Library News

NEW! Plastic Film Recycling

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Recycle your Plastic Film & Bags at Tredyffrin Public Library

 

The T/E Green Team has placed a plastic film/bag recycling container at the front entrance of the Tredyffrin Public Library, directly across from the bottom of the stairs.

We welcome patrons to use this bin to recycle the following items:

  • Plastic Shopping Bags
  • Ziploc Bags
  • Bread Bags
  • Case Over-Wrap
  • Dry Cleaning Bags
  • Cereal Bags
  • Bubble Wrap
  • Newspaper Plastic Sleeves

This is for plastic bags only. Please do not put plastic containers in the bin.

Service Changes due to COVID-19

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An Important Update:

During this time, we will be implementing a robust curbside pickup service in order to continue to provide library materials to our patrons.
PAOLI LIBRARY
Call 610.296.7996 or visit tredyffrinlibraries.org to arrange your pickup.

Our curbside hours will be the following:
Monday through Thursday: 10 am – 5 pm
Friday & Saturday: 10 am – 2 pm

TREDYFFRIN PUBLIC LIBRARY
Call 610.688.7092 or visit tredyffrinlibraries.org to arrange your pickup.

Our curbside hours will be the following:
Monday through Thursday: 10 am – 7 pm
Friday & Saturday: 10 am – 2 pm

We are implementing this measure as a precaution, one that we hope will help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and help to ensure the safety of our staff and patrons. We appreciate your patience and support as we navigate through unprecedented events.

Thank you for your understanding & cooperation!

A reminder on how curbside works:

Reserve Library Materials

You can place items on hold through our online catalog or via the CCLS App, available on Apple & Android devices.
You can also call the library to place your holds. Please leave a message & we will handle the requests as soon as possible.
Make sure all your items are going to the library of your choice.
You will be unable to schedule your pickup until your holds lists “READY FOR PICKUP.”

Schedule Your Pickup

When your items are ready, you will receive an email that includes a link to select an available pickup time. You can also check your hold status or modify your scheduled pickups at https://bit.ly/schedule_pickup_ttl
The site will ask you for a password. Use the pin connected with your library card.
If you’re unsure of your pin, please email tpl@ccls.org or call one of the libraries during modified hours & staff can reset & guide you through creating your new pin.

PLEASE NOTE: If you receive multiple emails, you don’t need to schedule separate pick ups. We will include all your available materials that are available at the time of your scheduled pick up.

Pick Up Your Holds

At the designated time, you will be able to find your items waiting for you by the front entrance of the library you selected for your pickup. Materials will be packaged in brown paper bags and labeled with your first name & last initial.

Practice Social Distancing

If there is another patron collecting their pickup, or a staff member restocking the pickup area, please wait until they have moved away before you approach the building.
Please read & observe directions on posted signs.
Enjoy your Library Materials
The items you pick up will already be checked out to your account, so all you need to do is take them home & enjoy your library haul!
You may use the book drops to return items too. Please note, all returned items are being quarantined & will not be checked in for 3 days, remaining on your account.

Don’t worry, we backdate all check-ins to the day you returned the materials!

A Note from the Friends of TPL

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Greetings from the Friends of Tredyffrin Public Library & the Red Fox Book Shop

Thank you for asking about us. The pandemic has slowed us down but has not stopped us. We remain temporarily closed, but anxious to re-open & see you all again!
Our volunteers send their greetings: Kate, Denise, Pat, Barb, Edwina, Christi, Mike, Mel, Chris, Vincent, Nancy, Terry, Alicia, Sue + 25 more.
We currently have a small selection of books which we send to Amazon & they fulfill your orders.
Congratulations to our dedicated librarians who have produced an outstanding array of children’s, teen & adult programs during this unprecedented pandemic. They have Zoomed & streamed onto our laptops, tablets & phones with creative stories, crafts & lectures for all ages. Thank you!
Back at the library over 10,000 books are ready & waiting. We shall return! We miss you. Take care of yourselves!
REMEMBER TO VOTE!

Board of Trustees Meeting September 2020

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Thursday, September 24, 7:30 pm

Via Zoom

To minimize public exposure to COVID-19 and maintain social distancing, this meeting will be conducted via Zoom, an online video conferencing service. The Zoom platform allows participation both by video and telephone.  Members of the public may register to attend in advance.

