Using the Library

The mission of the Downingtown Library is to ensure that every resident of the greater Downingtown Area has access to exceptional opportunities to read, learn, create, connect and contribute to a better quality of life

Downingtown Library Company Strategic Plan 2018-2022

Your Library Card

Your Downingtown Library card may be used to check out materials at the Downingtown Library or at any other System Library in Chester County. To obtain a library card, an application must be filled out along with providing proper identification with a current address showing that you live, work, or go to school in Chester County. There is no charge for a library card. As of 8/1/21, we will also no longer charge for borrowing DVDs or audiobooks.

*Do you need help with your library card? Email us at ehess@ccls.org for help!

Borrowing and Returning Materials

Most materials can be borrowed for 3 weeks. Items may be renewed either in person, online by viewing your record at www.ccls.org, or by calling the Library at 610-269-2741. However, items on reserve are not renewable. Borrowers are responsible for overdue fines and replacement costs of lost or damaged materials. Materials may be returned to any public library in Chester County. The Bookdrop is available to return materials at any time.

Fines

Adult Books 25c per day/$10 Max

Children’s Books 15c per day/$5 Max

Audio Books:
Adult 25c per day/$10 Max
Children’s 15c per day/$5 Max

DVDs 25c per day/$10 Max

Reserves

You may reserve books and other materials online (https://catalog.ccls.org/patroninfo) or at the circulation desk at the Library. You will be notified by email when your item becomes available.

Interlibrary Loan

We will try to provide books that are not available at our library. We have access to the holdings of thousands of public, academic, and special libraries. Place your request at the circulation desk

Copier and Fax

A self-service copier is available for 20c per black and white copy and 50c per color copy. There is no fax machine available at Downingtown Library.

Public Computers

3 public computers are available for a 30 minute maximum session, 1 per patron/per day, using a CCLS Library Card or by requesting a guest pass. Public WiFi is also available.

Proctoring

NOTE: Proctoring currently suspended. The Downingtown Library Company Director or designee will proctor exams in print or online format. The cost for this service will be $25.00 per exam. Please see the Proctoring Policy below for more details. A signed copy of this form must be submitted before proctoring can take place.

Library Room Use

NOTE: Hessinger Study Room, Miller Family Children’s Play Area, Krapf Program Room will reopen Tuesday, June 1, 2021. The Hessinger Study Room is dedicated to quiet study, test taking, tutoring, and meetings for individuals, tutors, and small groups. The use of the Hessinger Study Room is limited to 2 hours each day by an individual, tutor, or small group. Once the 2-hour limit has been reached, the individual, tutor, or small group is asked to promptly vacate the room so that others may use it.

The Hessinger Study Room may be reserved one week in advance. Reservations may be made online. Reservations will be held for 15 minutes beyond the reserved start time. After that, the reservation may be forfeited. The end time will remain the same.

The Hessinger Study Room has 2 tables (which can seat 8 maximum), chairs, and a white board and markers.

The Krapf Program Room is reserved for library programs only. The Friends of the Downingtown Library Room is reserved for Friends’ purposes only.

As always, tables, chairs throughout the library are available for individual study, tutoring, and quiet small group work anytime on a first come, first served basis. Please return tables and chairs to their original location prior to departure.

Tutors are encouraged to obtain a library card. The Downingtown Library Behavior Policy shall apply to all persons using the
rooms.

Reserve the Hessinger Study Room