Community libraries recognized by state program

Three Berks County libraries were recognized for their efforts to provide patrons with educational resources and opportunities.

The Exeter, Kutztown and Schuylkill Valley community libraries were awarded stars by the Pennsylvania Library Association’s PA Forward Star Library program for their performance between April 1 and June 30.

The initiative spotlights libraries’ efforts and investments in literacy-aligned programs.

“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,” Christi Buker, Pennsylvania Library Association executive director, said in a statement.

The state’s public libraries are community pillars, she said, meeting citizen needs; helping businesses, organizations and local governments connect with local residents; sharing resources

Civic — The knowledge to actively participate and initiate change in the community.

Financial — The knowledge to make effective decisions with financial resources.

Libraries can earn stars at three achievement levels: gold, silver and bronze. While one star is awarded at the bronze and gold levels, five stars are available in the silver category, one for each of the five literacies.

The following stars were awarded to Berks libraries: Exeter — silver, five. Kutztown — gold. Schuylkill Valley — bronze.

The Exeter and Kutztown libraries also earned stars in the previous period, as did the Daniel Boone, Fleetwood, Mifflin, Muhlenberg, Oley Valley, Reading, Wernersville, West Lawn-Wyomissing Hills and Womelsdorf libraries.

JEREMY DREY — MEDIANEWS GROUP The Exeter Community Library is one of three in Berks County recognized by the state for providing educational programs. and information; and impacting lives. Libraries in the PA Forward program focus on strengthening five types of literacy: Basic — The ability to read, write, spell, listen and speak. Information — The ability to locate, evaluate, and effectively use needed information. Health — The ability to obtain, process and understand basic health information and services.