Delaware County libraries launch fall reading challenge
MIDDLETOWN » This fall, Delaware County Libraries invite all residents to participate in the Fall Reading Challenge. There is a program for every age group.
For younger readers, 1000 Books Before Kindergarten is available to help parents keep track of books read. This program is ongoing and runs all year long. For kids and teens, libraries are offering The 7 Strengths of #SuperReaders Challenge. Adults are invited to participate in The
7 Deadly Sins reading challenge. Using Beanstack, which can be accessed via the website or through the app, participants will be able to log books, complete challenges and activities, earn badges, and submit book reviews. Delaware County residents can learn more and register here: http://www.delcolibraries.org/Reading-Challenge
Family registration is available so parents can keep track of everyone from one account.
“Summer Quest 2020 was a big success and we thought it was important for the community that we offer a fall challenge,” said Delaware County Libraries Director Catherine Bittle. “Kids, teens, and adults participating in the fall challenges will have the opportunity to continue to read books they enjoy and try new activities.”
Looking for something to read? Some Delaware County libraries are now open for browsing and all offer contactless pickup of items reserved online. Libraries also have an extensive collection of eBooks and audiobooks for all ages available to download to your computer or mobile device. For little members, libraries offer TumbleBooks. All of these are available free with a library card.
Delaware County Libraries is an agency of county government that provides support services for
26 independent member libraries. For information about the wide range of library services available to all county residents, visit www.
delcolibraries.org.
Friends of Ridley Park Library hold shredding event on October 17
RIDLEY PARK » The Friends of the Ridley Park Library will hold a shredding event 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, in the parking lot behind Ridley Park Borough Hall, 105 E. Ward St. in Ridley Park.
The event is free, but donations to the Friends will be appreciated. Masks are required and physical distancing will be in effect. This event is for households only, not businesses.
Swarthmore Public Library announces October programs
SWARTHMORE » Take & Make Crafts for Adults is available while supplies last through October at Swarthmore Public Library.
Residents are invited to swing by to pick up a bag full of fun, with all the materials people will need to make the craft, plus instructions. The craft for October is a Fall chalkboard sign. Email Jenifer at adultservices@swarthmorepubliclibrary.org to register and arrange for picking up a bag. This program is made possible by the Aging in Place grant from Swarthmore Borough.
Another Swarthmore Library program, Outdoor Ghost Stories, is in-person. Do you have a favorite ghost story or local legend? Are you fascinated by paranormal experiences? Adults are welcome to gather in Little Crum Creek Park, located at 101 Yale Ave., Swarthmore, to share and listen to a plethora of eerie tales. The library will provide apple cider. Due to social distancing concerns, registration is required at https://delcolibraries.libcal.com/ event/7143406.
The library will also host a Zoom program, “Spice It Up!” to explore different spices. Patrons who register will receive the monthly spice to take home and create any dish of their choosing. Then during the virtual meeting on Zoom, participants will talk about what each person made and what they thought of the spice., and even exchange recipes. The spice for October is Herbs De Provence. Registrants will receive an email notification to arrange for pick-up of the spice. To register, visit https://delcolibraries.libcal.com/event/7143454/.
Delco Library System staffer explains how to use JobNow for career development, job seeking
MEDIA» Diane Arnold of the Delaware County Library System will virtually present “Using JobNow for Career Development and Job Seeking” for Joseph’s People.
The program is 7- 8 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 13. To register, go to https://delcolibraries.libcal.com/ event/7133926. Participants will receive an email with a link to the Zoom meeting. Registrants should have their library card handy for the workshop. Those who do not have a library card, can get one at https://charlotte. delco.lib.pa.us/selfreg.
JobNow, powered by Brainfuse, provides live interactive online help and resources to guide job seekers. This includes the JobNow resume builder, which helps craft a winning resume and a live Interview Coach service. Online resources also help those looking for work prepare for interviews.
Arnold is the Reference and Outreach Coordinator for Delaware County Libraries. Earning a MSLIS in Library and Information Science from the University of Kentucky, she was employed as a Librarian at Chestnut Hill College before joining Delaware County Libraries. For 16 years, Arnold has been a librarian showing adults how to get the most out of electronic resources.
Joseph’s People is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping unemployed and underemployed workers. Local, affiliated chapters provide networking opportunities, guidance and emotional support to job seekers and career changers. For more information, send a message through the LinkedIn
group listed above, visit www.josephspeople.org or email contactus@josephspeople.org.
Get in the Halloween spirit at Ridley Township Library
RIDLEYTOWNSHIP» Ridley Township Library will offer some spooky happenings, as well as other fall programs, in October. On Thursday, Oct. 15 at 7 p.m., the Mutter Museum will present “Bone Detectives.” People are invited to come and find out what happens when a skeleton is discovered, and how scientists use bones to solve crimes.
On Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 6:30 p.m., Dr. Steve Phillips from the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology returns to talk about ancient Egyptian mummies as he presents “I Want My Mummy.”
For aspiring artists, Christine Burke offers a virtual paint party, “Swirl into Fall” on Thursday, Oct. 29 at 7 p.m. A materials list will be sent after registering.
Spanish Conversational classes
with Therese Taha continue on Monday nights in October. Those who previously learned Spanish and want to brush up on their conversational skills, can benefit from this class.
All of the library fall happenings take place on the virtual platform Zoom. Register at delcolibraries.org, or by mailing reference@ridleylibrary.org and the Zoom link for each meeting will be sent.
The library will host a Neighborhood Halloween Scavenger Hunt for all ages on October 24 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. All people will need to join the fun is a smartphone and a mask. For this event, register at ridleylibrary100@ gmail.com to get more details and a scavenger hunt list.
The library will hold a Red Cross Blood Drive, 2-7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28. Donors can register at redcrossblood.org.
Readers may send library news and photos to Peg DeGrassa at pdegrassa@21st-centurymedia. com.