Dwana Pinchock
There is so much to unpack at the library. As a little girl learning to read, I would hold my mother’s hand and talk about what we would look for once we arrived.
For me back then, it was always a new book or two to read, in awe of the shelves filled with possibilities. She taught me at a young age that, if I could read, I would be able to go anywhere and do anything I wanted to. It’s something I still often think about because it’s true.
Today’s library offers these same book resources—but so much more. I recently met Dwana Pinchock, the marketing and public relations manager for the Dauphin County Library System (DCLS), and my eyes were opened to a whole new world.
The system has eight branches, Pinchock explained, and each branch features “a different flavor to meet the community needs.”
Located downtown, the McCormick Riverfront Library appeals to those exploring the history of Harrisburg, among other interests. The East Shore branch, in Colonial Park, contains an art gallery and offers a safe and comfortable space for teens to hang out. That area will be completely revamped with newly installed gaming consoles sometime this month. In addition, those teens “screen a film monthly” by the famous Japanese production company, Studio Ghibli. Taking that one step further, they get to learn the ins and outs of podcasting.
The Northern Dauphin Library, located in Lykens, is home to a community of quilters and gardeners who love the library’s community garden, complete with a seed bank. It also incorporates children’s programs into the mix.
This spring, the Kline and Madeline Olewine Memorial libraries, both in Harrisburg, will offer crafting and coloring programs for adults, with writing groups in place at the East Shore Library and Alexander Family Library, located in Hummelstown. In addition, there is an ongoing Spanish language conversation group available through Zoom, Pinchock said.
Soon, the library system will offer more resources to help people help those they love. It’s not easy when those we hold close begin to age and need care. It can be daunting to find information on what steps to take to keep them safe, often with a desire to keep them home, in familiar surroundings. So, DCLS is working to implement “Family Caregiver Resources.”
“We can all agree that our loved ones deserve quality care,” Pinchock said.
Pinchock also spoke of partnerships regarding the “digital equity plan,” intended to make the library’s website accessible to all, including those with vision impairment. She and her team are also advocating for “transcribers” for the hearing impaired. “I am so proud to work with this team at Community Relations for DCLS,” she said.
Pinchock spoke of the library’s emphasis on “diversity, equity and inclusion for all, no matter your background or color.”
“And the outreach extends to all areas, be it rural, urban or suburban,” she stated.
Among the other “good things” happening at the library: education, workshops, meetings and literacy initiatives, in addition to offering resources to help homeless individuals.
McCormick Riverfront Library
Personally, Pinchock had a rich upbringing with strong women who mentored and showed her, by example, how to be resourceful, determined and brave, advocating for what is right. So, perhaps her greatest strength is being a compassionate person with a heart to help others. She shared a quote from her grandmother: “A closed mouth doesn’t get fed.” Therefore, she doesn’t shy away from asking for what she needs.
A dear friend once told her she had the gift of language and to fight for those who don’t, saying, “Give people a voice.” In her public relations role, she makes it her mission to advocate for those who are voiceless.
“Words are so powerful, and the library is a cathedral of words where you can find anything you need from people who will help you find anything you need,” Pinchock said.
For more information on the Dauphin County Library System, visit www.dcls.org.
If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!
