Everyone counts in Chester County.

The U.S. Census is coming in April, and the libraries of Chester County want to ensure that our population is counted accurately and fairly. Chester County Library has been working with Chester County’s Complete Count Committee to get the word out about the Census and help all residents of Chester County be “counted once, only once, and in the right place” (U.S. Census Bureau). Data from the Census is used to determine federal funding, representation in Congress and the Electoral College. It is very important that our community be counted correctly.
    
For the first time ever, there will be an option to respond to the Census online. By April 1st, households in Chester County will start receiving mailings inviting them to respond to the Census online, by phone, or by mail.
 
What is the library doing to help?
We are putting the word out about the Census with informational brochures and flyers. Our staff is being trained on common Census questions and resources so that we can demystify the process for you, as well as help you avoid Census scams. While library staff and volunteers cannot tell you how to answer Census questions, we can help you navigate the reply process.

Chester County Library and Henrietta Hankin Branch are going to have local high school volunteers come in for appointment times on Wednesday evenings and Sunday afternoons to assist patrons in Census Online Response in April. Check the chescolibraries.org event calendar for times and to register for appointments, or call the Chester County Library Reference Desk at 610-344-5958.

Want to show off your civic engagement? If you complete your Census, you can pick up a sticker at Chester County Library and Henrietta Hankin Branch on Census Day, April 1st, 2020 (and in days following as supplies last!). Post a picture of yourself on social media wearing your Census #CountMeIn sticker and encourage your friends and family to participate.

Please remember that everyone counts in the Census. Regardless of your status, if you are here in the U.S., you should be counted. Help shape our community in the years to come by participating in the Census.