Tag: first2know

The Harrisburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., proudly co-hosted community viewings of The 1619 Project series with the Dauphin County Library System East Shore Library, featuring panel discussions following all six episodes.

These powerful conversations created space for education, reflection, and dialogue around the lasting impact of slavery and systemic inequities. The collaboration strengthened community connections, deepened historical understanding, and reaffirmed the Sorority’s commitment to Arts and Letters and social action by highlighting the positive roles and artistic contributions of African American people of the past and present, while empowering attendees to engage thoughtfully with our shared past and present.

If you are interested in joining The Library and the Harrisburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Sorority, Inc., as we continue our 1619 Project discussion series, visit https://dcls.libcal.com/event/15588915 to register. Program is for ages 16+ years. Registration is required.

By: Dwana Pinchock

On a personal level, I have always really loved literature, and I’m a big fan of our library system. We have an amazing one here, and I am happy to tell everyone to take advantage of it.

What’s really exciting is that Open Stage has been able to partner with [DCLS] to bring a touring production of A Christmas Carol, to the East Shore Area Library, which was great and a huge success. We had two performances in the community room, and it was well attended!

This was just another way for us to celebrate The Library, to celebrate Open Stage, and to celebrate this adaptation of great literature. People could experience this Charles Dickens story in a whole different way.

Our production, which is a two-man version of the show, tells the story with a lot of Foley sound effects. I think that that people found it really interesting and that created a lot of great discussions.

Another exciting thing about theaters and libraries is that we get to gather and have great conversations about big topics, including this wonderful work by Dickens.

Do you have any personal stories about libraries maybe while growing up or even as an adult that you could share?

I think that one of my favorite memories is growing up in Oklahoma. I grew up lucky being exposed to a lot of storytelling. That happened at our library.

I specifically remember seeing some storytellers there, sharing Native American stories. I firmly believed that the community gathering that happens at libraries and the events that happened around storytelling, helped me become the theater professional that I am today.

I don’t think that I would be the same kind of storyteller I am today without being exposed to the books I got at the library or to events like listening to the storytellers.

Stuart Landon is the Producing Creative Director of Open Stage; a regional professional theatre and educational program located in the heart of downtown Harrisburg.  

Today’s libraries are so much more than shelves of books. They are dynamic community hubs that offer a wide range of services beyond traditional reading materials. From public-use computers, high-speed internet, and free Wi-Fi to Interlibrary Loan programs, meeting rooms, and collaborative spaces, libraries provide resources that bring people together.

With the addition of convenience-focused services designed to further help members save time, money, and effort, libraries continue to be an essential part of modern life.

Here at the Dauphin County Library System, or The Library, we offer a number of convenience-focused services that you may not have tried yet– services like Bookadvisor (ourpersonalized book recommendation program), Teacher Material Request (a service that supports educators by gathering materials for use in classrooms),  or Curbside Pickup (available at 6 of our locations).

Have you ever wanted to print something that someone sent to you on your phone, but you didn’t have a way to do so at home? The Dauphin County Library System’s “Print From Anywhere” wireless printing service may provide you a solution. Here at The Library you can print directly from your laptops, tablets, and smartphones. To learn how, click here.

Or have you ever had a question or research need at a time when you were unable to visit a library? Try Ask a Librarian, The Library’s remote reference service designed to respond to questions via email. Just complete our Ask-a-Librarian form (or email your question to askalibrarian@dcls.org), and an Information Services professional will assist you (usually within 24 hours). No in-person visit required. You can find a link to our Ask-a-Librarian form on our Services webpage.

To learn more about these or any of The Library’s other services, please visit https://www.dcls.org/services/.

Whether or not you are a member or visitor of the Dauphin County Library System, if it’s been a while since you’ve checked out what services your library (or library’s website) has to offer, now is the perfect time to explore. You may be amazed at the variety of untapped resources and opportunities waiting for you!