021.

Thank You for What You Do

Right now, all of us are being challenged every day, in almost every way possible. 

I encourage each of you to:

• Continue to offer remote library services to the best of your ability;
• Take advantage of the many training events that our Office and others are offering;
• Consider participating in the Pennsylvania Library Association's (PaLA) open forum call-in sessions to discuss how your library is offering remote services, ask questions about federal legislative requirements, discuss plans for summer learning programs, or chat about other matters (PaLA sessions are open to everyone, not just members).; and
• Be sure to make time to care for yourself and those around you to ensure everyone's safety and good health.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you.  I recognize and appreciate your deep passion and dedication to provide Pennsylvanians with the best public library service possible.  Our communities are fortunate to have such amazing and committed people serving them.

Information and Questions

Information and future guidance related to library services will be announced through the Office of Commonwealth Libraries' website and via our statewide email distribution lists.

Questions about COVID-19 issues should be directed to PDE's emergency response account at: RA-EDEmergencyResponse@pa.gov.

We decided that the Leadership Academy (June 3-6) and Directors’ Institute (May 31 – June 3) for 2020 will not occur this year. 

In response to the unusual challenges, PALS is creating a NEW multi-session virtual leadership program!  We know that many libraries and particularly small and rural library leaders are struggling right now.  With small staff and often lacking library-issued laptops, headsets, web cams, connectivity – we know that your leadership skills are being tested. 

“Leading through Challenges by PALS” will be open to current library leaders regardless of whether you have attended a PALS program in the past.  The logistics and details will be finalized in the next few weeks and we are targeting early May to launch registration with programming to start in July.  Programs will include leadership materials, professional presenters, inspiring presentations by PA library leaders, and time for discussion.  You won’t want to miss this!

* We may be able to provide needed equipment (laptop, headset) to qualified registrants mainly smaller budget.  DIRECTORS and ADMINISTRATORS, please note that in order to gauge your interest/need, a brief survey will be distributed shortly.  Our colleagues at KINBER are doing a separate survey related to broadband.  Please complete both surveys!!

We look forward to sharing details with you in May.  Thank you for being a member – you matter to us!

Stay calm, stay home, and stay safe!

Christi

Christi Buker |Executive Director
Pennsylvania Library Association
christi@palibraries.org

This project is made possible by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services as administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education through the Office of Commonwealth Libraries, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Tom Wolf, Governor.

Email invitations went out on April 6, for a series of weekly video conference calls.  The dates are Thursday mornings at various times.  These are open discussions to share questions, best practices, and tips for handling matters related to the current pandemic.

If you missed the email, please contact Christi Buker, Executive Director, christi@palibraries.org.

Highlights from April 1 Open Forum