Part Time Position Available Immediately:
Bookmobile Driver/Library Assistant
Excellent driving record and people skills required.
Able to work flex hours as required. 14-18 hours per week.
Must be able to lift at least 50 lbs. Pay range: $7.75-9.00/ hour.
Send resume to:
Human Resources, Franklin County Library System,
101 Ragged Edge Road South, Chambersburg, PA 17202
Friday, February 24, 2012
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
PA Forward
FOR RELEASE: February 13, 2012
Libraries Launch PA Forward Campaign
On February 13, at the Capitol in Harrisburg, the Pennsylvania Library Association launched a statewide library literacy initiative. PA Forward was launched to expand the role of libraries in the lives of the residents of Pennsylvanians and demonstrate the importance of libraries to their future. Libraries across Pennsylvania, including Franklin County Library System, are joining forces to implement this new initiative in 2012 and forever change the way people use and see their library.
The keynote speaker was award –winning and bestselling author, Ms. Lisa Scottoline. She is the PA Forward Advisory Board Honorary Chair and she spoke about how she personally values libraries and how they do so much more than provide reading materials. Scottoline talked about how libraries and book discussions connect people and inspire the imagination. Imagination and innovation are the keys to moving PA Forward.
PA Forward embraces the premise that 21st Century libraries are ideally positioned to be community centers of information, technology, and learning that will fuel educational and economic opportunities for all of our citizens. At the heart of PA Forward are five essential Literacies – Basic, Information, Civic and Social, Health, and Financial. Pennsylvania’s libraries are uniquely placed to help people of all ages garner the knowledge essential to function successfully in the 21st Century as citizens, parents, students, employers, employees, and consumers.
Locally, Franklin County Library System has planned at least one event for each Literacy over the coming weeks. The 5 Literacies with coordinating events are as follows:
Basic Literacy – Libraries can push Pennsylvania to achieve one of the highest literacy rates in the country, a better trained and more skilled workforce, and a growing tax base, economy, and population.
Events: PA One Book Every Young Child author Zachary OHora visits Grove Family Library at 10:00 a.m. and Besore Memorial Library at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, March 26, to talk to children about his book Stop Snoring, Bernard! Sponsored in part by a Library Services and Technology Act grant from the Institute for Museum and Library Services administered by the Office of Commonwealth Libraries
Information Literacy – Libraries can help all Pennsylvanians learn how to use online resources and current technology to improve their education, to enhance their job skills, and to participate fully in a digital society.
Events: E-book Device Orientations at Coyle Free Library, on Tuesday, April 10 – 10:00 a.m. Kindle, 11:00 a.m. IPAD & IPHONE, 12:00 Noon NOOK; on Thursday, April 12 – 4:00 p.m. Kindle, 5:00 p.m. IPAD & IPHONE, 6:00 p.m. NOOK
Civic and Social Literacy – Libraries can give citizens of all ages the knowledge and skills they need to improve their lives, to contribute effectively in their communities, and to participate in civil discourse.
Events: Voter Registration at Coyle Free Library during all open hours from March 19 – 23
Civil War Author Bob O’Connor speaks at Fort Loudon Community Library, Thursday,
April 12, at 6:00 p.m.
Health Literacy – Libraries can play an important role in helping citizens actively manage their own and their family’s well-being, making them effective partners with their health care providers and reducing costs.
Events: Soul Surfer movie showing and discussion, Grove Family Library, Thursday, February 16, from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. Popcorn and beverage for first 50 youth to arrive. Door prizes at 8:30
Sponsored in part by Healthy Communities Partnership
Family Place Care & Share Time series of workshops for children birth to age 3 and their parents/caregivers at St. Thomas Library, April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 at 10:30 a.m.
Financial Literacy – Libraries can help citizens become informed consumers and guide individuals, small businesses, and other organizations to contribute to the economic vitality of their communities.
