Continue learning about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a story walk and reading list curated by the Dauphin County Library System

Continue learning about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a story walk and reading list curated by the Dauphin County Library System

HARRISBURG, Pa.— Continue celebrating the life and achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a special story walk at four Dauphin County Library System locations and explore an extensive reading list for children and adults.

From now through the end of February, illustrations from the beautiful picture book Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Doreen Rappaport are on display at the following libraries:

·      East Shore Area Library, 4501 Ethel St, Harrisburg, PA 17109

·      Madeline L. Olewine Memorial Library, 2410 N 3rd St, Harrisburg, PA 17110

·      William H. & Marion C. Alexander Family Library, 200 W 2nd St, Hummelstown, PA 17036

·      Elizabethville Area Library, 80 N Market St, Elizabethville, PA 17023

Additionally, a list of further reading – along with a QR code to discover more titles about Martin Luther King, Jr. – is available at each location. To view a complete list of related titles, search “civil rights in the United States” at dcls.org.

“Dr. King worked to bring communities together, which is also the goal of The Library,’’ said Karen Cullings, The Library’s executive director. “We are honored to help people learn about Dr. King and the ongoing struggle for civil rights and equality.’’

Construction begins on $3.5 million merger of McCormick Riverfront Library with its founder’s home, harnessing history for future generations

Construction begins on $3.5 million merger of McCormick Riverfront Library with its founder’s home, harnessing history for future generations

HARRISBURG, Pa. — The past is transforming for future generations as two historic Harrisburg properties – the McCormick Riverfront Library and Haldeman Haly House – combine to create a vibrant community hub.

Today’s groundbreaking celebrated the official start of Dauphin County Library System’s $3.5 million project and highlighted the aptly named “Your Place to Belong” (YourPlaceToBelong.org) campaign to raise funds for the expanded library.

“We’re excited to get started and look forward to standing here about a year from now and welcoming everyone to a dynamic educational and cultural center,” said Karen Cullings, the Dauphin County Library System’s executive director. “The demand for our services has never been higher, and this location in the heart of downtown Harrisburg is easily accessible.”

The project expands the McCormick Riverfront Library by connecting it with the 5,458-square-foot Front Street residence of Sara Haldeman Haly, whose bequest in 1896 seeded the Dauphin County Library System. When completed, the combined building will boast more than 3,400-square feet for a family area that incorporates Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts and Math learning support, 950 square feet of public meeting space, added public computer resources, and more.

• Throughout construction on the project, the McCormick Riverfront Library will remain open.
   

“I am proud to be a neighbor, patron of the McCormick Riverfront Library, and supporter of Dauphin County Library System. Our local library system is a fine example of what a strong organization led by creative professionals and committed volunteers can accomplish for its community,” said Susan Banks, Acting Deputy Secretary and State Librarian for the Office of Commonwealth Libraries. “The transformation of these historic buildings is a model of our shared vision of excellent and equitable library services to every Pennsylvanian.’’

Additionally, the expanded library will house the wealth of materials gathered by the Commonwealth Monument Project’s organizers as they planned the “A Gathering at the Crossroads” monument telling the stories of 100 historically significant women and men who contributed to Harrisburg’s development and community. When completed, visitors will enter through the T. Morris Chester Welcome Center – whose likeness is part of the Commonwealth Monument and whose far-ranging career included service as the Civil War’s only Black war correspondent.

The Library has previously worked with the Commonwealth Monument organizers on programs highlighting Harrisburg’s Old Eighth Ward, where the Capitol complex now stands. More recently, The Library’s locations have set up “Knowledge Promotes Understanding” displays at all locations featuring books and information about social and racial justice.

“For more than a century, this community has generously donated its time and treasure to The Library,” said Your Place to Belong campaign co-chair Andrew Enders. “Now, The Library is returning the favor by investing in the community. We are well on the way to creating an ideal space that models the direction of libraries for the 21st century and beyond.”

