Phoenixville Public Library News

Library Launches New Website; See Phoenixville Patch for Community Event Listings

2011-07-07T15:37:00.000-05:00

Phoenixville Public Library has launched a new website! While the new site contains calendars for Library events, the community events calendar has been discontinued. We encourage you to visit the Phoenixville Patch website at http://phoenixville.patch.com to both view and submit notices of community events. And be sure to visit Phoenixville Public Library at its new home on the web at http://www.phoenixvillelibrary.org. Thanks for your support!

Looking for summer reading? Check out Friends Books!

2011-06-16T10:26:00.002-05:00

Looking for that good beach read? Why not head down to Friends Books, our gently used book store located behind our Children’s Library? In addition to books, the store carries music CDs and DVDs, too – all at reasonable prices. All proceeds benefit Phoenixville Public Library. Hours of operation are Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Friday & Saturday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Thanks for supporting your Library and the community!

Adult Summer Reading Program Will Have You Going Places

2011-06-06T15:21:00.002-05:00

Phoenixville Public Library invites adults over age 18 to participate in its Adult Summer Reading Program, Novel Destinations. Get your “passport” stamped for every book, eBook, or audiobook you read or listen to, and qualify for weekly raffle drawings of gift cards to local merchants. Collect 15 stamps for a chance to win a gift basket with an international theme. The program is free and runs June 13 through August 13 at the library. For more information, call 610-933-3013 Ext. 32 or e-mail mpinto@ccls.org.

New Director of Youth & Young Adult Services Hired

2011-03-29T15:48:00.000-05:00

Rebecca Krause has been named Phoenixville Public Library's new Director of Youth & Young Adult Services. She has been with the library for nearly 5 years as a Circulation Assistant in both the adult and children’s libraries. She received her Master’s in Library Science from Clarion University.

Rebecca has over 6 years experience working with children in her leadership role as vice-president and president of the Home and School Association here, in the Phoenixville Area School District. She has also addressed the school board on many occasions while in this leadership role.

Rebecca’s official start date, as full time Director of Youth and Young Adult Services, is Monday, April 25.

Phoenixville Public Library Strategic Plan Initiative

2011-01-13T14:16:00.003-05:00

In 2011 the Phoenixville Public Library, a member of the Chester County Library System, will be embarking on their new five-year Strategic Plan for 2012 FY through 2016 FY and is looking for community input. The Plan process will develop a shared understanding of the library’s current state, build consensus for a strategic direction for the library and strengthen relationships among the library’s stakeholders throughout the community according to Executive Director John Kelley. The Strategic Planning Committee composed of Library Board and staff has developed ten questions to engage the community in conversation about this initiative said Kelley:

1] In one word or phrase, describe Phoenixville Public Library in 2011 and the Library in 2015.

2] What services would you like Phoenixville Public Library to provide?

3] How would you like Phoenixville Public Library to support personal learning/recreation?

4] How would you like Phoenixville Public Library to support school readiness for young children and their families? How would you like the Library to help students succeed?

5] How would you like Phoenixville Public Library to work with schools to support education?

6] How would you like Phoenixville Public Library to support job seekers?

7] How can Phoenixville Public Library best strengthen the community?

8] What store, restaurant, or organization provides the best customer service and what is it you find most valuable about their customer service?

9] What do you look for from Phoenixville Public Library that you can’t get anywhere else?

10] What would motivate you to use the Library more?

These questions will be available for your review and comment at the Phoenixville Public Library and on the Library’s Facebook page for two weeks beginning Tuesday, January 18th. The Phoenixville YMCA, on Pothouse Road, will also have them posted in their lobby the evening of Tuesday, January 18th from 6PM through 9PM. In addition, if you would like to respond to the

questions from home you can e-mail your comments to pplstrategicplan@ccls.org. You will also be able to access these questions on our Website at www.phoenixvillelibrary.org. All you need do is reference the questions you are commenting on.

There will also be a community based two day Search Conference in April which will include a six step process where we will look at the past, the present, trends, envision the future, establish common ground and develop action plans for the library moving forward, said Kelley. If you would like to attend this conference you can contact the library for more information, using this e-mail pplstrategicplan@ccls.org.

This effort to engage the community in the planning process is critical to the success of the Library’s Strategic Plan. Our goal is to arrive at a Plan that identifies the changing needs in our community so that appropriate educational programs and cultural activities can be established and adequate resources can be made available through the Library to address those needs, said Kelley. Strategic Plan updates will be available on the Library’s Website at www.phoenixvillelibrary.org

Tax Forms Update

2011-01-10T18:58:00.000-05:00

We have begun receiving shipments of IRS forms, and have put them on display on the table at the bottom of our staircase. We have no Pennsylvania forms yet, but expect to receive those, and more IRS forms, over the next few weeks.

