Audio/Visual
610-280-2640
The Audio Visual Department collection includes:
- Videocassettes and DVD’s
- Audio books on cassettes, CD & Play Away’s (self-playing digital audio books) as well as Chester County Oral History Tapes
- Music CD’s
- Video games
- AV Reference books
*Children's films, audio books and music are located in the Youth Services Department.
Looking for information on our collection including fines and fees?
Please click hereFreedom to View
The FREEDOM TO VIEW, along with the freedom to speak, to hear and to read, is protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. The Chester County Library affirms that in a free society, there is no place for censorship of any medium of expression and that it is in the public interest that we provide the broadest possible access to films and other audio visual materials which represent a diversity of views and expressions.
The LIBRARY BILL OF RIGHTS affirms that there should be ACCESS for children and young people to videos and other non print formats. It is the parents, and only the parents, who may restrict their children from access to library materials and services. The library and its staff are responsible for providing equal access to library materials and services for all library users.
Warning
U.S. COPYRIGHT LAW (Title 17, U.S. Code, sections 101810) prohibits the DUPLICATION of any copyrighted work unless certain conditions prevail. (The U.S. Code is in the Reference collection.) VIDEOS that are 'HOME USE ONLY' may be viewed in a 'public' group setting if it is for educational instruction only, not for entertainment. (See section 106 for other "FAIR USE" conditions.)
If the video has PUBLIC PERFORMANCE RIGHTS, then it can be viewed by a group in 'public', but not for profit. The Chester County Library's videos that have public performance rights can be identified by the notation on the CCLINK title record, and by the PPR label on some of the video boxes.
610-280-2650/51
LIBRARY CARD INFORMATION
You are eligible for a free library card if you live in Pennsylvania. Out of state patrons still qualify for a free library card if they work or attend school in Chester County. Otherwise an out-of-state fee of up to $20 may apply.
All applicants must show a valid ID (i.e., driver's license) verifying their current address. Photo ID is preferred but not required, as long as the document has address information.
Instructions for Getting a Library Card
· Print out application form for each family member applying for a library card and complete the forms. Click here to download the Library Card Application Form PDF. Forms are also available at each library.
· Bring the form to any Chester County Library with valid ID (i.e., driver's license) verifying your current address. Photo ID is preferred but not required, as long as the document has address information. Children may use parent or guardian ID with matching address.
· Sign the library card application. The application of a child 11 years old or younger must be signed by a parent or guardian.
· All applicants must be present at the library to sign for their new card.
BORROWING AND RETURNING MATERIALS
A person who has a Chester County Library System card may borrow most materials for 3 weeks.
Library materials may be returned to any library in the Chester County Library System. Book drops are available outside the building at CCL, Exton and the Hankin Branch Library to return materials at any time.
The Chester County Library assumes no responsibility for damage to patron's equipment that is possibly caused by library materials. Persons requiring special accommodation may be served immediately upon request.
Your first library card is free; lost cards may be replaced for $3.00.You may borrow most material for three weeks.
RENEWING MATERIAL
There are three ways that you can renew your items:
online through My Account, call 610-280-BOOK (610-280-2665), or call any Chester County Library.
Most items can be renewed once for an additional 3 weeks, then once more for an additional week. Note that the additional time is added to the day you renew, not to the original due date. To get the maximum benefit from renewing, wait until close to the due date to renew.
You may renew items which are: not overdue, do not have holds, and have not already been renewed the maximum number of times allowed by the loan rules.
Call any Chester County Library to renew these. Staff will add the appropriate fee to your record.
To renew items:
1. CLICK on "My Account" from the Library Website or the word "Login" at the top of any page of the Catalog.
2. Enter your name, your Chester County Library System barcode, and your PIN. ( If this is the first time you are Viewing your record, you will create a PIN at this time, then enter it twice more to confirm. Click on SUBMIT.)
3. CLICK on SUBMIT.
Items checked out are listed
4. Click in the box beneath the Renew for each item you wish to renew.
5. Click on Renew Selected.
6. Check your list for new due dates or other messages.
7. To renew all items, CLICK on Renew All , then check your list for new due dates or other messages.
Click on LOG OUT when you are finished.
PLACING A HOLD ON LIBRARY MATERIALS
The
Chester County Library provides library cardholders full access to the circulating collection. Cardholders may place holds on all circulating items by searching the online catalog and selecting the
“Place a Hold” button. Items placed on hold can be delivered to the customers' nearest library in the Chester County Library System.
Customers can check on the status of their holds from My Account.
The Status will read READY FOR PICKUP when the item is ready to be picked up by the customer.
A person can also place a hold on items by calling the Information and Reader Services/Help Desk, Audio Visual Services or Youth Services. A notice is mailed or a phone call is made to the customer to let him or her know that the item they have placed on hold is ready to be picked up.
FINES, FEES AND CHARGES
How Do I pay Fees and Fines Online?
FINES- Fines for materials from the Chester County Library System can be paid at any of the CCLS member libraries. Fines can be paid in person or mailed in.
FEES- Fees may be applicable, at the discretion of the Board of Trustees of the Chester County Library and Library System, for services which may include:
·Providing a service that incurs an additional cost to the Library with each use, such as materials for programs.
·Providing Library facilities and staff to outside organizations (i.e., use of the Struble Room).
