Chester County Library System Launches Annual Customer Satisfaction Survey

(EXTON, PA) The Chester County Library System (CCLS) is inviting community members across its 18 locations to share their voices and help shape the future of library services. The annual Customer Satisfaction Survey is now open and will remain available through February 27th, 2026. Community members can participate by visiting: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CCLS2026

CCLS is committed to continually improving and transforming its services to meet the evolving needs of Chester County residents. Feedback from this survey plays a vital role in guiding decisions, enhancing programs, and ensuring that libraries remain responsive, innovative, and community‑centered.

CCLS Executive Director Joseph Sherwood emphasizes the importance of community input: “Identifying resources that people want, need, and use is something libraries focus on. We conduct an annual Customer Survey and use the results to identify those needs. Libraries are constantly evaluating the services they provide, including job seekers, business development, social interaction, educational support, and more. Our libraries remain flexible and adaptable. Our audience spans the entire community—from parents with young children to teens, adults, seniors, and everyone in between.”

The survey takes only a few minutes to complete, and all responses are anonymous. Insights gathered will help CCLS and its member libraries continue to provide exceptional value and service to library users, local organizations, and the broader Chester County community.

CCLS encourages all residents—regular library users and newcomers alike—to participate and share their perspectives. Your input directly influences how the library system grows, adapts, and supports the community in the years ahead.

CCLS/CCL Board Meeting

The Board of Trustees of the Chester County Library System/Chester County Library are hosting their monthly board meeting as a hybrid offering. If you have always wanted to attend a meeting but haven’t had the time, this is your opportunity. Please click on this link at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 20 to join the Chester County Library System Board Meeting virtually; or attend in person at the Chester County Library, 450 Exton Square Parkway, Exton. The Chester County Library Board Meeting will immediately follow. Find the Chester County Library Board Packet here.

If you are a person with a disability and wish to attend this meeting and require an auxiliary aid, service, or other accommodation to observe or participate in the proceedings, please call Chester County Library’s Administration Office at 610-344-5600 or email ddadoly@ccls.org to discuss how we may best accommodate your needs.

January Releases

2026 Reading Challenge! January

A stylized tan square with a graphic of a cat sleeping on a pile of books with the text "Reading Challenge 2026, January: A book set outside the United States OR A book themed around mental health" written on it.

Welcome to the second year of the Chester County Library’s yearlong reading challenge! The 2026 Reading Challenge is open to all readers reading at a Young Adult or Adult level in any format. Please register for the challenge this year using this online form or by speaking to the Reference Desk. Then, pick up a physical tracking log at the Reference Desk or print one out at home using the link provided in the Resources section of the Reading Challenge page at bit.ly/AdultReadingProgram.

For those of you who joined us for last year’s challenge, you all know the drill! For those who are just joining us this year, I will post the prompt along with some suggested reads and resources here on the blog every month. Different from last year, the prompts this year are “this or that” in style, so you will have more options to choose from! You do not need to read a book from both “this” and “that.” Just one or the other – unless you really want to go the extra mile and read more, in which case don’t let me stop you! But there is no extra prize for doing both. Just brownie points in the eyes of the librarians.

So, without further ado, January’s reading challenge prompt is “A book set outside the United States” OR “A book themed around mental health.”

Need inspiration for what to read? Check out a few suggested reads below! See the full lists on our catalog here: Books Set Outside the U.S. or Books Themed Around Mental Health. Make sure to also visit the library to explore our interactive book display.

If you need even more inspiration for books to read or listen to, feel free to request Personalized Reading Suggestions.

Happy reading!

December Releases

CCLS/CCL Board Meeting

The Board of Trustees of the Chester County Library System/Chester County Library are hosting their monthly board meeting as a hybrid offering. If you have always wanted to attend a meeting but haven’t had the time, this is your opportunity. Please click on this link at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, December 16th, to join the Chester County Library System Board Meeting virtually; or attend in person at the Chester County Library, 450 Exton Square Parkway, Exton, PA,19341. The Chester County Library Board Meeting will immediately follow. Find the Chester County Library Board Packet here.

If you are a person with a disability and wish to attend this meeting and require an auxiliary aid, service, or other accommodation to observe or participate in the proceedings, please call Chester County Library’s Administration Office at 610-344-5600 or email ddadoly@ccls.org to discuss how we may best accommodate your needs.

Make It a Homemade Holiday at Chester County Library’s 14th Annual Holiday Craft Show

(EXTON, PA) Make it a homemade holiday! The holiday season is a busy time of year, filled with family gatherings and the search for the perfect gifts for loved ones, which can often lead to frustration and stress. With time being a precious commodity, remember that the library is your best destination for family entertainment, holiday de-stressors, party-planning ideas, and unique, one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your list.

The Chester County Library will host its 14th Annual Holiday Craft Show on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

More than 50 local vendors will be set up throughout the library, showcasing their handmade creations just in time for the holidays. Shoppers can browse a wide variety of crafts including:

  • Personalized ornaments
  • Jewelry
  • Pottery
  • Woodworking
  • Knitted and fabric crafts
  • Bath and body products
  • Home décor
  • Baked goods

The Craft Show is free to attend, making it the perfect opportunity to find thoughtful gifts while supporting local artisans.

“We look forward to helping you with your holiday gift search and bringing the community together to celebrate the season,” said Niki Kolb, Public Relations and Graphics Specialist at Chester County Library.

2025 Reading Challenge! December

An image of a post-it on a blue background with the text "December: A fairytale, folklore, or classic novel reimagining" written on it along with the silhouette of a dragon.

Welcome to the final month of the Chester County and Henrietta Hankin Branch Libraries’ 2025 Reading Challenge! The challenge is open to all readers reading at a Young Adult or Adult level in any format.

December’s reading challenge prompt is “A fairytale, folklore, or classic novel reimagining.”

Need inspiration for what to read? Check out a few suggested reads below! See the full list on our catalog here. Make sure to also visit the library to explore our interactive book display.

If you need even more inspiration for books to read or listen to, feel free to request Personalized Reading Suggestions.

No registration is necessary to participate in the challenge. To get started, simply pick up a physical tracking log at the Reference Desk or print one out at home using the link provided in the Resources section of the Reading Challenge page at bit.ly/2025ReadingChallenge.

Happy holidays and happy reading! And be sure to keep an eye out for next year’s challenge!

November Releases

CCLS/CCL Board Meeting

The Board of Trustees of the Chester County Library System/Chester County Library are hosting their monthly board meeting as a hybrid offering. If you have always wanted to attend a meeting but haven’t had the time, this is your opportunity. Please click on this link at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, November 18th, to join the Chester County Library System Board Meeting virtually; or attend in person at the Henrietta Hankin Branch, 215 Windgate Drive, Chester Springs, PA 19425. The Chester County Library Board Meeting will immediately follow. Find the Chester County Library Board Packet here.

If you are a person with a disability and wish to attend this meeting and require an auxiliary aid, service, or other accommodation to observe or participate in the proceedings, please call Chester County Library’s Administration Office at 610-344-5600 or email ddadoly@ccls.org to discuss how we may best accommodate your needs.