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  • What the Library Means to Me: Rachel Miller

    Rachel Miller is a Public Services Assistant for the Dauphin County Library. Her position resides at the McCormick Riverfront Library location, and she is currently interning with DCLS’s Community Relations Department. Reading is one of her favorite hobbies, so she felt it was only right for her to take a job working in a library. She loves to read fiction books. Whether it be romance novels, stories of action and adventures, or mysteries, she loves them all. When she is not reading, she enjoys running and spending time with family and friends.

    What was your childhood library like?

    When I was young, I actually disliked reading for a while. My mom was actually really worried that I would never get into reading and that I would struggle in school because of it. Luckily, I found my love for reading when I was in middle school. Back then, I visited my school’s library often. I loved books like the Harry Potter series, and Percy Jackson series. I went through them so fast that it would only take me a few days before I was back at the library checking out my next read. I remember feeling like a celebrity because the librarian knew my name due to my frequent visits.

    Do you find that you still use the library?

    Now that I work at a library, I enjoy looking through the many books in our collection and checking out several different ones that catch my attention. I do a lot of reading for fun and I’m always grateful to have an inexpensive and easy way to access a variety of books.

    What do you enjoy most about working for The Library?

    One of the things that I enjoy most about working for The Library is the commitment to the values of community and service. I have met so many different people from across Dauphin County, and even people from outside of the county, who come in to check out the library or access our resources. I am proud to be able to help these community members and assist them with finding library resources like our public computers, printing services, and our social work program.

    What are you reading now?

    Currently, I am reading a book called Thanks a Thousand: A Gratitude Journey by A.J. Jacobs. It’s a little bit different than most of the fiction books I typically read, but it has a lot to do with practicing gratitude, specifically as it relates to all the things that go into getting your morning coffee (another thing that I enjoy).

  • Supporting Young Readers This Summer – Fighting “Summer Slide” Together

    Families + Libraries = Lifelong Readers

    Summer is a time for fun and freedom—but it’s also a critical season for young readers. Without regular reading, children can lose hard-earned skills over break. The best way to keep kids engaged? Family support!

    At The Library, we know that when parents, caregivers, and families make reading a priority at home, children grow into confident, curious readers. We’re here to help with free tools, programs, and events across the county!

    Join the Summer Reading Club!

    Our Summer Reading Club makes reading fun and rewarding for the whole family. Sign up at any branch or online, track your reading progress, and earn prizes along the way. It’s a great way to set goals, build routines, and celebrate reading together.

    Visit the Children’s Book Festival

    The Children’s Book Festival at the George & Hettie Love Memorial Library (LOV) is a joyful event filled with stories, crafts, author visits, and more. Bring the whole family for a day that celebrates the magic of books and imagination. It’s the perfect kickoff to a season full of reading. [Link]

    Use Your Library Card to Unlock Learning

    Your DCLS library card gives your family free access to kid-friendly eBooks, audiobooks, learning tools, and online databases. Whether you’re at home, on vacation, or on the go, you can keep your child reading and learning all summer long. Check out our online resources at: dcls.org/research.

    Make Reading a Family Habit

    The most powerful way to encourage reading? Let your child see you reading. Set aside quiet reading time, read aloud together, or talk about books over dinner. When reading is a shared family activity, kids are more likely to build lasting habits.

    Make The Library Part of Your Summer Routine

    Plan weekly visits to your local DCLS branch. Browse together, ask for reading recommendations, attend the Friends’ Book Sales, and take part in free programs for kids of all ages. Every library visit is a chance to discover something new and spark your child’s imagination. This summer, let reading bring your family closer.

    Learn more, sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge, and explore The Library’s digital tools and events at dcls.org/events-programs or by visiting your nearest branch.

    Important Summer Events at DCLS

    Summer Reading Club: Runs June 1 – August 17, 2025
    Sign up anytime online or at your local branch. [Link]

    Children’s Book Festival: Saturday, July 26, 2025
    Location: George & Hettie Love Memorial Library (LOV)
    Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
    Enjoy live storytelling, crafts, book giveaways, and more family-friendly fun! [Link]

  • LGBTQ+ School Age Books

    With June being pride month we at The Library wanted to share some of the school age books we love!

    Flower Girl – written by Amy Bloom; illustrated by Jameela Wahlgren.

    A Song for Nolan – written by Rushie Ellenwood ; illustrated by Sally Chen.

    Calvin – written by JR and Vanessa Ford; illustrated by Kayla Harren.

    Except When They Don’t – words by Laura Gehl; pictures by Joshua Heinsz.

    My Two Dads – written by Claudia Harrington; illustrated by Zoe Persico.

    My Two Moms – written by Claudia Harrington; illustrated by Zoe Persico.

    Jacob’s School Play: Starring He, She, and They – written by Ian & Sarah Hoffman; illustrated by Chris Case.

    The Wishing Flower – written by A.J. Irving; illustrated by Kip Alizadeh.

    Payden’s Pronoun Party – written by Blue Jaryn; Illustrated by Xochitl Cornejo

    Molly’s Tuxedo – words by Vicki Johnson; pictures by Gillian Reid.

    The Rainbow Parade: A Celebration of LGBTQIA+ Identities and Allies – written by Shane Jordan and Rick Hendrix; illustrated by Jieting Chen.

    My sister, Daisy – written by Adria Karlsson; illustrations by Linus Curci.

    What Are Your Words?: A Book About Pronouns – written by Katherine Locke; illustrated by Anne Passchier.

    Mama and Mommy and Me in the Middle – written by Nina LaCour; illustrated by Kaylani Juanita.

    Julián is a Mermaid – written by Jessica Love.

    Téo’s Tutu – written by Maryann Jacob Macias; illustrated by Alea Marley.

    A Costume for Charly – written by CK Malone; illustrated by Alejandra Barajas.

    My Moms Love Me – written by Anna Membrino; illustrated by Joy Hwang Ruiz.

    My Guncle and Me – written by Jonathan Merritt; illustrated by Joanna Carillo.

    The Spectacular Suit – written by Kat Patrick; illustrated by Hayley Wells.

    Dolls and Trucks Are for Everyone – written by Robb Pearlman; illustrated by Eda Kaban.

    Pink is for Boys – written by Robb Pearlman; illustrated by Eda Kaban.

    Sam is My Sister – written by Ashley Rhodes-Courter; illustrated by MacKenzie Haley.

    Marley’s Pride – written by Joëlle Retener; illustrated by DeAnn Wiley.

    Rainbow Boy – written by Taylor Rouanzion; illustrated by Stacey Chomiak.

    My Friends and Me – written by Stephanie Stansbie; illustrated by Katy Halford.

    The Good Hair Day – written by Christian Trimmer; illustrated by J Yang.

    Ari Arranges Everything – written and illustrated by Katie Vernon.

    Mighty Red Riding Hood: A Fairly Queer Tale – written by Wallace West.

    Not He or She, I’m Me – written by A.M. Wild; illustrated by Kah Yangni.

    Love, Violet – by Charlotte Sullivan Wild; illustrated by Charlene Chua. 

    Phoenix Gets Greater – written by Marty Wilson-Trudeau with Phoenix Wilson; illustrated by Megan Kyak-Monteith.

    Bobby and the Big Valentine – words by Timmy Woitas; illustrations by Addy Rivera Sonda.