CCLS/CCL Board Meeting

~ Jenna P ~ Leave a comment

Due to the easing of COVID restrictions, the Board of Trustees of the Chester County Library System/Chester County Library will now be 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 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 21, to join the Chester County Library System Board Meeting virtually; or attend in person at Chester County Library, 450 Exton Square Parkway, PA 19341. The Chester County Library Board Meeting will immediately follow.

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 to discuss how we may best accommodate your needs.

Multimedia Staff Picks

~ ecackowski ~ Leave a comment

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Emily’s Picks

Libby Audiobook: Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
castle movingYou won’t be able to put this breezy, lighthearted, and hilarious fantasy down! It has lots of humor and heart, memorable characters and dialogue, and a perfect happily (or scrappily!) ever after. Plain but spunky Sophie is transformed by a curse into an old woman, and must enlist the help of the cowardly, wizard Howl. They butt heads, and bicker constantly, but there is a spark between them that Sophie can’t seem to extinguish. And Howl may need her help to break a curse of his own…

CD: The First Band on the Moon by The Cardigans
Probably best remembered for its one hit, “Lovefool,” this album boasts a dreamy, psychedelic sound that feels more likeFirstBandOnTheMoon a product of the 70s than of 1996. It’s fun and funky, and easy to listen to over and over. Standout tracks include “Your New Cuckoo,” “Step On Me,” and the band’s very groovy cover of Black Sabbath’s “Iron Man.”

 

Jessie’s Picks

DVD: Soul
soulPixar once again successfully tackles a big, heavy topic with humor and heart.  Soul is about a Middle School music teacher/Jazz pianist and an unborn soul that grapple with finding purpose and living life fully.  This movie is a must-watch for fans of Up or Inside Out.

CD: Complete Greatest Hits by The Carscar greatest hits
This is a good collection of this New Wave band’s hits.  It includes one of my favorites, “Moving  in Stereo,” which is not included on some of their other greatest hits compilations since it was not released as a single.

 

John’s Picks

DVD: How the States Got Their Shapes
how the states gotEver wonder why Pennsylvania and Delaware share a rounded border?  Or what about all those perfectly square states out west? And why the heck is Rhode Island so tiny?  If these questions interest you, then this History Channel series is perfect for you! It’s a super interesting show that explores why each state in the USA looks the way it does. Combining history, geography, and culture—host  Brian Unger uncovers the stories behind the familiar shapes on our modern American map.

CD: Game of Thrones Season Eight: Music from the HBO Seriesgame of thrones s8 music
Revisit Westeros through the soundtrack to the final season of HBO’s legendary series—Game of  Thrones. Season 8 was when so many storylines we’ve been anticipating finally wrapped up, and these were the songs accompanying the hype.  “Jenny of Oldstones,” “The Last of the Starks,” and “The Night King” may leave you with goosebumps.

 

Kim’s Picks

DVD: The Railway Children
railway childrenBased on Edith’s Nesbit’s 1906 novel of the same name, this 1970 film is a charming and episodic (in the most complimentary way) tale of the numerous childhood adventures of the Waterburys, trying to make due in Yorkshire after the father is falsely accused of spying and imprisoned.

Libby Audiobook: Middlemarch by George Eliotmiddlemarch
This is sometimes considered the greatest novel (1871) in English.  Eliot, nom de plume for Mary Ann Evans, describes life in a 19th century English town on the verge of modernity.  She draws masterful life-like portraits of all its denizens, from bankers and physicians to clerics and politicians, from farmers and auctioneers to stay-at-home biddies and young women waking up to potentialities.

 

Mary’s Picks

DVD: Once Upon a Time
once upon a time s1All the classic fairytales in one place with a new twist. Enchanting and fun to watch for any fan of fantasy and fairytales. Makes for a great girls night; I used to watch this every Sunday in the fall and winter with my roommates and we loved it.

Audiobook: When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing by Daniel H. Pinkwhen perfect timing
An interesting read that can help you plan when to make important decisions in life. Timing  really is everything. Includes such topics as circadian rhythms, time of year, beginnings, endings, motivation, restorative breaks, and group behavior. Will make you look at things you’ve done in the past and things you’d like to do in the future in a different way.


Stephanie’s Picks

DVD: The Hate U Give
hate u give“Starr Carter navigates the perilous waters between her poor, black neighborhood and her prestigious, mainly white private school. This all changes when she finds herself in the middle of racial activism after her best friend is shot by police officers, and she’s forced to make a decision. Allow the media to skewer her friend to protect the status quo, or stand up and tell the truth in memory of Khalil?”

CD: We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank by Modest Mouse
After topping the charts with hits off the album Good News for People Who Love Bad News, Wewe were dead Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank brings more of a mainstream vibe without losing any authenticity.



To view our past staff picks, go to cclsmultimedia.wordpress.com. All quoted summaries are from catalog.ccls.org.