By seizing on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and implementing a visionary plan, The Library is recharging its mission to serve as the region’s trusted partner for growth and connection, said campaign co-chair Susan L. Anthony. She thanked the many donors whose generosity has gotten the campaign close to its $3.5 million goal.

This project is supported in part through a grant from the Office of Commonwealth Libraries, Pennsylvania Department of Education, with funds provided from the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund.

The Library’s board also wants to thank the many businesses and organizations who made substantial contributions, including: The Stabler Foundation; Pollock Foundation; The Hershey Company; Carole Desoto; Josiah W. & Bessie H. Kline Foundation; John Crain Kunkel Foundation; Dauphin County Community & Economic Development; and William H. & Marion C. Alexander. (Please see below for additional donor information).

“The historic belief in the power of learning is baked into the bricks and stones of these buildings,” said Anthony. “With tremendous help from people and organizations throughout the region, we are bringing new purpose and meaning to a Library that has already proven its power to change lives. Harrisburg is becoming an even better place to live and work, and our Library is right in the heart of that transformation.”

• For more information about the project and how the public can help support the effort, please visit YourPlaceToBelong.org.

About the Dauphin County Library System

The Library provides county residents with free access to virtually any materials imaginable both online and at its eight locations throughout Dauphin County. It offers books, movies, music, magazines, online access, people to help with research and programs that support personal and community growth. For more information or to register for a free library card, go to dcls.org.

Our donors

The Dauphin County Library System thanks everyone whose generosity is making this historic project possible. Below are additional lead donors, and the full list of all those who are supporting the project, along with information on how you can contribute, is available at YourPlaceToBelong.org

• M&T Bank
• McCormick Family Foundation
• Mid Penn Bank
• Mary & Sherill Moyer
• David W. Volkman
• Andrew M. Enders, Esq.
• Don and Anna Maria Enders
• RSR Realtors & Rothman Family Foundation
• Susan L. Anthony

Related Media Coverage: 

Ground broken for $3.5 million expansion of McCormick Riverfront Library (PennLive, October 14, 2021)

McCormick Riverfront Library expansion (PennLive Gallery, October 14, 2021)

Officials stress connections across time, community as Dauphin County library expansion breaks ground (The Burg, October 14, 2021)

PA Department Of Education Celebrates Library Groundbreaking (Pennsylvania Pressroom, October 14, 2021)

McCormick Riverfront Library begins expansion project (CBS21, October 14, 2021)

Harrisburg library begins expansion project (ABC27, October 14, 2021)

Dauphin County Library System begins $3.5 million expansion of historic riverfront library (Central Penn Business Journal, October 18, 2021) 

The Library’s photo gallery on Flickr.

Award-winning author of The Orchid Thief headlining campaign kickoff for transformation of Harrisburg’s McCormick Riverfront Library

Award-winning author of The Orchid Thief headlining campaign kickoff for transformation of Harrisburg’s McCormick Riverfront Library

$3.5 million expansion connects adjacent home of library’s founder and doubles space for children’s learning support, computer resources and more

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Susan Orlean, writer of The Orchid Thief – which became the Academy Award-winning movie Adaptation – is coming to Harrisburg on Saturday, May 8 to kick off the fundraising campaign for a historic expansion of the McCormick Riverfront Library.

Orlean’s latest bestseller The Library Book chronicles the 1986 fire that destroyed the Los Angeles Public Library. Significantly, it also tells the larger story of the importance of libraries to their communities and their vital role. This message dovetails with the Dauphin County Library System’s $3.5 million “Your Place To Belong” campaign to fund the expansion. (YourPlaceToBelong.org)

The project includes connecting the library with the adjacent 5,458-square-foot residence of Sara Haldeman Haly, whose bequest in 1896 seeded the Dauphin County Library System. The expansion will offer more than 3,400 square feet for a family area that incorporates Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STREAM) learning support, additional community meeting space, added public computer resources, and more.

The public is invited to see Susan Orlean’s live stream from the Whitaker Center from 7-8 p.m. on Saturday, May 8!

• To register for this free event generously sponsored by M&T Bank, go to dcls.org/SusanOrlean.

