‘This ain’t your Granny’s library!’ Waynesboro library earns financial literacy award
“Ssshhh!” isn’t something you’re likely to hear at Waynesboro’s Alexander Hamilton Memorial Free Library.
“This ain’t your Granny’s library!” said Karen Sourbier, adult programming specialist.
PA Forward honor in 2022: Walking Librarian program earns Health Literacy award
For the second year in a row, a beyond-the-books program offered at the library has earned a PA Forward adult literacy award from the Pennsylvania Library Association.
The adult literacy awards were introduced in 2022 and Alexander Hamilton Memorial Free Library is the only one in the state to be recognized both years.
It was announced Oct. 3 at the Pennsylvania Library Association Conference that the Waynesboro library received the PA Forward 2023 Financial Literacy of the Year Award for its “Plan Today for Tomorrow” estate planning series.
On Wednesday, Oct. 18, library supporters and staff, along with local officials, gathered to celebrate the award, as well as the July recertification as a Gold Star library for the third consecutive year.
How is the Waynesboro library a PA Forward adult literacy model for others in Pennsylvania?
Attorney Alexandra Sipe, then a member of the library board, set up the three-session “Plan Today for Tomorrow.”
Parts included preparing a will; creating and preparing a medical power of attorney; and creating and preparing a financial power of attorney.
“There is a huge need for education on estate planning in general,” Sipe said.
“All three sessions were well-attended,” Sourbier noted.
Adult library programs can earn awards in five categories: basic literacy; information literacy; civic and social literacy; health literacy; and financial literacy.
Forty libraries submitted programs for consideration, some in multiple categories. The entries were evaluated by representatives of libraries from around the state, according to Rob Lesher, PA Forward program manager.
Criteria included how the program focused on the literacy area, attempted to meet a community need in a creative way, took advantage of the resources available and raised the stature of the library in their local community.
“Other libraries can look at these successes and model the programs,” said Lesher, who spent 20 years with the Adams County Library System before moving to the Pennsylvania Library Association.
“Alexander Hamilton is a great example for libraries all over the state,” Lesher said.
Last year, AHML’s Walking Librarian program received the PA Health Literacy of the Year Award for monthly outings led by Sourbier to natural and historic locations throughout the region, to promote physical and mental well-being while walking, soaking up nature and having fun.
People who join the Walking Librarian also can take part in a photo scavenger hunt and veteran participant Jacob Shaffer took pictures at the celebration.
The 14-year-old homeschool student from Chambersburg is apprenticing with photographer Rodney Clark of Waynesboro and is the youngest member of the Professional Photographers’ Association of Pennsylvania.
“He’s a shining example of what library programs do,” Sourbier said at the Oct. 18 event, held a week before her Oct. 25 retirement.
“It’s good to see everyone here to support your library,” Sourbier said, putting emphasis on the word “your.”
“It’s not my library, it’s not the staff’s library, it’s your library,” said Sourbier.
She recognized members of the staff as “the people who make things happen” and presented them with travel mugs with the words “This ain’t your Granny’s Library!” and a humorous illustration.
What they make happen is what earned the library its third year of Gold Star status, the highest level of recognition for the value it provides to the community in areas such as adult and children’s programs, information, technology, education and outreach.
“In July, Alexander Hamilton Library requalified for another year as a Gold Star library and I expect to see another one next year,” Lesher said, before presenting a plaque to Gina Vitale, library director.
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This article originally appeared on Waynesboro Record Herald: Waynesboro library gets PA Forward award for estate planning series