Calling all Makers & Crafters!

~ mkolb76 ~ Leave a comment

The Chester County Library is accepting vendor applications for our 10th Annual Holiday Craft Show being held on Saturday, December 11, 2021 from 9:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

The show provides artists and craftspeople with the unique opportunity of exposing their work to hundreds of people while taking part in an exciting, community-driven atmosphere. Our shows highlights the creative spirit of the fine artist and craftsperson, with an exceptional selection of maker-designed goods. Every participant comes away with a new base of loyal customers. Eager patrons are waiting to embrace your work.

The Chester County Library Annual Holiday Craft Show is a great opportunity to showcase and sell your work. Apply now to be considered for this festive shopping experience at: https://chestercountylibrary.files.wordpress.com/2021/09/2021-application.pdf

September KClub Meeting

~ rmanuel191 ~ Leave a comment

Need a new hobby to keep your spirits up while we’re all social distancing?  Been watching K-Dramas for years and want to meet new K-Drama lovers?  Love BTS but don’t know much about Korean television?  Break out the kimchi and join us to watch an episode of one the hottest Korean shows, then pop onto a Zoom call to chat about the show, the newest Korean music, and Korean culture – all from the comfort of our own homes.

On June 27, from 3:00pm – 5:00pm, we will be watching the pilot episode of “Goblin.” Also called “Guardian: The Great and Lonely God,” this show, with its star-studded cast and immersive storytelling, received much critical acclaim, became the fifth highest rated drama in Korean TV history, and quickly reached cultural phenomenon status.  It tells the story of Kim Shin, played by Gong Yoo, who was once a legendary general who came to tragic ends.  However, rather than dying, he was granted immortality by the Almighty.  900 years later, after watching everyone he has ever cared for die around him, he wants to end his immortal life, which can only be achieved once the Goblin’s Bride removes the sword from his chest.  Ji Eun-Tak, a bubbly student with a sad past, claims to be his Bride and is determined to prove it to him.  But naturally, things become complicated once they begin to fall in love.

Ages 16+

Registration is required to receive the Zoom link and viewing instructions.  Register on the event calendar here.

For questions, please email us at: ccljtc@ccls.org.

Growing Readers Fall Programs

~ jdarnallcclsorg ~ Leave a comment

You’ve been wondering, and we now announce our upcoming (Virtual) Fall Children’s Programs!
Starting September 20th, children aged infant through 6 years can attend programs via Zoom on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays. Registration is already open, just click here to view our events calendar. This series of programs will be 5 weeks, however, they will not meet October 11th.

Your child will have a “front row seat,” viewing stories and singing songs while interacting with library staff who present each program. Most programs are presented live from our story time studio, so your child will feel like they are right at the library! In our calendar, you’ll find programs for 2’s, 3’s, and ages 4-6 on Mondays; infants/toddlers and 3’s on Thursdays; and on Fridays, something for 3’s and ages 4-6. Once you register, a Zoom link will be sent via email to you on the day of the program. When you register, please include your child’s name and age, and a current email address. We look forward to sharing many great stories with you this fall!

Photo by Victoria Borodinova on Pexels.com

EMPOWER YOURSELF TO ACCESS MORE! SIGN UP FOR A LIBRARY CARD TODAY.

~ mkolb76 ~ Leave a comment

Library Card Sign-Up Month reminds students, families a library card is one of the most cost-effective back-to-school supplies available! IT’S FREE!

This September, Chester County Library and Henrietta Hankin Branch are joining the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries nationwide for Library Card Sign-Up Month. Whether you use a library card online or in person, it gives students the free tools to succeed in school and provides people of all ages and backgrounds the opportunities to pursue their dreams and be their best selves. From family Story Times and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) programs to makerspaces and virtual homework help, libraries play an essential role in supporting the value of lifelong learning through education. Libraries offer free and fun educational resources and activities that bring families and communities together. Libraries have moved far beyond just being book repositories. They’re agile institutions serving real-life needs.

Did you know you can borrow family museum passes from the library for free? Visit an area zoo, museum, or garden – you just need a Chester County Library System card!

Taking a vacation, doing virtual school at home, or doing business on the road? The Chester County Library and Henrietta Hankin Branch Library also rent mobile hotspots which allow library cardholders to access unlimited, high-speed Internet service anywhere a T-Mobile signal can be received. Connect up to ten devices at a time, including desktops, laptops, tablets, smartphones, etc.

With a library card, the possibilities are endless. Borrow free books, CDS, DVDs, and download eBooks, and e-Audiobooks right from the comfort of your own home! We even have a large selection of videogames available to rent.

Throughout the school year, public librarians and library staff will assist parents and caregivers with saving hundreds of dollars on educational resources and services for students of all ages. A library card is one of the most cost-effective back-to-school supplies available!

