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!
Friday, August 27, 2010
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Check Out Our Reference Books -- Literally!
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.
Reference books in the Adult Library's Local History and Foundation Center collections may not be checked out.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Adult Summer Reading Program Heats Up!
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!
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!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission Documents Available for Public Comment
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.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Internet Safety and Cyberbullying Talk for Parents Coming to Phoenixville Public Library
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.
Monday, May 17, 2010
2010 Adult Summer Reading Program Kicks Off June 14
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.
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
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.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Attention, Acme Market Shoppers -- We Need Your Register Receipts Now!
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!
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!
Monday, March 15, 2010
Survey of the "100 Greatest American Movies" begins April 8 at the Library
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.
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.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Bookworms Rejoice! Phoenixville Library Extends Hours
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.
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.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Property Tax/Rent Rebate Forms Are In!
Yes, the 2010 PA-1000 forms are here, on display with all our other tax forms.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
State Tax Forms Here
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.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Federal Tax Forms Here; State Forms on the Way
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.
State forms should be arriving by the second week of February. We'll keep you posted.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Special Podcast on Library Funding Available
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!
Monday, November 23, 2009
Pennsylvania Budget Forces Phoenixville Library Cutbacks
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.
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.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
New "Patron Picks" Blog Launched
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.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Library to Be Closed Sundays Beginning October 4
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.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Adult Summer Reading Program a Success!
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.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Fall Speakers & Events Series Lineup Announced
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.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Podcasts Debut on Library Website
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!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)