J. Lewis Crozer Library

A nonprofit organization

ogether We Thrive

the J. Lewis Crozer Library, we are more than books—we are a lifeline, a launchpad, and a safe place to land.

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ated 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. H

e
re

, community is not an idea—it is a practice. In

ester, 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

osure 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 t

h
e

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

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not just about funding. It is about access. It is about equity. It is about dignity. And it

about what happens when vital community spaces are lost. Despite

ese challenges, we remain open, welcoming, and essential—because the need has never been greater, and our commitment has never been stronger. @media

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Wha

t
We Do

—And Why It Matters In C

h
ester,

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%. Howev

e
r, the

se statistics do not define our city—they highlight the urgency of collective investment and care. At the

J. Lew

is Crozer Library, we meet that need with programming built with, not just for, our community. Together with our partners, we offer:

Employ

l
ocal teens with disabilities and employment barriers through our partnership with Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. (YAP) and the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. Game Lab

b
y the Caesar's Foundation, blending gaming with literacy, communication, and critical thinking skill-building for teens. Free field

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seniors to regional museums like Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library, sparking joy and connection. Job &amp

i
lls Workshops in partnership with the Bountiful Blessing Foundation, with trusted partners like Propell Credit Union, Career Candor, and Chester Education Foundation. Librar

o
urs: Neurodivergent Youth & Family Nights, creating an inclusive, sensory-friendly space where families feel seen, safe, and celebrated.

“It

was

t
ru

l

y
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 atten

dee, Library After Hours: Neurodivergent Youth & Family Nights These are
ju

st

a few ways your support makes a tangible difference. Why Now

?
Be

u

se

Chester

nnot afford to lose another anchor. With the city st

i
ll

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 storyt

i
me

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 th

i
s

alone. When other systems

f
ai

l, 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 U

p

—T

ogether At the J. Lewis Croze

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L

ibrary, 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 c

a
n

keep showing up—for Chester, for our neighbors, and for the future we all deserve. This is what community

l
oo

ks like.Together, we thrive. Dona
te Today and Help Bu

i

ld

Chester’s Future Make your Delco Gives don

a
ti

on today and help us expand our reach and meet rising needs. Stay connected—sign up for

e JLCL Jawn, our monthly newsletter, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram or visit our website to…

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