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Proclamation congratulating the Jefferson Hills Library upon the occasion of being awarded the PA Forward Gold Star Award.
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WHEREAS, public libraries have long served as trusted and treasured institutions that fuel efforts to better their communities, foster the free exchange of information, and support the foundations of democracy; and
WHEREAS, in 1959, the Jefferson Hills Library was founded by the joint efforts of the Jefferson Hills Borough Lions’ Club and a group of private citizens. They envisioned a library that would meet the needs of all members of the community and give them an opportunity to grow intellectually through valuable free resources and services offered at the public library; and
WHEREAS, in the beginning, under the leadership and direction of Charlotte Hill and Madeline Conklin, volunteers were organized to staff the library. At that time, the library was financed by a yearly donation from the Borough Council, the Lions' Club, local businesses and citizens. Legislative grants were also received over the years; and
WHEREAS, in 1963, Joyce Schmidt was hired as the first librarian and she adamantly worked to help the library grow over the next 30 years. Today, under the leadership of an appointed Library Board and Library Director, Jan Reschenthaler, the Jefferson Hills Library is growing rapidly into the 21st century, and as a result, was recently awarded the PA Forward Gold Star Award; and
WHEREAS, the PA Forward Star Award program, established in 2016, rewards Pennsylvania libraries with Bronze, Silver and Gold stars for achieving benchmarks in their programming, activities, services and resources. The Gold Star is the highest level of accomplishment in the program; and
WHEREAS, the Star Program works through five key literacies - Basic, Information, Civic and Social, Health and Financial - to assist all residents in enhancing their overall quality of life. The Star Library Program recognition offers support to libraries who participate and integrate those literacies in their programming activities;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that I, Allegheny County Council Member John Palmiere, do hereby honor and congratulate the Jefferson Hills Library upon the occasion of being awarded the PA Forward Gold Star Award, and we extend sincere gratitude to its trustees, staff, friends and volunteers, past and present, for their accomplishments, commitment, and dedication to the surrounding communities and its residents.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto caused the Seal of the County of Allegheny to be affixed this 4th day of December 2018.