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North Central Library District. Melissa Rowse mrowse@jvbrown.edu (570) 326-0536. Libraries Then Quiet Books Information. Libraries Now Loud Circulate everything Collaboration, Interaction Technology Focus. Problem: Lack of Basic Literacy.
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North Central Library District Melissa Rowse mrowse@jvbrown.edu (570) 326-0536
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 LiteracySolutions 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).
www.paforward.org Together We can move PA FORWARD