On Wednesday, May 20, from 5:00-7:00 p.m., Henrietta Hankin Branch Library is pleased to present a special screening of episode 5 of the fascinating new PBS series, WISDOM KEEPERS. Thirty years after the heralded Bill Moyers series, Joseph Campbell and the Power of Myth, the Wisdom Keepers series revisits the perspectives that help us make sense of who we are and where we are going, particularly in these turbulent times. In episode 5, “We all seek transcendence,” host Ray Suarez speaks with Philosopher Simon Critchley about mysticism and belief in the modern era, and the importance of cultivating practices of attention and reflection in the midst of the relentless pressure of modern life. Critchley explores the significance of mysticism and religious practice, not as a matter of belief, but as a way of understanding the human experience of the transcendent. 

Our screening will be followed by a discussion guided by local experts in the areas of theology and philosophy.  The panel will include Dr. Cassie Striblen, Assoc. Prof. of Philosophy, West Chester University; Dr. Dominic Pigneri, Assoc. Faculty in Theology & Philosophy, Immaculata University; Dr. Daniel A. Forbes, Ph.D., Asst. Prof. of Philosophy, West Chester University; and Dr. Joseph Len Miller, Asst. Prof. of Philosophy, West Chester University. 

Dr. Striblen has been publishing about and teaching ethics for nearly twenty years.  Before earning her PhD, she was a middle school teacher in New Orleans and a US Peace Corps Volunteer in Kazakhstan.  Dominic Pigneri holds a Ph.D. in Systematic Theology from The Catholic University of America. He specializes in Christology and the religious theory of René Girard. Currently he is an Associate Faculty Member teaching theology at Immaculata University. Dr. Forbes is an Assistant Professor in the Philosophy Department at West Chester University. In addition to regularly teaching introductory courses in ethics, he specializes in the history of early modern European philosophy. Dr. Miller is an Assistant Professor in the Philosophy Department at West Chester University. He’s also Chair of the American Philosophical Association’s Committee on Native American and Indigenous Philosophers. In addition to teaching about ethics, his main areas of research are Native American/Indigenous philosophy.  

 We are delighted to share this screener and host a timely discussion on what unites us as a people. Please join us!  There will be light refreshments and time at the end of the presentation for questions and answers. Registration is required. To register, visit https://ccls.libcal.com/event/16641509 or call the library at 610-344-4196.  Henrietta Hankin Library supports PA Forward Civic and Social Literacy. 

On Monday, May 11, from 5:00-7:00 p.m., Henrietta Hankin Branch Library is pleased to present a special screening of highlights from the fascinating new PBS documentary, The American Revolution a film by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt. Our screening will offer a sweeping overview of the series—illuminating the central themes of the American Revolution and inspiring reflection on the ideas, struggles, and ideals that continue to define the American story. 

The screening will be followed by an engaging and thought-provoking panel discussion. Our guest panelists will include Jeffrey LaMonica, MA, M. Phil. and Kevin Cahill, Ph. D., who are both professors of history at Delaware County Community College; as well as Rogers M. Smith, Christopher H. Browne Distinguished Emeritus Professor of Political Science at the University of Pennsylvania where he taught from 2001 to 2022.  

Jeffrey LaMonica has published work on topics that include the US Army in World War I, Cold War Diplomacy, and Italian Military History. Professor LaMonica’s interests in the American Revolution include Pennsylvania Militia in the 1777 Philadelphia Campaign and Privateers of the Cape May Navy. Kevin Cahill earned his MA. from Villanova and a Ph.D. from West Virginia University (both in history) and has been a professor of American history at DCCC since 2000. Before that he served as a Seasonal Ranger at the Valley Forge National Park where he engaged in research, leading tours and creating living history demonstrations. Rogers M. Smith is the author or co-author of many articles and nine books. His book Civic Ideals: Conflicting Visions of Citizenship in U.S. History (1997) received six best book prizes and was a finalist for the 1998 Pulitzer Prize in History. Smith also received 5 teaching prizes from Yale and the University of Pennsylvania for both undergraduate and graduate teaching and mentoring. He is the co-founder of the Teachers Institute of Philadelphia and the founding director of Penn’s Andrea Mitchell Center for the Study of Democracy. We are most honored to have these seasoned historians on our discussion panel. 

