Jennifer Cesta, Author at Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County

Recycle Solar Eclipse Glasses at PLSJ!

NewsApril 8, 20240Comments

The Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County will collect used solar eclipse glasses to recycle for future eclipses around the world.

Library patrons will have until April 30 to return used glasses to any library branch. The library will ship used solar glasses to a nonprofit organization that will distribute them to underserved communities and schools internationally for use in future solar eclipses.

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Solar Eclipse Glasses FREE at PLSJ!

News, UncategorizedApril 1, 20240Comments

The Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County is giving away 5000 solar eclipse glasses for free for the upcoming total solar eclipse that will occur on Monday, April 8.

To help the community safely view the total solar eclipse, the library will give away solar eclipse glasses beginning March 6 at all locations while supplies last.

The library has also scheduled a variety of activities throughout March to learn more about the total solar eclipse.

Glasses will be given away while supplies last. Limit is one per person. The solar eclipse glasses are provided by funding from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, the Space Science Institute, through SEAL (Solar Eclipse Activities for Libraries).

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PLSJ Resolution on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

NewsApril 1, 20240Comments

On June 2, 2020, the Governor of Ohio, Mike DeWine stated,
“There is racism in Ohio. There is inequality in Ohio. There are both economic and health disparities in Ohio. I am seeking dialogue to solve these problems. We should all be outraged that in the year 2020 in Ohio and across our Nation, there is still inequality of opportunity and racism.”

The American Library Association defines Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion for libraries…“”Equity” takes difference into account to ensure a fair process and ultimately, a fair outcome. Equity recognizes that some groups were (and are) disadvantaged in accessing educational and employment opportunities and are, therefore, underrepresented or marginalized in many organizations and [communities]. Equity, therefore, means increasing diversity by ameliorating conditions of disadvantaged groups.

“Diversity” can be defined as the sum of ways that people are both alike and different. When we recognize, value, and embrace diversity, we are recognizing, valuing, and embracing the uniqueness of each individual.

“Inclusion” means an environment in which all individuals are treated fairly and respectfully; are valued for their distinctive skills, experiences, and perspectives; have equal access to resources and opportunities; and can contribute fully to the [community’s] success.”

The State Library of Ohio guides Ohio public libraries further…

“The State Library of Ohio believes the highest quality of library services should be available and accessible to all people in the state. We acknowledge that past and present inequity and systemic discrimination have excluded many from the wide range of benefits provided by libraries. Eliminating exclusions to universal, equitable library services demands the recognition, understanding and prioritizations of the history, perspectives, and aspirations of all people. The “all” includes, and is not limited to, people of every racial, ethnic, gender, sexual orientation, economic, educational, geographic, and disability status. Library service will be improved when the community we serve is represented in our work.”

Based on this guidance from the leaders of the Ohio library world, the Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County Board of Trustees reaffirms the library’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion with the following resolution:

WHEREAS Public libraries are a trusted and welcoming place and have a rich history of combating censorship, reflecting our communities, and striving toward greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in our collections, resources, buildings, and staff.

WHEREAS Public libraries provide equitable access to information for ALL people regardless of race, socioeconomic status, gender, sexual orientation, educational background, or disability status.

WHEREAS, The Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County has created strong partnerships with numerous community organizations representing diverse individuals and groups and continues to seek out new partnerships.

WHEREAS The Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County provides lifelong learning programming for all ages to enrich and enhance our understanding of our world.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That the Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County reaffirms our commitment as an institution which values not merely freedom of speech but a commitment to the truth, democracy, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Adopted this 16th day of August 2022.

