Jeremy Davenport remembers his first trips to The Library.

“When I was a kid, my mom used to take me to the Kline Library on 29th Street,” Davenport said. “We would go for books for book reports or some basic computer training, using their computers back then when things were just getting started, and people didn’t have them in the house.”

He also recalls being in the downtown McCormick Riverfront Library years ago when “it wasn’t as nice as it is now. I remember how basic it was when I was a kid.”

These days, Davenport owns Spice Grill Caterers, he has provided catering for several Library functions. He has brought his flavorful, multicultural dishes to events that included the grand reopening of the no-longer-basic McCormick Riverfront Library and Haldeman Haly House.

“Computers have their own little section now,” he said. “The East Shore Area Library in Colonial Park has been upgraded over the years, too.”

Since the first time he catered, providing food for a now-legendary presentation honoring the late historian Hari Jones, The Library has continued asking Davenport to return.

“The Library has kept me involved in a lot of different events,” he said. “Whatever their theme is, I try to provide a menu that is relevant to the event.”

What do you appreciate about doing business with The Library? I’m just here to provide good service and work with whatever budget they have based on being a nonprofit. You try to stick with their budget and also try to provide satisfaction and quality service and the product that you’re marketing to them for serving to their clients. It’s an ongoing relationship.

How did you first connect with The Library? I do a lot of events around town, and someone referred us. We try to provide quality and service. That’s what helps with repeat business and building clientele.

Is it important for local businesses to support The Library? Most definitely. It’s education – educating yourself and acquiring more knowledge. Those are all types of things that make it a better society. The more you know, the better off you are.

Why is it important for The Library to support local businesses, including Black-owned businesses? I just like participating as part of the ongoing business relationship I have with the Dauphin County Library System. I can show others how to create their own opportunities. If you stay persistent, you’ll meet clients like the library system that will help you move forward. It helps to motivate others, as well. People might think, ‘If he can do it, I can give it a try.’ Once you get your feet wet, you can find your niche and meet your goals.