Please join us for this important and timely event as we approach the 250^th anniversary of our nation.  There will be light refreshments and time at the end of the presentation for questions and answers. Registration is required. To register, visit https://ccls.libcal.com/event/13235010 or call the library at 610-344-4196.  Henrietta Hankin Library supports PA Forward Civic and Social Literacy. 

Corporate funding for THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was provided by Bank of America. Major funding was provided by The Better Angels Society and its members Jeannie and Jonathan Lavine with the Crimson Lion Foundation; and the Blavatnik Family Foundation. Major funding was also provided by David M. Rubenstein; The Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Family Foundation; Lilly Endowment Inc.; and the following Better Angels Society members: Eric and Wendy Schmidt; Stephen A. Schwarzman; and Kenneth C. Griffin with Griffin Catalyst. Additional support for THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was provided by: The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations; The Pew Charitable Trusts; Gilbert S. Omenn and Martha A. Darling; Park Foundation; and the following Better Angels Society members: Gilchrist and Amy Berg; Perry and Donna Golkin; The Michelson Foundation; Jacqueline B. Mars; Kissick Family Foundation; Diane and Hal Brierley; John H. N. Fisher and Jennifer Caldwell; John and Catherine Debs; The Fullerton Family Charitable Fund; Philip I. Kent; Gail Elden; Deborah and Jon Dawson; David and Susan Kreisman; The McCloskey Family Charitable Trust; Becky and Jim Morgan; Carol and Ned Spieker; Mark A. Tracy; and Paul and Shelley Whyte. THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was made possible, in part, with support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. 

The mission of the Chester County and Henrietta Hankin Branch Libraries is to provide informational, educational and cultural services to the residents of Chester County so that they may be lifelong learners.   The Henrietta Hankin Branch Library is located at 215 Windgate Drive, Chester Springs, PA.  For hours or more information, visit our website at www.chescolibraries.org.  

A community conversation at Henrietta Hankin Branch Library

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CHESTER SPRINGS— Green spaces are essential for our communities. They provide a vital connection to nature and the environment around us. However, new developments and growing populations threaten these open spaces. What are the key benefits and impacts of green spaces, and how can we ensure their preservation moving forward? What is the compromise of having green space alongside developments? Is that possible?

Join WHYY News Community & Engagement team of Bridging Blocks, for a meaningful neighborhood discussion on green space. WHYY News’ Bridging Blocks program is an initiative produced in partnership with The Free Library of Philadelphia that brings together community members on hot-button topics to foster civic dialogue in supportive spaces. Bridging Blocks was created to help residents build the skills to engage in civic dialogue while breaking down echo chambers.  For more than two years, WHYY has successfully collaborated with the Free Library of Philadelphia, local schools, and senior centers to host conversations with hundreds of residents across the city on topics such as gun ownership, reproductive rights, immigration, voting, public safety, gentrification, and many more. We are happy to be hosting this program at Henrietta Hankin Branch Library.

WHAT: Join us for a community conversation on green space facilitated by the Bridging Blocks team: Tony Cuffie, Sr. Manager of Community & Engagement; and Brisa Luzzi Castro, Community Convener.

WHEN: Thursday, September 4th, 5:30-7:30pm

RSVP: To register, click here.

The mission of the Chester County and Henrietta Hankin Branch Libraries is to provide informational, educational and cultural services to the residents of Chester County so that they may be lifelong learners.   The Henrietta Hankin Branch Library is located at 215 Windgate Drive, Chester Springs, PA.  For hours or more information, visit our website at www.chescolibraries.org.