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Library Committee Update

NewsApril 1, 20240Comments

Posted 11/29/23

PLSJ announced that it was forming a committee regarding LGBTQ materials in the library’s collection. The committee met and the following steps will be taken:

-Comprehensive audit of children’s and young adult collections by State Library consultant

-Instruction in using Ohio Digital Library, hoopla Digital, Linkedin Learning and other databases

-Bookmobile service to neighborhoods and households

-Curbside service to patrons

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Board of Trustees Letter Addressing LGBTQ Collection and Displays

UncategorizedApril 1, 20240Comments

This letter was submitted to the Steubenville Herald-Star in September 2023 by the President of the Library Board of Trustees:

This statement is on behalf of the Board of Trustees for the Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson

County. The public library is one of the greatest assets in our community. It offers so many good

services and programs such as notary publics, museum passes, hotspots, tot times, story hours, crafts,

game nights, book clubs, and so much more—all for free.

As you may be aware, the library creates displays to acknowledge many federally-designated

awareness/celebratory months, such as Black History Month in February and Women’s History Month in

March. On a regular basis, new awareness months are added. In the summer of 2022, the library

added, systemwide, three new displays: Americans with Disabilities, Juneteenth, and Pride Month.

Some people were and continue to be upset with the public library’s Pride Month displays that began in

June of 2022. It must be said that the 2022 Pride Month display at the Schiappa Branch was

disproportionate to other displays previously seen at the library. For that reason, standards were put in

place to ensure that every awareness display is allocated an equal amount of space.

The public library serves a diverse population which includes members of the LGBTQ community. Some

have suggested that because the LGBTQ community is in the minority, they should not have any

representation in the library at all. This is a position that is in complete opposition to both library policy

and the law—federal and state. It is not, and cannot be, the role of a public, secular, tax-payer funded

institution to determine whose lifestyle is “moral” or “appropriate” and whose is not.

Like all tax-payer funded secular organizations, the structure of the public library does not permit it to

advocate for any one religious group’s moral code, even if that group appears to be in the majority.

Within our community, we have Christians, Jews, Muslims, and Pagans along with avowed Atheists, to

name a few. While all faiths may share some common ground, even amongst the Christian population,

different denominations/sects have opposing viewpoints on many things. Even if the public library

were to suddenly change to a theocratic system of governance, which of the aforementioned groups’

theology should dictate how the library operates?

There have also been recent requests that the library begin its meeting with prayer. Again, the question

would be who would pray and to whom? In a public, secular tax-payer funded institution, no religious

group could be excluded from the roster should they aspire to participate. Would the inclusion of

prayer at our public meetings be an opportunity for community members to learn about other faith

traditions or just another source of division?

There are libraries around the United States who have yielded to the requests by patrons to move all

LGBTQ books from the children’s section into the adult section of those libraries, without any regard to

the age-appropriateness or content of the books in question. This means a primary book about a girl

with two mommies was treated no differently than a YA (young adult) graphic novel that depicts explicit

images. When those libraries were sued, they lost. The rulings may have been worded differently but,

in essence, the libraries were told that their conduct was a violation of the First Amendment rights of

LGBTQ patrons.

At the September 12th meeting, the Board listened to approximately 24 patrons who insisted “I don’t

believe in banning books” and then went on to say “I just want them removed from the children’s

section.” However, in the eyes of the law, “removing” and “banning” are the same thing.

Throughout our country, there are also efforts to “remove” Bibles and other religious books from public

school libraries, effectively denying those children access to those materials. There may come a time in

the future when a significant number of patrons will insist that these books have no place in our own

library system. At the Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County, the same First Amendment

protection that applies to LGBTQ materials will also apply to books advancing religious speech, even if

some patrons find that speech offensive.

Some have said the public library is no longer a “safe” place for children. They have expressed concern

that the library is engaging in “indoctrination” by having books about children with two daddies or

mommies as well as stories about children who are transgender. By “indoctrination” they may mean

that the library displays materials espousing views that are not in keeping with values of individual

parents. Parents who want their children to avoid LGBTQ materials entirely are finding it challenging to

navigate the library in the same ways as they have in the past. They have expressed frustration that their

children may encounter one of these books, making those children aware of the existence of LGBTQ

people or that the books may unduly influence their children to view LGBTQ people as “normal.”