• Hear her thoughts as NPR’s Scott Detrow talks to her about life, literature, and libraries. (This is a special live-stream and will not be rebroadcast.)

• As Author of the Year, The Library celebrated all of her books as part of the Susan Orlean Adult Program Series. View the entire 2020/2021 series at dcls.org/susanorlean#OrleanSeries.

“We’re excited about this once-in-a-lifetime project and are calling it ‘Your Place to Belong’ because libraries build communities and communities build libraries,” said Karen Cullings, The Library’s executive director. “Every day, people are using our computers to look for work or advance their education, and families depend on us to help their children succeed in school.”

As part of the project, The Library is paying particular attention to historic preservation and creating a welcoming environment for people of all races, backgrounds, abilities, and ethnicities.

“Downtown Harrisburg is changing in many positive ways. Still, 44 percent of its children are in households below the poverty level,” Cullings said. “The demand for our services has never been greater or more diverse.”

“M&T Bank is proud to support the historic expansion of McCormick Riverfront Library,” said Nora Habig, M&T Bank’s Central and Western Pennsylvania Regional President. “We are excited to be a part of the ‘Your Place to Belong’ campaign and look forward to the unveiling of the new library in Harrisburg.”

Recently, The Library received the honor of being asked to continue the Commonwealth Monument Project’s message of understanding and cultural diversity. As part of the McCormick expansion, the new central entry space will be called the “T. Morris Chester Welcome Center,” named for Chester, whose likeness is part of the monument.

Chester was a Black lawyer, correspondent, and soldier who led two African American regiments to defend a potential attack on Harrisburg during the Gettysburg campaign.

The Library continues to work with the Commonwealth Monument organizers on programs highlighting Harrisburg’s Old Eighth Ward, where the Capitol complex now stands. Additionally, The Library’s locations have set up “Knowledge Promotes Understanding” displays at all locations featuring books and information about social and racial justice.

“Above all, we want to make sure that all we do reflects the backgrounds and cultures of those in our community,” Cullings said. “The Library’s core mission is to promote understanding and equality through education.”

In 2019, Bates College’s Diverse Picture Book Finder named The Library in its list of the top five institutions serving 200,000 to 499,999 people with the most diverse children book collections.

The Library is also received guidance from an expert provided by the Historic Harrisburg Association on restoring the circa-1812 Haldeman Haly House’s windows. Plans also call for careful blending of the home’s classic features with the McCormick Riverfront Library.

This year, the Your Place to Belong project won the Premier Project Award in the “Growing Our Economy” category from the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission.

“In 1869, Sara Haldeman Haly donated the money and the land next to her house to build a public library for Harrisburg, which grew into today’s public library system,” Cullings said.

“This project brings Sara’s mission full circle,” she said. “It will allow us to preserve an important piece of our community’s history, grow children’s programming, allow greater digital access for many in our community, and expand a host of other services.”

Key points about The Library’s Your Place to Belong campaign to expand McCormick Riverfront Library:

• Recover and restore approximately 3,400 square feet of library space to the community as a children’s and family area that incorporates STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts and Math) learning support.

•Replace outdated ADA access to the library with two accessible entry points and make Haldeman Haly House ADA accessible.

•Provide 796-square-feet of flexible community meeting and event space in a unique historical setting (Haldeman Haly House).

• Provide expanded first-floor library space for the community partnerships being developed as part of the library’s role as second responder, such as the existing partnership with Dauphin County Human Services and the proposed partnership with Adams & Associates, a Job Corps company.

• Provide outdoor recreational space in the rear courtyard, adaptable from parking to small event space.

• Restore, preserve, and repurpose two critical historical landmarks.

• Play a vital role in Harrisburg’s urban revitalization, helping to answer its need for early learning, STREAM learning, and job-seeking support as well as cultural enrichment.

About the Dauphin County Library System

Dauphin County Library System provides county residents with free access to countless materials, both current and ageless.

