We need your input! On January 30th, we will launch our Customer Satisfaction Survey, which will be available until March 1st.  With your feedback, you can help us improve your library experience. By taking this brief customer satisfaction survey, your responses can help us advocate for and convey the value of libraries to the State, County, and municipalities that support us. The survey will also be available in Spanish if needed. Please take the survey here.

According to the U.S. Dept. of Education, “the single most important activity for building the knowledge required for eventual success in reading is reading aloud to children.” Here are just a few of the many benefits associated with reading aloud to your child:

• reading aloud instills a positive attitude toward reading and books.-reading aloud exposes children to complex language which expands vocabulary and understanding of grammar.
• reading aloud encourages good listening skills and a longer attention span.
• reading aloud enhances reading fluency and comprehension-reading aloud inspires thinking and imagination.

During the month of February, families at the Chester County Library and Henrietta Hankin Branch can once again participate in the Winter Read-Aloud Program. Read aloud to your child (birth through 6th grade) to earn a free book and raffle ticket for the Grand Prize. Stop by the Youth Services desk at either library starting January 23rd to pick up your reading log and get started!

So, get cozy with your kids this winter and have fun reading aloud!

We are thrilled to announce the inaugural call for Makers launching the Chester County Library & Hankin Branch Makers-in-Residence program!

What is a Maker? A maker can be an artist, musician, songwriter, crafter, techno-wizard, dancer, and lots more! A maker is a creative who loves the process – not just the end product and wants to share that process with others.

Our ideal Maker is passionate about creating and wants to connect and share their passion with the community. Specifically, we seek creators who:

• possess skills to teach and share their work and creative process
• love to interact with people from a wide variety of backgrounds
• enjoy collaborating with others
• are passionate about their craft

The Maker-in-Residence will share activities through open studio hours and workshops that will allow visitors to try a new skill, experience a new craft, and/or participate in a collaborative project.

All interested potential Makers-in-Residence should apply online at https://bit.ly/CCLMaker23 by Tuesday, January 31st, 2023. We will be interviewing and selecting candidates from February 13th – February 24th, with the residency to begin in mid-March 2023.

For a complete description of the Residency or questions email us at makerinresidence@ccls.org or visit our website at https://chescolibraries.org/using-library/maker-in-residence. The Maker-in-Residence program is made possible through a generous donation from the Friends of the Chester County Library. For more information about becoming a member of the Friends, visit https://bit.ly/CCLFriends.