Event: “ Right on the Money” program for ages 4 – 8 and their parents, Besore Memorial Library, Thursdays, April 12, 19, 26, & May 3 at 6:00 p.m.
Sponsored in part by Greencastle-Antrim Kiwanis and Penn State Extension
Many of the above programs require registration in advance. Please contact the host library to register:
Coyle Free 717-263-1054
Grove Family 717-264-9663
Besore Memorial 717-597-7920
St. Thomas 717-369-4716
Fort Loudon Community 717-369-4704
It is critical that all Pennsylvanians attain these literacies to be successful in the 21st century. Knowledge is power and your local libraries have the power to move Franklin County and Pennsylvania forward.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Civil War Presentation
Lilian S. Besore Memorial Library
305 East Baltimore Street
Greencastle, PA 17225
Phone: 717.597.7920
FREE Civil War Presentation
The Lilian S. Besore Memorial Library is having a civil war presentation and book signing on February 9, 2012 at 6:00 p.m.
Author Bob O’Connor will be presenting his most recent historical novel, A House Divided Against Itself. This book tells of a rare exception and follows two brothers, one in the 2nd Virginia, Stonewall Brigade, CSA and the other from the 87th Pennsylvania, USA as they fought against each other in two battles in the Shenandoah Valley during 1861-1863. The story is based on over 90 letters from the participants and other members of their regiments, the regimental records, and official records of the conflict.
Mr. O’Connor will be on hand to sell and sign his book, A House Divided Against Itself, for $16.00 plus tax after his presentation.
305 East Baltimore Street
Greencastle, PA 17225
Phone: 717.597.7920
FREE Civil War Presentation
The Lilian S. Besore Memorial Library is having a civil war presentation and book signing on February 9, 2012 at 6:00 p.m.
Author Bob O’Connor will be presenting his most recent historical novel, A House Divided Against Itself. This book tells of a rare exception and follows two brothers, one in the 2nd Virginia, Stonewall Brigade, CSA and the other from the 87th Pennsylvania, USA as they fought against each other in two battles in the Shenandoah Valley during 1861-1863. The story is based on over 90 letters from the participants and other members of their regiments, the regimental records, and official records of the conflict.
Mr. O’Connor will be on hand to sell and sign his book, A House Divided Against Itself, for $16.00 plus tax after his presentation.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
2012 Computer Classes
The Franklin County Library System will be offering a variety of free one on one and group computer classes at 6 branches in 2012. New this year are 45 minute individualized sessions with a reference librarian. Potential topics for training are help with e-readers, social networking, online job application assistance, basic computer skills, uploading picture and more. Participants may bring their own portable devices such as laptops and e-reader devices.
Classes will be held for 45 minute sessions from 10:00 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the following locations:
January 31, 2012 - Grove Family Library, Chambersburg
February 7, 2012 - Besore Memorial Library, Greencastle
February 16, 2012 - Fulton County Library, McConnellsburg
To sign up for a session contact either Grove Family Library at 264-9663, Besore Memorial Library at 597-7920 or Fulton County Library at 485-5646.
Classes will be held for 45 minute sessions from 10:00 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the following locations:
January 31, 2012 - Grove Family Library, Chambersburg
February 7, 2012 - Besore Memorial Library, Greencastle
February 16, 2012 - Fulton County Library, McConnellsburg
To sign up for a session contact either Grove Family Library at 264-9663, Besore Memorial Library at 597-7920 or Fulton County Library at 485-5646.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Give Gifts that Give Back
Franklin County Library System is offering a number of ways to make gift giving easy this season. There are several ways to make purchases for under $20 through the library that also give back to the library. Purchases can be made in person or online for that special someone or even the one for whom it is hard to buy. From Liberry jam, to ornaments, cookbooks and even on Amazon, make a purchase this season that benefits your local library.
