Phoenixville Library News & Job Openings

The Philadelphia Area Great Careers Group, a nonprofit organization providing professional development on career topics, is holding its regular Career Success Group meetings and other educational sessions online via Zoom.  Les Segarnick, host of Phoenixville Library’s weekly in-person Career Success Group meetings, is a member of this organization.  There is no cost to attend.  Donations to the organization are welcome.  Access the online meetings here: http://meetu.ps/c/cyDr/7cMNb/a.

Reference publisher EBSCO is providing free access to their online resources to support distance learning, ESL learners, GED prep, college test prep, and more, through June 30.  Access all the resources here:

https://more.ebsco.com/k12-pl-covid-19-resources.html

The area’s cultural institutions are among those affected by the coronavirus outbreak.  All of the museums for which Phoenixville Library has passes are currently closed.  However, many of them offer free online virtual tours and exhibits, videos, educational components, and other resources.  Check out the links below, and happy exploring!

Academy of Natural Sciences — https://ansp.org/exhibits/online-exhibits/

Chanticleer Garden — https://www.chanticleergarden.org/garden_guide.html

Elmwood Park Zoo — https://www.elmwoodparkzoo.org/epzoo2u/

Mercer Museum & Fonthill Castle — https://www.mercermuseum.org/exhibits/

Morris Arboretum — http://www.morrisarboretum.org/gardens.shtml

Museum of the American Revolution — https://www.amrevmuseum.org/education/digital-resources

Mütter Museum — http://muttermuseum.org/exhibitions/online-exhibitions/

National Constitution Center — https://constitutioncenter.org/interactive-constitution

Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts — https://www.pafa.org/collection

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania — https://rrmuseumpa.org/about/musviews/

University of Pennsylvania Museum — https://www.penn.museum/collections/

Phoenixville Public Library has set up free accounts with TumbleBooks, providing online access to thousands of eBooks and eAudiobooks for children and adults.  No library card needed!  Login information below:

www.TumbleBookLibrary.com – K-6 children’s ebook database
Direct Link: https://www.tumblebooklibrary.com/auto_login.aspx?U=tumble735&P=books
Username: tumble735
Password: books

www.TumbleMath.com – K-6 math ebook database
Direct Link: https://www.tumblemath.com/autologin.aspx?U=tumble2020&P=A3b5c6
Username: tumble2020
Password: A3b5c6

www.TeenBookCloud.com – gr 7-12 ebook database
Direct Link: https://www.teenbookcloud.com/autologin.aspx?U=tumble2020&P=A3b5c6
Username: tumble2020
Password: A3b5c6

www.AudioBookCloud.com – all ages audio book database
Direct Link: https://www.audiobookcloud.com/autologin.aspx?U=tumble2020&P=A3b5c6
Username: tumble2020
Password: A3b5c6

www.RomanceBookCloud.com – a huge collection of steamy Romance novels for the older crowd!
Direct Link: https://www.romancebookcloud.com/autologin.aspx?U=tumble2020&P=A3b5c6
Username: tumble2020
Password: A3b5c6

TumbleBooks’ databases are easy to use, and feature unlimited access from home! You can read as many books as you want, when you want, and on any device. There are no check-outs, holds, or bulky downloads. Books are available instantly.  This free access continues through August 31, 2020.

So the coronavirus is keeping you and your family indoors.  Well, you can still tour Yellowstone National Park, the Louvre, and even the Great Wall of China.  How?  By taking a virtual field trip!

Ann Marie Barr, the Mobile Workforce Navigator, has indicated that, effective Monday, March 16 and continuing until further notice, Navigator services will continue for jobseekers via telephone.  Please see the announcement in the link below:

Mobile Workforce Navigator Remote Assistance Flyer March 2020

Trustee Opening Announcement
The Phoenixville Public Library currently seeks two (2) Trustees to be seated on its Board of Trustees beginning July 2020. As a Trustee, the successful applicants will be responsible for oversight of the library, serving on a board of nine (9). These positions are for a three (3) year term that ends June 30, 2023. As Trustees, the applicant is expected to act in the best interest of the Phoenixville Public Library, in promotion of and in furtherance of the Library’s Mission, which is to provide access to information and services that address the educational, cultural, and recreational needs of the community the library serves. The applicant is expected to familiarize themselves with the bylaws, policies, and operations of the library. Prior non-profit experience, particularly with regard to finance/accounting is preferred, but not required. Further information about the Phoenixville Public Library can be found on its website at www.phoenixvillelibrary.org.
Board Expectations
Advocacy and Personal Involvement
* Board members are expected to be zealous advocates on our behalf, to be enthusiastic communicators of our mission and vision, and to play an integral role in our leadership.
* Board Meeting Attendance –Monthly meeting attendance of approximately 2 hours.
* Committee Participation – Actively participate on one or more committees.
* Recruitment – Identify strong candidates for committee work, community advocacy, or fund-raising whom will represent Phoenixville Public Library.
* Participation and attendance at all major fundraising events, currently one (1) per year. (This includes purchasing tickets for all major events, possible donation of goods or services for the event.)
Financial Expectations
* Annual Support – Make a personal annual gift at an appropriate level outside of major event attendance.