Come to Henrietta Hankin Branch Library on Thursday, September 12th, from 6:30-7:30 for a fascinating presentation on the lifecycle of stars by Don Miller, PhD. “Celestial Journeys: the lifecycles of stars” will give an overview of the journeys of stars from birth through adulthood, to old age and eventual death. Stars experience the same familiar progression as other life forms but on a much different timescale. They live long lives, by human standards, converting hydrogen into helium and perhaps other elements if the star is of sufficient mass. We will learn about the various ways that a star can die. Some go out with a beautiful cloud of gas while others literally go out with a bang.  Our own sun will eventually swell and perhaps engulf the Earth before it ends its lifecycle as a white dwarf.

Special focus will be given to T Corona Borealis, nicknamed the Blaze Star, which is about to put on a rare stellar display due to stellar aging. The Blaze Star can be seen currently in our northern sky.  It appears as one star when in actuality it is two stars.  One star has already ended its life and is sucking material from the still living sister star.  Eventually, this will lead to an explosion which will make T Corona Borealis suddenly appear in the sky, visible to the naked eye.  Learn how and when you may be able to observe this unique event!

Don has been interested in science and the stars ever since he had a night out with his father at age 6 looking at the sky and discussing the possibilities of the universe. He followed every aspect of the Apollo and subsequent programs. He saved up his money as a young kid to purchase an 8-inch reflector telescope and later as an adult moved on to an even larger telescope. He can frequently be found in his backyard or at star parties looking at the stars and sharing his love for space with the community. He has been a member of the San Francisco Sidewalk Astronomers, moved to Pennsylvania and joined the Chester County Astronomical Society, traveled to Wyoming to see the total solar eclipse, traveled to northern Sweden to see the northern lights, and many national parks for their dark skies, plus great hiking.

Dr. Don Miller is retired from a career in pharmaceutical research and can now devote his time to serving as a NASA Solar System Ambassador giving talks like this one to all age groups about astronomy, NASA programs and space in general. He also participates in the Astronomical Society of the Pacific’s Project Astro which brings hands-on space science to grade school children.

We are most honored to have Don speak at the library and hope you can join us for this most illuminating presentation. To register, go to https://ccls.libcal.com/event/12980911 or call Henrietta Hankin Branch Library at 610-344-4196. Henrietta Hankin Branch Library supports PA Forward Civic And Social Literacy.

Join us in-person at Henrietta Hankin Library, or participate from home via Zoom, on Monday, April 22, at 1:00 pm, as we tune into a virtual presentation by the Climate Reality Project.  Former US Vice President Al Gore founded The Climate Reality Project to catalyze a global solution to the climate crisis by making urgent action a necessity across every sector of society.  Today, Climate Reality is a diverse group of passionate individuals who’ve come together to tackle the greatest challenge of our time. “We are advocates, cultural leaders, organizers, scientists, and storytellers from around the world, committed to building a sustainable future together” — from Climate Reality Project website.

The Climate Reality Project ( www.climaterealityproject.org ) is a global network with 40 thousand trained volunteer “Climate reality leaders” from all across the globe.  Our presenter, Kim Møller, joins us virtually from Denmark. Kim received his Climate Reality Leader training in 2020.  Since then he has done presentations to public schools as well as several business leader forums.  He is also a member of the “Climate Reality Nordics” group and a member of the “Danish Climate movement” in his home country.  Kim makes his living in the field of financial planning for a global company and is the father of three grown sons.  In this presentation, Kim will cover the latest science behind climate change and where we now stand as a planet, and whether change is possible.

Registration is required.  To register, click here: https://ccls.libcal.com/event/12273019 Light refreshments will be available to those attending in-person.  Henrietta Hankin Library supports PA Forward Civic and Social Literacy.