·Providing use of equipment, such as photocopiers, microform reader-printers, computer printers, fax machines.
·Providing new services for which funding is not otherwise available.
·Providing certain popular and high-demand material (i.e., rental books, DVDs, books on tape/CD.
CREDIT CARDS
The Chester County Library accepts Visa and MasterCard for fees and fines.
MATERIALS RECOVERY SERVICE
The Chester County Library System uses a material recovery service to help member libraries recover long-overdue materials and fines. This service allows the libraries to have as many items as possible available to the public. The Library sends a First Notice followed by a Bill Notice. If materials are not returned after these two notices, borrowing privileges are suspended. If materials are unreturned for two weeks after the Bill Notice and if the amount owed in fines reaches a certain threshold, the borrower's account is sent to Unique Management Services. Titles of overdue items are not sent, thus maintaining the borrower's confidentiality. Accounts not settled after 120 days of being sent to UMS are sent to the credit reporting bureaus.
Literacy
610-280-2618
Adult Literacy Program
We can help you improve your literacy skills or train you to help tutor someone else. This program is sponsored by the Chester County OIC (www.cc-oic.org/), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free basic literacy education and essential life skills programs for adults.
Tutoring for adults:
We provide one-on-one or small group instruction in basic reading, writing, math, and English-speaking for adults over 18 years of age. Volunteer tutors help students meet their goals of learning to read, getting the GED, improving their English, pursuing post-secondary education, and enriching their lives.
Volunteer to be a tutor:
Tutor training workshops are held several times a year to train adults to become volunteer tutors in the program. Look for 2009 Tutor Training Workshops.
For more information about becoming a student or tutor, please contact us:
Reference
610-280-2620/21
We're here to answer your questions! Whether you have a question about American history, need a critical last source for your paper or just want advice on your next great read, Chester County Library offers reference service during our
operating hours.
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Monday - Thursday |
9:30AM to 9:00PM |
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Friday |
9:30AM to 6:00PM |
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Saturday |
9:30AM to 5:00PM |
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Sunday |
1:00PM to 5:00PM |
Here are four ways to contact us:
EmailIf you prefer email and have a question about your account, the Chester County Library System, the Chester County Library Catalog or Web Site, use
Ask a Librarian.
ChatChoose
Ask Here PA if you have questions about information requests 24 hours a day. You will be in a live chat session with a librarian who may be in another state.
Business Information Direct business related questions to our Business Outreach Librarian at
business@ccls.org.
Visit us in person
Do it the old fashioned way! We welcome face to face transactions. This is a good way to get started on that research project, learn how to use the many online databases Chester County Library System makes available and discover resources only available in the library.
Youth Services
610-280-2630
The Youth Services Department of the Chester County Library provides materials of many types for the education and entertainment of children from Birth through 14 years. The Library also offers a wide range of programs for children of all ages. On-line resources for students – available at
http://www.ccls.org/ include World Book On-Line, and POWER Library resources. In addition, the Youth Services Department provides resources and materials for parents and teachers.
The Youth Services Department provides materials of many types for children from Birth through 14 years including: Books, Audio-Books on Tape, CD and Playaways, Audio Kits with Read-Along Books, Music CDs, Videos and DVDs.
On-Line Resources
On-line resources for students offered through our website –
http://www.ccls.org/ – include:
- World Book On-Line – Connects students with the up-to-date and authoritative World Book Encyclopedia, Atlas, Dictionary, and other resources. Special sections include Educators' Tools, which are linked to the Pennsylvania Academic Standards and Explore Pennsylvania. Available 24/in all 18 libraries and from home.
- POWER Library Resources – Connect students with resources in art and music, biography, general reference, health and science, newspapers and magazines. Resources include AP Multi-media Archive, Primary & Middle Search, Facts for Learning, SIRS Discoverer, Kid Search/Searchasaurus, and NoveList K-8. Available 24/7 in all 18 libraries and from home under the POWER Library icon.
John W. Jacobs Technology Center
610-280-2666
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High Speed Internet Access
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Microsoft Office Applications
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Interactive Tutorials
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2 hour Computer Usage per day
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Limited Staff assistance
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Be Considerate of others
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Word
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Excel
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PowerPoint
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Access
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Publisher
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Tutorials
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Photoshop on limited PCs
Training -Computer Workshops on popular Application Software and the Internet, click here for workshop dates
Mail Order Delivery (MOD)
Library materials are mailed to Chester County residents who are homebounddue to health related reasons (a convalescent, a new mother, a non-driver, etc.). You may request a title or author or have us select material for you. There is no charge for this service.
Book Deposits
We deposit collections of large type books in nursing and retirement homes. A new collection is provided every three months. An activity director can arrange by phone to receive a deposit collection. There is no charge for this service.
Newspaper Cassette Tapes
The Daily Local News is recorded each week and mailed free of charge to visually impaired or physically handicapped persons.
Program Materials
We supply nursing and retirement homes and senior centers with travel videos, slide shows, and music tapes. One of the most popular items we offer is the Bifolkal Kit which is a package of multi-sensory materials which are used to trigger memories and promote discussion with a group of people. Kits include a slide show or video, songs, memorabilia, and a program manual and have titles such as "Remembering the Home Front" and "Remembering School Days." There is no charge to borrow these.
Last Modified: 1/29/10 