Applications are due on or before Friday April 3, 2020. Invited applicants will be expected to interview separately with the Board of Library Trustees and Board of School Directors of the Phoenixville Area School District that date will be announced no later than April 28, 2020. Appointments to the Library Board shall be made by the Board of School Directors thereafter. Applications should be sent to both of the following:

Dr. Alan Fegley, PASD Superintendent
386 City Line Avenue
Phoenixville, PA 19460

fegleya@pasd.k12.pa.us

and

Lara Lorenzi, Executive Director
Phoenixville Public Library
183 2nd Avenue
Phoenixville, PA 19460
llorenzi@ccls.org

Position: P/T Circulation Assistant
Reports To: Circulation Manager

Summary / Main Purpose of Job:
The Phoenixville Public Library is a non-profit organization with the mission of providing access to educational, cultural, and recreational resources for the community it serves. The library is currently seeking part-time circulation assistant who will report to the Circulation Manager. Part-time circulation assistants are responsible for performing all circulation duties in a timely, efficient manner.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
* Performs all circulation desk duties using computerized system
* Check materials in/out/renew materials
* Reserve materials
* Issues new patron cards/updates cards
* Manages the routing of Holds
* Handle financial transactions accurately.
* Collect patron fines and fees with knowledge of using a cash register
* Performs all opening/closing procedures in work area/public areas
* Turn on/off all computers/copiers/printers
* Empty book drops
* Notifies patrons about reserved materials
* Answers phone and routes calls as necessary
* Update computer records, as requested.
* Performs basic reference work or refers it to senior staff in charge
* Assists patrons in locating materials through the library catalog
* Assisting patrons with finding library materials, providing reader’s advisory, answering basic computer queries, and monitoring appropriate use of the facility.
* Inspect returned materials for damage.
* Be familiar with all print and other items located at the Circulation Desks, for public or staff use.
* Maintain neatness and orderliness at the Desks at all times.
* Perform circulation procedures effectively and accurately according to the principles of quality customer service.
* Greets, direct, and provide information to library customers and performs a variety of clerical tasks related to the processing, sorting and circulation of library materials.
* Respond to incoming telephone calls and provide basic assistance with directional, instructional and informational inquiries at the circulation desks and public workstations.
* Candidates must have the ability to work in a fast-paced environment and have excellent customer service and computer skills.
* Keep abreast of all System changes and improvements.
* Perform assigned tasks and projects completely and in a timely manner.
* Respond to requests for help from customers.
* Keep pace with all library policies, staff meeting minutes and changes in Procedure Manual.
* Attend in-house departmental and staff meetings, county or regional educational programs for staff development or basic computer or Internet education, as requested or assigned by the Circulation Manager

Qualifications/Requirements
* High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED), some college preferred.
* Basic office skills (typing, filing, answering phones, etc.).
* Knowledge of Microsoft Office (preferred)
* Previous experience working in library with computerized systems (preferred).
* Customer service skills.
* Basics knowledge and use of computers, e-mail, and the internet.
* Some knowledge of reference materials and other resources, as well as the ability to use computers to access these resources including the Internet, is required.

Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit; walk; stand; bend at the waist while working; kneel, stoop, crouch or squat; talk or hear; handle and lift up to 25 pounds; push a cart of books that weighs up to 125 pounds; and sit at a computer terminal for up to 4 hours at a time. Occasionally, the employee will need to work with arms above shoulders or reach above shoulder height.
The specific vision requirements for this position are as follows:
* Close vision.
* Color vision.
* Ability to read and alphabetize and place items in numeric order.

