EXTON, PA — Chester County Library System encourages all community members to visit their local library during National Library Week, April 23-29, to explore all they have to offer.
A proclamation issued and signed by Chester County Commissioners, Marian Moskowitz, Josh Maxwell, and Michelle Kichline was presented to Chester County Library System’s Executive Director, Joseph Sherwood, at their annual Legislative Breakfast on Friday, April 21, 2023. The proclamation designated April 23-29, 2023 as National Library Week in Chester County.
Most people know about the wealth of stories available at the library, from picture books and large print to audiobooks and ebooks. But there’s so much more to the story of libraries. This year’s theme for National Library Week is “There’s More to the Story,” which will shine a light on all the programs, services, and infrastructure libraries provide to communities in addition to books, ebooks, and audiobooks.
“I am proud of the flexibility that our libraries demonstrate as they work to meet the needs of Chester County residents,“ said Joe Sherwood, Executive Director of the Chester County Library System. “While new or expanded services, like the variety of Maker Space options, tend to get the most attention, our libraries continue to provide more than just books. A few examples of this include Exam proctoring, The Library of Things, Mobile Hotspots, Outdoor 24/7 Holds lockers, Notary Public services, Passport services, Community Gardens, a plant swap, and a Seed Library, just to name a few of our services.”
Library programming brings communities together for entertainment, education, and connection through book clubs, storytimes, movie nights, crafting classes, and lectures. Libraries of Things lend items like museum passes, games, musical instruments, and tools. Library infrastructure advances communities, providing internet and technology access, literacy skills, and support for businesses, job seekers, and entrepreneurs.
Award-winning and bestselling author Kelly Yang will serve as honorary chair of National Library Week in 2023. Yang is the #1 New York Times-bestselling author of many books for young readers, including the Front Desk series: Front Desk, Three Keys, Room to Dream, Key Player, and Top Story (coming September 2023), as well as standalone titles New from Here and Finally Seen. Front Desk won the 2019 Asian/Pacific American Award for Children’s Literature and was chosen as a Best Book of the Year by multiple organizations, including NPR, the Washington Post, and the New York Public Library.
“I am the product of amazing libraries and librarians, who saw me, supported me, and nurtured me,” Yang said. “Through books, movies, games, giveaways, and engaging programming, I found the courage to go for my dreams. So, it is with the greatest joy that I join the American Library Association in celebrating libraries everywhere and all they do to inspire, invigorate and lift up communities!”
If you haven’t checked out one of our 18 library locations within Chester County lately, you’re missing the full story. Stop by for a visit to celebrate with our staff during National Library Week, April 23-29. Follow www.ccls.org and the hashtag #NationalLibraryWeek to join the online celebration.
First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country, each April. The mission of the Chester County Library System is to ensure that every resident has access to exceptional opportunities to read, learn, create, connect, and contribute to a better quality of life. For hours or more information regarding our 18 library locations, please visit our website at www.ccls.org.
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