^{Various programs scheduled in March and Early-April}

EXTON, PA – The countdown is on for millions of sky-watchers across North America for Monday, April 8^th, when a total solar eclipse will temporarily darken afternoon skies and an illuminated halo will appear overhead.

Chester County will be joining in on this major event with various solar-themed programs scheduled throughout March and early April in the lead-up to the eclipse itself:

• Here Comes the Sun- LIVE! (An astronomy event, not a musical)

On Sunday, March 24^th, from 1:30 – 3:30 pm, you can join NASA Solar System Ambassador Don Miler and retired NASA Astronomer Roger Kennedy, who have all the right stuff to safely view the sun in white light, which involves a part of the sun called the photosphere and will show sunspots and the granularity of the sun beautifully. Also, view the special part of the emitted light called H-alpha which shows the chromosphere where the solar prominences and other features will be visible.  This is an event that depends on clear weather, so keep an eye on your email for updates. To be sure check the library website at www.chescolibraries.org. This event will take place in the front of the library building. Register at https://ccls.libcal.com/event/11937465

• The Great Solar Eclipse is Coming! – how to view it safely

Join NASA Solar System Ambassador Don Miller, on Thursday, April 4^th from 6:30 – 7:30 pm at Chester County Library as he presents everything you’ll need to know to safely observe the Great North American Solar Eclipse happening on Monday, April 8^th. While the Philadelphia area will not experience totality, the sun will be approximately 90% blocked! Free solar glasses will be available to take home with you. Register at https://ccls.libcal.com/event/11877802

• Viewing the Total Solar Eclipse from Hibernia County Park

The Chester County Library is hosting this event along with Chester County Parks and Preservation, NASA, The Chester County Astronomical Society, and Timmy Telescope on Monday, April 8^th from 2 – 4:30 pm in the Fiddler’s Field at Hibernia County Park, 1 Park Rd. Coatesville, PA.

Bring friends and family and enjoy observing the eclipse with the help and expertise of local astronomy enthusiasts. Learn about eclipses and try out activities that will help to better understand them. Participate in eclipse-related activities such as the GLOBE Observer-Eclipse program and GLOBE Observer-Clouds program and enter your data into the network to help scientists. Participate in a 20-minute “Sun Salutation” at 12:30 pm and/or a 20-minute “Moon Salutation” at 2 pm with Heather from 2 Crows and a Raven Yoga.

Please remember to dress appropriately for the weather. Plan to bring chairs and/or blanket for comfort, sunscreen, and water. A limited number of solar observation glasses will be available. Registration is suggested and you will receive an email reminder. Walk-ins welcome. Registration will close 1 day before the scheduled start time of the event. Register at https://ccls.libcal.com/event/12065509

Applications are now open for the Local Author Showcase to be held in May

The Chester County Library is holding its first-ever Local Author Showcase to highlight our Local Authors. Chester County authors will be given priority and, if space allows, other local Pennsylvania authors as well.  We are excited to invite you to apply to participate in our special event!

The Showcase will take place at the Chester County Library (located at 450 Exton Square Parkway in Exton, PA) on Sunday, May 19th from 1- 4 pm. Authors will have the opportunity to meet with library patrons, talk about their writings and publishing, and network with other local authors. They will also have the opportunity to offer their books for sale.

If you would like to apply to participate, please complete and return the application: https://www.ccls.org/FormCenter/Read-Local-Application-9/Read-Local-Application-86.

You will be notified by March 27, 2024 of your acceptance.

If you have any other questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our Adult Program Coordinator, Pam Marquette, at pmarquette@ccls.org. We look forward to receiving your application!

The Chester County Library System (CCLS) with its 18 locations is continuously striving to improve and transform library services to meet the community’s ever-changing needs. 

CCLS invites the public to participate in an online survey. Your responses will help shape the future of public libraries in Chester County. Click here to take the survey, which will run through March 1^st, 2024

Joseph Sherwood, CCLS Executive Director states, “Libraries are much more than places to find information, though we still serve that essential purpose.  We are also 21st-century gathering places where people connect and can use online resources and current technology to improve their education and enhance their job skills so they can contribute effectively to their community.  As stewards of public resources in a time of changing economic realities, we understand how important it is to embrace innovation in many forms and to align our services to best meet the pressing needs in our community.”

This survey will help the member libraries provide exceptional value and service to library users, communities, and organizations throughout Chester County.