On Thursday, July 14, 2022, during the Topping Off and Beam Signing Ceremony for the new Kennett Library & Resource Center, Kennett Library was presented a Gold Star Award from PA Forward®.

Libraries that work to provide literacy-focused resources and high-quality programming are recognized for their accomplishments and their partnerships by the awarding of PA Forward Star designations from the Pennsylvania Library Association. 

“Yes, you can go to your local library and check out books, but these agile institutions demonstrate day in and day out they offer more than books,” said Christi Buker, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Library Association. “Libraries offer the world to those who enter their doors. It is an honor to highlight those efforts with the PA Forward Star Library designation. Congratulations to all of our highly accomplished Star Libraries.”    

Kennett Library continues to go above and beyond to keep its community connected by expanding resources and welcoming all in their programming, services, and collections. 

Kennett Library Director Chris Manna said, “As the Kennett Library prepares to open a new building, the PA Forward initiative represents how the Kennett Library stands to serve the community for generations to come. Helping to codify how literacy is defined is a goal of every library, and as we better serve, we must also explain what constitutes literacy.” 

PA Forward, launched statewide in 2012, works through five essential literacies – Basic, Information, Civic & Social, Health and Financial – to assist individuals in enhancing their overall quality of life. To continue helping libraries use PA Forward to demonstrate all their libraries offer, the Association kicked off the Star Library program in January 2017.

The Star Library recognition supports libraries participating in and integrating PA Forward’s literacies in their programming activities. Program topics can include information such as retirement planning (financial literacy) to more physically active programs such as walking book club discussions (civic and social literacy and health literacy).  

For more information about the Star Library Program, visit the website.  

The new Kennett Library & Resource Center is slated to open in May of 2023. This transformational project, in the heart of Kennett Square, includes a 110-seat auditorium, outdoor terrace, adult and children’s maker spaces, 14 meeting rooms, advanced technology capabilities, collections spread throughout the building, comfortable seating and gathering spaces, and ample staff space.

For more information on the new library or take a virtual tour of the new building visit Campaign4KennettLibrary.org