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.

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.

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, July 15th 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.

The Chester County Library System (CCLS) is thrilled to offer free access to LinkedIn Learning for all CCLS cardholders. This powerful online learning platform features more than 25,000 expert-led video courses in business, technology, creative fields, and more—available in over 20 languages.

Whether you’re advancing your career, exploring a new path, or diving into a personal passion, LinkedIn Learning allows you to learn anytime, anywhere—at your own pace.

• Job hunting? Master resume writing, interview skills, and job search strategies.
• Climbing the career ladder? Build in-demand skills in sales, marketing, graphic design, user experience, IT, project management, and HR.
• Considering a career change? Explore topics like personal branding, small business finance, freelancing, and design thinking.
• Looking for a creative outlet or side gig? Learn photography, music theory, podcasting, cinematography, or drawing.

With LinkedIn Learning, you can watch full courses or short videos, track your progress, bookmark your favorites, and earn certificates of completion. Plus, the mobile app makes it easy to learn on the go.

Ready to get started?
Click here to begin your learning journey.

An annual LinkedIn Learning subscription typically costs $239.88 per individual—but thanks to the support of the Chester County Library System and the Justamere Foundation, this valuable resource is completely free to all patrons with a valid CCLS library card. To learn more about their work and how you can help, visit justamerefoundation.org. Lori Cushman, President of the Justamere Foundation, says, “Libraries stay relevant by listening to the needs of the community and exploring innovative ways to educate and enlighten. Providing free access to the powerful LinkedIn Learning tools will expand the opportunities for ALL of Chester County Library System patrons for both employment enrichment and personal knowledge.”

Your CCLS library card is your key to professional growth, personal enrichment, and lifelong learning—unlock LinkedIn Learning today!

The Chester County Library System (CCLS) invites students entering grades 6 through 12 to showcase their creativity in the 2nd Annual Teen Photo Contest with the inspiring theme “Color Our World.” This summer, teens are encouraged to explore their surroundings and capture vibrant, original digital photographs that celebrate color in all its forms.

The contest welcomes submissions from Chester County residents or students attending school within the county. Participants may enter up to two photos—one per category:

Category 1: Traditional Photo – For images that are either unedited or minimally enhanced (e.g., cropping, color balance adjustments, black & white).

Category 2: Anything Goes – For photos digitally enhanced or creatively manipulated using software, drawing tools, or collage techniques.

Submission Guidelines:

• One photo per category per participant.
• Entries accepted online through July 31, 2025, at 8 pm.
• All entrants and their families are invited to an art reception at the Chester County Library on August 10, 2025, where accepted photos will be displayed and winners announced. Winning photos will be featured in the library lobby from August 15 through August 30, 2025.
• To enter, teens should submit their original photos via the online form.
• Complete contest rules are available here.

For questions, contact April Nickel at anickel@ccls.org or 610-344-5353. Celebrate your vision and creativity—Color Our World this summer!

A community conversation at Henrietta Hankin Branch Library

CHESTER SPRINGS, PA—Why are green spaces important? What is the future of green space? How does green space impact our communities? What challenges are presented by green spaces or the lack thereof?  Join us at Henrietta Hankin Branch Library on Wednesday, June 18^th, from 5:30-7:30pm for a meaningful discussion on green space facilitated by the Bridging Blocks team.

WHYY News’ Bridging Blocks program is an initiative 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: Wednesday, June 18^th, 5:30-7:30pm

RSVP: To register, click here.

A screener and discussion at Henrietta Hankin Branch Library

Indie Lens Pop-Up, presented by ITVS, INDEPENDENT LENS in partnership with Henrietta Hankin Branch Library and WHYY, will host a screening of “Matter of Mind: My Alzheimer’s,” followed by a discussion led by a panel of special guests. The discussion panel will feature Alzheimer’s Association Delaware Valley Chapter representative, Chris Holt, along with staff members from local memory care centers including Serena Jennings, Memory Care Coordinator at Eagleview Landing, and from the Compass Memory Care at Fieldstone in Chester Springs, Amanda Berry, Memory Care Program Director and Terri Nappi, Activities Director. The final documentary in a three-part series focusing on neurodegenerative diseases, “Matter of Mind: My Alzheimer’s,” explores how family dynamics change when a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

Nearly 7 million people in the United States are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and family and friends of those living with dementia provide 18 billion hours of unpaid care each year. “Matter of Mind: My Alzheimer’s” follows three families and the unique challenges of their loved ones’ diagnoses, delving into their lived experiences. Going beyond the statistics, the film explores how this disease impacts identities and roles in relationships, when one partner becomes a caregiver, or how both parent and child are transformed when the traditional role of provider is reversed.

WHAT: Free preview screening of “Matter of Mind: My Alzheimer’s” followed by a community discussion about Alzheimer’s and resources for people impacted by the disease, how becoming a caregiver for a parent or partner transforms relationships, the impact of community support, and more.  

