Moving PA Forward | Pennsylvania Libraries

On Monday February 13, Pennsylvania's libraries launched PA Forward before a crowd of state legislators, business leaders, statewide association executives, state agency delegates and library supporters at the State Capitol.

Part revolution and part evolution, PA Forward is a dynamic, new movement that redefines Pennsylvania's libraries as a central hub for promoting the five literacies essential to our citizens' success:

     - Basic literacy 
     - Information literacy
     - Civic and social literacy
     - Health literacy
     - Financial literacy

Visit paforward.org to learn more about what makes your local library uniquely qualified to be your community's leader of information, technology, and learning — places that fuel educational and economic opportunity for all.

Libraries-Great Way to Save Cash

With gas prices going up and no end in sight, like you, I'm looking for ways to cut corners and save some money.

I've pretty much given up my Dunkin Donuts coffee on my way into work in the morning...and I'm glad that Giant has a gas points reward program that makes my fill-ups a little less painful.

Libraries are another way we all can save money:

1. Don't Buy It, Borrow It -- Instead of buying that bestseller, or the latest issue of magazines you enjoy, borrow them FREE from the library.
2. Make your Money Grow -- From books on how to save money around the house, to materials on personal finance or databases like Morningstar for better investing, the library can show you the way to greater riches...all for FREE.
   
3. Plant Your Own Vegetables -- Learn how to plant the best vegetable garden around by using the library's FREE books and magazines, and attending the library's FREE programs offered by the Master Gardeners at Fredricksen Library
4. Stop Calling the Handyman -- Instead of calling the handyman, consider learning how to stop your leaking faucet or rewiring a lamp by borrowing a FREE book or magazine from the library.
5. Give up the Gym -- Instead of joining a gym, consider using the library's collection of FREE fitness video recordings.
6. Give up Satellite Radio -- Instead of subscribing to satellite radio, or downloading music from iTunes, borrow a FREE audiobook from the library.
7. Get a New Job -- Use the libraries collection of FREE resume and career guidance books to chart a new path in life.
8. Give up NetFlix -- Instead of renting dvd's, consider borrowing them for FREE from the library.
   

Good Advice! Use the Library & Save Money

Jeffrey Strain writing for TheStreet.com advises that "your local library should be one of your best friends...This is especially true if you spend any time reading or doing research about personal finance and investing."

That's true here for people using the Cumberland County Library System's resources.

You can:

• Access investment services and information from home. Check out our business database listing. It includes Morningstar (use from a library computer or use at your home computer) and Business and Company Resource Center (use from a library computer or use at your home computer)
• Visit the library and use our print and investment research services like Standard and Poors or the Wall Street Journal.

Or, just learn how to make a wise investment when you purchase a new appliance or car using our Consumer Reports magazines.

All of this is available free at your local Cumberland County Library System library.