The Atglen Public Library (APL) recently earned its second Silver Level Award with the PA Forward Star Library program administered by the Pennsylvania Library Association (PaLA). The second award is for civic and social literacy.

According to Robbyn Kehoe, APL library director, the library completed the requirements for the award by holding a local history family scavenger hunt last November.

"The scavenger hunt presented participants with several clues to locate buildings that were standing when Atglen was incorporated in 1876. During the hunt, 81 participants got a good walk, learned a little local history and looked at their town in a new way," Kehoe stated. "The event was so successful that we are planning more scavenger hunts for this year. It's a great way to engage our community in a safe way while our buildings have limited admittance."

PA Forward, which launched statewide in 2012, works through five key literacies - basic, information, civic and social, health and financial. PaLA kicked off the Star Library program statewide in January 2017. "The Star Library recognition offers support to libraries who participate and integrate PA Forward's literacies in their programming activities," said Kehoe.

Kehoe noted that libraries are recognized for meeting benchmarks within the bronze, silver and gold star levels of the program. While one star is awarded for both the bronze and gold levels, a total of five stars are awarded in the silver category - one silver star for each of the five literacies of PA Forward.

"We have a few more requirements to meet for the remaining three silver awards, then we will go for the gold," Kehoe shared.

APL is located at 413 Valley Ave., Atglen. Currently, the library has suspended in-building services. However, the library offers drive-up service at its porch window during operating hours - Mondays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Patrons can ask staff members to make copies or send faxes, as well as print from their mobile devices. "From our porch, they can log onto our wireless printer and print directly from their phone or tablet and we give them (the documents)," Kehoe explained, noting a nominal fee is charged per page.

People may also pick up books that have been reserved in advance or choose from a selection of books pulled from the collection by library staff members. "You can place a hold by logging on to our website, or you can do the same thing through the Chester County Library System mobile app," Kehoe pointed out. "If you can't do that, you can call us and if you know the titles, we can do it quickly. Or you can call and (ask for suggestions)."

Kehoe said all books and materials touched by patrons are sanitized. Staff members wear masks, and patrons coming to the window are also required to wear masks. "People are still getting personalized service with a low-contact situation," she added.

For more information, readers may call 610-593-6848, visit http://www.facebook.com/AtglenPublicLibrary or http://www.atglenpubliclibrary.org or email rkehoe@ccls.org.