Tax Forms On the Way!

2011-01-05T16:23:00.000-05:00

Looking for federal or state tax forms at the Library? We are still awaiting shipments from the IRS and Pennsylvania Revenue Department. When we've received sufficient quantities of them, they will be displayed on tables at the bottom of our stairs. Thank you for your patience.

Remember, you can download tax forms anytime from the IRS or PA Revenue Dept. websites. Local tax forms can be downloaded from Berkheimer's web site.

Need to Use a Library Computer? Check Out a Laptop!

2010-10-04T13:53:00.000-05:00

No Library computer workstations available? Try one of the Adult Library's new circulating laptops! All you need is a photo ID and a Chester County Library System card to check out a laptop for use all day anywhere in the Adult Library. Laptops are wifi-ready and have all the Microsoft Office programs loaded on them. You can't print from them, but you can save to a flash drive or CD. For more info, call 610-933-3013, Ext. 32.

Thanks to Our Adult Summer Reading Program Participants

2010-08-27T09:44:00.002-05:00

Congratulations to Mary Ann Brown, the grand prize winner of this year's Adult Summer Reading Program. Mary Ann read 42 books over the course of the program, and even submitted 2 book reviews.
Congratulations to all our raffle winners and thanks to all our participants in the program, who this year read a combined 964 books!
See you next summer!

Check Out Our Reference Books -- Literally!

2010-08-26T15:08:00.000-05:00

Have you ever seen a useful book in our Adult or Children's Reference collections that you wish you could take home with you? Well, now you can. Most books in Phoenixville Library's Reference collections may now be checked out of the Library for one-week loan periods. If you need them a little longer, they may be renewed as well.

Reference books in the Adult Library's Local History and Foundation Center collections may not be checked out.

Adult Summer Reading Program Heats Up!

2010-07-12T13:49:00.001-05:00

Yes, it's hot, but Phoenixville Library is turning up the heat even more on the Adult Summer Reading Program!
We have lots of prizes we want to give away. So, through the end of the program (now August 21!), participants may checkout and read ANY book or audiobook from ANY Chester County Library. Just bring them to the Adult Circulation Desk, and we will log them toward your prize goals. Remember, the person who reads the most books by August 21 receives our grand prize gift basket.

Wait, that's not all! In addition to our raffle drawings for gift cards from local merchants, we'll draw a second winner each week to receive a pair of ticket vouchers for any show during the 2010-2011 season at Phoenixville's Forge Theatre!
And if you've enjoyed (or hated) any of the books you've read this summer, share your thoughts about it online by submitting a book review (or two).
If you're not registered in the Summer Reading Program, it's still not too late. Sign up today in person or online!

Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission Documents Available for Public Comment

2010-06-03T09:03:00.000-05:00

The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commision (DVRPC) has released its Draft FY 2011 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for Pennsylvania. Public comments on the program will be taken through June 30, 2010. The documents may be requested at the Adult Checkout Desk during this period.

Internet Safety and Cyberbullying Talk for Parents Coming to Phoenixville Public Library

2010-06-02T10:20:00.000-05:00

Representatives of the Crime Victims' Center of Chester County will speak to parents on Thursday, June 17 at 7:00 PM at the Library about ensuring the safety and well being of their children in the cyber world. Their talk, "Internet Safety and Cyberbullying for Parents", will incorporate current statistics, best practices for child safety, and discussion of popular Internet applications -- MySpace, Facebook, Instant Messenger, blogs, and text messaging -- that children may use to emotionally and physically harm their peers. Adult offenders are also using these applications to pose as children and harm them. This program discusses what children and perpetrators are doing on these sites and how individuals can be safe on the Internet. This event is free and open to the public. Reservations are required. For more information or to reserve a seat, call 610-933-3013 x32 or e-mail mpinto@ccls.org.

2010 Adult Summer Reading Program Kicks Off June 14

2010-05-17T13:07:00.000-05:00

     Phoenixville Public Library announces the return of its Adult Summer Reading Program from Monday, June 14 through Saturday, August 14. This free program is open to all Phoenixville area residents 18 years of age or older.
     Adults who register for the program are encouraged to read as many books from the Library’s collections as they can. A special grand prize gift basket will be awarded to the participant who reads the most books. All registered participants will be eligible for prize incentives, bonus prizes, and weekly raffles for gift cards from area merchants. Participants may also post and share book reviews and track their reading progress online.
     Registration begins June 14 at the Library or online at http://www.phoenixvillelibrary.org/. For more information, stop by the Reference Desk, call 610-933-3013, Ext. 32, or e-mail mpinto@ccls.org.

Summer Reading Fun Coming Your Way

2010-05-17T12:44:00.000-05:00

Summer's coming, and at Phoenixville Public Library, that means Summer Reading Programs for kids, teens, and adults. Incentives, prizes, games, and much more, all to promote the enjoyment of reading. Watch this space and the Phoenixville Community Calendar for more details.

