As Pennsylvania takes a leading role in commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the nation’s founding, Bethel Park Public Library is joining in through the America250PA initiative and the PA Forward Star Library Program. By incorporating the themes of the Semi quincentennial into its literacy-focused mission, the library is helping advance the state’s “EPIC” goals — to educate, preserve, innovate and celebrate — while emphasizing the importance of 21st-century skills.

The PA Forward Star Library Program, an initiative of the Pennsylvania Library Association, recognizes libraries that provide high-quality programming across five essential literacies: basic, information, civic and social, health and wellness and financial. Through July, Bethel Park Public Library will be using the America250 framework to power its journey to maintain its Gold Star status for the eighth consecutive year.

“Libraries are the guardians of our shared memory and the catalysts for our civic future,” Christine McIntosh, executive director at the Bethel Park Public Library, said in a news release. “By aligning the America250 celebrations with our PA Forward goals, we are doing more than commemorating 1776 — we are transforming that history into a force that builds a more informed, engaged and literate community today.”

Bethel Park Public Library’s America250 and PA Forward alignment includes:

Civic and social literacy: Hosting community programs that explore the diverse voices of prominent Pennsylvanians such as Roberto Clemente, how local government works and the election of 1800.

Information literacy: Providing access to digital archives and primary source documents from the State Library of Pennsylvania and hosting programs on recognizing propaganda and threats to the PA Judiciary.

Through these programs and others, Bethel Park Public Library demonstrates that a “Star Library” is a vital partner in the America250 mission – not only celebrating where we have been as a nation but also providing the tools for every Pennsylvanian to thrive in years to come.

For more information on upcoming events at the library, visit bethelparklibrary.org.