Together We Thrive
At the J. Lewis Crozer Library, we are more than books—we are a lifeline, a launchpad, and a safe place to land.
Located between Memorial and MLK Parks, we are the only public library serving the great City of Chester. Every day, children fall in love with stories, teens build confidence and skills, adults seek connection and support, and neighbors come together to grow stronger.
Here, community is not an idea—it is a practice.
In Chester, resilience isn’t just a word. It is a way of life. For decades, our city has faced underinvestment, environmental injustice, and systemic barriers. Today, Chester is at another crossroads.
The closure of Crozer-Chester Medical Center—our city’s only hospital—is more than the loss of emergency care. It represents the unraveling of a fragile safety net in a community already burdened by health disparities and structural inequities.
At the same time, a recent Executive Order threatens to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)—the largest source of federal support for public libraries. If enacted, it would jeopardize essential services like early literacy, digital access, job readiness, and community outreach—especially in historically underserved areas like ours.
This is not just about funding. It is about access. It is about equity. It is about dignity.
And it is about what happens when vital community spaces are lost.
Despite these challenges, we remain open, welcoming, and essential—because the need has never been greater, and our commitment has never been stronger.
What We Do—And Why It Matters
In Chester, nearly 1 in 3 residents—and over 32% of children—live in poverty. Over a quarter of households rely on SNAP. Many families still lack affordable broadband access, and just 16% of local third graders are reading at grade level. High school math proficiency stands at 2%.
However, these statistics do not define our city—they highlight the urgency of collective investment and care.
At the J. Lewis Crozer Library, we meet that need with programming built with, not just for, our community. Together with our partners, we offer:
- Employment for local teens with disabilities and employment barriers through our partnership with Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. (YAP) and the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation.
- Game Lab, funded by the Caesar's Foundation, blending gaming with literacy, communication, and critical thinking skill-building for teens.
- Free field trips for seniors to regional museums like Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library, sparking joy and connection.
- Job & Life Skills Workshops in partnership with the Bountiful Blessing Foundation, with trusted partners like Propell Credit Union, Career Candor, and Chester Education Foundation.
- Library After Hours: Neurodivergent Youth & Family Nights, creating an inclusive, sensory-friendly space where families feel seen, safe, and celebrated.
“It was truly a wonderful experience for our family… thoughtful sensory-friendly activities, accessible flyers, the perfect selection of snacks, and a bouncy house my kids couldn’t get enough of. Thank you for showing the community what true inclusiveness looks like.”
— Parent attendee, Library After Hours: Neurodivergent Youth & Family Nights
These are just a few ways your support makes a tangible difference.
Why Now?
Because Chester cannot afford to lose another anchor.
With the city still in receivership, the hospital closed, and federal library funding under threat, we are being called to do more than ever before—and we are rising to the moment with compassion, commitment, and community-rooted care.
We are the storytime circle. The tech help table. The seed of an idea. The safe space where curiosity meets opportunity. Open to all. Free for all.
But we can’t do this alone.
When other systems fail, we remain. But if these funding streams disappear—if we lose federal and local support—the hard truth is we may not be able to.
Let’s Keep Showing Up—Together
At the J. Lewis Crozer Library, we stretch every dollar to meet rising demand—and we see the results every day. In young readers gaining confidence. In job seekers finding new paths. In community members walking through our doors and knowing they belong.
Your gift ensures we can keep showing up—for Chester, for our neighbors, and for the future we all deserve.
This is what community looks like.
Together, we thrive.
Donate Today and Help Build Chester’s Future
Make your donation today and help us expand our reach and meet rising needs.
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