Left to right: Sue Banks, Deputy Secretary and State Librarian, Office of Commonwealth Libraries; Rep. Kristine Howard; Lillian L. DeBaptiste, Mayor of West Chester; Rep. Dan Williams; Marian Moskowitz, Chester County Commissioner; Rep. Craig Williams; Eric Roe, Chester County Commissioner; Rep. Danielle Friel Otten; Josh Maxwell, Chester County Commissioner and Joe Sherwood, Executive Director, Chester County Library System.
(Exton, PA) – The Chester County Library System (CCLS) welcomed local and state leaders this morning for its annual Legislative Breakfast at the Chester County Library in Exton. This year’s theme, “Libraries Empower and Inspire,” highlighted the essential role libraries play in expanding access, fostering learning, and strengthening community connections across the county.
All three Chester County Commissioners — Josh Maxwell, Marian Moskowitz, and Eric Roe — attended the event, joined by state legislators, county officials, municipal leaders, and library advocates. The breakfast also marked the release of the 2025–2026 CCLS Impact Report, which features stories of residents whose lives have been transformed by their local libraries.
Commissioner Josh Maxwell opened the program by emphasizing how libraries remove barriers to opportunity.
“Libraries empower people by removing barriers to information, technology, opportunity, and essential community resources,” Maxwell said.
He shared the story of Maria, a recent immigrant who discovered the library shortly after arriving in the United States. With library support, she navigated her senior year of high school, built confidence in a new country, and was ultimately admitted to Penn State University’s engineering honors program. Maxwell also noted that CCLS continues to expand access through multilingual materials, a growing Library of Things, makerspaces, and an increased number of museum passes, ensuring that more residents can benefit from library resources.
Commissioner Marian Moskowitz spoke about the transformative power of learning at every stage of life.
“Learning is where empowerment becomes transformation,” she said. “When people learn, they discover new abilities, new interests, and new paths forward.”
She highlighted a patron experiencing homelessness who relied on library computers and Wi‑Fi hotspots to complete job training and apply for new opportunities. With the help of library resources, he became fully qualified as a Wildland Firefighter and secured interviews for full‑time positions. “These stories show how libraries spark growth — academically, personally, and professionally,” she said.
Commissioner Eric Roe closed the program by focusing on the library’s role as a hub of community life.
“Connection is where empowerment becomes shared strength. When people feel seen and supported, they participate more fully in community life,” Roe said. “From providing access, to enabling learning, and fostering connection — the Chester County Library System is an essential part of our community.”
The Chester County Library System extends its appreciation to all elected officials, community partners, and supporters who joined today’s event. Together, we continue to champion the vital role libraries play in empowering possibility, inspiring learning, and strengthening community across Chester County.
