By: Lauren Reiter

Throughout the year, the Informed Consumer committee has coordinated programs for students, staff, and faculty aligned with PA Forward’s five literacies: basic, information,
civic/social, health, and financial.

PA Forward defines basic literacy as ‘’developing foundational competency including reading, writing, math, job application assistance, and overall life-skill development.” Examples of basic literacy programs in other libraries include everything from adult literacy classes that cover filling out job applications to story hours for children.

This year the Informed Consumer series provided Book Club Kits to encourage reading as a way to connect and engage with others. Kits include copies of the book, reader’s guides and book discussion prompts, as well as some fun goodies to get students started. Titles include: The Girl With the Louding Voice, I Am Malala, and Where the Crawdads Sing. -Megan Gilpin