However, while one family may be appalled to see these books, there are other parents who are thrilled

the library is offering this content for their children. Though they typically do not attend the Board

meetings, at various times, other patrons have also objected to content that has nothing to do with

Pride Month: Harry Potter (it promotes witchcraft), Juneteenth (it’s divisive), Halloween (it’s pagan),

evolution, astrology, diet culture, etc.

It is not the role of the public library to adjudicate morality for any of its patrons or their children. That

said, the Board does take seriously patrons’ concerns that the collection of books in the children’s

section is imbalanced. While the overwhelming majority of the books in the children’s section feature

traditional families, there are in fact more “pro” LGBTQ children’s books than there are books offering a

conservative Christian perspective on gender identity. The Board is working towards implementing the

best policy to address these concerns, but the final response cannot be haphazard or purely reactionary.

We want to be extremely thoughtful because whatever we do will set a precedent for how the library

addresses claims of imbalance or bias in the future.

Additionally, some patrons were upset that a local political group has donated additional LGBTQ

children’s books to the library. It has never been the practice to solicit any individuals or groups outside

of the library to donate books. However, many choose to do so, entirely of their own accord. Some

books have labels indicating the name of the donor or some indication that the books are given in

memory of a loved one. The library has never restricted the labeling of donations. It should be noted

that library space is finite so, if there were to be a massive donation of books, it is possible that all of the

books will not immediately make it to the shelves of the collection, especially if every book is about one

particular topic that is already well represented in the library.

We are deeply grateful to members of the community who have come forward to share their concerns.

We are also appreciative that, for the most part, those individuals have conducted themselves with

decorum. Some people have expressed frustration that the Board does not respond to public

comments. The Board meeting policy states “In order to accomplish all business on the agenda and be

respectful of everyone’s time, trustees will not be able to engage in dialogue with individual members of

the audience and no immediate action will be taken on any public comment issue.” In keeping with this

policy, the Board does not engage in “back-and-forth” communication with the public at meetings. Still,

we value public input and it does help to inform our decision-making. While this statement is printed

on the sheet community members sign in order to speak at the meetings, a larger version will be

displayed to make everyone aware of this policy.

There is a patron who regularly attends meetings and asks the Board what is the legacy that we want to

leave to the library. It is my hope that the legacy of this Board will be that we consistently and faithfully

upheld the First Amendment, even when it was unpopular to do so. The legacy of this Board will be that

we tried to ensure that no group’s books would be “removed” from our public library because, to do so,

would be anathema to the principles of free speech we all value so dearly.

Lisa D. Foster, President

Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County

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No more overdue fines! PLSJ is fine free!

UncategorizedApril 1, 20240Comments

BIG news! PLSJ is now fine free! What does this mean? It means that the library no longer charges daily late fines on items that are overdue.

Does this mean you can keep books, magazines, DVDs, or other items forever? No, all library materials will still have a due date. PLSJ will continue to notify you of the due date.

Are all materials fine free? No, you will still be charged overdue fines for hotspots, museum passes, and lost or damaged materials.

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Board of Trustees Monthly Meeting

NewsApril 1, 20240Comments

The Board of Trustees of the Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County meets the second Tuesday of each month at 4 p.m. at the Main Library at 407 South Fourth Street, Steubenville.

The library’s board of trustees meets monthly to oversee the operations of the county-wide library system. Library board meetings are open, allowing public commentary in a respectful manner. To speak at the board meeting, stop in the Main Library or call 740.282.9782. to register. You can also write a letter to the board and send it by postage to the Main Library or email it to MainLibrary@seolibraries.org

In order to accomplish all business on the agenda and be respectful of everyone’s time, trustees will not be able to engage in dialogue with individual members of the audience and no immediate action will be taken on any public comment issue.

– The library’s public comment session is 30 minutes per meeting.

