Phoenixville Library News & Job Openings

The Phoenixville Public Library currently seeks two (2) Trustees to be seated on its Board of Trustees beginning July 2017.  As a Trustee, the successful applicants will be responsible for oversight of the library, serving on a board of nine (9).  Both position carry a three (3) year term.  As Trustees, the applicants are 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 applicants are expected to familiarize themselves with the Bylaws, policies, and operations of the library.  Further information about the Phoenixville Public Library can be found on its website at phoenixvillelibrary.org.  Prior non-profit experience is preferred but not required. 

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 per meeting is also expected. 
• 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.

Financial Expectations

• Annual Support – Make a personal annual gift at an appropriate level.

Applications are due on or before Friday, April 7, 2017.  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 by April 30, 2017.  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.com

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. 

Are you looking for a rewarding volunteer experience?  The Phoenixville Public Library Adult Services Department is looking for additional individuals to instruct patrons one-on-one in the basics of using computers and the Internet.  Fluency in the use of computers, laptops, smartphones, standard office productivity software, e-mail, the Web, and social networking tools is required, as are strong communication and interpersonal skills, friendliness, patience, and approachability.

Availability of two hours a week is desired.  Daytime and evening hours are available.  Applicant must submit to criminal background checks and child abuse clearance.  If interested, or for more information, see Mark Pinto, Adult Services Director, call 610-933-3013, Ext. 132 or e-mail mpinto@ccls.org.

Effective Monday, November 28, the Library will open daily at 9:30 AM.  Closing times will remain the same.

Need Internet access at home, on vacation, or on the road for your business?  Phoenixville Public Library has partnered with T-Mobile to offer a limited number of mobile hotspots to our patrons for a nominal fee.  The Library hotspot program allows Chester County Library System card holders to access unlimited, high-speed Internet service anywhere a T-Mobile signal can be received.  Connect up to ten devices at a time, including desktops, laptops, tablets, smartphones, etc.  Phoenixville Library offers hotspots for 7 or 14 day loan periods.  Rental fee is $14.00 for 7 days or $28.00 for 14 days.  Hotspots must be picked up from and returned to the Phoenixville Library’s Adult Circulation Desk, and are not reservable in advance.  Eligible borrowers must be at least 18 years of age, have an up-to-date library card and registration, have a library account in good standing (no fines or fees owed or other restrictions), and must pay the rental fee at the time of pickup.  Hotpots MAY NOT be returned to the outside bookdrops ($5.00 fine will apply).  For more information, call 610-933-3013 x122 or x132.

PA State Senator Andy Dinniman’s office has released a guide to internships that are available with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in Summer 2016. This guide is available for in-Library use from the Adult Library Circulation Desk as well as online at http://www.senatordinniman.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Dinniman-2016-Summer-Internship-Programs.pdf.

Mobile printing is now available at Phoenixville Public Library.  With the Library’s new MobilePrint Service, you can use your personal computer or mobile device to print to the Library’s printers from anywhere!  Did your home printer crash?  Are you on the go and need to print something from your smartphone or tablet?  Simply submit the documents for printing and come to the Library to release and pick them up, using an e-mail address.  To print from a home or office laptop or desktop, visit http://www.printeron.net/ppl/secondavenue.  To print from a tablet or smartphone app, install the PrinterOn app, available for free from your device’s app ‘store’, and search for Phoenixville.  You may also e-mail from any device to the Library’s print system at ppl-secondavenue-bw@printspots.com (black and white printouts) or ppl-secondavenue-color@printspots.com (color printouts).  Regular printing charges apply.  For more information, call 610-933-3013 x132.

Join Phoenixville Public Library for the third year of the Community Read sponsored by Longwood Gardens.  The Community Read is a program designed to encourage reading for pleasure and start a conversation.  The powerful idea of ‘one person to inspire many’ is the center of this year’s theme, featuring two inspiring titles, one for adults and one for children.  In Grandma Gatewood’s Walk (2014), author Ben Montgomery traces the story of an unlikely heroine—a woman who, to escape personal struggles, in 1955, embarks on a journey of several thousand miles of rugged terrain…alone…without any equipment…at the age of 67.  In the children’s title, On Meadowview Street (2007), author Henry Cole tells the story of a little girl, Caroline, who makes a connection with a small flower. That connection grows…and grows, transforming her new neighborhood.  Copies of the books are available at the Library or may be reserved at www.ccls.org.  The Phoenix Book Club will discuss Grandma Gatewood’s Walk at its gathering on Monday, April 4, and other events are planned for adults, families, and children in conjunction with the Community Read.  Learn more at http://longwoodgardens.org/community-read.  For more information on Phoenixville Library’s programs, you may also call 610-933-3013 x132 or e-mail mpinto@ccls.org.

The Chester County League of Women Voters has published a guide to the Spring Primary election. The guide is available at the Adult Library Circulation Desk and is for use in the Library.

The Library recently received a donation of a desktop video magnifier, for use in enlarging printed type, pictures, handwriting, and small details.  It is available for patron use at the Information Desk in the Adult Library.  Magnification level and display colors can be adjusted, and the device is simple to operate.  For more information, call 610-933-3013 x132.

Looking for a rewarding volunteer opportunity with Phoenixville Public
Library?  The Library is planning to offer a “gadget guru” service, where
patrons can walk in during a set time and receive assistance using their
smartphone, e-reader, tablet, laptop or other electronic gadget.  If you
are tech savvy and enjoy helping others, please contact me for a volunteer
application or to answer any questions.  Federal and state background
checks and child abuse clearances are required for all Library volunteers, paid
for by the applicant.  For more information, e-mail me at mpinto@ccls.org or call me at 610-933-3013
x132.