If you are planning to head off to college in the fall, then your summer will be filled with shopping for supplies and preparing for all of the challenges of living on campus. For tips on what to pack and how to prepare, check out websites like https://www.nitrocollege.com/blog/4-checklists-for-college or https://collegesofdistinction.com/advice/college-move-in-day-a-college-packing-list-of-essentials-for-your-dorm-room/. Each offer lists of recommended items to pack.

What you may not find included on these lists, however, is your public library. I would suggest that it should be. Admittedly, your library building is not something that you can pack up and take with you. At least, not physically. You can, however, pack your library card and use it to access all your local public library’s digital and electronic resources while away. Having access to your local library will have the added benefit of keeping you connected to your local community and allow you to have free access to the resources you may already be skilled at using.

If you have not recently explored The Library’s resources, I encourage you to do so this summer. You will find that the Dauphin County Library System provides access to a number of useful research databases – databases such as Gale Academic One File (one of many resources offered by Power Library), Salem Online, and Science Reference Center (by EBSCO) that may prove useful to your college coursework. To find these databases, click on “Research and Resources” then “Research.”

If you need instruction on using these library resources, or would like a refresher course on information literacy, local library staff can assist you.

Before you head off to campus (or prepare for distance learning at home), be sure to also visit your local public library (or library website) to check out some books to read this summer. It is recommended that incoming college freshmen read a great deal during the summer before classes start. College coursework requires a higher level of reading than what was expected in high school. Reading a lot now can help you become accustomed to this requirement. You will find a broad selection of both educational and entertaining reads to choose from at The Library.

Lastly, take with you to college the knowledge that public libraries will continue to supply opportunities for lifelong learning that will serve you far beyond your college years. I hope that you will take advantage of them.