For those logging in with devices, when the meeting is opened to public comment, use the “Raise Hand” option should you want to comment audibly. If you are selected to comment, we will state your name and un-mute you so you can speak. Briefly state your name and comment/item of concern. Public Comment is limited to 3 minutes.

The Libraries are not liable for any computer security problems that participants may experience.  No in-person attendance at the library will be permitted.

Public comment should be short and concise and limited to general matters of concern and items on the agenda. Remember: public comment will be limited to 3 minutes. To submit comments or questions prior to the meeting, email tpl@ccls.org using the subject line BoT question/comment by 8 pm on Wednesday, September 23.

Registration Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_H3mdhAj-Q3mMamhVpxXNsg

Matthew Venza Author Event

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26 Cents Author Visit

We’re excited to announce a virtual author visit with Matthew Venza about his new book 26 Cents. 
In addition, the author will answer your young one’s questions about writing a book. You may even win a copy of the novel!

 

The Libraries Reopen on Monday, July 13

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Update, Upgrade, Renew, Improve, Improvement, NewReopening the libraries on July 13th

Schedule time to use a PC at Tredyffrin Public Library

Schedule time to use a PC at Paoli Library  •  Schedule time to browse at Paoli Library

We continue to prioritize people’s health and safety. In that spirit, we are pleased to reopen to the public with limited hours.

 

Tredyffrin Public Library will be open to the public Monday – Thursday, 1pm – 5pm and Friday and Saturday 10am – 2pm. Curbside Pickup will be available Monday – Thursday, 5pm – 7pm.

Paoli Library will be open to the public Monday & Wednesday, 1 pm – 6 pm; Tuesday & Thursday, 1pm – 5pm; Friday, 10am – 2pm, but by appointment only. Curbside Pickup will be available Monday & Wednesday, 1pm – 7pm; Tuesday & Thursday, 1pm – 5pm; and Friday & Saturday, 10am – 2pm. The Paoli Library space is much smaller and there are limited options for necessary physical distancing.

Tredyffrin Public Library and Paoli Library will also allow access to library PCs when we are open to the public using SignUp.

There are a number of social distancing and safety protocols as well as operational changes that we will be asking you to follow while in the libraries.

  • Please wear a mask when entering and using the libraries. We have additional masks to offer to community members who may forget to bring their own.
  • Please limit inside visits to 45 minutes (or less). Spaces will not have chairs or tables for use at this time and we encourage you to use the libraries for browsing collections and checking out materials, picking up holds, and using library PCs only.
  • Computer use will be by appointment only, and limited to one daily 45-minute session (schedule computer usage with SignUp).
  • All meeting and study spaces will remain closed. No public gatherings of any kind will be permitted in those spaces.

We will also be making every effort to regularly and frequently clean and disinfect surfaces and frequently used areas. Frequent high-touch surface areas will be cleaned throughout the day by library staff and cleaning and disinfecting will be performed in the evenings by our cleaning company.

We’ve received a few questions about library services, donations, and returning materials. Some common questions and responses are below.

Can I return library materials?

Yes, please return all borrowed items to the external book drops at Tredyffrin Public Library and Paoli Library.

Why are library materials still showing as checked out on my account even though I returned them?

We are following protocols set by the CDC and the American Library Association for quarantining library materials. Any returned materials will be quarantined for 72 hours before being checked in. This quarantine procedure is being used throughout the Chester County Library System. Because Coronavirus can live on surfaces for longer than 72 hours, the library recommends taking additional precautions to limit the spread of Covid-19 which may include quarantining items brought in to your home for longer than 72 hours, hand washing after handling any material, and using disinfectant to clean surfaces.

Will I be charged overdue fines?

No overdue fines will be assessed for materials checked in after being held in quarantine. Staff have been instructed to waive any fines that may accrue on an item returned within the proper timeframe. If you experience and problems with your returns please contact the Tredyffrin Public Library Circulation Desk at 610-688-7092 or Paoli Library at 610-296-7996.

Can I make in-person meeting room or study room reservation?

We are not accepting in-person meeting or study room reservations and rooms are not yet available for use when visiting the libraries.

Can I drop off donations?

No, please do not bring materials donations (books, DVDs, CDs) to Tredyffrin Public Library or Paoli Library. The libraries are not accepting donations. We do not yet know when we will begin accepting donations again.

