2020 PA Forward Programs
January 6, 2020
A new year and a new decade mean new & improved PA Forward programs coming to the Scranton Public Library!
What is PA Forward?
PA Forward is a statewide initiative to encourage all libraries, public, academic, and private to develop programs based on 5 essential literacies: Basic, Civic & Social, Financial, Health, and Information. Together, these 5 literacies enable our communities to live well and become life-long learners.
In 2018, the Scranton Public Library received Gold Star status from the PA Forward Initiative. This means that all of our programs and services were aligned with the 5 literacies. Throughout 2019 and now during 2020, we will continue to provide programs for our community that correspond with these 5 literacies.
Basic Literacy Programs
Introduction to Cursive Writing Class
This class is held for children in grades 3-6 to learn how to write in cursive. Each class includes a tactile activity such as writing cursive letters in shaving cream and more, teaching children their cursive while having fun! Classes will be held starting in January 2020 and throughout the year.
Reading Skills Class
This structured class is held for children in grades K-3 for them to learn their long and short vowel sounds. Classes are taught by an Elementary school teacher who leads the children through a story time and interactive activities for the children to practice learning one vowel sound at a time. After class, students leave with a craft or practice cards for the vowel sound they covered that day.
Story Times
Children of all ages are always welcome to Story Times at the Library. Each Story Time includes several stories, songs, a puppet show, and a craft.
Social Justice Book Club
Adults 18 and over are invited to join the Library’s Social Justice Book Club. Every other month, the group discusses a book focusing on a current social justice issue. On the months where a book is not read, a documentary movie is chosen in which the group discusses the social issues addressed in the film. The book club takes place every second Monday of the month at 6:30 pm.
Civic & Social Literacy Programs
Along with the Social Justice Book Club, the Library hosts several programs that encourage people to come together and share their experiences, views, and opinions.
Socrates Cafe
Held every third Thursday of the month at 6:30 pm, Socrates Cafe invites a local Philosophy professor to lead a group discussion on a certain topic using the Socratic Method.
Just For Fun After School Program
Children in grades K-6 are invited to visit the Library from 5-7 pm to participate in fun activities like working with STEM kits, crafting, and more.
Financial Literacy Programs
Tax Planning Workshops
Adults are welcome to join this free Tax Planning workshop to learn about changes to the tax law, the difference between tax prep and tax planning, common tax mistakes, understanding tax credits & deductions, and create tax-free income for retirement. These workshops will be held on February 25 & 27 at 6:30 pm.
Social Security Workshops
In April 2020, adults are welcome to attend a free Social Security Workshop which will help them understand their options and plan for retirement. These workshops will be held on April 25 at 11:00 am and April 29 at 6:30 pm.
Health Literacy Programs
Our community partners including Geisinger, United Way, American Red Cross, and more will be scheduling new Health Literacy programs at the library. Topics will include Stroke Prevention, Mindful Eating, and Diabetes Prevention. Stay tuned for dates!
Information Literacy Programs
One-on-One Tech Help Sessions
Our Computer Lab Instructor will be on hand during these sessions to work one-on-one with you to help with your technology needs. Bring your tablet, laptop, smartphone, or other device with you. These sessions are made by appointment only and are held several times a week.
Microsoft Office Computer Classes
Learn how to use Microsoft Word and Excel to write & create documents and spreadsheets. These classes are held throughout each week at 2:00 pm and 6:00 pm. Word Classes have two sessions. Excel has 4 sessions.
Resume & Job Search Help
Using Google Docs, this class will go over how to write a resume and cover letter. The second part of the class will go over how to search for jobs online.
Online Selling Classes
This class will teach you how to sell items on Ebay, including setting up an account, uploading photos of the item, and edit item information.