WHO: Presenters: Indie Lens Pop-Up, Henrietta Hankin Library, and WHYY, along with a special discussion panel of special guests

WHEN: Tuesday, June 3^rd, 5:30-7:30 pm

RSVP: This is a hybrid event. Register now to take part either in-person or virtually via Zoom – https://ccls.libcal.com/event/14115067

 “Matter of Mind: My Alzheimer’s” debuts May 5, 2025, at 10 p.m. ET on PBS and the PBS app (check local listings).

For more information, visit Independent Lens.

About Indie Lens Pop-Up

Indie Lens Pop-Up is a community series that brings people together for film screenings and conversations. Featuring documentaries seen on PBS’s INDEPENDENT LENS, Indie Lens Pop-Up draws local residents, leaders, and organizations to discuss what matters most. Learn more at pbs.org/indielenspopup.

About INDEPENDENT LENS INDEPENDENT LENS is an Emmy® Award-winning PBS documentary series. With founding executive producer Lois Vossen, the series has been honored with 10 Academy Award nominations and features documentaries united by the creative freedom, artistic achievement, and unflinching visions of independent filmmakers. Presented by ITVS, INDEPENDENT LENS is funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Acton Family Giving, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Ford Foundation, Park Foundation, Wyncote Foundation, and National Endowment for the Arts. Stream anytime on the PBS app. For more, visit pbs.org/independentlens.

The Chester County Library is excited to host its annual “Read Local!”—now in its second year—a celebration of local creativity featuring authors and illustrators from Chester County and neighboring areas. The event will highlight a wide range of books and genres for both children and adults.

According to April Nickel, Youth Services Director at Chester County Library, the event aims to spotlight local talent—particularly authors and illustrators who have recently self-published or published through independent publishers. These participants submitted applications to share their work with the community, offering a unique opportunity to discover local voices and creative projects. While some of the featured titles may not meet the library’s collection development policy, the event serves as a platform to connect these creators with the public.

The Read Local! showcase will feature more than 30 local authors and illustrators, each with their own table inside the library to display and sell their books. Visitors are invited to engage directly with the creators, explore their works, and learn more about their creative processes.

This open house-style event will take place on Sunday, May 18, from 1 pm to 4 pm at the Chester County Library, 450 Exton Square Parkway, Exton, PA. Admission is free and no registration is required.

A screener and discussion at Henrietta Hankin Branch Library

To kick off this year’s Summer Reading program, Indie Lens Pop-Up, presented by ITVS, INDEPENDENT LENS in partnership with Henrietta Hankin Branch Library and WHYY will host a screening of “Free for All: The Public Library,” followed by a discussion led by a panel of special guests.  The discussion panel will feature Chester County Library and Henrietta Hankin Branch Director, Jenna Persick, and Branch Manager, Carey Bresler, together with Michael Skay, President of the Chester County Library System Board of Trustees. “Free for All: The Public Library” tells the story of the quiet revolutionaries who created a civic institution where everything is free, and the doors are open to all.

The public library is one of America’s most valued yet endangered institutions.  Director Dawn Logsdon travels the United States, discovering historic and modern-day figures, especially women, who contributed to the library’s integral position within democracy. “Free for All: The Public Library” chronicles the evolution of the nation’s public libraries, tracing the battles over who can enter, what belongs there, and who makes these decisions, while exploring how public commons are defined and defended.

WHAT: 5:00 pm refreshments and activities; 5:30 pm a FREE preview screening of “Free for All: The Public Library” followed by a community discussion.

WHEN: Thursday, June 5^th, 5:00-7:30pm

RSVP: To register, click here.

Doors will open at 5:00pm for participants to enjoy pizza and light refreshments as they take part in activities designed to get everyone thinking about what has made public libraries important in their own lives. Participants can also enter a raffle drawing for family passes to Longwood Gardens. The screener will begin at 5:30pm. After the screening, our guest panelists will host an engaging and interactive discussion about how public libraries shaped the country and continue to be a sanctuary for Americans everywhere, despite the threats to funding the civic institution has faced in recent years.

“Free for All: The Public Library” had its debut on April 29, 2025, on PBS and the PBS app. For more information, visit Independent Lens.

About Indie Lens Pop-Up

Indie Lens Pop-Up is a community series that brings people together for film screenings and conversations. Featuring documentaries seen on PBS’s INDEPENDENT LENS, Indie Lens Pop-Up draws local residents, leaders, and organizations to discuss what matters most. Learn more at pbs.org/indielenspopup.

About INDEPENDENT LENS INDEPENDENT LENS is an Emmy® Award-winning PBS documentary series. With founding executive producer Lois Vossen, the series has been honored with 10 Academy Award nominations and features documentaries united by the creative freedom, artistic achievement, and unflinching visions of independent filmmakers. Presented by ITVS, INDEPENDENT LENS is funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Acton Family Giving, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Ford Foundation, Park Foundation, Wyncote Foundation, and National Endowment for the Arts. Stream anytime on the PBS app. For more visit pbs.org/independentlens.