We will be updating our status and service offerings as circumstances change and will be sending out updates in our newsletter, on our website, and on social media. Thank you for being patient with us as we navigate some rather complex issues relating to public safety and providing library services to the community.

Sign Up!

We’re using SignUp.com to organize our computer use and browsing at Paoli.

Here’s how it works in 3 easy steps:

1) Click a button to see our SignUp.
2) Review the options listed and choose the spot you like. For safety, you may not reserve more than one session a day.
3) Sign up! It’s Easy – you will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on SignUp.com.

Note: SignUp.com does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address, please call 610.688.7092 x 212 (Tredyffrin) or 610.296.7996 (Paoli)  and a staff member can sign you up manually.

Use a PC at Tredyffrin Public Library

PC usage at TPL is on a first come, first serve basis. Patrons are restricted to one 45 minutes session per day.

Schedule to use a PC at Paoli Library

Please be aware that all PC usage will be limited to 45 minutes. We appreciate your cooperation.

Schedule to browse at Paoli Library

Please be aware that we ask that all browsing be limited to 30 minutes. We appreciate your cooperation.

Reopening Plan for Yellow Phase

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June 9th Update

June 5th marked the first date that library staff were allowed into the buildings (other than for emergency facility work or obtaining materials to work from home) since mid-March. We are currently getting organized, obtaining supplies, and preparing the buildings to start some in-person services. For the initial “yellow” phase of reopening, the libraries remain closed to the public, however, we will begin implementing curbside pickup services beginning June 15th.

The library system has purchased software which will allow patrons to schedule curbside pickup of library holds (materials requested through the library catalog). At this time, we anticipate having this service available beginning June 15th. When this service becomes available, please check our website for information on how to use this service. Also, beginning June 15th, library staff will be present in the buildings to answer calls for general assistance as well as assistance during a modified library schedule in conjunction with the curbside pickup program. Continue reading →

Board of Trustees Meeting May 2020

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Thursday, May 28, 7:30 pm

Via Zoom

To comply with the Stay-at-Home Order issued by Governor Wolf, minimize public exposure to COVID-19 and maintain social distancing, this meeting will be conducted via Zoom, an online video conferencing service. The Zoom platform allows participation both by video and telephone.  Members of the public may register to attend in advance.

For those logging in with devices, when the meeting is opened to public comment, use the “Raise Hand” option should you want to comment audibly. If you are selected to comment, we will state your name and un-mute you so you can speak. Briefly state your name and comment/item of concern. Public Comment is limited to 3 minutes.

The Libraries are not liable for any computer security problems that participants may experience.  No in-person attendance at the library will be permitted.

Public comment should be short and concise and limited to general matters of concern and items on the agenda. Remember: public comment will be limited to 3 minutes. To submit comments or questions prior to the meeting, email tpl@ccls.org using the subject line BoT question/comment by 8 pm on Wednesday, May 27.

Registration Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_wysFeRT6THqQdulB5Vxr2g

 

COVID-19 & Your Libraries: FaQ

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UPDATED: Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 & Your Libraries

 

How is COVID-19 affecting the libraries?

The library was ordered to close and cease all onsite operations, including materials check-out, on March 16. We moved as much programming and resources as possible online (see below for more). Starting June 15, the libraries have begun offering curbside pickup. You can also now return your items to our book drops, though you can not enter the building.

 This crisis will affect the library financially. Key sources of income including room rental fees, DVD and video game rental fees, sales of snacks, printing pages and faxes, and donations made onsite during programs and at the circulation desk have fallen to zero while the buildings are closed. New software for webinars and virtual meetings and increased spending on electronic materials is necessary.

In total, we face a combined loss and increase in expenses of about $5,000 each month.  And, since the libraries will reopen gradually, we know that these financial challenges will continue. To help the library with loss of income and increased expenses during this time, please make a donation.

What are the libraries doing to help the community?

Immediately upon closing, librarians worked hard to make as much about the library as possible available virtually. Programs for children, adults, teens and seniors take place every day on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook Live (Social Media accounts here), and via webinar software. Reference librarians are available via email and through online chat.  Community members are able to connect with one another and librarians in program chats, in the Discord chat room, and on our social media pages. Our hope is that our virtual “library at your place” provides escape, pleasure, learning, and connection – things our community desperately needs during this time.