Attention, Acme Market Shoppers -- We Need Your Register Receipts Now!

2010-03-17T14:05:00.001-05:00

First of all, a big THANK YOU to those of you who have been bringing us your Acme checkout receipts. The Friends of the Phoenixville Public Library and, in turn, the Library itself, have benefited greatly from Acme's program that has given back a percentage of each grocery bill to the Friends. However, Acme has informed us that they will be discontinuing this program as of April 28, 2010.

We are making one final push for your receipts. We need to collect $5,000 in receipts before we can submit them to Acme. Obviously, our time is limited, so please bring in your Acme receipts TODAY!

Survey of the "100 Greatest American Movies" begins April 8 at the Library

2010-03-15T16:22:00.002-05:00

Phoenixville Public Library will begin a monthly survey of the American Film Institute’s “100 Greatest Movies” on Thursday, April 8 at 6:30 PM with a screening of “Ben-Hur” (1959, not rated, running time 212 min.). The Oscar-winning (11 awards) epic version of Lew Wallace’s classic novel stars Charlton Heston in the role of a Palestinian Jew battling the Roman Empire at the time of Christ.

This event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. An informal discussion follows the screening. For more information, call 610-933-3013, Ext. 32 or e-mail mpinto@ccls.org.

Bookworms Rejoice! Phoenixville Library Extends Hours

2010-03-11T14:46:00.001-05:00

Wednesday hours are back at the library.

At its meeting Monday evening, the Phoenixville Public Library Board of Trustees voted to re-open the library on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., starting March 17.

"We are thrilled that the library will be more accessible to the public for their educational, cultural and recreational needs," said John Kelley, executive director.

The library was forced to close its doors on Wednesdays back in November due to the Pennsylvania budget crisis.

"We had no idea that our funding would have been cut so much," Kelley said. "The fact that Pennsylvania's budget did not pass until October had significant consequences for our library."

Funding for public libraries all across Pennsylvania was cut from $75 million to $60 million.

Phoenixville Public Library suffered a $61,000 loss of funding from the state and the county, such that it was forced to close its doors on Sundays and Wednesdays. The library will still remain closed on Sundays until further notice.

"Fortunately our community has backed us and helped put a dent in our deficit through private donations and grants, but we still face challenges and still need the community's support," said Susan Meadows, president of the board of trustees. "It was always our intention to open our doors as soon as we were able as we realize the extent to which the public relies upon our services."

The number of library's cardholders increased from 21,800 to 22,700 during 2009, and the number of items circulated increased from 250,000 to over 270,000 at the same time.

Meadows said that statistics clearly demonstrate that the library is more necessary to the community than ever.

"The unfortunate reality is while our usage is sky-rocketing, our funding is in decline," she said. "However, the board is committed to making information and quality programing accessible to the entire community, and we will do everything in our power to make this happen."

All library programing is posted on Phoenixville's Community Calendar at www.phoenixvillelibrary.org.

Property Tax/Rent Rebate Forms Are In!

2010-02-18T16:50:00.000-05:00

Yes, the 2010 PA-1000 forms are here, on display with all our other tax forms.

State Tax Forms Here

2010-02-02T16:54:00.000-05:00

Our supply of Pennsylvania income tax forms has arrived. However, we're still waiting for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate forms. We'll let you know when they appear.

Federal Tax Forms Here; State Forms on the Way

2010-01-25T13:46:00.000-05:00

We have received our annual shipment of Federal income tax forms. You'll find them on our lower level. Our book of reproducible IRS forms is here as well. Ask for it upstairs at the Adult Circulation Desk.
State forms should be arriving by the second week of February. We'll keep you posted.

Special Podcast on Library Funding Available

2009-12-18T11:11:00.000-05:00

Listen to an interview with John Venditta, Executive Director of the Chester County Library System, and John Kelley, Executive Director of the Phoenixville Public Library. Click here!

Pennsylvania Budget Forces Phoenixville Library Cutbacks

2009-11-23T11:42:00.004-05:00

The Phoenixville Public Library Board of Trustees approved operating budget cuts for 2010 at its November Board meeting. “These cuts were extremely difficult,” said Board President Susan Meadows, “but the library was forced to address an $80,000 shortfall.” With significant cuts to: the state library subsidy, the educational improvement tax credit program, Access PA [state reimbursement for serving customers outside the library’s service area] and county funding, all established in late October, and an increase in health insurance costs, the library had no choice but to make deeper cuts in its operating budget for the current fiscal year by cutting staff and hours of operation.

