It’s easier than ever to track your summer reading with the library! For the first time, we are using READsquared for our Summer Reading program. There are separate programs for Children, Teens, and Adults within the app, so everyone can participate! Earn points for reading, attending virtual programs, playing games, and completing “missions.” Earning points will enter you to win prizes. You can find more information about each program here: https://chescolibraries.org/news/summer-reading-2020.
In case you haven’t heard, you can currently access Ancestry Library Edition remotely when you log into your Chester County Library System account. This database is a substantial resource for genealogical research that encompasses records from the U.S. as well as many other countries.
Normally, this database is only available inside of the library. ProQuest and Ancestry have extended remote access through the end of July, and will reevaluate remote access on a monthly basis.
If you would like to start researching your family tree, you can access Ancestry by logging into your library account here. You will need your library card number and PIN to access your account (instructions for creating a PIN, if you don’t already have one, are here). Once you are logged in, you will see a link that asks you to “Click here to access Ancestry.com remotely.”
Happy researching! Please contact us if you have questions about using Ancestry or conducting genealogical research.
VIRTUAL TRAINING: CITIZENSHIP BASICS
Empower yourself and your students with knowledge about U.S. Immigration and Naturalization
**This program will be focused on training English Tutors to assist their students.**
Join Jwana Smith, a Community Relations Officer for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, who will go over the basics of immigration and applying for citizenship for English tutors interested in assisting their students with these topics. We will focus on resources that USCIS provides for those wishing to pursue citizenship.
Thursday, June 25th, 6:30-8:30PM
Please register here in order to receive the Zoom link: https://bit.ly/3diA6B4
A Zoom link will be emailed to registrants 2 hours before the program 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 program.
Please also note that while we will be taking questions during the program, if you have any you’d like to submit in advance to make sure the topic is covered, you can send them to Jamie Claxton at jclaxton@ccls.org.
We will resume holding English Conversation Groups virtually twice per month beginning the first week of May. Please join us to practice your English in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Participation is free. Registration is required in order to receive the Zoom link for the meeting. Please register here for the first meeting on Wednesday, May 6th from 7:00-8:00PM.
A Zoom link will be emailed to registrants 2 hours before the program 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 program.
Please join us virtually on Thursday, May 14th, for Introduction to Genealogy with Ancestry Library Edition from 7:00-8:30PM. Take advantage of the Ancestry Library Edition database being available remotely until May 31st with this program.
Registration is required (you can register at the link above). A Zoom link will be emailed to registrants 2 hours before the program 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 program.
Learn how to use the library database Ancestry.com for family research. Get genealogy searching tips, research guidance, & more. Genealogy researcher Mike Sheldon will demonstrate introductory methods used to research a family tree, using Ancestry – Library Edition and FamilySearch.org. Ancestry.com – Library Edition can currently be accessed remotely through May 31st. A librarian will be available to answer questions about the database.
With so much of our world transitioning from face-to-face interactions to virtual interactions, you may find yourself needing to brush up on some computer skills. DigitalLearn.org, a resource put together by the Public Library Association, has short, easy-to-follow tutorials on topics that range from navigating websites, using Microsoft Word, using cloud storage, online healthcare resources, online job searching, and more. These tutorials are completely free and do not require an account to access them. Simply click the link in this paragraph, select a tutorial, and click “Start Course.”
A lot of people are taking this time at home to decorate, spring clean, and organize. Perhaps you’ve been wanting to tackle those unruly bookshelves? Or figure out just how many copies of The Catcher in the Rye you own?
Library Journal is releasing a multi-part weekly series on how to organize your books like a librarian. Part 1 addresses the Dewey Decimal System. Follow along with this weekly series and, if you decide to organize your books, share a photo with us on one of our social media pages!
https://www.facebook.com/ChesterCountyLibrary/
Happy Census Day!
Has your household completed the Census yet? According to the map below from the U.S. Census Bureau, 46.6% of Chester County residents have responded to the Census so far. Replies to the Census determine the number of seats our state holds in the U.S. House of Representatives, how billions of dollars in federal funding is allocated, and even how your local library receives funding and allocates collection resources. For more information on how the U.S. Census Bureau is handling the Census during the COVID-19 pandemic, and general information on why the Census matters and how to respond, they’ve posted an update on their website here.
You can complete your household’s Census at my2020census.gov using your Census ID from your invitation letter or your home address, or you can call the Census Bureau and speak to a Census representative in the language you’re most comfortable with.
While we’re all at home practicing good social distancing, now is a great time to respond to the 2020 Census. Why does the Census matter? A report from Pennsylvania Health Access Network (PHAN), citing data from a George Washington University study, indicates that should Pennsylvania’s population be undercounted by just 1%, the state would lose $221.8 million, or $1,746 per person, in federal funds each year for the next ten years. According to the study, Pennsylvania is the second most vulnerable state in the country in terms of federal funds that could be lost from an undercount.
You may have already received your invitation letter in the mail with your Census ID; you can use this ID to go to my2020census.gov and fill out your Census response (you can also look up your address if you don’t have your Census ID). You also have the option of responding by phone at 1-844-330-2020.
Please remember that everyone counts in the Census. Regardless of your status, if you are here in the U.S., you should be counted. Help shape our community in the years to come by participating in the Census.
Today, Governor Wolf issued a ‘stay-at-home’ order affecting seven counties in Pennsylvania, including Chester County. The order takes effect at 8PM this evening. Click here to view more details about the order including guidance on what activities are still permitted.
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