UGI Supports Local Libraries: Dauphin County Library System

Local libraries offer a wealth of affordable and accessible resources to community members, specifically students. According to the National Institutes of Health, public libraries can enhance childhood literacy, social skills, and development. UGI Utilities is proud to support the efforts of local libraries, such as the Dauphin County Library System, through Pennsylvania’s EITC program. UGI’s support funded the library system’s Annual Summer Reading Challenge and the CreateLab (STEM programming) at the McCormick Riverfront Library.

The Summer Reading Challenge encouraged students to log their time reading, completing activities, and writing reviews during the summer months to prevent summer learning loss (also known as “summer slide”). Summer reading plays a crucial role in academic, intellectual, and personal development. It nurtures a love for reading, enhances language skills, broadens perspectives, and prepares students for academic success. Encouraging and supporting summer reading can have long-lasting positive effects on students’ overall educational journeys. The library had 1,348 people complete the challenge last summer for a total of 63,734 books read. The library system also hosted a Summer Reading Challenge Super Cool Book Parade where attendees had the opportunity to pick up books, activities, and snacks for free.

The newly designed CreateLab hosts zSpace laptops and accessories that provide augmented reality, which connects to a library of programs supporting emotional development, tech learning, adult education, and supplementary courses designed alongside the Pennsylvania state education curriculum. Increased access to supplemental educational opportunities is especially important in low-income, high-unemployment areas, such as Harrisburg, as these areas and the students who call them home are most at risk for cyclical poverty.

“The library extends its heartfelt gratitude for the generous UGI EITC Donation. This invaluable support allows us to sustain and enhance vital educational programs and opportunities tailored for underserved communities in Dauphin County,” says Charlie Miller, the Community Engagement Director at the Dauphin County Library System.

UGI Utilities is proud to support the Dauphin County Library System’s programming that aims to improve literacy and inspire future STEM professionals!

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