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G2S Project Code: 2023-PA-93741
State: Pennsylvania
Fiscal Year: 2023
Grantee
TUSCARORA INTERMEDIATE UNIT 11

Project Director
Director Name: Rose Gioia-Fine
Director Phone: (724) 986-6026
Director Email: rgioia.fine@tiu11.org
General Information
Title: PA One Book
State Project Code: 4300786755
Start Date: 10/23/2023
End Date: 09/30/2024
Abstract: The Pennsylvania One Book program, established in 2006, promotes early literacy development by engaging children aged 3 to kindergarten and their families through a single statewide book selection. For 2024, Slug in Love by Rachel Bright, illustrated by Nadia Shireen, was chosen, celebrating themes of self-acceptance and emotional expression. This initiative included distributing a copy of this title to all public library outlets in Pennsylvania. Complementary resources—activity guides, bookplates, and programming ideas—aligned with Pennsylvania's Early Learning Standards, ensuring widespread engagement. The program fosters a love for reading, strengthens community partnerships, and highlights the critical role of libraries in early literacy development
State Goal: Libraries as Community Catalysts
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$53,213.47
$0.00
$0.00
$53,213.47
Intent(s)
Improve users' general knowledge and skills.
Early Literacy
Activities
Activity Details
Title: PA One Book Webpage and Online Activity Guide
Narrative: The PA One Book Committee successfully developed and launched a comprehensive web page dedicated to the 2024 program selection Slug in Love by Rachel Bright. This digital platform served as a central hub for librarians, early learning professionals, and families, offering an array of literacy resources and engagement tools aligned with Pennsylvania’s Learning Standards for Early Childhood. The website featured a downloadable activity guide available in English and Spanish providing inclusive access to literacy activities that encouraged interactive learning and family engagement. Complementary resources included printable bookplates with discussion questions, reproducible stickers, and monthly activities designed to sustain year-round participation. The website also archived past PA One Book sections and related materials, ensuring continued accessibility to a diverse range of literacy resources.
Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Content
Mode: Creation
Format: Digital


Quantity
Number of items digitized: 5
Number of items digitized and available to the public: 0
Number of physical items: 0
Number of open-source applications/software/systems: 0
Number of proprietary applications/software/systems: 0
Number of learning resources (e.g. toolkits, guides): 0
Number of plans/frameworks: 0


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: Yes
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: General


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: Yes
Specific Locations: No
Library Types
Public Libraries: 676
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 7200
Activity Details
Title: PA One Book Acquisition for Libraries
Narrative: The PA One Book committee coordinated the purchase and statewide distribution of the 2024 PA One Book selected title, Slug in Love by Rachel Bright, to Pennsylvania’s public libraries. A total of 676 copies were delivered to library District Centers for distribution to all library outlets across the state. Libraries incorporated the book into their collections, supporting early literacy initiatives and providing engaging programming opportunities for young children and families. This effort ensured equitable access to high quality children's literature, fostering a love of reading and promoting literacy development in diverse community statewide.
Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Content
Mode: Acquisition
Format: Physical


Quantity
Number of hardware acquired: 676
Number of software acquired: 0
Number of licensed databases acquired: 0
Number of print materials (books & government documents) acquired: 0
Number of electronic materials acquired: 0
Number of audio/visual units (audio discs, talking books, other recordings) acquired: 0


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: Yes
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: Targeted
Geographic community of the targeted group: Urban
Suburban
Rural
For what age groups: 0-5 years
For what economic types: Economic Not Applicable
For what ethnicity types: Ethnicity Not Applicable
Is the activity directed at families: Yes
Is the activity directed at intergenerational groups: No
Is the activity directed at immigrants/refugees: No
Is the activity directed at those with disabilities: No
Limited functional literacy or informational skills: No
Is the activity category not already captured: No


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: Yes
Specific Locations: No
Library Types
Public Libraries: 676
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 0
Activity Details
Title: PA One Book Bookplates, Activity Guides, and Stickers
Narrative: The PA One Book Committee facilitated the creation, purchase, and distribution of 12,000 early literacy book plates, 15,000 sheet of stickers, and 15,000 printable activity guides in English and Spanish to Pennsylvania’s public libraries and partnering early learning programs. These materials complemented the 2024 title selection, Slug in Love, and supported library programming by encouraging interactive reading experiences and family engagement. Libraries added the bookplates to the provided books, giving families an easy and accessible way to engage in early literacy activities at home by using the discussion prompts. The statewide effort provided high quality tools to foster early literacy.
Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Content
Mode: Acquisition
Format: Physical


Quantity
Number of hardware acquired: 42,000
Number of software acquired: 0
Number of licensed databases acquired: 0
Number of print materials (books & government documents) acquired: 0
Number of electronic materials acquired: 0
Number of audio/visual units (audio discs, talking books, other recordings) acquired: 0


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: Yes
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: Targeted
Geographic community of the targeted group: Urban
Suburban
Rural
For what age groups: 0-5 years
For what economic types: Economic Not Applicable
For what ethnicity types: Ethnicity Not Applicable
Is the activity directed at families: Yes
Is the activity directed at intergenerational groups: No
Is the activity directed at immigrants/refugees: No
Is the activity directed at those with disabilities: No
Limited functional literacy or informational skills: No
Is the activity category not already captured: No


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: Yes
Specific Locations: No
Library Types
Public Libraries: 676
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 7200
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
The PA One Book program had an impact on Pennsylvania communities with libraries across 34 counties hosting programming themed to this year's book, Slug in Love. These programs included story times, outreach events, and other interactive activities that fostered early literacy and community engagement. Libraries reported that 86% found the program resources helpful in supporting their events. More information can be found in the attached document 2024 PA One Book Final Report.pdf
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
These outcomes highlight the critical role libraries play in delivering early literacy programming and engaging communities statewide. The positive feedback from libraries demonstrate the effectiveness of providing accessible resources and structured activities. For future program planning, these findings emphasize the need to continue supporting libraries with diverse adaptable materials and fostering partnerships that expand outreach.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
The major lesson learned is the importance of statewide collaboration. Coordinated distribution of materials and consistent messaging across libraries and early learning centers ensured broad reach and impact. For others adopting this model, fostering strong partnerships between libraries, educational institutions, and government agencies is essential for maximizing program success.
Do you anticipate continuing this project after the current reporting period ends:
Yes
Do you anticipate any change in level of effort in managing this project:
No
Explain:

Do you anticipate changing the types of activities and objectives addressed by the project:
No
Explain:

Was an evaluation conducted for this project:
Yes
Was a final written evaluation report produced:
Yes
Can the final written evaluation report be shared publicly on the IMLS website:
Yes
Was the evaluation conducted by project staff (either SLAA or local library) or by a third-party evaluator:
Third-Party
What data collection tools were used for any report outcomes and outputs:
Review Surveys
Did you collect any media for the data:
Photos
What types of methods were used to analyze collected data:
Other:
How were participants (or items) selected:
Word of mouth – We asked participants to tell their community/friends/family and encourage them to participate.
What type of research design did you use to compare the value for any reported output or outcome:
Exemplary: No
Exemplary Narrative
Project Tags: Early Literacy, Youth Services