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.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
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.
Friday, June 10, 2011
2011 Summer Reading Programs
“One World, Many Stories” is the theme for reading for children in Franklin County this summer. Registration begins Monday, June 6th at all Franklin County Library System libraries and Wednesday, June 15th at Fendrick Library in Mercersburg for summer reading activities. This year, infant - 12 years old can attend One World, Many Stories programs, teen programs for 12-19 year olds are titled “You Are Here” and the adult program is called “Novel Destinations”.
You can register online to log books and earn points for the reading club portion of the program. Reading and listening to books in any format, paper, electronic, audio, all count toward the reading club awards at all age levels. Programs at public libraries are free but space is limited, so to attend Storytimes, make crafts, or participate in other summer events, sign up at your home library.
To kick off the way to visit many places in the world through books this summer, attend one of four free concerts by musician Jim Rule. Concert dates, times and locations are as follows:
Thursday, June 16 at 10:30 am in the Chambersburg Area Middle School Auditorium,
Thursday, June 16 at 2:00 pm in the Greencastle-Antrim High School Auditorium
Friday, June 17, at 10:00 am at the Fulton County Library, McConnellsburg.
Friday, June 17, at 2 pm at Upper Path Valley Presbyterian Church, Spring Run
The concerts are free and tickets may be picked up at any public library. For more information on Jim Rule, visit www.jimrule.com
Another family friendly way to learn about life in other cultures is to attend “Spirit of the Carnival” this summer. Presenter Tracie Yorke, Common Wealth Speaker, will perform on Friday, June 24 at 6 pm at the Eugene C. Clarke Jr. Community Center on 3rd Street in Chambersburg. Yorke is an ethnologist and professional dancer who performs internationally. This performance will focus on the carnival atmosphere in areas like Port-of-Spain, Rio de Janeiro and New Orleans.
Again this summer, the book reading club portion of the program is all online. Readers can register, log books, earn points and write reviews online by simply registering on the library system’s website. From any computer, go to www.fclspa.org and click on the icon for your age category. After registering, simply access your account from any computer with internet access to log your reading progress. Public library computers are available for those who would like to register and log books there.
Reading clubs, prizes, story times, crafts and special programs for all ages will be offered at the following participating libraries in Franklin County: Coyle Free Library, Chambersburg; Grove Family Library, Chambersburg; Lilian S. Besore Library, Greencastle; St. Thomas Library; Fort Loudon Library; Franklin County Bookmobile; Fendrick Library, Mercersburg; Alexander Hamilton Memorial Free Library, Waynesboro; and Blue Ridge Summit Library.
Studies show that summer reading strengthens early literacy skills in young child, increases vocabulary and helps to improve school success when children return in the Fall. Summer Reading Programs are a way for families to accomplish this goal together and have fun at the same time.
Franklin County Library System would like to thank The Dollar General Literacy Foundation, American Legion Detrich-Brechbill Post No. 612 (St. Thomas), the Mt. Parnell Lions Club, and CoyleFriends for partially funding and making possible the 2011 Summer Reading Programs.
Contact your nearest public library for more specific information on their schedule of events, or call Carol McNamee, Franklin County Library System Youth Services Librarian at 717-709-0303.
You can register online to log books and earn points for the reading club portion of the program. Reading and listening to books in any format, paper, electronic, audio, all count toward the reading club awards at all age levels. Programs at public libraries are free but space is limited, so to attend Storytimes, make crafts, or participate in other summer events, sign up at your home library.
To kick off the way to visit many places in the world through books this summer, attend one of four free concerts by musician Jim Rule. Concert dates, times and locations are as follows:
Thursday, June 16 at 10:30 am in the Chambersburg Area Middle School Auditorium,
Thursday, June 16 at 2:00 pm in the Greencastle-Antrim High School Auditorium
Friday, June 17, at 10:00 am at the Fulton County Library, McConnellsburg.
Friday, June 17, at 2 pm at Upper Path Valley Presbyterian Church, Spring Run
The concerts are free and tickets may be picked up at any public library. For more information on Jim Rule, visit www.jimrule.com
Another family friendly way to learn about life in other cultures is to attend “Spirit of the Carnival” this summer. Presenter Tracie Yorke, Common Wealth Speaker, will perform on Friday, June 24 at 6 pm at the Eugene C. Clarke Jr. Community Center on 3rd Street in Chambersburg. Yorke is an ethnologist and professional dancer who performs internationally. This performance will focus on the carnival atmosphere in areas like Port-of-Spain, Rio de Janeiro and New Orleans.
Again this summer, the book reading club portion of the program is all online. Readers can register, log books, earn points and write reviews online by simply registering on the library system’s website. From any computer, go to www.fclspa.org and click on the icon for your age category. After registering, simply access your account from any computer with internet access to log your reading progress. Public library computers are available for those who would like to register and log books there.
Reading clubs, prizes, story times, crafts and special programs for all ages will be offered at the following participating libraries in Franklin County: Coyle Free Library, Chambersburg; Grove Family Library, Chambersburg; Lilian S. Besore Library, Greencastle; St. Thomas Library; Fort Loudon Library; Franklin County Bookmobile; Fendrick Library, Mercersburg; Alexander Hamilton Memorial Free Library, Waynesboro; and Blue Ridge Summit Library.
Studies show that summer reading strengthens early literacy skills in young child, increases vocabulary and helps to improve school success when children return in the Fall. Summer Reading Programs are a way for families to accomplish this goal together and have fun at the same time.
Franklin County Library System would like to thank The Dollar General Literacy Foundation, American Legion Detrich-Brechbill Post No. 612 (St. Thomas), the Mt. Parnell Lions Club, and CoyleFriends for partially funding and making possible the 2011 Summer Reading Programs.
