Lower Macungie Library is proud to be a PA Forward Gold Star Library. But what does that mean? Let’s take a look at the PA Forward Initiative and what it means for your community. PA Forward Gold Star Library: Table of Contents What is PA Forward? The Five Literacies Why is LML a PA Forward Gold Star Library? What is PA Forward? PA Forward is an initiative created by the Pennsylvania Library Association that strives to help libraries spotlight the importance of literacy. If knowledge is power, libraries are the fuel that helps people reach their full potential. You can learn more about PA Forward here. “With the right support, libraries are ideally positioned to become the community centers of information, technology, and learning that will fuel educational and economic opportunity for all of our citizens”. PA Forward, Pennsylvania Library Association PA Forward: The Five Literacies The PA Forward initiative comprises five literacies: Basic, Civic and Social, Financial, Health, and Information. Let’s take a closer look at each of these literacies. Basic Literacy Basic Literacy focuses on the ability to read, write, speak, and listen with understanding at any level. Literacy education includes reading, writing, math, learning a new language, and job application assistance. LML supports Basic Literacy by offering: Civic and Social Literacy Civic and Social Literacy is engaging in conversations while respecting all points of view and knowing the value of community engagement. LML supports Civic and Social Literacy by offering: Financial Literacy Financial Literacy is having the ability to make informed fiscal and economic decisions. This includes budgeting, spending, and saving skills.  LML supports Financial Literacy by offering: Health Literacy Health Literacy focuses on individuals’ ability to make informed decisions about their mental, emotional, and spiritual health. LML supports Health Literacy by offering: Information Literacy Information Literacy concentrates on the ability to express, connect, and disseminate knowledge and communication. This literacy focuses on the ability to distinguish the difference between credible and non-credible sources and identify situations where more information is needed.  LML supports Information Literacy by offering Why is LML a PA Forward Gold Star Library? Lower Macungie Library is a PA Forward Gold Star Library because we are a community hub of information, technology, and learning.