Library visits drop by 1 million
WEST GROVE >> The number of people visiting local libraries in Chester County has sharply declined, and officials say part of the reason is due to the pandemic.
March 13 marks the one-year anniversary since every public library in Chester County closed.
Libraries and places of information, meeting and reading serve many communities in Chester County from Atglen to Avon Grove and from Coatesville to Easttown Library and from the Henrietta Hankin Branch to the Spring City Free Library.
There are libraries in Paoli, Kennett, Oxford, Malvern, Phoenixville and elsewhere.
In 2020, there were 738,244 visits lodged at the Chester County Library System facilities at 18 library locations. In comparison, there were 1,841,888 visits in 2019. This represents a decrease of 60 percent.
However, all 18 library facilities are open in one fashion or another, according to Monique Kolb, spokeswoman for the Chester County Library and District Center at Exton Square.
Some services are now limited or offered via curbside only.
“The state started allowing staff to re-enter library buildings in Chester County on June 5. Some buildings started to have public services starting June 26. Some were open for a time and then restricted service again,” said Kolb, noting that this is a local board decision, not a systemwide one.
There are 16 governance boards who set local policies for their locations within the Chester County Libraries System, while agreeing to
some overarching universal policies.
Chester County government owns two libraries – the Chester County Library and Henreitta Hankin Library. The remaining 16 public libraries across Chesco are library members.
From Avon Grove Library to the Chester Springs Library, they have their own staff, board members, volunteers, and raise the majority of their own funds, create their own programs.
“Library re-openings have not been consistent,” Kolb said. Library members and branches have their own opening and reopening
plans.
“Probably the biggest factor is staffing, self-quarantine requirements with small, limited staffs; that has been an issue for some,” Kolb said.
“Libraries are constantly adjusting their services to meet community, in this case, smaller libraries in particular have social distancing restrictions,” she said.
“As always, you are able to borrow library materials by reserving online or calling your library,” said Kolb.
She encouraged everyone to check their local libraries’ websites for current and future educational programs
and community services in Chester County.
Still, since the pandemic began nearly 12 months ago, no library in Chester County has yet to reopen their doors on Sundays for to the public.
Downingtown Library offers curbside services on Sunday, Kolb said.
“At Chester County and Henrietta Hankin Libraries specifically, we are able to partner with other county departments to offer local virtual programs such as the Chester County Agricultural Council, Chester County Parks and Preservation and the Chester County Food Bank with programs
such as Behind-The-Scenes at Springton Manor,” Kolb said.
The Chester County Library also provides programs on business topics with emphasis on helping small businesses succeed in a dynamic economic environment in collaboration with SCORE and Kutztown University, Kolb added.
“”The Chester County Library System is a cornerstone to our community, providing education, support, and joy to our residents,” said Josh Maxwell, vice-chair for the County of Chester Board of Commissioners.
“During this most unprecedented year, our local libraries have gone above and beyond to offer their programs virtually.”
The commissioner lauded people making a difference especially individuals helping children learn to read.
“Programs like Story Time on Facebook Live, organized by Nancy Niggel; Family Game Night, organized by Juliana Smith; and visiting authors for kids of all ages organized by staff, Audrey Young among them, have enriched the lives of our children and families when needed the most,” Maxwell said.