Departments

Multlimedia | Circulation | Literacy | John W. Jacobs Technology Center
Reference | Youth Services | Outreach

Multimedia
610-280-2640
 
The Multimedial Department collection includes:
*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 here

Freedom 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.

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Circulation
610-280-2650/51
 
LIBRARY CARD INFORMATION | BORROWING AND RETURNING MATERIALS
RENEWING MATERIAL | PLACING A HOLD ON LIBRARY MATERIALS
FINES, FEES AND CHARGES
 
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.

-You can also fill out and submit the form online. Chester County Library System Card Application Form

· 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.


Chester County Library System Card Application Form

Read the instructions above and take the filled out form to your local library.


Update My Account Information

Help with My Account
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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.
 
 

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FINES, FEES AND CHARGES

FINES

Adult Books - 25¢/day ($10 max.)
Audiobooks - 25¢/day ($10 max.)
Children's Books - 15¢/day ($10 max.)
CDs - 25¢/day ($10 max.)
Videocassettes/DVDs - 25¢/day ($10 max.)
Software/CD-ROMs/Video Games - 25¢/day ($20 max.)
Rental Books - 25¢/day ($10 max.)
Software Returned to Bookdrop - $5.00
 
FEES
Lost/Damaged Items - Replacement Cost
Printer Copies - * Black/White - 10¢/copy * Color Printing - 50¢/copy
Photocopies - * Black/White - 10¢/page * Color - 75¢/page * Microfilm 8.5 by 11 - 10¢/copy
* Microfilm 11 by 17 - 20¢/copy
Fax- Send Only - 75¢
Rental Audio Books - $2.00+tax/3 weeks
Rental Books - $1.50+tax/week
New Hit Videos/DVDs - $2.50+tax/3 days
All Other Videos/DVDs - $1.50 +tax/week
CD-ROMs/Software - $3.00+tax/week
Video Games - $3.00+tax/week
Replacement Library Card - $3.00
 
MAKE SURE YOUR ACCOUNT IS FINE FREE!
Owe more than $10.00 in fines?
You may not be able to check out or place holds on items.

In addition, if you owe $35.00 or more, you may be referred to Unique Management with a collection fee added. Access your account online to check your record for unpaid charges, or stop by the Circulation Desk at any library in the Chester County Library System.
 
HELP US HELP YOU!
If we have your current e-mail address we can send you reminders when your items are due and holds are ready for pick up.

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.
 
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Literacy
610-280-2618

Adult Workforce Literacy Program

 
The Library supports adult literacy through its Adult Graded Reading collection. The Library also partners with Chester County Opportunities Industrialization Center (CC-OIC) of West Chester to provide free one-on-one tutoring for adult learners (18+) who would like help with: reading, writing, and spelling, English as a Second Language (ESL), and test preparation for the GED, CNAP, etc. A student meets with their tutor for a minimum of 3 hours, at a time and location that is convenient for them in order to work on the student’s goals.

CC-OIC (www.cc-oic.org) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing FREE adult basic literacy education and life skills programs that prepare individuals for employment leading to economic self-sufficiency.

 
If you are interested in enhancing your skills and enriching your life, take the first step and call us today.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer tutor and want to help make a difference in someone’s life, please call us at the number below.

Please contact us:

Phone : 610-280-2618
E-mail : jking@cc-oic.org
 


 

 

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.

Hours
 

Monday - Thursday

9:00AM to 9:00PM

Friday

9:00AM to 6:00PM

Saturday

9:30AM to 5:00PM

Sunday

1:00PM to 5:00PM
 
Contact us:
Telephone
Call us at 610-280-2620 during operating hours.
Email
Use email for any information request. We try to respond by the next business day. Use E-Mail Chester County Library if you have a question about your account, the Chester County Library System, the Online Catalog or Web Site.
 
Text
Text us at ref@ccls.org. Like our email service we try to respond by the next business day.
Chat
Choose Ask Here PA if you have information requests 24 hours a day. You will be in a live chat session with a librarian who may be in another state. Ask Here PA librarians will not have access to your account information.
 
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.
 
Proctoring
Reference staff are available to proctor exams. Arrangements need to be made in advance. Proctoring Guidelines

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.


Questions? Comments? Suggestions?
Click Here to send us an e-mail.


John W. Jacobs Technology Center
610-280-2666
 
Services
  • High Speed Internet Access
  • Microsoft Office Applications
  • Interactive Tutorials
  • 2 hour Computer Usage per day
  • Limited Staff assistance
  • Please observe cell phone courtesy. No ringer, low voice and short conversation.
 
Hours
  • Monday-Thursday 9:00AM-9:00 PM
  • Friday 9:00 AM-6:00 PM
  • Saturday 9:30 AM-5:00 PM
  • Sunday 1:00 PM-5:00
 
Fees
 
  • Printouts Black & White Laser Printer 10 cents/page
  • Color Laser Printer 50 cents/page
  • CDs CD-R $1.00
  • CD-R/W $1.50
  • USB Flash Drive $7.50
  • Earbuds $1.25
 
Software
  • Word
  • Excel
  • PowerPoint
  • Access
  • Publisher
  • Tutorials
  • Photoshop on limited PCs
  • JAWS
 
Hardware
  • 22 PCs
  • Black & White Laser Printers
  • Color Laser Printers
  • CD Writers
  • DVD Writers
  • Scanners on limited PCs
 
Training -Computer Workshops on popular Application Software and the Internet, click here for workshop dates
 


 
Outreach
610-280-2644
 
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: 2/6/13