About The Library

The Library provides quality public library service to the residents of Dauphin County through 8 library locations, a website and a 24 hour automated phone line. The Library is a private, non-profit corporation with 501(c)(3) status. It is governed by a 17-member Board of Trustees, five appointed annually by the Dauphin County Commissioners, and twelve elected for three-year terms.

The Dauphin County Library System serves as one of 29 District Library Centers designated by the Office of Commonwealth Libraries to take a leadership role in coordinating library services. The Library and its participating public libraries form the Capital Area Library District, a service area with 22 public library facilities and 2 administrative offices in Cumberland, Dauphin, and Perry counties.

Everyone is welcome here.

We’re committed to:

  • Respecting the uniqueness of each individual
    Serving with kindness
    Upholding human dignity
    Communicating openly and often
    Promoting access to information
    Encouraging the exploration of ideas and viewpoints
    Reflecting our diverse community through services
    Eliminating barriers
    Supporting active minds and open hearts

We’re committed to:

  • Upholding the principle of free speech and to opposing the restriction or suppression of ideas, information, or artistic expression;
  • Serving all people, regardless of age, race, religion, gender, physical ability or economic status;
  • Providing free basic services to all and making prudent decisions about those services;
  • Being fully accountable for all funds we receive;
  • Promoting a lifelong love of learning.

The Dauphin County Library System (DCLS) in Pennsylvania has a rich history of growth and service expansion beyond its Harrisburg origins. Established in 1914, the system has evolved to encompass multiple branches, each contributing uniquely to the community.

In October 1967, DCLS expanded by opening three branch libraries within a single week.

Today, DCLS operates eight library locations, providing residents with access to over 350,000 items, including books, magazines, video games, and more. The system is governed by a 17-member Board of Trustees and serves as one of 29 District Library Centers designated by the Office of Commonwealth Libraries, coordinating services across Cumberland, Dauphin, and Perry counties.

Throughout its history, DCLS has remained committed to evolving and expanding its services to meet the diverse needs of Dauphin County residents, ensuring access to information, education, and community resources.

The Dauphin County Library System serves as one of 29 District Library Centers designated by the Office of Commonwealth Libraries to take a leadership role in coordinating library services. The Library and its participating public libraries form the Capital Area Library District, a service area with 22 public library facilities and 2 administrative offices in Cumberland, Dauphin, and Perry counties.

The Library's Logo

Library Hours

Monday: 9am-8pm
Tuesday: 9am-8pm
Wednesday: 9am-8pm
Thursday: 9am-8pm
Friday: 9am-5pm
Saturday: 10am-5pm
Sunday: 10am-5pm

Monday: 10am-7pm
Tuesday: 10am-7pm
Wednesday: 10am-7pm
Thursday: 10am-7pm
Friday: 10am-5pm
Saturday: 10am-2pm
Sunday: Closed

Monday: 3:30pm-7:30pm
Tuesday: 3:30pm-7:30pm
Wednesday: 3:30pm-7:30pm
Thursday: 3:30pm-7:30pm
Friday: Closed
Saturday: 10am-2pm
Sunday: Closed

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10am-7pm
Wednesday: 10am-7pm
Thursday: 10am-7pm
Friday: 10am-5pm
Saturday: 10am-2pm
Sunday: Closed

Monday: 10am-7pm
Tuesday: 10am-7pm
Wednesday: 10am-7pm
Thursday: 10am-7pm
Friday: 10am-5pm
Saturday: 10am-2pm
Sunday: Closed

Monday: 10am-7pm
Tuesday: 10am-7pm
Wednesday: 10am-7pm
Thursday: 10am-7pm
Friday: 10am-5pm
Saturday: 10am-2pm
Sunday: Closed

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10am-7pm
Wednesday: 10am-7pm
Thursday: 10am-7pm
Friday: 10am-5pm
Saturday: 10am-2pm
Sunday: Closed

Monday: 10am-7pm
Tuesday: 10am-7pm
Wednesday: 10am-7pm
Thursday: 10am-7pm
Friday: 10am-5pm
Saturday: 10am-2pm
Sunday: Closed

Board Of Trustees

Yvette Davis
President

Francis Chardo
Vice President

Salvatore V. Fazzolari
Treasurer

Kelly M Brennan

Connie Doebele

Corey Dupree

Shelly Echeverria

Jacquie Forbes

John Hargreaves

Abrehem Kittel

Robert Lawson

Tilak Niroula

Stanley Smith

Mark Hunter Smith

Christopher Wonders

Public Board meetings are held at noon on the third Tuesday of the first month of each quarter (January, April, July, October) at East Shore Area Library.

Board meetings are held in-person as well as via Zoom. To receive attendance information, please email us at exec-dir@dcls.org.

Annual Reports / Financial Documents

DCLS publishes annual reports to provide transparency and inform the public about its activities, achievements, and financial standing. These reports highlight key milestones, program successes, and the impact of library services on the community. They serve as a testament to DCLS’s commitment to accountability and continuous improvement.

Annual Reports

2024 Annual Report

Financial Documents

DCLS Press Room

The DCLS Press Room is a resource for media professionals and the public to access the latest news, press releases, and updates about library events, programs, and initiatives. It serves as a hub for information on the library’s contributions to the community and upcoming activities.

Employment Opportunities

DCLS offers a variety of employment opportunities for individuals passionate about serving the community and promoting literacy. Positions range from library assistants and program coordinators to administrative roles.

Employment at The Library >

Policies

DCLS has established a comprehensive set of policies to ensure the effective and efficient operation of the library system. These policies cover areas such as patron behavior, material selection, internet use, and privacy. They are designed to create a safe, welcoming, and equitable environment for all patrons.

T. Morris Chester Welcome Center and Research Collection

Featured Memory Box

T. Morris Chester

Reporter and Civil Rights pioneer, Thomas
Morris Chester spent his life on the
frontlines of the fight for racial equality.

Rick Kearns, Fellow for the Commonwealth
Monument Project is coordinating and facilitating
the creation of this memory box. Read more…

Support Provided by

GIANT Company

View Research Collection >>

The Pennsylvania Past Players, who embody the real-life stories of incredible thought leaders who shaped their times and whose influence we still feel today, call the T. Morris Chester Welcome Center and The Library home.

Donate

Community support is vital to DCLS’s ability to provide high-quality services and programs. Donations help fund new materials, educational programs, and facility improvements. Contributions can be made online, by mail, or in person, and donors can choose to make general donations, tribute donations, or participate in other giving opportunities.

Donate to The Library >