Contact your nearest public library for more specific information on their schedule of events, or call Carol McNamee, Franklin County Library System Youth Services Librarian at 717-709-0303.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Coyle Free Library: Resume Workshop
Coyle Free Library is offering a free Resume Workshop on Thursday, May 26, 2011 from 6-7:30 pm. It will be held in the Community Room of the library on the 2nd floor.
The workshop will cover different types of resumes, resume “do’s and don’ts” and online job sites. Paper copies of existing resumes can be reviewed and advice provided at no charge.
Seating is limited so call (717) 263-1054 or stop by Coyle Free Library, 102 North Main Street, Chambersburg, to register.
The workshop will cover different types of resumes, resume “do’s and don’ts” and online job sites. Paper copies of existing resumes can be reviewed and advice provided at no charge.
Seating is limited so call (717) 263-1054 or stop by Coyle Free Library, 102 North Main Street, Chambersburg, to register.
Coyle Free Library: Teen Photo Contest

Coyle Free Library is sponsoring a Teen Photography Contest. Anyone from the ages of 12 to 19 can register to participate. Entries are due at the library on May 27 by 5pm. Photographs entered will be displayed in the Chambersburg Mall through June 6th but the public will vote for their favorite up to June 2nd. Winners will be announced and prizes will be awarded in three categories on June 3rd.
The categories for photograph entries are human interest, scenery and animals in connection with the teen summer reading theme “You Are Here”. Each category will have a first prize winner earning a $50 gift card to Target and each category will have an Honorable Mention earning a $10 gift card for Target.
For rules and submission information, go to www.fclsteens.blogspot.com or stop by Coyle Free Library, 102 North Main Street, Chambersburg.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Franklin County Public Library Week
Events
Fine Free Week and Food Drive — May 16-21
Return late books to local libraries during business hours with a non-perishable food item per book, to have overdue fines forgiven.
Monday, May 16 – Diabetes Education Workshop
Besore Library in Greencastle from 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. Session will provide instruction for managing diabetes and will be conducted by Certified Diabetes Instructor, Starr Seip. Call the library 597-7920 or (570) 617-3650 to register.
Tuesday, May 17 - One Book Every Young Child Storytimes
Whose Shoes: A Shoe for Every Job by Stephen Swinburne at Grove Family Library in Chambersburg for children and a parent or caregiver, 10:00 a.m. for children ages 3-5 yrs. old and 11:00 a.m. for age birth to 3 yrs. old. Program provided by Miss Sonja and Miss Amanda. Free book for each participating family.
Wednesday, May 18 – Raising a Money-Smart Child
Marissa Pinto Burt from Edward Jones at Grove Family Library will present a program from 1:00-2:00 p.m. and is geared toward children ages 4-10 and a parent or grandparent.
Cake Bingo at Ft. Loudon Library at 6:00 p.m. Bring a cake for admission.
Library Celebrity Dip Fundraiser at Chambersburg Rita’s Italian Ice from 5:00-9:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 19 – The Future of Chambersburg
A town hall meeting with Mayor Pete Lagiovane, Superintendent Dr. Joe Padasak and Greater Chamber of Commerce President, David Sciamanna at Coyle Free Library on Main Street at 6:30 p.m.
Friday, May 20 – E-book Workshop
Learn about e-books and audio e-book devices, including the Kindle, Nuk, iPad, and MP3. Learn where and how to select and download e-books for free, and about new and upcoming e-book services from your public library website, by Jill Yaich, Reference Librarian, at Coyle Free Library on Main Street in Chambersburg from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 21 – Bookmobile at Community Day at Walgreens in Chambersburg
Tour the bookmobile and check out books. Storytime, stickers and book marks for children. 9:00 am—3:00 p.m.
Fine Free Week and Food Drive — May 16-21
Return late books to local libraries during business hours with a non-perishable food item per book, to have overdue fines forgiven.
Monday, May 16 – Diabetes Education Workshop
Besore Library in Greencastle from 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. Session will provide instruction for managing diabetes and will be conducted by Certified Diabetes Instructor, Starr Seip. Call the library 597-7920 or (570) 617-3650 to register.
Tuesday, May 17 - One Book Every Young Child Storytimes
Whose Shoes: A Shoe for Every Job by Stephen Swinburne at Grove Family Library in Chambersburg for children and a parent or caregiver, 10:00 a.m. for children ages 3-5 yrs. old and 11:00 a.m. for age birth to 3 yrs. old. Program provided by Miss Sonja and Miss Amanda. Free book for each participating family.
Wednesday, May 18 – Raising a Money-Smart Child
Marissa Pinto Burt from Edward Jones at Grove Family Library will present a program from 1:00-2:00 p.m. and is geared toward children ages 4-10 and a parent or grandparent.
Cake Bingo at Ft. Loudon Library at 6:00 p.m. Bring a cake for admission.
Library Celebrity Dip Fundraiser at Chambersburg Rita’s Italian Ice from 5:00-9:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 19 – The Future of Chambersburg
A town hall meeting with Mayor Pete Lagiovane, Superintendent Dr. Joe Padasak and Greater Chamber of Commerce President, David Sciamanna at Coyle Free Library on Main Street at 6:30 p.m.
Friday, May 20 – E-book Workshop
Learn about e-books and audio e-book devices, including the Kindle, Nuk, iPad, and MP3. Learn where and how to select and download e-books for free, and about new and upcoming e-book services from your public library website, by Jill Yaich, Reference Librarian, at Coyle Free Library on Main Street in Chambersburg from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 21 – Bookmobile at Community Day at Walgreens in Chambersburg
Tour the bookmobile and check out books. Storytime, stickers and book marks for children. 9:00 am—3:00 p.m.
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