For younger children, we offer early literacy resources to help them learn to read and encourage school readiness, and for teens and older students, we provide access to technology and digital tools (such as 3D printers, button makers, scanners, and audio-visual recording and editing equipment) as well as GED resources.

This year, Marley Dias, author, executive producer, and founder of #1000BlackGirlBooks is taking on a new role as honorary chair of Library Card Sign-Up Month. As honorary chair, Dias will remind the public that signing up for a library card provides access to technology, multimedia content, and educational programming that transforms lives and strengthens communities. “A library card is the ticket you need to travel across the globe. It allows you to experience stories that can connect you to diverse and empowering experiences,” said Dias.

Since 1987, Library Card Sign-up Month has been held each September to mark the beginning of the school year. During the month, the ALA and libraries unite in a national effort to ensure every child signs up for a library card. For more information about how to sign up for a library card, please visit Chester County Library or Henrietta Hankin Branch Library in person or online at chescolibraries.org.

National Novel Writing Month 101

~ Sam Bardarik ~ Leave a comment

National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo.org) is just around the corner! Have you ever had a story idea you thought would make a great novel? Always wanted to write a memoir about something that happened in your life? Just like to write?

Join us to learn more about getting those words out this November. We’ll go over what NaNoWriMo is, what it isn’t, and how it can help your creativity. Whether you’ve never heard of NaNoWriMo before or have been a regular participant for the last 20 years, whether you want to handwrite or use all the latest software, this session is for you.

Chester County Library and the Henrietta Hankin Branch Library are hosting virtual preparation sessions and virtual writing sessions throughout the months of September, October, and November. Attend any and all events that work for you! See our full schedule and register here.

NaNoWriMo Schedule
NaNoWriMo 101 & Prep
Wednesday, 9/1, 3-4pm
Tuesday, 9/7, 10-11am
Monday, 9/13, 7-9pm
Monday, 10/4, 6:30-7:30pm
Monday, 10/11, 7-9pm
Monday, 10/25, 6:30-7:30pm

Kick-Off Party
Monday, 11/1, 7-9pm
Write In
Monday, 11/8, 7-9pm
Midway Party
Monday, 11/15, 7-9pm
Write In
Monday, 11/22, 7-9pm
Night of Drafting Daringly
Monday, 11/29, 7-9pm
Thank Goodness It’s Over Party
Monday, 12/6, 7-9pm

These are independent events managed by a community partner.
The NaNoWriMo name and logo are used by special permission.

Volunteer Tutors Needed to Teach Adult Learners

~ mkolb76 ~ Leave a comment

The Chester County OIC Adult Tutoring Program has a need for volunteers who are willing to work with adult students seeking to learn English as a second language, improve math skills, study for the GED exam, work on basic literacy, or study for the citizenship exam. A 4-year college degree is required to tutor, but a teaching background is not needed. Tutor training is offered online by the PA Department of Education. Tutors are asked to meet with their student 3 hours per week, usually done in two, 90 minute sessions. Tutor pairs are working virtually right now via Zoom, Facetime, WhatsApp or other platforms. Our program is based in the Chester County Library, in Exton, with whom we have a long partnership.

The Adult Tutoring office encourages anyone who is interested in volunteering to contact our office at 610-344-4013 or 610-344-4014 or send an email to drikess@cc-oic.org. The Chester County OIC website is ccoic.org. 

Virtual Newsstand Program September 13th!

~ Jamie ~ Leave a comment
Virtual Newsstand, Monday, September 13th 7-8PM. Learn how to access FREE popular newspapers and magazines from the comfort of your home!

Did you know you can access hundreds of magazines and newspapers for free using the library’s digital subscriptions? Join us to learn more about how to access popular periodicals from home. You’ll learn how to access magazines like People, The New Yorker, Real Simple, and National Geographic, as well as newspapers like The New York Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Washington Post, and more.

Register here for this virtual program: https://ccls.libcal.com/event/8137437

Registration is required. Registration will close 3 hours prior to the scheduled start time of the event. 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.

Virtual Story Times at the Henrietta Hankin Library

~ svirginiaroyf ~ Leave a comment

The Henrietta Hankin Branch Library has finalized our Youth Services program schedule for September! All children’s programming will continue to be held virtually through Zoom. Story times will begin the week of September 12th and run through the week of October 15th.

Baby and Toddler Story Time (Ages 0-36 months) – Tuesdays at 10 am

Family Story Time (Ages 0-6 years old) – Tuesdays at 1 pm

Story Time for Preschoolers (Ages 3-4 years old) – Wednesdays at 10 am

Story Time for Pre K-K (Ages 4-6 years old) – Wednesdays at 1 pm

We will also have Mother-Daughter Book Club on Monday, September 20th at 6:30 pm for those 9 years-old and up accompanied by a favorite female grown-up.

Registration is required for all programming and you can find our event calendar here to sign up!