After a review of current programs and services it became necessary to vote for a solution that allowed the library to balance its budget while still maintaining quality access to information for the Phoenixville community. One full-time and two part-time staff positions will be eliminated. The collection budget will be cut, part-time hours of some of the staff will be reduced, and the library will be closed on Wednesdays [effective November 25]. “Every day is busy at the library, but statistically Wednesday is our slowest,” said Executive Director John Kelley. This closure will also affect children’s programs. The library’s new hours will be Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 9AM-9PM, Friday & Saturday 9AM – 5PM.

“The funding of libraries is very complex,” said Kelley, “because the library draws from many different sources to make its budget.” Kelley continued by saying that public libraries are primarily funded by a local source and then they supplement this amount with state, county and private funds. Kelley continued, “We are fortunate to have the Phoenixville Area School District as our local government funding source. They approved a small funding increase for the library for the current fiscal year. This was commendable for them as educational leaders in our community, and very helpful for the library’s programs and services. Unfortunately the state cuts were too steep to change the outcome for this year,”

Library circulation is up almost 14% over the past 2 years with circulation approaching 300,000 items annually. Phoenixville is the third busiest public library in Chester County. “We average some 130 holds a day on our materials, and people are standing in line to use our computers. For the month of October, there were 65 educational children’s programs, including outreach, with nearly 2,500 people in attendance. The adult programs drew over 250 people,” said Kelley.

The Board is very concerned over the impact that this funding cut will have on the Phoenixville community, and will continue to seek new revenue streams for the operation of the library, while attempting to strengthen existing ones. “While our hours of operation will be less, our quality of service and educational programming will continue to be strong,” Kelley emphatically stated. He continued, “It is my hope that if our funding situation improves we can restore some, if not all of these hours. In the interim, inter-library loan borrowing and sharing of some resources among the County-wide System member libraries will increase as we, and other county libraries, will be buying fewer materials.”

Future state, county and local government funding sources for the Phoenixville Public Library and all Chester County libraries will depend significantly on the public’s voice for support through letters, phone calls, e-mails and personal visits to our state, county and locally elected officials starting now, for fiscal year 2010-2011.

Click here for the list of Phoenixville Area School District Board members. Click here for the Chester County Commissioners. Click here to find your State legislators.

New "Patron Picks" Blog Launched

2009-09-30T14:25:00.000-05:00

We've just launched our new "Patron Picks" blog at pplpatronpicks.blogspot.com. Check it out! Patrons may comment on the 'picks', which are linked to the Chester County Library System catalog. If you've read a good book lately, e-mail title and author info to mpinto@ccls.org, and we'll post your 'pick' on the blog.

Library to Be Closed Sundays Beginning October 4

2009-09-28T14:28:00.001-05:00

Due to expected budget cuts, the Library will not be open on Sundays, until further notice. The Board and staff of the Library regret any inconvenience this may cause.

Adult Summer Reading Program a Success!

2009-08-17T10:09:00.002-05:00

Our Adult Summer Reading Program ended on August 14 with 1,885 books read by 193 participants. While we did not reach the goal of 2,000 books read, the Friends of the Library has decided to give us what we need to purchase the "Milk Menagerie" gift from Heifer International. Thank you, Friends, and thank you to all of our participants this summer.

Fall Speakers & Events Series Lineup Announced

2009-08-04T08:37:00.002-05:00

Our Fall Speakers & Events Series for adults is pretty much set. Highlights include a talk on Pennsylvania Dutch Covered Bridges on September 24, a recreation of old-time radio broadcasts "This Was Radio" on October 22, a bicentennial-year talk on Edgar Allan Poe on October 26, an astronomy presentation by a "celestial evangelist" on October 29, and a lecture on the life and works of artist Georgia O'Keeffe on November 16. For more information on these and other upcoming events, check out the Events page on our website.

Podcasts Debut on Library Website

2009-07-01T15:27:00.002-05:00

Did you miss our June 29th "Author Night" with Nancy Loane about the women of the Valley Forge Encampment? Now you can listen to the Podcast of her talk on our website. Just scroll to the bottom of the page. Podcasts of recent speakers will be a regular feature on our Adult Library Events page. Thank you to the Friends of the Phoenixville Public Library for enabling us to purchase our digital recorder!

New Electric Outlets for Laptops Installed in Carnegie Room

2009-06-29T15:35:00.003-05:00

Got a laptop? Need to plug in your power cord? Now you won't have to hunt all over the Adult Library for an electric outlet. New electric outlets, accommodating up to two power cables, have been installed beneath nearly all the tables in the Carnegie Room.

