Library honored for continued commitment to literacy, community programming and lifelong learning
The North Wales Area Library has once again been recognized among the top libraries in Pennsylvania, earning Gold Star status for 2026 through the Pennsylvania Library Association’s PA Forward® Initiative.
The designation marks the ninth consecutive year the library has achieved the program’s highest level of recognition, a streak that began in 2018. The PA Forward Star Library Program awards bronze, silver and gold distinctions to libraries that successfully integrate key literacy areas into their services and programming, with Gold reserved for those demonstrating sustained excellence.
Library Director Jennifer Koch said the recognition reflects the organization’s commitment to serving the North Penn community through accessible and comprehensive programming for all ages.
The PA Forward initiative focuses on five core literacies: basic, information, civic and social, health and financial. North Wales Area Library incorporates those areas into a wide range of offerings, from early childhood programs like Storybook Sprouts and Toddler Sing Sing to teen-focused initiatives such as the Teen Advisory Board and Power of the Pen Program.
Community-centered events, including trivia nights, paranormal programs and murder mystery evenings, support civic and social literacy, while health-focused programming like Thoughtful Thursdays and sensory-friendly events serve adults with diverse needs. Financial literacy is also introduced through programming designed to teach practical skills, even at a young age.
The PA Forward initiative, launched statewide to strengthen the role of libraries as community resources, recognizes institutions that embed these literacies into their mission and outreach. The Star Library program, introduced in 2017, evaluates how libraries incorporate these principles into both programming and communication with the public.
The North Wales Area Library serves residents across the North Penn community, including North Wales Borough, Montgomery Township and Upper Gwynedd Township, offering resources and programming aimed at supporting lifelong learning and community connection.
