May 18, 2014 By Dave Slusarick 4 min read

Have you ever had the satisfying feeling of being a member of a team where each person brings a unique talent to the table, and everyone contributes?

That’s been my experience in working with the group of volunteers that Fayette TV has assembled to help plan the Pennsylvania Literary Festival, which will be held May 30 through June 1 at Uniontown Mall.

Our committee consists of educators, librarians, nonprofit executives, writers and students. I’m so thankful for them. Graciously serving as our honorary chairwoman is Stacey Aldrich, Pennsylvania’s deputy secretary for the Office of Commonwealth Libraries and State Librarian.

Aldrich, who has more than 20 years of experience in public and academic libraries, is the former state librarian of California, and has been named a “Mover and Shaker” by Library Journal. She has also worked as a senior associate at a think tank, Coates & Jarratt Inc. Aldrich is a University of Pittsburgh alumna, holding a bachelor of arts degree in Russian language and literature and a master of library science (MLS).

I recently had the chance to learn more about Aldrich, and our interview left me feeling honored to have the opportunity to work with a person of her caliber.

Dave Slusarick: What does your job as deputy secretary of education entail?

Stacey Aldrich: The deputy secretary for education or state librarian is an important library leadership position.

The state librarian is responsible for caring for the second oldest state library in the nation, established in 1745. Ensuring that we collect, preserve and connect Pennsylvanians and the world to our collective history and memories.

This position is also responsible for the statewide programs and services that support the development of libraries in Pennsylvania.

Slusarick: Describe your experiences with reading and writing during your childhood years. How do those experiences affect the person you are today?

Aldrich: I love words, language and sounds, and it is because my mother spent time reading, rhyming, singing and playing with me from a very young age.

Having strong basic literacy skills helped me to be successful as an adult.

Slusarick: Do you have any children in your life with whom you share the gift of reading?

Aldrich: My family has a strong tradition of giving books to the children in our lives and talking about reading. I can’t think of a single person who does not read for pleasure. Most recently, our niece and nephew visited and we shared our favorite books, comics, and manga.

We found out that we shared a common love of science fiction.

They are both very successful students because they have been reading since a very early age and continue to be avid readers.

Slusarick: What steps can an ordinary person take to combat illiteracy?

Aldrich: It is amazing what we take for granted when we know how to read. Imagine not being able to read a medicine bottle, a book to a loved one, or job application. Being literate is vital to being successful in our everyday lives.

There are three simple things each one of us can do to start supporting literacy in our communities.

One: Start early with the children in your life. Read, rhyme, sing, and play with children from the very beginning.

The more words they hear and see the more prepared they will be for learning when they start school.

Two: volunteer as a literacy tutor to help someone learn to read. Stop by your local library to find the programs in your area.

Three: No time to volunteer? Consider making a donation to your local literacy program.

Aldrich tells me that she views the Pennsylvania Literary Festival as a wonderful way to bring our Pennsylvania community together to celebrate the joy of reading and to “share with each other the stories that ignite our minds, imagination and hearts.”

She looks forward to seeing you and your family at the festival, and I do, too.

Visit the Website PAlitFest.com to see a full schedule and to sign up for free writing workshops, activities and volunteer opportunities at this three-day, statewide event in Fayette County.

For information about becoming involved with the Pennsylvania Literary Festival, call Dave Slusarick of Coordinated 360, subcontracted operator of Fayette TV, at 1-800-893-8516.