MELISSA ROWSEMROWSE@JVBROWN.EDU

(570) 326-0536

North Central Library District

Libraries Then

Quiet

Books

Information

Libraries Now

Loud

Circulate everything

Collaboration, Interaction

Technology Focus

Problem: Lack of Basic Literacy

13% of Pennsylvanians lack basic reading skills to read a newspaper.

85% of all juveniles interfacing with the court system are functionally illiterate.

More than 75% of jobs in PA demand education beyond high school. Yet, nearly 17,000 PA youth (16-24) dropped out last year!

Basic Literacy Solutions at Your Library

• Quality baby, toddler, and preschool programming, which meets PA Dept of

Education Learning Standards

• Summer Reading Program to counteract the “Summer Slide”

• Adult literacy: test materials, classes, tutoring, basic skill instruction

Problem: Lack of Information Literacy

PA is ranked 29th in the nation for high-speed internet connection (60%).

Nearly 75% of job seekers now use the internet to seek employment – in part because it is the only way to apply.

22% of all students believe 80-100% of what they read and see on the internet is true.

Information Literacy Solutions at Your Library

• Qualified staff to help find reliable resources

• Free computer access, instruction, and WiFi

• POWER Library databases and other subscriptions

Problem: Lack of Social/Civic Literacy

Only 42% of the state’s registered voters voted in 2010 gubernatorial election.

Less than 50% of Americans can name all 3 branches of government.

Only 24% of college graduates and 27% of all Americans know the First Amendment prohibits establishing of an official religion.

Social/Civic Literacy Solutions at Your Library

• Community Meeting Space for educational and community gatherings.

• Non-partisan voting information.

• Strong collection of materials that reflect contemporary issues.

Problem: Lack of Health Literacy

46% of American adults have difficulty understanding their prescription medicine label.

Nothing - not age, income, employment status, education level, or racial or ethnic background - affects health status more than literacy skills.

Only 1 in 5 links on search engines lead to relevant health information.

Health Literacy Solutions at Your Library

• Interactive programming: Wii Fit, Yoga, Nutrition, & Stress

• Partnerships with local organizations to provide health screenings.

• Access to current reliable health information.

Problem: Lack of Financial Literacy

41% of adults give themselves a grade of a C, D, or F on their personal knowledge of finance.

1 in 4 adults does not pay bills on time. 1 in 3 has no savings for retirement or other future needs.

Demand for highly skilled, educated workforce has never been greater. 38% of adults said their reading level limited their job prospects.

Financial Literacy Solutions at Your Library

• Budgeting, retirement, and personal finance seminars offered by CPAs or other

professionals.

• College financial aid forms.

• Career and workforce development resources (onsite and online).

TOGETHER WE CAN MOVE

PA FORWARD

www.paforward.org