To visit the library during regular operating hours, just show your photo ID at the 13th Street entrance and sign in. If you have your own device or cell phone, we provide free wireless internet.
Using a computer
Need to update your resume? We have computers for that. To access a computer, you can apply for a Community Computer User Card by visiting the Service Desk in the lobby. Just bring a valid government issued photo ID, showing that you are at least 18, and fill out a short application. Staff members are available to help you navigate the library resources and provide technical support.
Borrowing books
Is there a movie you never got around to seeing? To check out books or movies, you can apply for a borrowing card at the Service Desk in the lobby. Just bring a valid Pennsylvania State issued issued photo ID, showing that you are at least 18, and fill out a short application. In addition to allowing you to check out books and movies, the borrowing card gives you access to computers as well.
Learn more about borrowing privileges and renewing your books online. And if you’re wary of that BookBot you may have heard about, don’t be. The One Stop Assistance Desk, located in the atrium, is always ready to help. You can also email a question to asktulibrary@temple.edu.
Attending Events
Charles Library frequently hosts events, exhibits, performances and workshops, which are free and open to the public. Stay up to date with Charles Libraries’ ongoing events. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Deadline Approaching!! RECRUITING FROM ALL PHILADELPHIA ZIP CODES Biomedical Technician Training Program: Aseptic Manufacturing earning $23/hour to start with Iovance Biotherapeutics, Inc.
Who should apply?
Detail-oriented, curious individuals that enjoy working with their hands and are comfortable performing tasks while wearing full personal protective equipment (PPE). Commitment to the full training schedule (below) is required:
10 weeks of In-person sessions, Mondays & Thursdays from 6:30pm – 8pm, Sept 26 – Dec 2
Facilitated group conversations via Zoom, Tuesdays from 6:30pm – 8:30pm, Sept 27 – Nov 29
12 weeks of paid in-person on-the-job training, Monday – Friday from 9am – 5pm, Dec 5 – March 31
Approximately 5 hours of weekly reading and reflection exercises
This is a hybrid in-person and virtual program, so broadband internet is required to complete the training. A MacBook is provided to program participants.
What is the Biomedical Technician Training Program: Aseptic Manufacturing?
The West Philadelphia Skills Initiative (WPSI) and The Wistar Institute built this program to provide candidates with the workplace and technical skills required to build a meaningful career in the Life Sciences industry. Program completion requires in-person attendance at The Wistar Institute, consistent online participation, and completion of an externship (on-the-job training) at Iovance.
Through this program graduates will be prepared to find employment in Associate Aseptic Manufacturing Technician roles where they will be responsible for maintaining a sterile lab environment by wearing appropriate PPE and following procedures to ensure constant cleanliness. Individuals in this role will assemble sterile products, stock supplies, and document processes of Biomedical Manufacturers in supporting the creation of cell and gene therapies.
In this program, we offer:
Cutting-edge job connection strategies resulting in 97% of graduates finding an employment opportunity.
A $150 weekly stipend during the first 10 weeks of the program.
12 weeks of on-the-job training compensation at $14 per hour.
College-adapted classroom training to prepare participants for a career in the Life Sciences Industry.
For select candidates, the opportunity to interview for open Associate Aseptic Manufacturing Technician positions at Iovance starting at $23/hour.
Are you eligible?
