Join us to play Jackbox Games and socialize with other gamers virtually.
Free basic computer tutorials at DigitalLearn.org
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.”
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)
PUA provides up to 39 weeks of benefits to qualifying individuals who are otherwise able to work and available for work within the meaning of applicable state law, except that they are unemployed, partially unemployed, or unable or unavailable to work due to COVID-19 related reasons, as defined in the CARES Act. Benefit payments under PUA are retroactive, for weeks of unemployment, partial employment, or inability to work due to COVID-19 reasons starting on or after January 27, 2020. The CARES Act specifies that PUA benefits cannot be paid for weeks of unemployment ending after December 31, 2020.
For more information and to file a regular unemployment claim, click here.
Teen Update: World Book Online – Activity Corner
Our free access to World Book Online (WBO) continues through April 30th so you still have time to take advantage of this great resource. WBO is a place to find so much more than just help with your school assignments.
With your library card, you can access WBO’s Activity Corner which has a huge collection of projects and crafts. You can filter your search by age, type of activity, culture, etc. You will find projects that involve jewelry making, drawing, woodcraft, knitting, writing, science, construction . . . the list goes on and on.
So, if you are feeling creative but need inspiration and instructions, be sure to visit the Activity Corner at World Book Online.
Free webinar: Interviewing from Home
Codecademy is offering a free webinar on Interviewing from Home tomorrow, Friday, April 24 at 10:00 am. Register here.
Kids’ Update: Tumblebooks
Tumblebooks has made their database available during the COVID-19 emergency. You’ll find an enormous selection of animated picture books, read-alongs, ebooks, games, lesson plans, and quizzes at the click of your mouse!
The Youth Services Staff at the Chester County Library and Hankin Branch are presenting Virtual Storytimes beginning April 27th. They will be for three different ages groups — 0 to 2 Year Olds, 3 & 4 Year Olds, and 5 & 6 Year Olds. Registration is required via the Events Calendar at https://chescolibraries.org/. Virtual Storytimes are not registered as multi-week sessions; you will need to register for each storytime individually.
Computer Skills Training
Chester County Library now has online instructions for Basic Microsoft Word and Excel available for you.
While the library cannot currently provide our popular in-house classes and 1-1 tutoring sessions, we can provide you with our Basic Microsoft Word and Basic Microsoft Excel instructions. These are instructional documents only. You will need Microsoft Word and/or Microsoft Excel available on your computer to follow the instructions.
We miss you and we hope to be back soon with in-house workshops. We are in the process of developing virtual computer training. Please stay tuned. We hope these instructional documents will help with brushing up your skills or help you learn something new!
If you have questions related to Microsoft Office, staff from John W Jacobs Technology can try to help you. Please email us your questions to ccljtc@ccls.org. We will respond your emails.
Also, check the following resources:
Ancestry.com is Now Available for Free
To access Ancestry remotely through May 31st, you’ll need to:
- Log into your library account by clicking “My Account Login” on www.chescolibraries.org
- Once logged in, you’ll see a link at the top of the landing page that says “Click here to access Ancestry.com remotely.”
If you need help with accessing your online library account, please contact us.
EARTH DAY 50
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, earthday.org is live-streaming Earth Day messages, performances, and calls to action. Tune in and enjoy: http://earthday.org/earth-day-live
Virtual Program: Libby: Ask Me Anything
Maybe you’re finding yourself with more free time now that all of your social events and outings have been canceled. Maybe you just need a break from it all. Either way now might be a great time to pick up a good book, and we still have you covered with our digital collection on Libby.
If you’re new to Libby, need a refresher, or have a specific question, join us on Friday afternoons at 3 PM for virtual learning sessions. Registration is required.
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.
Stay Connected with Chescolibraries 