• a book binding machine,
• a CNC Mill printing machine
• a Cricut printing machine
• a Sewing machine & Serger
• and a Virtual Reality game and learning center

Our book binding machine, the CoilBind S-20A, can punch up to 20 sheets of paper at once (46 holes). It uses 4:1 pitch plastic binding coils, which can be inserted by either using the rapidly spinning electric coil roller on top of the machine or by twisting them manually into the document. It can bind documents up to 2-inches thick. So bring in your children’s books, your professional presentations, or personal projects!

The CNC mill printer is a Nomad 3. CNC (computer numerical control) mills are used for anything that requires precision carving from a solid block of material. A variety of cutting tips allow users to easily cut into materials including soft metals, wood, and plastics. The Nomad 3 incudes integrated software to help make the user experience as easy as possible. Among the many uses one can make of this machine are creating molds for jewelry or other art, engraving, making lithopanes from real photographs, or creating prototypes for business plan pitches.

Our Cricut Maker is top of the line! It’s a smart cutting machine that can handle fabrics, leather, paper, and balsa wood. This machine is a great complement to our high-end sewing machine in its ability to cut fabric patterns. It is also great for scrap-bookers, card makers and crafters of all kinds. Our library staff have been enjoying using the machine to create materials for our popular series of craft programs and take-and-make projects.

The high-end sewing machine is a Bernina 475 QE. It is powerful enough to handle the thick layers of even your biggest quilts while providing consistent thread tensions to make every stitch perfect. It also includes little extras like the thread cutter that keeps projects moving towards completion. The serger, a Bernina L460, is great for overlocking of seams at the fabric edge. It can handle any type of fabrics and is excellent for fine hems in delicate silk or satin fabrics, cutting and sewing heavy linen, fleece and denim fabric, and can create flat and even seams and hems with its differential feeds. The differential feed also will help in producing ruffles, or any type of gathering.

Our Valve Index Virtual Reality kit allows visitors to the Henrietta Hankin Library to explore the world of virtual reality, either for entertainment or education. In addition to playing games, users can take part in virtual learning experiences, such as completely building and dismantling a car engine from scratch, in full 3 dimensions!

This summer Henrietta Hankin Branch Library is happy to host local historian, lecturer and teacher emeritus, Roger W. Arthur for Presidential Murders, a 2-part lecture series that begins with “Part 1: Abraham Lincoln” on Monday, July 26th; and finishes up with “Part 2: John F. Kennedy” on Monday, August 2nd. Both programs will be presented virtually on Zoom from 6:00 – 7:30 pm.

“These two presidential murders have been thought to have much in common,” explains Mr. Arthur. “Both victims were shot in the head. Both were attacked from behind and on a Friday.   Both were killed in the presence of their wives. One was the first Republican ever elected, while the other was the first Roman Catholic ever elected. Both were elected in a ‘zero’ numbered year. The national shock of these murders stunned the country. Other comparisons between them have been offered but most of those are either false or contrived.”

“With the advance of technology the news of the killings soon spread quickly across the land. One by telegraph,  the other by television. Americans craved more news in both cases. The unknown killer of Kennedy was captured within hours. While the nationally famous killer of Lincoln escaped into the night and stayed at large from nearly two weeks. Both murderers were killed before they came to indictment, trial and conviction. Lincoln’s killer was shot by a soldier on duty. Kennedy’s killer murdered him in cold blood in the presence of the police who were there to protect him.”

Mr. Arthur has been fascinated by American history all of his life. He studied it in college, taught it in school and has traveled the country learning about it first hand. He currently teaches Modern American History at Bishop Shanahan High School in Downingtown, PA. In the evenings in the Spring and Fall, he offers a variety of adult enrichment courses at the Chester County Night School, and from time to time is an instructor at Manor College and the Mainline School Night. He is also a special presenter for libraries, clubs and civic groups. Mr. was nominated to be “American History Teacher of the Year” by the Gilder-Lehrman Institute in 2012. His passion for history—and his desire to share it with others—continues to be a central motif of his life.

Register now for one or both of these thought-provoking, interactive programs that you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home! To register for Part 1: Abraham Lincoln, click here. To register for Part 2: John F. Kennedy, click here.