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Month: August 2025
Celebrate Library Card Sign-Up Month with Free Family Fun in Exton
The event will take place Sunday, September 14, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Chester County Library in Exton. In celebration of Library Card Sign-Up Month, attendees can enjoy a variety of free, family-friendly activities and programs. Parking is available in the garage across the street from the library or in any of the Exton Square Mall lots.
“From books to educational programs to job training workshops, there are endless possibilities for all ages at Chester County Libraries,” said Senator Comitta, who serves on the Senate Education Committee. “If you need to apply for your library card, or you already have one, I encourage you to stop by our event and experience all the fun, informative, and engaging programming available at our free, public libraries.”
“Libraries are more than just books—they are dynamic spaces that shape lives, foster connections, and provide opportunities for all,” said Michael Skay, Chester County Library Board President. “Whether through early literacy programs, job-seeker support, or lifelong learning initiatives, our libraries remain a cornerstone of community engagement and personal growth.”
The event coincides with Library Card Sign-Up Month, celebrated each September since 1987 by the American Library Association (ALA). During this time, libraries across the country join in a national effort to ensure every child signs up for a library card.
In addition to applying for a library card, attendees can enjoy free KidSight vision screenings for children ages 3–6, explore STEM and Makerspace activities, build with LEGO® bricks, and play in a bubble zone. Miss Pennsylvania Victoria Vespico will help children create bookmarks, and the YMCA of Greater Brandywine’s Zoo & STEM on Wheels will be on site. Senator Comitta will host a special story time at 1:15 p.m., followed by character visits from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Families can also meet local first responders and explore touch-a-truck stations, enjoy free Maggie Moo’s ice cream, and discover even more surprises throughout the afternoon.
Donations of new or gently used children’s books will be collected at the event to benefit local nonprofits.
CCLS/CCL Board Meeting
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, August 19th 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.
Through Their Lens: Teen Photo Contest Winners Announced
Exton, PA – The Chester County Library System proudly announced the winners of its second annual Teen Photo Contest, Color Our World, during a celebratory reception held on Sunday, August 10th at Chester County Library in Exton.
This open house-style event welcomed guests of all ages to support teen photographers and explore a vibrant gallery of original artwork submitted by local students. The contest was open to Chester County residents or students entering grades 6–12 who attend school in the county. Participants were invited to submit photographs in one or both of two categories: Traditional Photo (minimal editing) and Anything Goes (digital manipulation and artistic enhancement encouraged).
April Nickel, Youth Services District Coordinator, shared, “This year we had 52 total entries from 18 different townships and boroughs throughout the county.” The first, second, and third place winners in each category were announced at 1:30 PM and are now on display in the Chester County Library vestibule through August 30. You also have a chance to view the complete slideshow of entries on the Chester County Library YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heQuPTSvEnY.
Contest Winners are:
Category 1: Traditional Photo
- 1st Place: Sunset in Parallel — Chase V., Grade 11, Oxford, PA
- 2nd Place: After the Storm — Lacy T., Grade 12, West Chester, PA
- 3rd Place: Norwegian Fishing Village — Sophia S., Grade 9, Malvern, PA
Category 2: Anything Goes
- 1st Place: Stained Electrical Glass — Zachary D., Grade 10, Chesterbrook, PA
- 2nd Place: Sky on Fire — Autumn G., Grade 10, Kennett Square, PA
- 3rd Place: Waiting for Water — Rachel M., Grade 7, West Chester, PA
Color Our World supports PA Forward’s Basic Literacy and Civic and Social Literacy initiatives, encouraging teens to express themselves through visual storytelling while engaging with their communities.
The Chester County Library System extends its congratulations to all participants and winners, and thanks the community for its enthusiastic support of teen creativity and literacy.
2025 Reading Challenge! August
Welcome to the eighth month of the Chester County and Henrietta Hankin Branch Libraries’ 2025 Reading Challenge! The challenge is open to all readers reading at a Young Adult or Adult level in any format.
Each month, there will be a new reading prompt to follow. The reading challenge prompt for August is “A last-minute Summer Reading read.”
Need inspiration for what to read? Check out a few suggested reads below! See the full list on our catalog here. Make sure to also visit the library to explore our interactive book display.
If you need even more inspiration for books to read or listen to, feel free to request Personalized Reading Suggestions or check out the NoveList Plus database.
No registration is necessary to participate in the challenge. To get started, simply pick up a physical tracking log at the Reference Desk or print one out at home using the link provided in the Resources section of the Reading Challenge page at https://bit.ly/CCLReadingChallenge2025.
Happy reading!
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