Tech Talk lecture series   

at Henrietta Hankin Branch Library

Please take note of important and informative programming at Henrietta Hankin Branch Library! Mike Sheldon, long-time technology tutor and lecturer for Chester County Library and Henrietta Hankin Branch, has put together a series of lectures to help put you “in the know” on important and timely technology topics. Mike worked in the computer industry for 37 years (retiring in 2012) before becoming involved as a volunteer for the Chester County Library System. He enjoys vigorously keeping himself informed of the latest technology trends and passing his knowledge along to the community.  

The presentations will start off on Thursday, September 17th, with “Internet Safety.” Learn to protect your devices, surf the web securely, and manage passwords like a pro. This workshop covers email safety, secure Wi-Fi access, and the latest smart social media habits. Don’t leave your digital security to chance—join us and take control! For more information, and to register for this event, click here. 

The following Thursday, September 24th, join us for “An Intro to Artificial Intelligence.” What does the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) truly mean for our future? This presentation demystifies AI by breaking down its core definitions and capabilities. We will examine how the emergence of these technologies is actively reshaping our security, culture and driving global economic shifts. Join us to gain essential insights into navigating this rapidly changing landscape. For more information and to register for this event, click here.  

The Tech Talk series will wrap up on Thursday, October 8th, with “Intro to Data Centers.” Get a comprehensive look at the infrastructure powering modern technology. This presentation explores the fundamental purpose of data centers, maps their core components, and analyzes critical external requirements like land, power, and water. We will examine why data center demand is skyrocketing and dissect the operational and environmental challenges facing the industry today. The talk will conclude with an interactive Q&A session. To register for this event, click here. 

Each of these Thursday lectures will take place from 6:00-7:30 pm in the Community Room at Henrietta Hankin Library.  We hope you can join us! Henrietta Hankin Library supports PA Forward Information Literacy.

CCLS/CCL Board Meeting

The Board of Trustees of the Chester County Library System/Chester County Library is hosting its 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, September 15th, to join the Chester County Library System Board Meeting virtually, or attend in person at the Oxford Library Company, 48 S. Second Street, Oxford, PA 19363. 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.

Museum Pass Update: Academy of Natural Sciences Closing

Unfortunately, we have some sad news to share – The Academy of Natural Sciences will be permanently closing its doors after nearly 200 years of service at the end of this month. Their last day will be Sunday, September 27.

Patrons can still reserve museum passes through this closing date, but none will be issued after.

You can read about the closing here: https://www.inquirer.com/…/academy-of-natural-sciences…

Chester County Library Holiday Craft Show Vendor Applications Now Open

The Chester County Library is now accepting vendor applications for our 15th Annual Holiday Craft Show, happening Saturday, December 12, 2026, from 9:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Apply by Monday, September 28, to be considered; accepted vendors will be notified by Monday, October 5.

This festive, high‑traffic event offers artists and makers a chance to showcase their work to hundreds of shoppers in a welcoming, community‑driven atmosphere. Our show celebrates creativity with an exceptional selection of handmade, artist‑designed goods—and many vendors leave with a brand‑new base of loyal customers.

Apply now: https://bit.ly/CCLCraftShowApp2026

2026 Reading Challenge! September

A stylized tan square with a graphic of a cat sleeping on a pile of books and the text "Reading Challenge 2026, September: A book written by a Latine author OR A book set in/about libraries" written on it.

Welcome to the ninth month of this year’s reading challenge! The 2026 Reading Challenge is open to all readers reading at a Young Adult or Adult level in any format. Please register for the challenge this year using this online registration form or by speaking to the Reference Desk. Then, 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 bit.ly/AdultReadingProgram.

For those of you who joined us for last year’s challenge, you all know the drill! For those who are just joining us this year, I will post the prompt along with some suggested reads and resources here on the blog every month. Different from last year, the prompts this year are “this or that” in style, so you will have more options to choose from! You do not need to read a book from both “this” and “that.” Just one or the other – unless you really want to go the extra mile and read more, in which case don’t let me stop you! But there is no extra prize for doing both. Just brownie points in the eyes of the librarians.

September’s reading challenge prompt is “A book written by a Latine author” OR “A book set in/about libraries.”

Need inspiration for what to read? Check out a few suggested reads below! See the full lists on our catalog here: Latine-authored books or books set in/about libraries. 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.

Happy reading!

P.S. If you’ve made it all the way to the end, comment under this post one thing you’re looking forward to this fall! 🍂