Our Adult Book Groups are a mix of in person, hybrid, and virtual programs. Please see our February titles and dates below. The online/hybrid groups are being held via Zoom. We are requiring registration for the online/hybrid book groups in order to send out the Zoom meeting information. Click on the date below to register. Information on our adult book groups can also be found on our website: https://bit.ly/chescolibs-bookgroups.
Registration is required for all online book groups. Registration will close at least 2 hours prior to the scheduled start time of the book group. A Zoom link will be emailed to registrants 2 hours before the book group starts. Make sure to check the email address you registered with to receive the link. You do not need a Zoom account to attend the virtual book group.
These programs support the PA Forward Civic and Social Literacy Initiative.
The Chester County Library System (CCLS) with its 18 locations is continuously striving to improve and transform library services to meet the community’s ever-changing needs.
CCLS invites the public to participate in an online survey. Your responses will help shape the future of public libraries in Chester County. Click here to take the survey, which will run through March 1st, 2024
Joseph Sherwood, CCLS Executive Director states, “Libraries are much more than places to find information, though we still serve that essential purpose. We are also 21st-century gathering places where people connect and can use online resources and current technology to improve their education and enhance their job skills so they can contribute effectively to their community. As stewards of public resources in a time of changing economic realities, we understand how important it is to embrace innovation in many forms and to align our services to best meet the pressing needs in our community.”
This survey will help the member libraries provide exceptional value and service to library users, communities, and organizations throughout Chester County.
Top 136 public library systems worldwide in total digital circulation
EXTON, PA – Chester County Library System announced today that its patrons reached a new milestone: 1.1 million digital books borrowed in 2023. This achievement illustrates the library’s commitment to serving all members of the community in innovative ways, including with a large catalog of eBooks, eAudiobooks, and other digital media.
Chester County Library System is #136 of all standalone public libraries and one of 152 total public library systems worldwide that surpassed one million digital checkouts in the last calendar year.
Chester County Library System has been providing readers 24/7 access to eBooks, eAudiobooks, comic books, and other digital content for several years through the award-winning Libby app, the library reading app created by OverDrive. The large collection serves readers of all ages and interests, and usage has grown throughout the years.
Chester County Library System also offers thousands of movies and TV shows available through Kanopy, the leading video streaming service for public libraries. Viewers enjoyed hundreds/thousands of hours of content ranging from documentaries, children’s TV shows, instructional series, and Academy Award-winning films, all for free without ads.
“The Chester County Library System is happy to announce we have reached a wonderful milestone, 1 Million electronic books checked out by our patrons! This is over 25% of our total materials checked out. In my 12 years as Executive Director, I’ve been happy to see this service grow as our libraries have allocated resources to meet community needs. These materials are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to any resident of Chester County. As we move into 2024 and as technology permeates our society I expect this service to continue to flourish and expand” says Joseph Sherwood, Executive Director of Chester County Library System.
The highest-circulating title Chester County Library System readers borrowed in 2023 was Spare by Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex. The top-circulating genre, thriller, represents the most popular in a vast catalog that also includes fiction, romance, romance, mystery, children/young adults, and more.
The top 5 eBook titles borrowed through Chester County Library System’s digital collection in 2023:
Verity by Colleen Hoover
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
It Starts with Us by Colleen Hoover
The Hotel Nantucket by Elin Hilderbrand
Spare by Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex
The top 5 eAudiobook titles borrowed through Chester County Library System’s digital collection in 2023:
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
Spare by Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex
You Shouldn’t Have Come Here by Jeneva Rose
Girl, Forgotten by Karin Slaughter
Readers in Chester County just need a valid library card to access digital books from Chester County Library System’s OverDrive-powered digital collection. You can use any major device, including Apple(R), Android™, Chromebook™ and Kindle(R) (U.S. only).
Download the Libby app or visit https://chester.overdrive.com/ to get started borrowing eBooks, eAudiobooks, and more anytime, anywhere.
About Chester County Library System
The mission of the Chester County Library System ensures that every resident has access to exceptional opportunities to read, learn, create, connect, and contribute to a better quality of life. Chester County Library & District Center is located at 450 Exton Square Parkway, Exton, PA. For hours or more information, visit our website at https://www.ccls.org
About OverDrive
OverDrive is a mission-based company that stands with libraries. Named a Certified B Corp in 2017, OverDrive serves more than 88,000 libraries and schools in 109 countries with the industry’s largest digital catalog of eBooks, eAudiobooks, video, and other content. OverDrive’s commitment to empower every library and school includes expanding access for all, tireless industry advocacy and consistently innovating. Award-winning apps and services include the Libby library reading app, the Sora student reading app, Kanopy, the leading video streaming app for libraries and colleges, and TeachingBooks.net, which offers one of the largest catalogs of supplemental materials that enhance literacy outcomes. Founded in 1986, OverDrive is in Cleveland, Ohio USA. www.overdrive.com
The Board of Trustees of the Chester County Library System/Chester County Library are hosting their monthly board meeting as a hybrid offering. If you have always wanted to attend a meeting but haven’t had the time, this is your opportunity. Please click on this link at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 16 to join the Chester County Library System Board Meeting virtually; or attend in person at the Chester County Library 450 Exton Square Parkway, Exton, PA 19341. The Chester County Library Board Meeting will immediately follow. Find the Chester County Library Board Packet here.
If you are a person with a disability and wish to attend this meeting and require an auxiliary aid, service, or other accommodation to observe or participate in the proceedings, please call Chester County Library’s Administration Office at 610-344-5600 or email ddadoly@ccls.org to discuss how we may best accommodate your needs.
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