PA Forward® at Helen Kate Furness Free Library

What Is PA Forward®?

PA Forward® is a statewide initiative led by the Pennsylvania Library Association that strengthens libraries and communities by promoting five essential literacies:

Public libraries across Pennsylvania, including Helen Kate Furness Free Library, use PA Forward® as a framework to develop meaningful programs, services, and resources that help people thrive at every stage of life.

PA Forward® ensures that libraries are not only places to borrow books, but essential community hubs for education, opportunity, wellness, and personal growth.

PA Forward® at Helen Kate Furness Free Library

At the Helen Kate Furness Free Library, every program we offer is labeled with one of the five PA Forward® literacies. Look for the literacy designation on each program flyer throughout the year.

Below are examples of programs the library has recently offered that reflect each of the five PA Forward® literacies:

Basic Literacy

We promoted reading, communication, creativity, and lifelong learning through programs such as:

  • Book & Cookie Storytime Series: A literacy-focused storytime experience that combined reading, conversation, and community building for young learners.
  • Celebrate Trees: Earth Day Program: Participants celebrated trees from root to crown through stories including The Extraordinary Gardener and One Million Trees, supporting early literacy and environmental awareness.
  • World of Cheese: A cultural and educational program featuring a presentation on a cheese’s regional history and traditions, followed by a tasting experience.
  • Build Anything with Everything: Families participated in hands-on building with Legos, Lincoln Logs, Magna-Tiles, Castle Blocks, and recycled materials, exploring STEM concepts, problem-solving, and creativity.
  • Celebrate Japanese Children’s Day: A cultural exploration featuring poetry by Japanese students, music, hands-on art activities, origami, and learning about iconic Japanese artists such as Hokusai, Kusama, and Fujikawa.
  • Drum Up Girls Women’s History Month Program: An interactive program celebrating the achievements of women and girls through music, storytelling, and hands-on activities.

Information Literacy

We helped participants explore new ideas, evaluate information, and better understand the world through programs such as:

  • Deepfake Breakout: Teen Escape Room: An immersive digital mystery where teens worked in teams to identify manipulated media, uncover fake identities, and strengthen critical thinking and media literacy skills.

Civic & Social Literacy

We encouraged civic engagement, leadership, service, and community connection through programs such as:

  • Teen Advisory Board Food Drive: Organized by teens to support community needs while developing leadership and civic responsibility.
  • Frosty Festivities: Teen Crafting Open House for Charity: Students earned service hours while creating comfort items for the Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County and no-sew fleece blankets for animals at the Providence Animal Center.
  • Community Art Project: Middle school students collaborated to create a large-scale black-and-white artwork of the library, strengthening teamwork, creativity, and community pride.
  • Movie Screening: Free for All — The Public Library: A community screening and discussion of a documentary exploring the history and civic importance of public libraries.

Health Literacy

We supported physical, mental, and emotional well-being through programs such as:

  • Mindful Me: A partnership with Delaware County 4-H that helped children explore mindfulness, stress management, and positive relationships.
  • Pretzel Kids Yoga: An engaging mind-and-body wellness program in partnership with Federation Early Learning Specialists, connecting families with healthy habits and wellness resources.
  • Community Bollywood Dance Project: A high-energy cultural dance experience promoting physical activity, joy, and community connection.
  • End-of-Life Care Planning: A comprehensive workshop led by a Death Doula and Grief Coach providing guidance and tools for families and caregivers.
  • Winter Parenting Workshop: Helping Your Child Sleep: A parent education program led by a board-certified Sleep Medicine physician offering evidence-based strategies to support family wellness.

Financial Literacy

We empowered individuals with practical financial skills through programs such as:

  • Starting Your Own Business: A financial literacy workshop focused on entrepreneurship, budgeting, and financial planning.

HKF Library is a PA Forward® Silver Star Library

Helen Kate Furness Free Library is proud to be recognized as a PA Forward® Silver Star Library, demonstrating our commitment to providing quality programs in all five PA Forward® literacies. We are excited to work toward Gold Star recognition in 2026.