Online and at eight locations throughout Dauphin County, The Library offers books, movies, music, magazines, computer and internet access, people to help with research, and programs that support personal and community growth. MARCO — The Library’s state-of-the-art van exploration station — offers printed and online access to various locations such as senior and childcare centers, shelters, and community events.

To learn more about The Library, visit dcls.org.

Artist renderings and additional background material available at this Dropbox link: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/2eubbebtrscz0be/AAB2rm7bgaEUBbIlCDVc2vlPa?dl=0

TheBurg Podcast: One for the Record Books

TheBurg Podcast: One for the Record Books 

? Listen Here.

The February episode of TheBurg Podcast features two people from the pages of TheBurg’s February magazine: Karen Cullings, executive director of the Dauphin County Library (from the magazine story “Pandemic Plot Twists”) and Stefan Hawkins, who recently opened Good Brotha’s Book Café (from the magazine story “Cup of Culture”).

This episode was released on February 11, 2021.

Dauphin County Library System Closing Two Harrisburg Locations Saturday as a Precaution

Dauphin County Library System Closing Two Harrisburg Locations Saturday as a Precaution

Harrisburg, PA — The McCormick Riverfront and Madeline L. Olewine Memorial libraries in Harrisburg will be closed Saturday as a precaution due to heightened security concerns, and a decision on when to reopen later in the week will depend on the situation downtown.

McCormick Riverfront, 101 Walnut Street, and Madeline L. Olewine Memorial, 2410 North Third St., do not have Sunday hours and were scheduled to be closed Monday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

The Library’s other six locations will be open as usual.

“We fervently hope that any protests remain peaceful; however, we feel it is important to err on the side of caution to keep our staff and visitors safe,’’ said Karen Cullings, The Library’s Executive Director. “Given the increased security throughout downtown Harrisburg due to potential threats, we think it is best to keep both locations closed until we are sure the situation is safe.’’

Cullings said members can still access a wide range of materials on The Library’s website, www.dcls.org Additionally, the public can check the site for updates on when the two locations will reopen.

###

Law enforcement officials outline plans to protect Pennsylvania Capitol in case of unrest (WGAL)

Guard to defend Pennsylvania Capitol, city to close streets (WITF)

Some businesses close ahead of Sunday protest in Harrisburg (ABC27)

Dauphin County Library System closing 2 Harrisburg locations Saturday as a precaution (PennLive)

The Library honored to carry the culture awareness torch lit by the Commonwealth Monument Project

The Library honored to carry the culture awareness torch lit by the Commonwealth Monument Project

“T. Morris Chester Welcome Center” will be centerpiece of planned McCormick Riverfront Library expansion

Harrisburg, PA — At Monday’s unveiling of the final sculptures celebrating the historic role African Americans played in Harrisburg, the Dauphin County Library System received the honor of being asked to continue the project’s message of understanding and cultural diversity.

In response, The Library announced the “T. Morris Chester Welcome Center” will occupy the central location of the planned expansion of the McCormick Riverfront Library. The $3.5 million project includes connecting the adjacent 5,458-square-foot residence of Sara Haldeman Haly, whose bequest in 1896 seeded the Dauphin County Library System.

“The Library’s core mission is to promote understanding and equality through education, and we are humbled that the Commonwealth Monument Project’s organizers picked us to carry the torch,” said Karen Cullings, The Library’s executive director. “Thomas Morris Chester is a shining example of those we want to recognize.”

T. Morris Chester, one of the statues unveiled today, recruited Black troops to help defend Harrisburg in 1863 when the Confederacy drew near. He was also the Civil War’s only African American war correspondent.

“We are truly touched by the trust those behind the Commonwealth Monument have placed in The Library, and we promise to live up to the responsibility,” said La-Verna Fountain, a member of The Library’s Board of Trustees. “We call ourselves ‘Your Place to Belong’ because we are committed to inclusion and acceptance.”

The Library has previously worked with the Commonwealth Monument organizers on programs highlighting Harrisburg’s Old Eighth Ward, where the Capitol complex now stands. More recently, The Library’s locations have set up “Knowledge Promotes Understanding” displays at all locations featuring books and information about social and racial justice.