-Each person has 3 minutes to address the library board.

-A person cannot address the library board for two consecutive months. For example, if a person speaks at the December board meeting that person cannot address the board members again in January. The person may address the board in February.

-If a person would like to make a comment at the board meeting, the person must contact the Main Library by noon one day prior to the board’s scheduled meeting.

-The public comment period will be taken after library board members discuss its regular order of business.

Please remember, public comments or questions are not taken during the board’s regular order of business.

PLSJ Board of Trustees

Paul Brandt

Lisa Foster

Gary Hallock, President

Maddalena Repella, Vice President

Lorie Sullivan

Tammy Yanssens, Secretary

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COVID-19 Home Tests, FREE at PLSJ

NewsMarch 1, 20240Comments

ALL PLSJ BRANCH LOCATIONS CURRENTLY HAVE NON-PROCTORED TESTS.

Non-proctored COVID-19 antigen rapid, at-home tests are available at all library branches while supplies last. You may pick up a test by visiting the branch and requesting one at the checkout desk.

They’re free to the public and are given out on a first-come, first-served basis. Each test comes with instructions. Depending on which rapid test box you receive, an iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test or an Abbott BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Self Test, links are provided for you to watch for instruction.

PLSJ receives a limited supply from the Ohio Department of Health.

Click HERE to watch how the Abbott BinaxNOW COVID-19 home test works.

Click HERE to watch how the iHealth COVID-19 home test works.

Click HERE to watch how the Flowflex COVID-19 home test works.

Main Library, 740.282.9782 NON-PROCTORED TESTS AVAILABLE

Adena Branch, 740.546.3782 NON-PROCTORED TESTS AVAILABLE

Brilliant Branch, 740.598.4028 NON-PROCTORED TESTS AVAILABLE

Dillonvale-Mt. Pleasant Branch, 740.769.2090 NON-PROCTORED TESTS AVAILABLE

Schiappa Branch, 740.264.6166 NON-PROCTORED TESTS AVAILABLE

Tiltonsville Branch, 740.859.5163 NON-PROCTORED TESTS AVAILABLE

Toronto Branch, 740.537.1262 NON-PROCTORED TESTS AVAILABLE

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Affordable PCs and Internet at Home

NewsMarch 1, 20240Comments

The Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County is connecting area residents to affordable computers and Internet service with PCs for People, an organization that helps lower-income individuals and families.

PCs for People and Mobile Beacon formed a partnership, Bridging the Gap, that enables libraries to help bring digital inclusion to their communities. PCs for People offers affordable, high-quality refurbished computers and Mobile Beacon has unlimited, high-speed Internet for as low as $15 a month.

“PLSJ is excited to be partnering with PCs for People and their Bridging the Gap program. If the past year has taught us one thing, it’s that technology is more important than ever. Anything the library can do to help get these resources into the hands of our patrons easily and affordably is a worthwhile endeavor for us,” said Library Director Katie Hildman.

The library will facilitate computer and Internet purchases for eligible individuals. Computer products purchased will be shipped directly to the buyer’s home. PCs for People will provide ongoing support and manage device troubleshooting.

A photo ID and proof of eligibility are needed. A credit card is needed for payment. Contact your library branch for more information.

Bring a document under 6 months old (unless it’s an
annual tax document, then from the most recent tax year) with your name on it (must match name on photo ID).

Acceptable documents include:
• A SNAP statement (EBT card alone is not accepted)
• Insurance card/approval letter for Medical Assistance
(dated)
• A statement of benefits from: Social Security, General
Assistance, Veteran Administration,
Retirement/Pension, or Unemployment Compensation
• Proof of WIC or Head Start
• Proof of Extended Foster Care
• Section 8 document
• Federal Public Housing document or
Public Housing ID
• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
statement
• Free or reduced lunch (National School Lunch
Program)
• State, federal, or tribal tax return (W2 forms not
accepted)

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