Liberry jam was created in 2011 as a play on words of sorts on the word “library”. As a community outreach program, Mark Miller, owner of local business, Gypsie, found a jam wholesaler who would offer private labeling, and then also had a local designer create the labels. Liberry Jam is an excellent mix of strawberry and seedless black raspberry for a unique and delicious combination. The 16 oz. jars sell for $8 and 25% of the proceeds is donated to the Franklin County Library System to benefit their children's programs. The jam is available to purchase at Gypsie in downtown Chambersburg, at Grove Family Library and Coyle Free Library in Chambersburg, and also at St. Thomas and Ft. Loudon libraries this holiday season.
Another good gift giving item, or one just for personal inspiration for holiday recipes is the Grove Family Library cookbook. Over 200 tasty recipes from staff, patrons, and Chambersburg’s own, Roger Tappen, make up this one of a kind item. The hard back cookbook has 8 different recipe categories and sells individually for $10 or three for $25.
Anyone looking for Coyle specific items can get a Cat’s Meow wooden replica of Coyle Free Library for $18 or a stained glass Coyle ornament for $13, available only at Coyle Free Library on Main Street in Chambersburg.
Several local libraries also carry tote bags that can be purchased empty or filled with used books. Stop by Coyle or Grove library in Chambersburg or Besore library in Greencastle to shop for the book lovers on the list.
One final and really easy way to give gifts and give back without even leaving the comforts of home is to make purchases on Amazon through the Franklin County Library System website. Simply go to www.fclspa.org and click on any Amazon button. Then search on Amazon as normal. Any purchases made by going through the library’s home page earns up to 15% back for the libraries.
Franklin County Library System thanks local residents for considering to give gifts that give back to local libraries this year and wishes a safe and happy holiday season to all.
Liberry jam was created in 2011 as a play on words of sorts on the word “library”. As a community outreach program, Mark Miller, owner of local business, Gypsie, found a jam wholesaler who would offer private labeling, and then also had a local designer create the labels. Liberry Jam is an excellent mix of strawberry and seedless black raspberry for a unique and delicious combination. The 16 oz. jars sell for $8 and 25% of the proceeds is donated to the Franklin County Library System to benefit their children's programs. The jam is available to purchase at Gypsie in downtown Chambersburg, at Grove Family Library and Coyle Free Library in Chambersburg, and also at St. Thomas and Ft. Loudon libraries this holiday season.
Another good gift giving item, or one just for personal inspiration for holiday recipes is the Grove Family Library cookbook. Over 200 tasty recipes from staff, patrons, and Chambersburg’s own, Roger Tappen, make up this one of a kind item. The hard back cookbook has 8 different recipe categories and sells individually for $10 or three for $25.
Anyone looking for Coyle specific items can get a Cat’s Meow wooden replica of Coyle Free Library for $18 or a stained glass Coyle ornament for $13, available only at Coyle Free Library on Main Street in Chambersburg.
Several local libraries also carry tote bags that can be purchased empty or filled with used books. Stop by Coyle or Grove library in Chambersburg or Besore library in Greencastle to shop for the book lovers on the list.
One final and really easy way to give gifts and give back without even leaving the comforts of home is to make purchases on Amazon through the Franklin County Library System website. Simply go to www.fclspa.org and click on any Amazon button. Then search on Amazon as normal. Any purchases made by going through the library’s home page earns up to 15% back for the libraries.
Franklin County Library System thanks local residents for considering to give gifts that give back to local libraries this year and wishes a safe and happy holiday season to all.
Patrons Love Their Libraries
Franklin County Library System conducted a patron and employee survey in September to determine long range library system strategies for the next 3-5 years. The results are in and show that a large majority of patrons see community libraries as extremely important. Local libraries are very valuable to community members and are perceived as having a strong and positive impact on the community at large.
848 respondents representing all the Franklin County Library System branches filled out online surveys to answer questions about their household demographics as well as numerous questions about the materials, staff and services that the libraries provide. The important information in the results has enabled the library system to more clearly identify who their patrons are and what they want in the years to come.