SENATE BILL 850 –WILL CLOSE PUBLIC LIBRARY DOORS

2009-05-28T09:00:00.000-05:00

The Pennsylvania State Budget, which is being debated in both the State House and Senate right now, will significantly impact our library next year. Now is the time to urge add your voice to support level funding for library services next year. Under S.B. 850 library programs are hit hard. The Public Library Subsidy would be cut 50% to $37 million. The Library Access line (POWER Library, statewide borrowing, interlibrary delivery) would cease operations as this year’s $7 million appropriation would drop to zero. The Electronic Library Catalog (Ask Here PA, Access PA database) would have only $1.7 million next year compared to this year’s total of $3.7 million. Funding for the State Library (50% cut to $2.4 million) and Library Services for the Visually Impaired and Disabled (2% cut to $2.9 million) are the same in both the Governor‘s proposal and the Senate Republican bill.

Cuts of this magnitude would be devastating, of course. And in a budget that relies on cuts alone, many, many programs are hit hard. The Department of Community and Economic Development would be cut by 52% under S.B. 850. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources would lose 17%. State spending in the Department of Education would drop by more than a half billion dollars (over and above the library cuts.) The Health Department would shrink by 10%; Labor and Industry by 20%; and Public Welfare by $300 million. Even expenditures in the State Senate and State House are targeted for 10% reductions.

It’s easy to get lost in a blizzard of numbers at a time like this. But here’s what you need to know:
1. Demand for library services is up dramatically during this recession. Libraries all across Pennsylvania are busier than ever before serving people looking for work, families on tight budgets, and retirees grappling with shrinking savings. Budget cuts will reduce library services for the very people who need libraries the most.

2. Governor Rendell’s proposed budget reducing library funding will cost Pennsylvania nearly a million dollars in lost federal money. Likewise, cuts to library services under S.B. 850 would cost Pennsylvania many more millions of dollars in lost federal funds. (PaLA will post a specific projection on the website as soon as they are available have it.)

No better time than right now to contact every State Senator, State Representative, and the Governor with our message that libraries provide vital services to thousands in need of work, and that Pennsylvania should secure every last nickel of federal funding and not leave millions of federal library dollars on the table. You need to write a letter [in long hand] or phone in your support for public libraries. The alternative is a significant loss of programs, loss of services and loss of hours.
Here is a link to the Pennsylvania Library Association’s Website with more information www.palibraries.org. To find your legislator: http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/find.cfm
As always, I am grateful for your passion and your persistence on behalf of our public libraries.

John Kelley
Executive Director
Phoenixville Public Library
183 Second Avenue
Phoenixville, PA 19460
Phone: 610-933-3013 x23
E-mail: jkelley@ccls.org

Create a Better World at Phoenixville Library This Summer

2009-05-12T15:39:00.002-05:00

Summer is just around the corner. Actually, Summer Reading begins on June 8 at Phoenixville Public Library. This year's programs for children, teens, and adults will be extra special, as readers will be able to make a difference in the lives of the poor in other countries. You'll have the opportunity to turn every book you read into a donation to Heifer International, a nonprofit organization working to end hunger by helping impoverished families acquire and raise farm animals. Yes, you'll still have a chance to win prizes for the books you read. But this summer, it's the giving that really counts. For more information, see our website.

Fines Amnesty & Free Media Rentals Extended through April 24

2009-04-16T09:52:00.002-05:00

Keep those non-perishable items coming! Thank you.

Fines Amnesty & Free Media Rentals During National Library Week

2009-04-13T08:25:00.002-05:00

Phoenixville Public Library celebrates National Library Week, April 13-17. Patrons who bring in two non-perishable food items for Phoenixville Area Community Services (PACS) will have their overdue fines waived or, if they have no fines, will receive one free media (DVD, video, audiobook, software) rental on the spot!

Seeking Gently Used Children's Books

2009-04-09T15:11:00.002-05:00

Our gently used book store, Friends Books, is in need of children's books in good condition. Please bring your donations to the Library's lower level. Thank you from the Friends of the Phoenixville Library!

Adult Library Magazine Survey

2009-04-01T09:30:00.002-05:00

The Library would like to know which of the magazines in the Adult Library you enjoy reading and if there are any we don't currently subscribe to that you'd like to see here. Survey forms are available in the magazine area, and we'll be collecting your responses through May. Thanks for your participation!

Library Expansion Project: An Open Letter to the Phoenixville Community

2009-03-11T08:47:00.001-05:00

The Board of Directors of the Phoenixville Public Library Foundation and the Board of Trustees of the Phoenixville Public Library have been working very hard on the Library’s Concept Growth Plan to better serve the information, education and recreation needs of the Phoenixville Community. Plans include a new library addition of 22,000 square feet that will increase the size of our cramped children’s library, include a new, larger story-time room, provide a brand new dedicated space for our active teenage population, increase meeting room space for our existing community programs, enlarge the computer center to address community technology needs and the information explosion, and add space to spread out the cramped collections while allowing some room for collection growth. The renovations include an elevator and accessible restrooms. The facility would also become ADA compliant.

