WAYNESBORO – “This library has been and always will be the heart of Waynesboro,” Library Director Julie Diaz said at a program to celebrate the renewal of Alexander Hamilton Memorial Free Library’s PA Forward Gold Star status for a fifth consecutive year.
The gold star reception Oct. 30 in the community room also was held to recognize the library’s PA Forward Financial Literacy Award for 2024.
A proclamation in recognition of the Gold Star award was presented to Diaz by State Rep. Chad Reichard of the 90th District. Rob Lesher, PA Forward program manager, also was on hand to recognize the library for the literacy award.
Diaz told the group that the PA Forward program recognizes Pennsylvania libraries that excel in incorporating five key literacies into their programs: basic, information, civic and social, health and financial. The literacy award was earned by the library for its “Retirement: Making Your Money Last” program that featured Frank Pinto, a financial advisor with Edward Jones, who also spoke.
“The library has always been a special place for me and I am honored to present this proclamation,” Reichard said. “It has been a pleasure to see it grow and change over the years and I thank Julie and her staff for their service to the community.”
“It takes everyone to build this library and help it become this amazing place,” noted Diaz, who lauded staff and community members for their support. “They (the staff) are firing on all cylinders promoting so many different ideas for programming and working together as a team.” Diaz also recognized the library’s “very active” board of directors “who work with us to strengthen this library” as well as the Friends of the Library group “whose whole purpose is to support us. We couldn’t do it without them.”
Diaz highlighted the library’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) offerings that help “lift them (patrons) up and prepare them for the future. There’s no grading or judgment. We have 12- to 18-year-olds who plan and lead these activities.”
“There’s something special about Waynesboro and we want to continue to offer as much as we can for the community,” she added. “We have activities for everyone – from birth to 100 and older – and we thank you for continuing to support us as we go forward.”
