CAMP, HILL, PA — In a bid to further the cause of financial literacy in Pennsylvania, Auditor General Timothy L. DeFoor visited the Cleve J. Fredricksen Library yesterday to promote the Pennsylvania Library Association’s (PaLA) PA Forward® Initiative. The initiative aims to foster essential knowledge skills among Pennsylvanians, focusing on five key areas: Basic Literacy; Information Literacy; Civic and Social Literacy; Health Literacy; and Financial Literacy.
“Pennsylvania libraries offer more than just books—they are a central knowledge hub where you can access a multitude of resources for free,” said Auditor General DeFoor. He emphasized the role of libraries in promoting financial literacy, a skill he believes is crucial for the state’s growth.
The PA Forward® Initiative, launched by the Pennsylvania Library Association in 2009, seeks to help Pennsylvanians develop literacy skills essential for success in the 21st century. The association, boasting over 1,200 members from public, academic, and special libraries, has been working to advance libraries and librarianship since its establishment in 1901.
Auditor General DeFoor’s visit to the library aligns with his Be Money Smart financial literacy initiative. Over the past three years, DeFoor has been actively promoting financial literacy across the Commonwealth. His efforts have included a statewide financial literacy tour, meetings with students about job and internship opportunities and financial literacy, and partnerships with local financial institutions and educational institutions to provide resources and organize competitions.
The Auditor General’s commendable efforts highlight the importance of financial literacy in today’s economic landscape. As the cost of living continues to rise, and as financial products and services become increasingly complex, understanding how money works is vital.
Financial literacy not only equips individuals to make informed decisions about their personal finances but also contributes to the overall economic health of the community and the state. By promoting financial literacy, initiatives like Be Money Smart and PA Forward® are investing in Pennsylvania’s future, empowering its citizens with the knowledge to achieve financial independence and stability.
In a rapidly evolving economy, such efforts can make a significant difference. As Auditor General DeFoor stated, “Financial literacy is vital to Pennsylvania’s growth,” and initiatives like these play a crucial role in ensuring that growth is inclusive and sustainable. For more information on the Department of the Auditor General’s financial literacy efforts, click here.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.