The goal of this renovation and expansion project is to create a much stronger and more viable information and community resource center for the Phoenixville community to be utilized by present and future generations. To facilitate dialogue throughout this process the Library Foundation has held several informational meetings with the community over the last two years. Public meetings about the Concept Growth Plan have also been held with Phoenixville Borough Council, the Phoenixville Area School District Board of School Directors, the Chester County Library System Board and the Chester County Planning Commission.

The Library believes in community building and is committed to ensuring a strong relationship with the Borough, its surrounding community and the Chester County Library System. We consistently strive to fulfill our charge of providing the best possible library services to the local Phoenixville community. It is clear that we need to expand in order to do this. To accomplish this goal, the addition needs to extend out to the property line of Reeves Park between Park Alley and Main Street. There will be a Community Development Committee Meeting at Borough Hall on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 6:00 PM and a Borough Council Meeting on Tuesday April 14, 2009 at 7:00PM to discuss the vacating of a very small portion of Second Avenue to enable our Concept Growth Plan to become reality. Your supportive presence at these meetings is crucial . If you cannot attend please contact your local Councilman by phone or in writing to express your support for the Library’s plans. Working together for the Library’s future will be our legacy for the next generation. Thank you!

Sincerely,

Susan Meadows, President, Library Board
Maureen Ash, President, Library Foundation Board
John Kelley, Executive Director

Property Tax/Rent Rebate Forms Are In!

2009-02-13T10:26:00.003-05:00

The 2008 Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate Forms have arrived and can be found on the State tax form table at the bottom of the stairs.

Announcing Spring Speakers & Events Series for Adults

2009-02-05T16:12:00.003-05:00

What do retirement, lyme disease, resumé writing, 'green' interior design, ancient Pompeii, and wilderness survival have in common? They are some of the intriguing topics to be explored in our free Spring Speakers & Events Series for adults, beginning in March. See our website for more details, and hope to see you here!

Tax Forms Update

2009-02-05T16:04:00.002-05:00

We have received all expected Federal and State tax forms, which can be found on the tables at the bottom of the stairs. The binder of reproducible Federal tax forms has also arrived and is available at the Adult Circulation Desk. These may be reproduced on our photocopier, 15 cents/page.

Library Closed Today, Feb. 4

2009-02-04T11:57:00.000-05:00

We will reopen Thursday, Feb. 5.

We Have (Some) Tax Forms

2009-01-07T10:05:00.002-05:00

We've received a shipment of 2008 Federal and State tax forms, which are available on the ground floor of the Library. Please note that we have not received all of the forms yet or the binder of reproducible Federal forms. We'll let you know when everything arrives.

Library Now Accepts Credit Cards

2008-12-02T09:41:00.002-05:00

Need to pay off those fines or find a DVD you just have to rent but are short on cash? Phoenixville Public Library now accepts credit cards -- Visa, MasterCard & Discover.

Call for New Adult Groups

2008-11-19T09:42:00.003-05:00

Are you an adult who enjoys such activities as writing, drawing, music, astronomy, coin collecting, or making crafts? If you have a particular talent, interest, or hobby you’d like to share with others in a group setting, Phoenixville Public Library wants you! The Library is actively seeking to form new groups and clubs to meet here on a regular basis. The Library will provide the meeting space and actively publicize your group. If you are interested in leading such a group, please contact Mark Pinto, Adult Services Director at 610-933-3013, Ext. 32 or mpinto@ccls.org.

Library to Close at 5:00 PM on October 30

2008-10-28T14:49:00.001-05:00

Phoenixville Public Library will close early, at 5:00 PM, on Thursday, October 30, in preparation for the Library's Halloween Party. The Library will reopen at 9:30 AM on Friday, October 31. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Phoenixville Public Library 2.0

2008-10-13T20:07:00.003-05:00

While some of you enjoyed this Columbus Day off from work or school, the staff of Phoenixville Public Library and the other libraries of the Chester County Library System participated in a day-long workshop at the Chester County Intermediate Unit.

The topic of the workshop: Web 2.0. Things like blogs (covered!), wikis, Second Life, Facebook, RSS feeds, Flicker, et al. While some of this Internet technology was familiar to us, much was not. Over the next six months, staff at the county libraries will be playing around with various Web 2.0 tools.

The end result should be new library services, as well as new ways of promoting existing services. We're really not sure where it will all lead, but we know that engaging with this new technology is important to help us maintain the library's relevance to its users and to enhance our viability in the community.

We welcome any suggestions you have for increasing Phoenixville Library's presence in the Web 2.0 world or any volunteer time you would be willing to contribute to this end. Thank you for your continued loyalty as we seek to better serve the current and future generations of library users.

Library Closed Monday, October 13

2008-10-07T12:25:00.002-05:00

Phoenixville Public Library will be closed on Monday, October 13 for staff training. We will reopen at 9:30 AM on Tuesday, October 14.

