Phoenixville Library News & Job Openings

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!

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

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.

The Phoenixville Public Library currently seeks three (3) Trustees to be seated on its Board of Trustees beginning July 2019. 

As a Trustee, the successful applicants will be responsible for oversight of the library, serving on a board of nine (9).  All positions fulfill 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.  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 April 5, 2019.  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 April 30, 2019.  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.

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.