Though we are working in the building with only a skeleton crew, we are doing our best to process holds, quarantine & check in returns, add new books & provide our remote services. We appreciate your patience as we learn these new processes.

What is the library doing to help its staff?

Our staff are employed by Tredyffrin Township. Many are working from home to provide online programming. Those whose jobs can only be completed inside the building were paid through April 15, and are now on furlough, per decision by the Township. This allows our staff to collect unemployment, and the township is supporting them in this effort. These staff members are pre-qualified for reinstatement to meet staffing needs when our buildings reopen.

Currently, the full-time staff and only a few part-time staff members are maintaining all the onsite & virtual programming.

How do I return books?

You may use the parking lot book drops at Tredyffrin Public Library and the outdoor book drop at Paoli Library. Please be aware that all returned items are being brought into quarantine & will not be checked in for a few days. You will continue to see these items on your account until they are released from quarantine to be checked in. We assure you, you will not be charged overdue fees on these items.

How do I pick up books?

When your reserved materials become available, you will be able to schedule your pickup. Follow the steps as described here. Please be aware that the instructions you may see in the email from ccls may have different instructions. All the libraries are using different procedures.

Items will be bagged in paper bags, listed with your first initial and last name. You will find them on shelves outside the main entrances of the library during the 15 minute period of your pickup.

 

When will the libraries reopen?

We have not received information on reopening from the Governor or the Office of Commonwealth Libraries, so our buildings are closed to the public indefinitely. We will offer more information as it becomes available. Please expect our reopening to be gradual and in accordance to guidelines provided by the Office of Commonwealth Libraries.

 

How can I help?

Your financial support will help us both to weather the decreases in revenue and to continue to invest in the tools and resources necessary to offer the most engaging and inspiring virtual library possible. Please visit our Support page to make a donation to Tredyffrin Public Library or Paoli Library, or to the Foundation, which holds funds in an endowment. The full amount of your gift will be deposited for use as you direct. Your investment now will also ensure that building maintenance and program supplies and collections materials purchases can continue as normal.

Also, please continue to participate in our virtual programs and share with friends, neighbors and family members the value you find in the library, both before the pandemic and during this time. You can see all of our offerings on our Virtual Calendar. While the “new normal” is in place, Tredyffrin Public Library and Paoli Library will be at the center, with new opportunities to interact with our patrons and the same welcoming space to explore interests, connect with friends and neighbors and share the joy of learning.

I have books to donate for your book sale. Where can I drop them?

For the safety of our staff, we cannot accept any donations at this time, so please keep your donations at home until our buildings reopen and we announce that we can begin accepting donations.  

Will planned fall events like the book sale and the golf outing happen?

We will continue to adhere to guidance and requirements from Governor Wolf and from the Pennsylvania Office of Commonwealth Libraries.  These events have not been cancelled at this time.  Please find up-to-date information in our weekly newsletter, AdLib, and on our website.

 

Teen Writing Opportunities

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Two wonderful writing opportunities for teens:

Marylyn E. Calabrese, Ph.D., writing coach & teacher, has generously volunteered her time to help students work on their essay writing skills while the library is closed. Dr. Calabrese is the former chairperson of the Conestoga High School English Department. Her educational background includes an A.B. from Bryn Mawr College, an MAT from Wesleyan University, & a Ph.D. in Teaching Writing from the University of Pennsylvania.For any grade level teens, please prepare a 2-3 page essay on a topic of your choice for review.

For high school juniors only, Dr. Calabrese is available at no charge for those juniors who want to get started on their college application essays. She has helped thousands of students in preparing successful college application essays!

For information contact Laurie Doan or e-mail Dr. Calabrese directly at writedrmec@aol.com

Sketch Writing

Participate in our Sketch Comedy Class & Revue by writing a “one liner” joke, a “simile” & a “song parody” of at least one verse plus a chorus to the tone of a recognizable song.

Not sure what we mean? Check out this glossary of comedy terms.

Send your submissions to Laurie Doan for review & compilation. You can also send links to a comedy video that you’d like to share with your peers.

 

Journaling

TPL’s Journaling group is still active! Parents & teens are invited to contact Laurie Doan to get involved.