Phoenixville Library Offers Wine & Spirits

2008-09-25T09:46:00.006-05:00

The Library invites you to two special fundraising events. First, it's a Halloween Party for Adults in the haunted Phoenixville Library on Thursday, October 30, from 8:00 to 11:00 PM. If you've been intrigued by the video of the book flying off our shelf unaided, or the photo of the orb outside our old front door, or heard the strange stories told by staff members, you just might want to check this out. The Party will feature the Chester County Paranormal Research Society regaling guests with tales about the Library and other subjects of their investigations. This BYOB event also features prizes for costumes and a silent auction. See our Web site for more details.

Then, on Thursday, November 6, from 5:45 to 9:00 PM, it's our 5th annual Evening of Wine, Wit & Wisdom, held again at Rivercrest Golf Club & Preserve. Come support your Library by sampling and comparing wines from the "Old World" and the "New World". Call 610-933-3013, Ext. 31 for more information.

Fall Programs Coming Your Way

2008-08-22T09:19:00.003-05:00

Fall programs for children, young adults, and adults are starting soon! Children's storytimes begin September 22, and the first event in the Fall Speakers & Events Series for adults is September 4. And you won't want to miss this year's Wine, Wit & Wisdom event on November 6. For all the details, check out our website, and click on "Events". Hope to see you this Fall!

Public Meeting Notice

2008-06-13T08:53:00.000-05:00

The Phoenixville Public Library Foundation
has a scheduled public meeting with the
Phoenixville Planning Commission on
Thursday, July 10, 2008 at 7:00PM at
Borough Hall to discuss the
proposed Library expansion.

Come to Our First Annual Phoenixville Mini-Golf Open!

2008-06-03T14:29:00.003-05:00

Tee off for our first-ever family-friendly golf outing, sponsored by Markie's Mini-Golf Playground and benefitting the Phoenixville Public Library. For details, click here. Hope to see you there!

New Extended Hours for Friends Books

2008-05-01T12:42:00.002-05:00

Beginning Monday, May 5, you'll have expanded opportunities to purchase gently used books at Friends Books, operated by the Friends of the Phoenixville Public Library. Starting May 5, Friends Books will be open during the regular hours of our Children's Library: Monday-Thursday, 9:30 AM - 8:00 PM; Friday-Saturday, 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM. Happy browsing!

National Library Week Promotions

2008-04-09T09:49:00.004-05:00

Phoenixville Public Library celebrates National Library Week -- Monday, April 14 to Friday, April 18 -- with a Fines Amnesty (bring in 2 nonperishable food items for PACS and your library fines will be waived) and Two-for-One media rentals all week!

Automatic Telephone Notification for Items Available for Pickup

2008-03-27T10:09:00.002-05:00

Beginning today, Phoenixville Library patrons will receive automated phone calls informing them that an item they had placed on hold is waiting for them at their specified pick-up library. The caller will be identified as the "Chester County Library System". If you normally pick your items up at Phoenixville Library, then please come here to pick up your held item. Otherwise, you will need to remember what library you specified as your pick-up library. If you forget, log in to "View Your Own Record" on the Chester County Library System Web site or call us at 610-933-3013.

Economic Stimulus Payment Packets Have Arrived

2008-03-27T10:06:00.001-05:00

We have received information packets, which also contain 1040A forms, regarding the President's "Stimulus Payment". They are located on the income tax form tables in the basements.

Public Meeting Notice

2008-02-21T15:12:00.000-05:00

The Board of Directors of the Phoenixville Public Library Foundation will hold a special public meeting on the Phoenixville Public Library’s approved Concept Growth Plan on Sunday March 2, 2008, 2:00-3:00PM in the Library, located at the corner of Second Avenue and Main Street [Snow date will be Sunday, March 16, 2008 at the same time]. This is the fourth and final public meeting for this Plan presentation. Because of limited space a reservation, in advance, is required. Please call the Library at 610-933-3013, x35 or x32, if you plan to attend.

Introducing "Two-for-One" Tuesdays

2008-01-29T16:05:00.001-05:00

Every Tuesday, you can rent one DVD*, video, audiobook, or software and get another rental free!

*3-Day New Hit DVDs not included.

New Public Computers in Computer Center

2008-01-29T15:58:00.000-05:00

The computers in the Public Computer Center, and at the visually/hearing impaired workstation, have just been upgraded. Still running Windows XP, they now boast an even faster processing speed and CD/DVD burners. Happy surfing!

Phoenixville Library Welcomes Stamp Club

2008-01-25T10:27:00.000-05:00

The Library is pleased to welcome the Phoenixville/King of Prussia Area Stamp Club, who will be holding their monthly meetings in our Community Room. Beginning February 6, meetings will be held on the first Wednesday of the month at 7:30 PM. Members of the community interested in stamp collecting or in the meeting's topic are welcome to attend. There is no charge. See our events page for more information.