“At Riverfront and our other seven locations, as well as online, we provide resources and programs for children and adults and assist those of all ages with access to the digital world,” Cullings said. “Above all, we want to make sure that all we do reflects the backgrounds and cultures of those in our community.”

Cullings said the collaboration announcement was further strengthened by the recent news that the McCormick expansion project received a substantial Keystone Recreation Park and Conservation Fund grant through the state’s Office of Commonwealth Libraries and Department of Education.

“This critical funding gives us the means of delivering on our promise to carry the monument’s mission forward,” Cullings said. “Downtown Harrisburg is changing in many positive ways at the same time that 44 percent of its children are in households below the poverty level. The demand for our services has never been greater or more diverse.”

For more information and to support this project please visit dcls.org/YourPlace.

“Minds Matter Harrisburg” Workshop Kick’s Off the New Year

“Minds Matter Harrisburg” Workshop Kick’s Off the New Year

Black Girl Health Foundation has partnered with the Dauphin County Library System and National Network of Libraries of Medicine to present “Minds Matter Harrisburg” on Saturday, January 23 from 11:00 am until 4:30 pm.

The day-long virtual workshop will feature opening remarks and six mental health-related sessions led by expert panelists with the intention to educate and empower African American women on mental health.

11:00 am: Kick-off
Opening remarks from Porcha Johnson, Executive Director of BGH Foundation; Lynette Chappell-Williams, Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer of Penn State Health; Tina L. Nixon, Vice President, Mission Effectiveness and Chief Diversity Officer at PinnacleHealth Hospitals; and Karen Cullings, Executive Director of the Dauphin County Library System.

11:20 am: Building Mental Strength with Pilates
Ava Adames, Pilates Instructor, will discuss and demonstrate how to heal mind and body with an introductory Pilates course.

12:10 pm: Put Your Money Where your Mind Is
Ericka Neville, Financial Literacy Consultant, will discuss how to control expenses to free up disposable income.

1:00 pm: Young Minds Matter
Maya Penn, Entrepreneur and Local Youth Advocate, will discuss self-esteem and cognitive therapy through group talk.

1:50 pm: BLM Panel Discussion: Bridging the Racial Divide
Panelists will discuss ways to maintain mental health while being black in America. Topics include injustice, racial trauma, and pandemic stress. Panelists are Reverend Brenda Alton, City Councilwoman Danielle L. Bowers, Dr. Latesha Thompson, and Tyra Garner.

2:55 pm: Beating Depression Naturally
Dr. Julissa Hernandez, BCND, ND, CNHP, will discuss natural approaches to coping with anxiety and depression.

3:45 pm: Nourish Your Mind
Lauren C. Wells, Holistic Health and Fitness Coach, will discuss foods that are beneficial to cognitive health, balancing hormones, and reducing stress.

Registration is required. Learn more about the panelists and register for the workshop by visiting mindsmatter.blackgirlhealthfoundation.org and selecting “Minds Matter Harrisburg” from the “Upcoming Events” menu.

Kline Library in Harrisburg closing for week as precaution after staffer tests positive for COVID-19

Kline Library in Harrisburg closing for week as precaution after staffer tests positive for COVID-19

Harrisburg, PA — The Kline Library in Harrisburg will close Tuesday, December 15 and reopen at 10 a.m. the following Tuesday, December 22, as a precaution after a staff member tested positive for COVID-19.

While all six of the location’s staff are quarantining, health guidelines indicate spread to those working or visiting Kline is unlikely because of precautions in place. Safety measures at Kline and all locations include masks and face shields worn by employees, continuous cleaning, masks worn by visitors, plexiglass shielding and social distancing.

“In addition to the safety precautions we take at all our libraries, interactions between the public and staff are almost always less than 15 minutes,’’ said Karen Cullings, The Library’s Executive Director. “Because public interactions are brief, and we adhere to strict protection and social distancing guidelines, we believe the chance that our staff member spread the virus to either co-workers or the public is slight.’’

