Free programs offered by Phoenixville Public Library
Phoenixville Public Library will host a free, inperson talk by local author James J. Hill on Monday, May 23, at 7:00 PM. James J. Hill III is a new local author who was born in Norristown, lived in Phoenixville for several years, and now resides in nearby, scenic East Vincent, Chester County. In 2021, James published his first two novels, “When the Dandelions Sing” and “Phoebe’s Heart of Stone.” “When the Dandelions Sing: is a fiction work based on a young boy, Ronnie Jefferson McFarland Jr, AKA Jasper, who struggles to understand his purpose in life, and the purpose in the small things around him. He learns from those who seemingly have little to give, but they end up having the most powerful impact. Through the challenges of life, Ronnie learns through loss and gain to accept everything life hands to him as a lesson. James’s second novel, “Phoebe’s Heart of Stone,” is a historical fiction work, based on a truelife tragic event that took place in the early part of the 1900s in the small town of Alliance, Ohio. Phoebe and Carl Bradway struggle with disaster and loss and need to find a way to carry on through a horrid black cloud that doesn’t seem to let them enjoy life. Will hope be enough for them? James is currently working on a new novel that he expects to be out sometime this year. Copies of his published novels will be available for purchase and signing at this event. This event is free and open to the public. Registration is required at https://ccls.libcal.com/calendar/Phoenixville/jamesj-hill or by calling 610-9333013 x132. Email mpinto@ ccls.org for more information. Phoenixville Public Library is located at 183 Second Avenue, Phoenixville.
Chromebook 101
The Phoenixville Tech Group will hold an in-person gathering at Phoenixville Public Library on Tuesday, May 24, from 1:30 to 3:00 PM. The meeting topic will be “What is a Chromebook?” A Chromebook is powered by Google’s Chrome OS and features built-in, up-to-date virus protection along with Google apps and services like Gmail, Google Calendar, and Docs. This program will also be live-streamed for those who cannot attend in person. While the primary focus is on computers, applications, and the Internet, the Tech Group’s programs extend to online security, mobile phones, streaming TV, and more. They particularly welcome those who have no experience with computers or may not even own a computer. This event is free and open to the public. Registration for in-person attendance is required at https://ccls.libcal.com/calendar/Phoenixville/chromebook or by calling 610-9333013 x132. You may view the live program stream by clicking the “Enter Online Meeting” link at https://seniortechgroup.com/online. Try to check in 5 or 10 minutes before the program begins. Email mpinto@ccls. org for more information. Phoenixville Public Library is located at 183 Second Avenue, Phoenixville.
Who was Clara Barton?
Phoenixville Public Library will host a free, in-person “Clara Barton Bicentennial Presentation” on Thursday, May 26, at 7:00 PM. Bill Thawley and Lynn Cohen of the American Red Cross will be the speakers. Most of us know that Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross. What many don’t know is that she was much more. Clara Barton broke through the barriers that so often confined women of the nineteenth century to the domestic sphere and had a long career of public service that touched people all over the world. She was an advocate for the expansion of rights for African Americans and women, a pioneer of public education, and the inventor of the firstaid kit. She was also one of the first women to work for the federal government. She believed in equal pay for women when doing the same work as men. In addition to being a teacher, she was also a nurse. Clara was definitely a woman who provided healing and promoted hope. Learn more about Clara — in the bicentennial year of her birth — in this free presentation. This event is free and open to the public. Registration is required at https://ccls. libcal.com/calendar/Phoenixville/clara-barton or by calling 610-933-3013 x132. Email mpinto@ccls.org for more information.
Tech help
Free, in-person tech help is available at Phoenixville Public Library during selected hours on Monday afternoons and Tuesday & Wednesday evenings. One-hour appointments for assistance with your laptop, tablet or smartphone from the library’s volunteer tutors are available by calling 610-933-3013 Ext. 132.