Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County

Free Call    740-282-9782

LGBTQ MATERIALS AND BOOK DISPLAYS

The Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County welcomes all people of all ages.  A public library provides an impartial environment with information in various formats and different viewpoints so patrons may learn about the world around them or what is reflected in their personal lives.
 
Book displays and exhibits are created to highlight local, state, and national celebrations and observations along with new library materials, services, and programs.
 
The library curates its collection of books and materials by using professional publications to purchase popular works, classic works, and materials of general interest. 
 
The library’s board of trustees meet monthly to oversee the operations of the county-wide library system.  Library board meetings are open, allowing public commentary in a respectful manner. 
 
The library’s policies for Collection Development, Displays and Bulletin boards are available upon request at library branches.  The Patron Code of Conduct and the Resolution for Equity, Inclusion and Diversity are also available upon request at library branches.
 
If a person is dissatisfied with a display, book or materials, please visit the library in person to request a form for reconsideration.  If a person would like a book or material added to the collection or a display implemented, please visit the library in person to request a form for consideration.
 

More information about these policies is available here.

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Solar Eclipse Glasses FREE at PLSJ!

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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Library Committee Update

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
-Visual Identification of children’s books to assist patrons in finding materials more conveniently.  Topics include Hispanic-Latino Heritage Month, LGBTQ, Asian-American and  Pacific Islanders Month, Juneteenth, etc…
-Curbside service to patrons

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Board of Trustees Monthly Meeting

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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New DVDs & Music!

Check out the newest additions to our DVDs and CDs!

Take a look at the new titles we’ve been adding to our collection! New Entertainment DVDs New Audio Books

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COVID-19 Home Tests, FREE at PLSJ

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

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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PLSJ Resolution on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

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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