Yes, We Have Tax Forms!

2008-01-08T09:50:00.001-05:00

Our supply of Federal and State tax forms is in. You will find them on tables on the ground floor right at the bottom of our staircase. We also have both volumes of the reproducible Federal forms, available at the Adult Library Circulation Desk.

Phoenixville Public Library Now Accepts Passport Applications

2007-06-25T18:04:00.001-05:00

Phoenixville Public Library is now accepting passport applications on behalf of the U.S. Department of State. U.S. citizens planning international travel may apply for their passports, by appointment only, on the following days and times:

Mondays -- 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Tuesdays -- 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Wednesdays -- 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Thursdays -- 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Fridays -- 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Saturdays -- 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Sundays (October through May) -- 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Appointments must be made by calling the Reference Desk at 610-933-3013, Ext. 32. Walk-ins are not accepted.

For application forms, information on required documentation, fees, and a wealth of other passport and international travel information, applicants should visit the only official website for passport information -- travel.state.gov.

Computer Tutors Needed

2007-05-16T12:49:00.000-05:00

Have good computer skills and looking for a rewarding volunteer opportunity? Phoenixville Library is in need of a few computer tutors to teach patrons basic computer skills one-on-one in our Public Computer Center. You should have a working knowledge of computers, document scanners, standard office productivity software, e-mail, and the Internet, plus strong communication and interpersonal skills and patience, and be willing to commit to at least two hours per week. Please e-mail Mark Pinto (mpinto@ccls.org) or Dorian Wells (dwells@ccls.org) for more information or to express your interest.

Support Your Local Public Library

2007-05-16T12:36:00.000-05:00

Did you know you can support Phoenixville Public Library each time you shop? By registering with eScrip, a small (but important!) percentage of each purchase you make at a participating retailer, like Genuardi's or Macy's, goes directly to the Library. Registration on the eScrip site is free.

Plus, if you shop at Acme Market, you can help out our Friends of the Library. Just bring in your register receipts and place them in the box across from the Adult Library Circulation Desk. The Friends will receive a small percentage of each purchase.

Thank you for your support!

Check Out Our New Computers!

2007-03-08T14:06:00.000-05:00

Thanks to a grant from the Gates Foundation, we've just installed 6 new public computers -- 3 in the Adult Library across from the Circulation Desk, and 3 in the Children's Library. They are Pentium IVs with Internet and Microsoft Office 2003, and have replaced several dinosaur models that were about 7 years old. Come on in and browse!

2007-2008 FAFSA Application Forms Are In

2007-02-16T10:04:00.000-05:00

You can find them in the foyer area of the library.

Phoenixville Library Joins Foundation Center's National Network

2007-02-12T15:53:00.000-05:00

Nonprofit organizations and other grantseekers in Phoenixville looking for funding sources now have access to a valuable new collection of resources at Phoenixville Public Library, which has become a Cooperating Collection of the Foundation Center of New York.

Cooperating Collections provide under-resourced and underserved populations in need of vital information and training with tools they can use to become successful grantseekers. At locations throughout the country, Cooperating Collections offer access free of charge to the Center's detailed information on grantseekers and how to apply for grants. The Foundation Center's core collection includes The Foundation Directory Online, profiling more than 80,000 U.S. grantmakers, Foundation Grants to Individuals Online, print directories, and proposal writing guides. Cooperating Collections also hold training sessions on how to effectively use these resources and identify potential funders.

Established in 1956, the Foundation Center is the nation's leading authority on organized philanthropy, serving grantseekers, grantmakers, researchers, policymakers, the media, and the general public. Thousands of people visit the Center's web site each day and are served in its five regional learning centers and its national network of Cooperating Collections.

For more information about Foundation Center resources, visit foundationcenter.org.

For more information about Phoenixville Public Library's Foundation Center Cooperating Collection, contact Reference Librarian Mark Pinto at 610-933-3013, Ext. 32 or mpinto@ccls.org.

For Your Shopping Convenience...

2007-02-06T09:37:00.000-05:00

Look for our new blue shopping baskets in the Children's and Adult Libraries to help you carry that load of books to the checkout desk.

Listen for School Closing # 856

2007-01-29T17:00:00.000-05:00

'Tis the season for inclement weather. Phoenixville Public Library will be closed when the Phoenixville School District is closed, so listen for the District's school closing number. If the School District opens late, the Library will open when staff can safely arrive. We'll keep you up to date on early closings, as well as provide confirmation of closings, on this blog.

Welcome to Our Blog!

2007-01-17T14:32:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the official blog of Phoenixville Public Library This blog will be used to disseminate general Library news and information about Library services and events. We welcome patron comments.