Tag: first2know

By: Barry Ernest

Over the years and seasons the iconic tree in front of the East Shore Area Library marked its growth together with the branch, each providing a cozy place to read or escape the heat of a sunny day. Long past a sapling, the aged symbol of the property fulfilled its destiny as a giving tree of sorts, falling quickly, but not quietly, to a landscaping team of tree cutters putting idea into action.

The tree’s removal has given birth to a planned community pavilion – and its absence honored by a future with increased visitors and community activities in its former footprint.

What’s ahead for the green space at the front of the building?

Work is underway to transform the property into a vibrant multi-function outdoor activities area. The free-standing expansion is designed to provide additional casual seating in a green area setting for both staff and public gatherings.

The pavilion serves a need for more space. Indoor meeting rooms used by both the public and library programs frequently reach capacity and main-floor seating for patrons is often at a premium at East Shore.

The project helps the library continue to expand its programming and outreach in the community. The goal is to offer patrons shared experiences in a newly designed green area.

Its space will host library-related programs and events, including Charlie Cart, a mobile kitchen that helps to teach kids how to cook while providing the knowledge necessary for a beneficial diet and healthy eating.

While library staff aims to expand and diversify its educational programming in the space, this project will also allow patrons to be able to enjoy their usual library activities –study, read, or just relax – all within an outdoor library atmosphere.

Outdoor events like music and art initiatives, and the potential for resuming a summer lunch program, are anticipated for the new area as well. “The options are practically endless,” says Maria Lagasca, Public Services Director.

Although its iconic tree is gone, East Shore has plans to make the space even greener. The tree is scheduled to be replaced with native plants, a butterfly garden, and even more shade, while making an inviting area with less maintenance worries.

Plans call for partnering with Friends of the East Shore Area Library (FESAL) and local gardening organizations to establish an on-site community garden.

The pavilion project to expected next summer.

As the world continues to evolve and embrace modernization, public libraries are transforming alongside it. Despite operating with limited funding and facing pressure to keep pace with rapidly advancing technologies and competition from for-profit entities, libraries have found innovative ways to thrive. Across the United States, many have not only embraced creativity but also expanded their services through strong community partnerships.

For instance, Salt Lake County Library offers its members access to enriching cultural experiences at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts, the Clark Planetarium, and the Natural History Museum of Utah. Meanwhile, libraries in Maine and Minnesota have broadened their reach by providing passes to state parks, encouraging exploration and learning beyond the library walls and beyond books, magazines, and scholarly articles.

Dauphin County Library System (DCLS) is following this trend, setting the pace among central Pennsylvania libraries—embracing innovation, leading with purpose, and proudly celebrating Library Card Sign-up Month with this year’s inspiring theme: ‘One Card, Endless Possibilities.’  Over the past year, DCLS has expanded its community impact through innovative partnerships:

• Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra (HSO): First-time attendees can enjoy complimentary tickets, offering a welcoming introduction to the arts without financial barriers.
• Theatre Harrisburg: Library cardholders receive discounted tickets to Murder on the Orient Express, making live theater more accessible.
• Susquehanna Art Museum (SAM): Through a partnership launched in 2024, DCLS members enjoy free admission, encouraging exploration of meaning through visual art.

These collaborations reflect DCLS’s commitment to building community and transforming lives by connecting people, ideas, and opportunities.

While funding remains a central topic among library leaders, it will not stand in the way of DCLS setting the standard for community, communication, respect, integrity, support, and service. Our communities will not be left behind. Instead, we’re embracing creativity and reimagining the role of public libraries—seeing their power far beyond shelves of books. That small plastic library card opens doors not only to information, but to cultural experiences once considered exclusive to high achievers. It’s a key to opportunity, equity, and imagination.

Our partnerships thrive because of the incredible support from our community partners and library members—thank you for your unwavering commitment. As we continue to innovate, we invite everyone to discover the richness of our community with your DCLS Library card in hand. 

Many thanks!

Maria Lagasca, Public Services Director

Now that school is back in session, it is a great time to reintroduce Tutor.com. What is Tutor.com? It is an online tutoring service that connects library members with qualified tutors for on-demand tutoring in over 200 subjects. Tutor.com has resources for all ages and supports learners from kindergarten through college and into adulthood. Library members can connect with tutors between the hours of 2:00 PM and 9:00 PM daily and make use of other Tutor.com features 24/7.

How can Dauphin County Library System members find and use Tutor.com? It’s listed alphabetically on our research page, so it is easy to find. Just visit www.dcls.org/research and scroll down.

Tutor.com is completely free to use by all members. When you are outside of one of our locations, just enter your library card number and PIN to access.

Who can benefit from using Tutor.com? Well students, of course! Parents, too! Parents, if you find yourself struggling to remember basic concepts (like reducing fractions or dividing decimals) or want some tips for helping your children with their homework, you can find those in Tutor.com’s SkillsCenter Resource Library. Job seekers, you can benefit from using Tutor.com also. Its career resources include mock interview prep, résumé and cover letter review, professional development tips, and more. Adults, do you need help with financial literacy and U.S. Citizenship? You can get help with even subjects like these using Tutor.com’s SkillsCenter resources. Just select Adult Services under “Topic” and select the subject wanted. As you can see, Tutor.com has something to offer everyone!

Whether you’re new to Tutor.com or it’s been a while since you’ve explored its features, now is a great time to check it out and see all it has to offer. Tutor.com received a major upgrade earlier this year and now sports a refreshed new look featuring more color, easier navigation, and added features, including one that allows you to easily schedule sessions and request specific tutors. Additionally, its updated tabs make dropping off work for review, finding test preparation and self-study resources, and locating college and career tools much simpler than before.

Many of Tutor.com’s tools and resources are available to members, no account required. Members can connect with tutors (between 2:00 pm and 9:00 pm), use their career services resources, view videos, prepare for the AP^®, or get information about the FAFSA^® all without logging in.

Library members wishing to take practice quizzes, prepare for exams like the SAT^®/ACT^®, or use Tutor.com’s SkillsCenter will need to create a free account with Tutor.com and log in.

Tutor.com, through its website, provides a selection of free educational webinars and videos on topics like college readiness, study skills, and student success that even non-library members can access online, no library card or account needed. Its “College Readiness and Management” webinars are ones that I find to be incredibly helpful. To see a full list of their free-to-view webinars, visit https://www.tutor.com/webinars.

So, whether you need help with a single question, want tips on study skills from an online video, or require ongoing assistance, The Library and Tutor.com can provide that to you at no cost.

Ann Marie Megoulas
Information Services Supervisor