All applicants must:
Be a resident of Philadelphia
Commit to the full training schedule
Possess a high school diploma or GED
To be considered, candidates for the Biomedical Technician Training Program: Aseptic Manufacturing must provide proof of having received the COVID-19 vaccine by Sept. 16th, 2022
Deadline is Friday, September 9th, 2022 at 5pm. https://www.tfaforms.com/5001740?fbclid=IwAR2VJNUgB1oCcl9JcURYJXz5hpNJFJYecxkx4xTIuhOV2cdj7pMZY7GlpSI
SCORE Philadelphia offering support for small business start ups!! https://philadelphia.score.org/
Quality News and Information
Equally Informed Philly
The Equal Info Line: a free, personalized bilingual (English and Spanish) question and answer texting service that also provides vetted local news and resources to subscribers. Text them questions about living in Philly and real humans will do the research and answer them for you. This is an initiative of Resolve Philly!! text your questions to 73224
Info Hub Captain
Resolve Philly is looking to hire community members to be info hub captains who write stories about their communities and distribute the community newsletter. $300 for more information contact kristine@resolvephilly.org
Free and Low Cost Digital Literacy and Technology
Now offering virtual and in person digital literacy training!! Are you interested in learning basic computer skills? We have you covered!! Would you like to learn about Microsoft office? We have the entire suite and look forward to introducing you and your family members, you can invite your friends also!! How about internet safety? yup we have that covered also!! Best part this is all for free!! Yup Free digital literacy skills that help you navigate in the Information Age!! Want to connect to free refurbished laptops and computers? We have you covered!! How about free to low cost internet? yup got that covered also!! #SocialJusticeStopsTheViolenceBridgingTheDigitalDivide #hov1and2stronger #GoodMorningGorgeous #PaVoterCourtWatch
https://www.digitalliteracyassessment.org/launch-from/13994-DB9M-pa-voter-court-watch
If you are in the Philadelphia Pa. area and would like to get a free refurbished computer please complete this form https://techforphilly.com/?fbclid=IwAR1KvFvuU-K8JfM57lM5MVdL_mCZWjXKFI-olrLrbcmqrqcoho45w0Z2VBA!!
For a free T-Mobile MiFi device/Hotspot, (you don’t have to have an address) please contact:
Dial 2-1-1 to talk to a resource navigator, for language services please press 8. http://www.phila.gov/phlconnected
http://www.internetessentials.com 1.800.846.8376
Beyond Literacy 215.426.7940 info@beyondliteracy.org
ExCite Center at Drexel University 267.217.3508
navigator@excitecenter.org
SEAMAAC 215.867.9732 digital@seamaac.org
if you are interested in free IT and Cybersecurity training please visit https://perscholas.org/?fbclid=IwAR38z2Xh6AkgFfi8mM4p-wzP-4_vqHrqkrlUKU1xyBGpMeVekcAeTzGW9mg for more information!!
Temple University has a new library with a computer lab open to the community. You need to stop by the One Stop Assistance Desk in Charles Library and apply for their Community Computer library card to gain access to the computers and other resources like free print and scans!!
TechOwlpa.org is part of Temple University Institute on Disabilities and offer support for various lifestyles.
Philly Community Wireless is looking to make your community a free wi-fi hotspot, to learn more please visit http://www.phillycommunitywireless.org
TLC has funding to provide FREE customized training or technical assistance on digital inclusion topics to organizations and community groups. Some examples of this work include: helping an organization to develop the curriculum for a specific digital literacy class, reviewing an organization’s current digital literacy programming to recommend improvements, or helping an organization develop the plan and expertise to support their client’s digital access needs. For more information, email kate.rivera@tlcphilly.org.
National Digital Inclusion https://www.digitalinclusion.org/
DigitalUs https://www.digitalinclusion.org/
Gun Violence Resources
Family Literacy
STEAM
Philadelphia Auto and Parole, Inc.
https://www.philadelphiaautoandparole.org/classes.html
Movement For Family Power
Movement for Family Power works to end the Foster System’s policing and punishment of families and to create a world where the dignity and integrity of all families is valued and supported. #endcpsfraud #remakingmotherhood #thebluedotproject #movementforfamilypower https://www.movementforfamilypower.org/campaigns-1
#2020CensusMatter
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE COURTS:
PMC Listens™ Helpline, reachable at (267) 834-5256 is a dedicated voice mail box, where callers can request information about court processes and procedures as well as report any barriers they may feel are impeding their participation. A guaranteed response will be delivered within 24 hours, providing personalized assistance by a team of trained volunteer law students, lawyers, and other interested community members. These volunteers will not provide legal advice and will refer callers to other resources, when necessary.
As PMC looks to the next 30 years, it will take all of us to build a more just, more engaged citizenry and stronger judiciary.
Making it easier to learn about who is running for judge.
Every two years (on the odd number year) Pennsylvania voters are asked to fill judicial vancancies from local courts all the way up to the state supreme court at the ballot box. Most voters show up at the polls on Election Day and have no idea who is running for judge. This website provides a tool for voters to understand who is running, and who they should choose to serve them on the bench.
Pa. Courts http://www.pacourts.us
The Supreme Court is aided by select boards, committees, commissions and councils consisting of more than 180 appointed volunteers — most, but not all, are lawyers and judges.
