Lehman Library Maintains Gold Star Status

Ezra Lehman Memorial Library earns continued recognition from PA Library Association

Feb. 24, 2026 at 8:57pm

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Ezra Lehman Memorial Library in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania has maintained its status as a Gold Star Library through the PA Library Association's PA Forward® Star Program for the 2024-2025 cycle. The PA Forward initiative promotes five key literacies - basic, information, civic and social, health, and financial - and libraries that fully integrate these literacies into their programming and outreach efforts can earn Gold Star recognition.

Why it matters

The PA Forward Gold Star designation is a prestigious honor that recognizes Lehman Library's commitment to serving its community by providing vital resources and programming across multiple literacy areas. This achievement highlights the library's role as an essential information hub and community center in Shippensburg.

The details

To earn and maintain Gold Star status, Lehman Library has developed a robust slate of programs and services that support the five PA Forward literacies. This includes initiatives focused on digital skills, civic engagement, health and wellness education, and financial literacy. The library's partnerships with campus and community organizations have been crucial to the success of these efforts.

  • Lehman Library has held Gold Star status since the 2024-2025 cycle.

The players

Ezra Lehman Memorial Library

A public library serving the Shippensburg, Pennsylvania community and part of the Pennsylvania library system.

PA Library Association (PaLA)

A statewide organization that oversees the PA Forward® Star Program, which recognizes libraries that promote key literacy initiatives.

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What they’re saying

“We are thrilled to continue our Gold Star status and remain committed to empowering our community through vital library services and programming.”

— Library Director (theslateonline.com)

What’s next

Lehman Library plans to build on its success by expanding partnerships and exploring new ways to engage the Shippensburg community through innovative literacy-focused initiatives.

The takeaway

Lehman Library's continued Gold Star recognition demonstrates the vital role that public libraries play in fostering an informed and engaged citizenry. Its commitment to promoting key literacies serves as a model for libraries nationwide.