Almost half of the survey participants were between the ages of 31 and 55, a large majority of responders were female, and 64% have at least a two-year college degree. Nearly 80% are married or live with a partner and 58% live in a household with an income of $50,000 or higher.
More than half of the patrons use some kind of library resources at least once every two weeks and two thirds utilize online library services of some kind. 86 % of patrons who responded said it is extremely important to have a community library, 65% believe the libraries have a very strong impact on the well-being of a community and 75% acknowledged that the library is extremely important to them personally.
When asked if they were given $100 to spend on increased or improved services and how they would spend the money, the top five items were more adult fiction books, more children’s books, more adult non-fiction books, more best sellers, and e-books. Library patrons were overwhelmingly pleased with the staff members and services the staff provides. Respondents were highly satisfied in the areas of helpfulness, level of customer service, accessibility and expertise.
Patrons also were aware of the different ways that libraries are funded, including local funds, state funds, private donations and fees. However, they would like more information on fundraisers and other ways to support the libraries. And, while they are very happy with library staff, there are opportunities for improvement in the areas of online resources, technology, facilities and library hours.
Bernice Crouse, Executive Director, says “the survey results reaffirm our mission to improve the lives of residents of the region through access to materials, information, and services, imparting knowledge, experience and wisdom of others. Franklin County Library System will continue to plan to be a leader and initiator of programs and services that enrich people’s lives and increase their knowledge through collections, outreach programs, technology and leadership abilities for years to come.” The library system will utilize the survey results to develop strategies and action items for the next 3-5 years.
Franklin County Library System strives to continue to play an important role in the lives of its residents and needs the ongoing support of its patrons, local and state governments to do so. For opportunities on how to help, please contact Bernice Crouse, Executive Director at 709-0282 x 212.
848 respondents representing all the Franklin County Library System branches filled out online surveys to answer questions about their household demographics as well as numerous questions about the materials, staff and services that the libraries provide. The important information in the results has enabled the library system to more clearly identify who their patrons are and what they want in the years to come.
Almost half of the survey participants were between the ages of 31 and 55, a large majority of responders were female, and 64% have at least a two-year college degree. Nearly 80% are married or live with a partner and 58% live in a household with an income of $50,000 or higher.
More than half of the patrons use some kind of library resources at least once every two weeks and two thirds utilize online library services of some kind. 86 % of patrons who responded said it is extremely important to have a community library, 65% believe the libraries have a very strong impact on the well-being of a community and 75% acknowledged that the library is extremely important to them personally.
When asked if they were given $100 to spend on increased or improved services and how they would spend the money, the top five items were more adult fiction books, more children’s books, more adult non-fiction books, more best sellers, and e-books. Library patrons were overwhelmingly pleased with the staff members and services the staff provides. Respondents were highly satisfied in the areas of helpfulness, level of customer service, accessibility and expertise.
Patrons also were aware of the different ways that libraries are funded, including local funds, state funds, private donations and fees. However, they would like more information on fundraisers and other ways to support the libraries. And, while they are very happy with library staff, there are opportunities for improvement in the areas of online resources, technology, facilities and library hours.
Bernice Crouse, Executive Director, says “the survey results reaffirm our mission to improve the lives of residents of the region through access to materials, information, and services, imparting knowledge, experience and wisdom of others. Franklin County Library System will continue to plan to be a leader and initiator of programs and services that enrich people’s lives and increase their knowledge through collections, outreach programs, technology and leadership abilities for years to come.” The library system will utilize the survey results to develop strategies and action items for the next 3-5 years.
