A Compilation of Services
In 2014, the Dauphin County Library System (DCLS) became an official partner of the CommunityAid Foundation. Since then, we have been able to work together for the good of those throughout central PA.
In addition to operating eight libraries, DCLS provides quality public library service to the residents of Dauphin County through its MARCO outreach vehicle, its website, and a 24-hour automated phone line. It strives “to build community and transform lives by connecting people, ideas, and opportunities.”
To accomplish its mission, “DCLS offers a collection of physical materials (books, magazines, vinyl albums, DVDs), digital resources (eBooks, eAudioBooks, and research databases), events and programs for all ages, and services, including free public computer and Wi-Fi access, assistive technology, meeting space, and museum passes.”
The McCormick Riverfront Library branch offers a social work program to assist community members in finding housing; applying for benefits, IDs, and jobs; and connecting with other local support organizations. The program also distributes bus passes to enable our neighbors in need to attend job interviews and medical appointments, as well as provide transportation to work before their first pay.
The Elizabethville Area Library and East Shore Area Library branches also have vision resource centers that help visually impaired community members access print and online materials. The Elizabethville Area Library’s Vision Resource Center is the only place in Northern Dauphin County with advanced technology, such as the ZoomText Magnifier for people with low vision and the JAWS screen reader software for text-to-speech output.
Their staff works tirelessly to create a better and more informed world, and we are so excited to support their efforts for the community!
Steve Early (left) with Barbara Seltzer, Library Manager, Elizabethville Area Library (center), and Ryan McCrory, Executive Director, Dauphin County Library System (right)
Providing Clarity for our Community
The CommunityAid Foundation has been blessed to partner with the Dauphin County Library System and support them and their constituents through multiple programs, including through grants, Care Cards, our LIFTS Workshops, and more.
The DCLS social work program at McCormick Riverfront Library receives Care Cards each quarter to help community members in need of clothing. It also received a grant to fund bus passes and replacement IDs. Additionally, the equipment at the Elizabethville Area Library’s Vision Resource Center was funded by a CommunityAid grant.
“A mother and daughter, each with her own unique vision challenges, were thrilled to have resources available so close to home,” Barbara Seltzer, Library Manager at Elizabethville Area Library, shared. “They noted it was easier to print and access information at the Vision Resource Center than from their computer at home.”
We have been able to provide over $2,000 in Care Cards to DCLS since 2024. These $25 CommunityAid thrift store vouchers are distributed through their social programs to those in need. DCLS Fundraising Coordinator Alissa Booth specified, “an unhoused member who had been in the hospital returned to find his belongings had been stolen. With CommunityAid Care Cards provided through the social work program, he was able to get much needed clothing.”
Since 2024, DCLS staff members have attended three LIFTS Workshops, including “Culture Eats Strategy for Breakfast” and “Fundraising and Friendraising—Simple Things, Big Impact.” These have provided networking opportunities and practical insights into affecting change internally and externally.
DCLS also utilizes our Donation Program to exchange clothing and accessories collected through the East Shore Area Library bin or donated at CommunityAid stores using their partner ID for funds, which they use toward their general operating expenses.
Finally, DCLS has participated in our store huddles and set up a table in our Harrisburg store. Through this opportunity, DCLS staff had a chance to provide a more in-depth overview of their services with store staff and the general public.
Together, we are making a difference. We are grateful for the opportunity to work with Dauphin County Library System to increase accessibility for the entire community.