About The Library
The Library provides quality public library service to the residents of Dauphin County through 8 library locations, a website and a 24 hour automated phone line. The Library is a private, non-profit corporation with 501(c)(3) status. It is governed by a 17-member Board of Trustees, five appointed annually by the Dauphin County Commissioners, and twelve elected for three-year terms.
The Dauphin County Library System serves as one of 29 District Library Centers designated by the Office of Commonwealth Libraries to take a leadership role in coordinating library services. The Library and its participating public libraries form the Capital Area Library District, a service area with 22 public library facilities and 2 administrative offices in Cumberland, Dauphin, and Perry counties.
Diversity & Inclusion
Everyone is welcome here.
We’re committed to:
- Respecting the uniqueness of each individual
Serving with kindness
Upholding human dignity
Communicating openly and often
Promoting access to information
Encouraging the exploration of ideas and viewpoints
Reflecting our diverse community through services
Eliminating barriers
Supporting active minds and open hearts
Guiding Principles
We’re committed to:
- Upholding the principle of free speech and to opposing the restriction or suppression of ideas, information, or artistic expression;
- Serving all people, regardless of age, race, religion, gender, physical ability or economic status;
- Providing free basic services to all and making prudent decisions about those services;
- Being fully accountable for all funds we receive;
- Promoting a lifelong love of learning.
DCLS History
The Dauphin County Library System (DCLS) in Pennsylvania has a rich history of growth and service expansion beyond its Harrisburg origins. Established in 1914, the system has evolved to encompass multiple branches, each contributing uniquely to the community.
In October 1967, DCLS expanded by opening three branch libraries within a single week.
Today, DCLS operates eight library locations, providing residents with access to over 350,000 items, including books, magazines, video games, and more. The system is governed by a 17-member Board of Trustees and serves as one of 29 District Library Centers designated by the Office of Commonwealth Libraries, coordinating services across Cumberland, Dauphin, and Perry counties.
Throughout its history, DCLS has remained committed to evolving and expanding its services to meet the diverse needs of Dauphin County residents, ensuring access to information, education, and community resources.
Capital Area Library District
The Dauphin County Library System serves as one of 29 District Library Centers designated by the Office of Commonwealth Libraries to take a leadership role in coordinating library services. The Library and its participating public libraries form the Capital Area Library District, a service area with 22 public library facilities and 2 administrative offices in Cumberland, Dauphin, and Perry counties.
Library Hours
East Shore Area Library
Elizabethville Area Library
Monday: 10am-7pm
Tuesday: 10am-7pm
Wednesday: 10am-7pm
Thursday: 10am-7pm
Friday: 10am-5pm
Saturday: 10am-2pm
Sunday: Closed
Johnson Memorial Library
Monday: 3:30pm-7:30pm
Tuesday: 10:00am-7:30pm
Wednesday: 3:30pm-7:30pm
Thursday: 10:00am-7:30pm
Friday: Closed
Saturday: 10am-2pm
Sunday: Closed
George & Hettie Love Memorial Library
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10am-7pm
Wednesday: 10am-7pm
Thursday: 10am-7pm
Friday: 10am-5pm
Saturday: 10am-2pm
Sunday: Closed
Madeline L. Olewine Memorial Library
Monday: 10am-7pm
Tuesday: 10am-7pm
Wednesday: 10am-7pm
Thursday: 10am-7pm
Friday: 10am-5pm
Saturday: 10am-2pm
Sunday: Closed
McCormick Riverfront Library
Monday: 10am-7pm
Tuesday: 10am-7pm
Wednesday: 10am-7pm
Thursday: 10am-7pm
Friday: 10am-5pm
Saturday: 10am-2pm
Sunday: Closed
Northern Dauphin Library
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10am-7pm
Wednesday: 10am-7pm
Thursday: 10am-7pm
Friday: 10am-5pm
Saturday: 10am-2pm
Sunday: Closed
William H. & Marion C. Alexander Family Library
Monday: 10am-7pm
Tuesday: 10am-7pm
Wednesday: 10am-7pm
Thursday: 10am-7pm
Friday: 10am-5pm
Saturday: 10am-2pm
Sunday: Closed
Board Of Trustees
Yvette Davis
President
Francis Chardo
Vice President
Salvatore V. Fazzolari
Treasurer
Kelly M Brennan
Connie Doebele
Corey Dupree
Margaret Durkin
Shelly Echeverria
Jacquie Forbes
John Hargreaves
Abrehem Kittel
Robert Lawson
Gloria Martin-Roberts
Tilak Niroula
Stanley Smith
Mark Hunter Smith
Christopher Wonders
Public Board meetings are held at noon on the third Tuesday of the first month of each quarter (January, April, July, October) at East Shore Area Library.
Board meetings are held in-person as well as via Zoom. To receive attendance information, please email us at exec-dir@dcls.org.
Annual Reports / Financial Documents
DCLS publishes annual reports to provide transparency and inform the public about its activities, achievements, and financial standing. These reports highlight key milestones, program successes, and the impact of library services on the community. They serve as a testament to DCLS’s commitment to accountability and continuous improvement.
Annual Reports
Financial Documents
DCLS Press Room
The DCLS Press Room is a resource for media professionals and the public to access the latest news, press releases, and updates about library events, programs, and initiatives. It serves as a hub for information on the library’s contributions to the community and upcoming activities.
Employment Opportunities
DCLS offers a variety of employment opportunities for individuals passionate about serving the community and promoting literacy. Positions range from library assistants and program coordinators to administrative roles.
Policies
DCLS has established a comprehensive set of policies to ensure the effective and efficient operation of the library system. These policies cover areas such as patron behavior, material selection, internet use, and privacy. They are designed to create a safe, welcoming, and equitable environment for all patrons.
- ADA_ADAAA
- Children’s Safety Policy
- Collection Development Policy
- Displays & Exhibits Policy
- Documents Needed to Obtain a Library Card
- Employee Clearances
- Gift Acceptance Policy
- Gift Recognition Policy
- Interlibrary Loan Policy
- Internet Use Policy
- Library Card & Member Use Policy
- Library Use Policy
- Media Relations Policy
- Meeting Room Policy
- Member Privacy and Confidentiality Policy
- MWDBE (Minority Women Disenfranchised Business Enterprise) Policy
- Partnership Policy
- Policy on Postings, Handouts & Exterior Signs
- Programming and Outreach Policy
- Social Media Policy
- Substitute Policy
- Vaccination Policy
T. Morris Chester Welcome Center and Research Collection
Research Collection
Featured Memory Box
T. Morris Chester
Reporter and Civil Rights pioneer, Thomas
Morris Chester spent his life on the
frontlines of the fight for racial equality.
Rick Kearns, Fellow for the Commonwealth
Monument Project is coordinating and facilitating
the creation of this memory box. Read more…
Support Provided by
Pennsylvania Past Players
The Pennsylvania Past Players, who embody the real-life stories of incredible thought leaders who shaped their times and whose influence we still feel today, call the T. Morris Chester Welcome Center and The Library home.
Donate
Community support is vital to DCLS’s ability to provide high-quality services and programs. Donations help fund new materials, educational programs, and facility improvements. Contributions can be made online, by mail, or in person, and donors can choose to make general donations, tribute donations, or participate in other giving opportunities.