Chester County Library invites families and community members to celebrate the power of a library card at the 4th annual Library Card Sign‑Up Fest, held on Sunday, September 13, from 1:00–3:00 PM in the library’s parking lot. Please note: The library parking lot will be closed during the event. Visitors may park in the garage across the street or in the mall parking lots.

This year’s theme — “A Library Card Hits All the Right Notes” is a reminder that libraries offer something for everyone—no matter your age, background, or goals. Whether you’re checking out a classic story or trying something new, finding harmony at library programs, focusing in a study room, vibing out in a cozy nook, or composing your future with new skills, there’s a seat in the front row at the library for you—and your library card is the ticket.

“Libraries are the cornerstone of our communities. Even in the digital age, they offer free opportunities for connection, learning, and entertainment that no gadget or app can replace,” said Comitta, who serves on the Senate Education Committee. “Whether you need to apply for your library card or already have one, we welcome you to join us and explore all the possibilities available at our free public libraries.”

The fest will feature free, family‑friendly activities, including library card registration, STEM/Makerspace activities, bubbles, LEGO®️ building, bookmark crafting with Miss Pennsylvania’s Teen Anna Rinnier, YMCA’s Zoo & STEM on Wheels, Maggie Moo’s ice cream, Touch‑a‑Truck with police, fire, and EMS vehicles, StoryWalk® story time with Senator Carolyn Comitta, and live music with Michael Kropp—plus additional surprises throughout the afternoon.

The library will also collect new or gently used books for ages 0–18 to support local nonprofits serving children and teens.

Hosted by Chester County Library in partnership with Senator Carolyn Comitta, this event celebrates a shared commitment to literacy, access, and community engagement.

This September, B sharp, and sign up for a library card!

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 18th, to join the Chester County Library System Board Meeting virtually, or attend in person at the Chester County Library, 450 Exton Square Parkway, Exton. 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.

The Chester County Library System proudly announced the winners of its Third Annual Teen Photo Contest, America 250, during a celebratory reception held on Sunday, August 9 at Chester County Library in Exton. The open‑house‑style event welcomed guests of all ages to support teen photographers and explore a vibrant gallery of original artwork submitted by students across Chester County.

This year’s contest invited Chester County residents and students in grades 6–12 to submit original digital photography inspired by the theme America 250, encouraging teens to reflect on the nation’s past, present, and future through visual storytelling. Participants entered photographs in one or both of two categories: Traditional Photo (minimal editing) and Red, White & Blue (photos primarily featuring red, white, and/or blue, with digital enhancement permitted).

Contest Winners

Category 1: Traditional Photo

1st Place: American Rocketry — Jiahui T., Downingtown STEM Academy

2nd Place: Wrapped in Freedom — Ali S., Methacton High School

3rd Place: Monument to Freedom — William K., Downingtown Middle School

Category 2: Red, White & Blue

1st Place: Withered Wonder — Zachary D., Conestoga High School

2nd Place: Reading Our History — Ali S., Methacton High School

3rd Place: Land of Equal Opportunities — Sidaarth G., Great Valley Middle School

The first, second, and third place winners in each category were announced at 1:30 PM during the reception. Winning photographs are now on display in the Chester County Library vestibule through August 31. Community members may also view the complete slideshow of entries on the Chester County Library YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHjK0pnDe2w

This program supports PA Forward’s Basic Literacy and Civic & Social Literacy initiatives, encouraging teens to express themselves creatively while engaging with their communities.

Join the Chester County Library Trust for an engaging evening with Ed Auble, a local expert on General Pasquale di Paoli. As we continue celebrating our nation’s 250th anniversary, Ed will explore how Paoli authored a democratic constitution in 1755—years before America’s Declaration of Independence—and how his ideas helped shape early American thinking.

Auble brings a global perspective to this history. He has lived in multiple countries and visited nearly 70 throughout his lifetime. His travels include Corsica, Paoli’s birthplace, where he developed a personal connection to the island and its legacy. In 2025, he spoke at the celebration of General Paoli’s 300th birthday in Morosaglia, where Paoli’s ancestral home now serves as a museum and a small chapel on the grounds houses his remains.

A Chester County resident, Auble has served on numerous community boards and committees. A retired finance professional, he has taught at Immaculata University, is a graduate of Lafayette College, and holds a master’s degree in International Management. He served in the U.S. Navy, flew carrier‑based combat missions during the Vietnam War, and retired from the Naval Reserves in 1981 as a lieutenant commander.

The program will be held on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, from 6:30–7:30 PM in the Struble Room at Chester County Library in Exton. Please register at https://bit.ly/4vTIjUY.