When does a noun become a verb? When it’s part of the 2024 National Library Week theme, “Ready, Set, Library!” 

After all, The Library is buzzing with activities and outreach that help make Dauphin County a vibrant place for learning and literacy.  

The theme for National Library Week, April 7 to 13, says “ready, set, go” to the special ways libraries help people learn new skills, make friends, and focus on the essentials of life, work, and family. When Library programs are enriching and varied, everyone in Dauphin County wins. 

“The Library offers a greenlight to whatever you need,” said Dauphin County Library System Interim Executive Director Dustin Brinton-Wilson. “We’re using National Library Week to showcase our place in the fabric of the community.” 

 “Through our rich array of activities and resources, parents help their children grow, small businesses get a good start, and readers share their love of books and poetry. It’s just a small sample of what we do, and we invite every resident of Dauphin County to find out how The Library can help meet their needs.” 

Power to the Parents: Steppingstones to Milestones 

Science has long established that the first five years of childhood lay the foundation for a lifetime of learning and socialization. The young brain is building neural connections at lightning speed. Children, families, and communities benefit through better school achievement, less delinquency, and higher lifetime earnings; however, that remarkable process must be nurtured and encouraged. Children require enrichment and stimulation in order to maximize neural growth and get ready to succeed in school. 

That’s why The Library offers Steppingstones to Milestones, a unique approach to early literacy and young learning. Steppingstones to Milestones enhances The Library’s renowned Born to Read and Storytimes with take-home lessons for parents, teaching them how to help their children on the learning journey. 

The programs are so popular – and necessary to a thriving community – that The Library has doubled the number of classes. The Library is stepping up to serve an evident need, with attendance that has doubled to 2,000 registrants. 

“We’re here to follow the children of Dauphin County through the steppingstones they’re going to take in life,” said Library Public Services Administrator Lori Milach. “We want to really help our children with early literacy, and we’re also helping our parents and guardians be their child’s first teacher, so their kids are better prepared for kindergarten.” 

In the post-pandemic era, Steppingstones to Milestones also offers young children the early socialization that’s crucial to learning how to play, interact with others, and behave appropriately. Parents like the human connections, too. 

“Since the pandemic, kids have missed out on social interaction,” said Milach. “Now, parents are saying they need to come to The Library to get their kids ready for kindergarten. Plus, they missed out on key years to develop friendships with other parents in similar situations, so they’re coming out in droves.”  

An eye on entrepreneurism 

In an economy that’s constantly shifting, people dream of the independence and satisfaction of working for themselves. The small businesses they launch are the backbone of the midstate’s economy, from coffee shops and restaurants to manufacturers and retailers.  

The Library can help turns dreams into reality. After all, launching a successful business demands control of countless details – taxes, permits, real estate, supply chain, hiring, grants and incentives, marketing and PR.  

The Library houses all the information and support needed to give a new business a flying start: 

• McCormick Riverfront Library Business Center: From this dedicated space in the newly renovated MRL, visitors can build resumes, search for local jobs, research available grants for business startups or nonprofits, find information specific to minority and women-owned businesses, and find books and references on starting a business. All of these resources can also be accessed through any Dauphin County Library.  
• Databases: Online databases including Tutor.com to help students; Resume Builder for help applying for jobs; Weiss Financial Rating Series, for investment guidance and financial literacy; Power Library Network, for access to Pennsylvania’s vast library resources; UniversalClass for continuing education courses; and Indeed.com and PA Job Resources for job hunting. 
• Grant information: Nonprofits help drive the economy and provide services that strengthen the community. Entrepreneurs who want to do good can use The Library’s Grants Information Center to access resources for building strong boards, attracting volunteers, and doing good.