Despite the low risk of spread, Cullings said keeping the public and staff as safe as possible is the number one priority, which is why Kline is closing for a week.

Cullings said the staff member who tested positive for COVID-19 said their exposure did not happen at work.

Due to the statewide coronavirus spike, last month The Library suspended the use of its meeting rooms. However, locations remain open for other services, including accessing public computers and browsing for materials.

• To avoid having too many people in a building at one time, the public is asked to limit their visits to all libraries to no more than an hour, including for computer use or to use Curbside Pickup for contactless service.

Additionally, The Library is also no longer waiving its indoor mask-wearing requirements for medical reasons. Members who cannot wear masks can either order materials online or call ahead and arrange “curbside pickup” of their books and other items. All locations will have masks available for those who need them.

“Many in our community rely on us for internet and computer access and other services,” Cullings said. “We are committed to meeting the public’s needs in a safe way that follows all state and federal guidelines.”

For more information about The Library, including location hours, Curbside Pickup, ordering materials, accessing the vast array of online programming and other information, please visit www.dcls.org.

Dauphin County Library System’s Millersburg location now open: Health precautions remain in place

Dauphin County Library System’s Millersburg location now open

Health precautions remain in place

Harrisburg, PA – The Johnson Memorial Library, in Millersburg on East Center Street, reopened on Monday, August 17, marking the partial reopening of all Dauphin County Library System locations.

“We are excited to announce that all eight of our libraries are now available to our members,” said Karen Cullings, executive director. “We continue to offer a wide range of services online and will keep offering curbside pickup at most of our libraries.”

The Johnson Memorial Library, which connects to the Millersburg Area high school and middle school complex, will be open from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. The Millersburg Area School District expects to reopen schools on August 24, and students will be able to use The Library during and after school.

The following services are available throughout The Library system:

• Senior-only Hour: In all other library locations, a seniors-only hour from 10 to 11 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays is being offered.

• Limited Lifted on District Loans: Starting Monday, August 24, district loans will no longer be limited to 5 requests per month. Members may now submit unlimited requests for materials from the Capital Area Library District, which include libraries in Cumberland and Perry counties, as well as the Hershey and Middletown libraries. Loan requests to libraries outside the Capital Area Library District (interlibrary loan) are still limited to three per month.

• Limited meeting room availability: One meeting room each at the East Shore Area and Elizabethville Area Libraries and three in the William H. & Marion C. Alexander Family Library are now available for community gatherings of 10 or fewer persons. Virtual Zoom rooms are also available. For more information or to reserve a room, go to dcls.org/meetingrooms  

• Free Wi-Fi, available at all locations inside and outside of the libraries, will remain accessible. 

Online programs and curbside delivery 

During this limited building reopening, members can request materials online for check out using Curbside Pickup – either through BookAdvisor or the online catalog – choosing their preferred available location for pickup. Members without computer access may request materials by calling 717-652-9380. Please note that curbside pickup is not available at McCormick Riverfront or Johnson Memorial libraries. 

Once notified that their materials are ready, members have one week to retrieve their selections. All items are placed in new, clean, recyclable paper bags. A designated parking area is available, and members can call the number on the sign, verify their information, and remain in their cars while a staff member brings their items.

Members who wish to browse for their materials, or pick-up their requested materials inside The Library, can visit and browse for up to one hour. Public computers are also available for one-hour use.

Due to coronavirus health concerns, The Library continues to offer all programs virtually through Zoom or Facebook, from children’s storytimes to adult book clubs. Visit dcls.org/eventscalendar to register for programs hosted on Zoom, visit facebook.com/DCLS.PA and click on “Groups” in the left sidebar to join the “Adult Programs at The Library” Facebook Group, or join a book club on the Beyond the Shelves blog.

Cullings encourages the public to explore the full range of databases, eBooks, eAudiobooks, streaming music and movies available online. Users need a library card for access, and Dauphin County residents can get a card for free by visiting dcls.org/getcard.

For more information about The Library’s reopening plan, specific locations, ordering materials, accessing the vast array of online programming and other information, please visit dcls.org.