The panels have a wide range of responsibilities and functions. Some make recommendations to the court for amendments, revisions or simplification of court procedural rules. Others regulate the practice of law, oversee continuing legal education for lawyers and administer funds to assist individuals unable to pay for legal services. Still others advise on keeping the courts free of bias and discrimination and on long-range planning.
How to Get Involved
The Supreme Court welcomes interest from members of the public in serving on its advisory boards and independent agencies within the judiciary. The Supreme Court is committed to ensuring diversity in its appointments. While most positions require legal training and experience, there are positions designated for non-attorneys as well. For attorney positions, the Court ordinarily considers applicants with at least seven years of relevant experience. Available positions are featured in the chart below and are updated at the beginning of each month as vacancies occur. The number of vacancies per year varies, but usually there are about 20. Mid-term vacancies will be posted. Click on the committee, board or commission to learn more about it. http://www.pacourts.us/courts/supreme-court/committees/
Philadelphia Judicial Telephone Directory http://www.philacourts.us/directory/cp/default.aspx?page=3
Human Rights Coalition http://www.hrccoalition.org
The Prison Society https://www.prisonsociety.org
Up Against The Law Legal Collective http://www.upagainstthelaw.org
Pardons Hub
Need assistance with a pardon? Wayne Jacobs, Co-Founder and Executive Director of X-Offenders for Community Empowerment is hosting a workshop to get you started with the pardon application. Mr. Jacobs hosts his clinic at 2227 N. Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19123 every 2nd Monday from 6-7pm. For more details, please call 215-668-8477 or email jacobs19132@yahoo.com.
Participatory Defense Hubs
Trained volunteers and facilitators give participants a deeper understanding of the justice process, what is expected from them at each stage, and suggestions to help them prepare for meetings with their attorney, court dates, and other steps of the process.
Philadelphia’s participatory defense hubs use a process-oriented model to prepare and empower people navigating the criminal justice system and offer community support to help clients achieve just outcomes. In 2018, the city’s first three participatory defense hubs began hosting weekly meetings. The hubs help clients achieve better outcomes in coordination with attorneys and informed, engaged volunteers.Participatory defense received national acclaim in 2018. Raj Jayadev, creator of program who currently works with the Defender Association as a Stoneleigh fellow, received a MacArthur Genius fellowship to expand participatory defense to cities across the nation. Jayadev believes Philadelphia’s efforts to create a community of hubs will serve as a national model.
The work of Philly’s participatory defense hubs is supported by the Malinda R. Farrow Fund of the Philadelphia Foundationand the
R.K. Mellon Family Foundation.For information on how you or your organization can support this important work,
contact Kavita Goyal: kgoyal@philadefender.org
Participatory Defense Hub Locations
Best Outcomes HubTuesdays: 5:30-8:00 PMMothers in Charge
520 Delaware Ave #302
Philadelphia, PA 19123
Info: (215) 228-1718
South Philly HubMondays: 6:30 – 8:30 PMCircle of Hope Church
2212 S. Broad St.
Philadelphia, PA 19145
Info: (484) 440-9560facebook.com/southphillydefensehub
West Philly HubThursdays: 6:00 – 8:00 PMKingsessing Recreation Center
4901 Kingsessing Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19143
Info: (267) 766-0097
westphillydefensehub@gmail.com
Germantown HubWednesdays: 3:00-5:00 PMJanes Memorial United Methodist Church
47 East Haines Street
Philadelphia, PA
Info: (267) 277-3117
gtwnpdhub@gmail.com
Youth HubTuesdays: 4:30-6:30 PMYouth Art & Self-Empowerment Project (YASP)
924 Cherry St, 5th Floor
Philadelphia, PA
Info: (267) 571-9277
www.yasproject.com
North Philly HubThursdays: 6:00-8:00 PMZion Baptist Church
3600 N. Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA
Info: (267) 422-4480; or
(267) 238-3884
CLOSEthecreekJLUSA@gmail.com
Kensington HubMondays: 6:00-7:30 PMEsperanza Health Center
861 E. Allegheny #200
Info: (267) 279-9373
kensingtonhub@gmail.com
*Coming Soon in 2020!*
West Philly Shepard-Haddington HubTuesdays: 6:00-8:00p.m.Shepard Recreation Center
5700 Haverford Avenue
Info: (215) 789-0335
ardellashouse@gmail.com
Pennsylvania Unified Judicial Courts
https://ujsportal.pacourts.us/Default.aspx
Pa Voter Court Watch 