Franklin County Library System strives to continue to play an important role in the lives of its residents and needs the ongoing support of its patrons, local and state governments to do so. For opportunities on how to help, please contact Bernice Crouse, Executive Director at 709-0282 x 212.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Book Donations Wanted
Franklin County Library System is currently accepting book donations for a fall Book and Bake Sale on October 28, 29 & 30 at the community building at Norlo Park, Chambersburg. The proceeds of the Book and Bake Sale will benefit improvements to local libraries. Up to 40 items per visit can be dropped off at the following participating libraries: Coyle Free Library (Chambersburg), Grove Family Library (Chambersburg), Besore Library (Greencastle), St. Thomas Library, and Ft. Loudon Library. While the Bookmobile and the pre-school Book Buggy are participating in the fundraiser, patrons are asked to drop their donated books at one of the library buildings, rather than bookmobile stops.
The purpose of the sale is to focus on expanding the collection of new books at libraries, purchasing additional laptops for in library use, adding downloadable ebooks that will be free for patron use, keeping program offerings fresh and up to date, and improving the facilities at each library location. All proceeds benefit each participating library.
Book donations, CDs and DVDs are being accepted now. Libraries are specifically looking for donations of recent best sellers (2009 to 2011), children’s books, and collectible books and media. No textbooks or encyclopedias please, since these are very difficult to sell. For donations of over 40 items at a time, please contact Jen at 709-0282 ext. 211 or email jharp@fclspa.org to arrange for a drop off at the Franklin County Library System office.
Franklin County Library System also needs volunteers to assist with the sale and bake. Anyone interested in volunteering by transporting books, working at the sale or donating food items can contact Bernice Crouse at 709-0282 ext. 212 or email bdcrouse@fclspa.org.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Spirit of the Carnival in Chambersburg
Common Wealth Speaker, Tracie Yorke, will be visiting Chambersburg for her multicultural presentation Spirit of the Carnival at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, June 24. The performance will take place at the Eugene C. Clarke Jr. Community Center on 235 South 3rd Street, and will focus on the thrill of the carnival in such areas as Port-of-Spain, Rio de Janeiro and New Orleans. As part of the 2011 Summer Reading Program, this program is compliments of Coyle Free Library and Franklin County Library System.
Yorke has been performing for the last ten years both nationally and nationally. A graduate of Amherst College, Yorke is both an ethnologist and professional dancer.
The performance is free, educational, fun and family friendly. There will be colorful costumes, vibrant images, and rhythmic music. The presentation closes, as all carnival celebrations do, with a parade of champions, drawn from the audience.
This performance is a program of the Pennsylvania Humanities Council supported in part by the national Endowment for the Humanities and its We the People initiative. The Pennsylvania Humanities Council, a nonprofit organization, inspires individuals to enjoy and share a life of learning. Coyle Free Library as a part of Franklin County Library System shares the values of the Pennsylvania Humanities council and wants to continue to enrich the lives of residents of the region through access to materials, information, and services imparting the knowledge, experience, and wisdom of others.
Yorke has been performing for the last ten years both nationally and nationally. A graduate of Amherst College, Yorke is both an ethnologist and professional dancer.
The performance is free, educational, fun and family friendly. There will be colorful costumes, vibrant images, and rhythmic music. The presentation closes, as all carnival celebrations do, with a parade of champions, drawn from the audience.
This performance is a program of the Pennsylvania Humanities Council supported in part by the national Endowment for the Humanities and its We the People initiative. The Pennsylvania Humanities Council, a nonprofit organization, inspires individuals to enjoy and share a life of learning. Coyle Free Library as a part of Franklin County Library System shares the values of the Pennsylvania Humanities council and wants to continue to enrich the lives of residents of the region through access to materials, information, and services imparting the knowledge, experience, and wisdom of others.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Summer Reading Donation
Detrich-Brechbill American Legion Post 612 donates $1000 to the 2011 summer reading program at St. Thomas Library.
Pictured left to right in photo: Bernice Crouse, Executive Director, Franklin County Library System; Robert Zullinger, Post Commander, Detrich-Brechbill American Legion Post 612, Deanna Snider, Branch Manager, St. Thomas Library.
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