The following background checks are required:
* Pennsylvania State Police Request for Criminal Records Check
* Department of Public Welfare Child Abuse History Clearance
* Federal Criminal History Record Information

Hours:
Hours are Monday and Thursday mornings from 9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. as well as flexibility to cover open shifts as required. One eight hour shift on one Saturday a month is required & additionally one eight hour shift on a fifth Saturday approximately every 8-9 months.

Salary: $9.75/hour

Submit cover letter and resume to:
Christine Nicholson
Circulation Manager and Volunteer Coordinator
Phoenixville Public Library
183 Second Avenue, Phoenixville, PA 19460-3243
E-mail to cnicholson@ccls.org

The Phoenixville Public Library currently seeks one (1) Trustee to be seated on its Board of Trustees beginning Feb/March 2020. As a Trustee, the successful applicants will be responsible for oversight of the library, serving on a board of nine (9). This position fulfills the remainder of a three (3) year term that ends June 30, 2021. As Trustees, the applicant is expected to act in the best interest of the Phoenixville Public Library, in promotion of and in furtherance of the Library’s Mission, which is to provide access to information and services that address the educational, cultural, and recreational needs of the community the library serves. The applicant is expected to familiarize themselves with the bylaws, policies, and operations of the library. Prior non-profit experience, particularly with regard to finance/accounting is preferred, but not required. Further information about the Phoenixville Public Library can be found on its website at www.phoenixvillelibrary.org.
Board Expectations
Advocacy and Personal Involvement
* Board members are expected to be zealous advocates on our behalf, to be enthusiastic communicators of our mission and vision, and to play an integral role in our leadership.
* Board Meeting Attendance –Monthly meeting attendance of approximately 2.5 hours.
* Committee Participation – Actively participate on one or more committees.
* Recruitment – Identify strong candidates for committee work, community advocacy, or fund-raising whom will represent Phoenixville Public Library.
* Participation and attendance at all major fundraising events, currently one (1) per year. (This includes purchasing tickets for all major events, possible donation of goods or services for the event.)
Financial Expectations
* Annual Support – Make a personal annual gift at an appropriate level outside of major event attendance.

Applications are due on or before Feb 3, 2020. Invited applicants will be expected to interview jointly with the Board of Library Trustees and Board of School Directors of the Phoenixville Area School District that date will be announced no later than January 27, 2020. Appointments to the Library Board shall be made by the Board of School Directors thereafter. Applications should be sent to both of the following:

Dr. Alan Fegley, PASD Superintendent
386 City Line Avenue
Phoenixville, PA 19460

fegleya@pasd.k12.pa.us

and

Lara Lorenzi, Executive Director
Phoenixville Public Library
183 2nd Avenue
Phoenixville, PA 19460
llorenzi@ccls.org

Applications should include a letter addressed to Ms. Lorenzi and Dr. Fegley explaining why the applicant wishes to be a Library Trustee and summarizing the applicant’s qualifications and experience. Resumes and references are required.

Phoenixville Public Library Board of Trustees- Job Description

Position Title: Member of the Board of Trustees
Length of Term: Three years
Reports To: Entire Board of Trustees

The board of trustees is legally and ethically responsible for all activities of the organization. More specifically it:
1. Determines how the organization will carry out its mission through long and short-range planning
2. Adopts an annual budget and provides fiscal oversight
3. Recruits, orients, and develops board members
4. Hires and evaluates the performance of the executive director
5. Evaluates its performance and overall performance of the organization in achieving the mission
6. Establishes policies for the effective management of the organization

Responsibilities:
* Understand and promote the organization’s mission
* Be familiar with the organization’s programs, policies, and operations
* Attend board meetings and appropriate committee meetings
* Actively serve on at least one committee and offer to take on special assignments
* Review agenda and supporting documents prior to meetings
* Make an annual contribution to the organization commensurate with ability
* Participate in and attend/support fund raising activities and special events
* Strictly adhere to conflict of interest policies
* Strictly adhere to confidentiality policies

Time Demands (approximate):
* Attend and actively participate in at least 75% of board meetings (11 monthly board meetings, approximately 2 hours in length, on the 1st Monday of the month, except August)
* Attend and actively participate in committee meetings and related work
* Attend special events such as fundraisers and Friend raisers (currently 2 per year)
* Attend new board trustee orientation through CCLS (approx. 2-3 hours)

Financial and Resource Development Expectations:
* Make an annual gift at an appropriate level to the organization (in order to achieve 100% board giving)
* Attend or financially support all special events if you cannot attend
* Sell tickets to fundraising events or ask friends to register/attend events
* Recruit sponsors
* Identify and cultivate potential donors