PA Forward Tools
Somerset County Library is part of an exciting statewide initiative called statewide initiative called PA Forward | Pennsylvania Libraries. PA Forward strives to prepare Pennsylvanians to compete successfully in the Information Age labor force and to live healthy, productive lives by improving their command of five types of literacy essential to greater success in all vital roles of life, from citizens, students, and parents to employers, employees, and consumers. The five essential literacies are:
Basic Literacy
PA Forward envisions a Pennsylvania with one of the highest literacy rates in the country, a trained and skilled workforce, and a growing economy, ta
x base, and population. The Somerset County Library leverages its resources to help make this vision a reality by providing the citizens of Somerset County access to
- Online Resources designed to help build basic literacy skills
- Programs and events such as Story Times and Family Book Club
- Services such as Book Discussion Kits
Civic and Social Literacy
PA Forward envisions a Pennsylvania where all citizens have the knowledge and skills they need to improve their lives, to participate and contribute effectively to their communities, and to connect with one another through discourse. The Somerset County Library leverages its resources to help make this vision a reality by providing the citizens of Somerset County access to
- Online Resources designed to help build civic and social literacy skills
- Programs and Events
- Services like 24/7 research assistance through Ask a Librarian
Financial Literacy
PA Forward envisions a Pennsylvania where all citizens are informed consumers and individuals, small businesses, and other organizations are equipped with the knowledge and skills required to better manage their finances and contribute to the economic vitality of their communities. The Somerset County Library leverages its resources to help make this vision a reality by providing the citizens of Somerset County access to
- Online Resources designed to help build financial literacy skills
- Programs and events in the Financial Literacy Series
- Services like access to tax forms, free copies of print calendars that include monthly tips and reminders from the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and 24/7 research assistance through Ask a Librarian
Health Literacy
PA Forward envisions a Pennsylvania with active citizens who have the knowledge and skills required to manage their own and their family’s well-being, empowering them to be effective partners with their healthcare providers and to live longer, more productive lives. The Somerset County Library leverages its resources to help make this vision a reality by providing the citizens of Somerset County access to
- Online Resources designed to help build health literacy skills
- Programs and Events
- Services like 24/7 research assistance through Ask a Librarian
Information Literacy
PA Forward envisions a Pennsylvania where citizens know how to use online resources and current technology to improve their education, to enhance their job skills, and to fully participate in a digital society. The Somerset County Library leverages its resources to help make this vision a reality by providing the citizens of Somerset County access to
- Online Resources designed to help build information literacy skills
- Programs and Events
- Services like public use computers, access to basic assistive technology, and 24/7 research assistance through Ask a Librarian
