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/

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!

The League of Women Voters of Chester County has compiled a non-partisan voters guide to the November 5th General Election.  Reference copies of the guide, in English and Spanish, are available for in-Library use at the Adult Library Circulation Desk.

A very limited supply of free tickets to the “Broadway to Bublé” concert at the Community Music School in Trappe on Saturday, October 19, 7:30 PM, is available at the Adult Circulation Desk, while they last.

Phoenixville Public Library has established a collection of materials for immigrants to the United States who are not yet citizens.  Named the “Citizenship Corner”, this collection in the Adult Library features books, audiobooks, DVDs, and other materials, in English and Spanish, to help with citizenship preparation and English language learning.   Titles include Preparing for the Naturalization Test: A Pocket Study Guide, Civics Flash Cards for the Naturalization Test, How to Get a Green Card, Civics and Citizenship Toolkit, Ingles sin Barreras, Get Talking & Keep Talking English Total Audio Course, and more.  There is no charge to borrow any of these items.  Normal checkout periods apply.  A valid Chester County Library System card is required.  The collection is supplemented by informational handouts from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and other local and national agencies that provide assistance to new immigrants.  For more information on the collection, contact Mark Pinto, Adult Services Director, at 610-933-3013 x132 or mpinto@ccls.org.  Phoenixville Public Library is located at 183 Second Avenue, Phoenixville, PA.

VOLUNTEER POSITION

TITLE: ADULT PROGRAMS ASSISTANT

HOURS: 2-3 evening hours, 3-4 times per month

SUPERVISOR: Adult Services Director

OBJECTIVE: To set up for, assist at, and clean up after the Library’s special programs for adults.

THE PERSON IN THIS POSITION WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR
* Setting up chairs, tables, refreshments for Library programs according to instructions of Adult Services Director and program presenter.
* Setting up and troubleshooting audio/visual aids (laptop, projector, sound system, whiteboard, etc.) needed by the program presenter.
* Operating Library’s camcorder to record designated presentations.
* Ushering and maintaining order in the room during programs.
* Communicating an accurate head count of attendees to Adult Services Director.
* Putting away chairs, tables, AV equipment, etc., following program.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS
* Physical stamina with ability to lift and move up to 40 lbs. of equipment.
* Tech savviness for setting up and troubleshooting computer and AV system issues.
* Ability to interact well with the public and to express one’s self effectively.
* Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
* Attention to detail.
* Ability to work as part of a team.

TRAINING
* An orientation will be provided by the Adult Services Director, with on-the-job follow-ups as needed.

All Library volunteer positions require criminal background checks, both Federal and State, as well as child abuse clearances.  Reimbursement for clearances will be made to the successful applicant after 6 months of volunteer work with the Library.

To apply, contact Mark Pinto, Adult Services Director, at 610-933-3013 x132 or mpinto@ccls.org.

Phoenixville Public Library will launch its museum pass lending program in June.  You will be able to use your Chester County Library System card to gain free access to museums and other popular attractions in the Philadelphia area.  Passes will be available for:

• Academy of Natural Sciences
• Chanticleer Gardens
• Elmwood Park Zoo
• Morris Arboretum
• Museum of the American Revolution (already available!)
• Mütter Museum
• National Constitution Center
• Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
• University of Pennsylvania Museum
• Wharton Esherick Museum

We will be rolling out these passes during the month of June as we receive them.  The passes will be available for FREE 3-day checkout to patrons age 18 or older with an up-to-date library card in good standing.  Holds may be placed in person or by phone to 610-933-3013 x121.  For more information, call 610-933-3013 x132 or e-mail mpinto@ccls.org.

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.