From the outside, the library looks very nice. Inside, it's a bit sloppy and loud. Very loud. Unsupervised children running throughout the main stacks while there is an empty dedicated children's area available. Seating/table space was hard to come by as many patrons, some clearly homeless, were using them as a place to sleep. By far the most difficult instance was a profoundly mentally ill young man. He was running back and forth through the library, running very near other patrons who were clearly startled and upset, yelling at his laptop. He did this next to the service desk and no one so much as raised an eye. I assumed he was a regular. The actual collection seemed pointed to a much younger demographic with board games, video game stations, videos, music, and large displays of graphic novels. If you are looking for older books or classics, you will be disappointed. As I was there to research a topic of historical Christianity, I was shocked at how little was available. If you fit the demographic, you will most likely be happy if the noise doesn't bother you. If you are middle aged and hoping to use the library for basic research, you will be better served somewhere else. I grew up using this library but am saddened to see what it has become. read more

Great library. The facility is nice; it's not brand new, but it feels welcoming. The librarians were so helpful and kind; they made getting a library card an easy, fun, and quick process. I'm looking forward to going to some of their activities and using the facilities. read more

1. Books 2. Magazines 3. Books on Tape 4. 100 year old National Gegraphics 5. Quiet Time 6. Reserve a Computer 7. Atlases 8. Dictionaries 9. Thesauruses 10. Free Internet Access Totally awesome.... what more could you want from a library? except no late fees? update: 3-9-08 also thinking back: i reserved a computer one time, and after using it only a few minutes i had to relinquish it to someone else who had also reserved it, i thought it was a joke. one big thing a lot of people have to keep in mind: the library uses a lot of volunteers, their budget and hours were severely cut back by the current pa governor a few years ago, and boy has it shown, they have re-opened to 7 days a week now, but in 2003 - 2004 they were open 5 and a half days a week, for many less hours. They operate on a tight budget. read more

DCLS - East Shore Area Library - east shore area library - Libraries Near Me - Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

The place is pretty decent size, there are area for kids, computers, and readers. A good place for kids, school projects even relaxing after work. The place is quiet and comfortable. The place is pretty close to Colonial Park Mall. Also there's an access from the mall parking lot to the library. A good place for everyone. Definitely would love to come back more often. read more

DCLS - East Shore Area Library - childrens area - Libraries Near Me - Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

See all

Obviously great because of the vast materials they have, but watch out for system glitches and missed check ins. I have had too many recent books that were missed when being checked in, which doesn't sit well when they supposedly incur late fees. Also I have encountered at least one glitch in their system. I had put a book on hold and sat for well over a month in the number 1 spot for that book while it continued to be checked in and then held for other people. As soon as I canceled that hold and created a new one, ending up in the 3rd spot, poof, the book is ready for me to pickup. I say that is one crazy glitch! Edit: 2/1/08 - it just keeps getting worse! I just got a book out that i have been dying to read and I get almost 100 pages into it and I have started to find a LOT of pages that are only about 1/4 printed! How is one to read a book when the page is blank? Don't they inspect stuff before them put it on the darn shelves??? read more

Haven't been to a public library in an embarrassingly long time. This is one is most local to me and has been upgraded just a bit since I was younger. Certain parts of the library are still very outdated though, like any piece of technology specially the computers. Things are generally where they say they are. I find it easy to navigate. They also have a self check out and a shelf where you pick up your books if you had them on hold or whatever. A good feature since you don't have to go wait in line, and ask a librarian to get them for you. The workers are generally pretty friendly but will not approach you unless you specifically ask for help. This has its upsides too, I suppose. read more

Something just seems "off" about this library to me. I can't put my finger on it, but I don't particularly like their setup (kinda makes me feel like I'm crammed in between shelves), and they never have the books I want. The waiting lists for books are long too. Thankfully there is that PA Access logo on the library card, so I can visit libraries elsewhere that have more resources. read more

What a boon having ESAL and the DCLS so easily available. I came from a small town with a small community library in the days before big library systems, so I am constantly impressed by the availability of all kinds of reading materials at ESAL, DCLS and via inter-library loan. Getting a book (or e-book) has never been easier. Staff is always friendly and eager to assist. I cannot imagine the amount of money the library has saved me! Always one of my favorite charities. read more

Best place ever. You can find free dvd's; request inter-library loans; reserve new books by going to their website; use the computer; make copies (a bit pricy)---I go there at least three times a week. Gorgeous building. Next to the Mall. What's not to love? read more

I am an older individual (age 72) and went to the Ethyl Street Library on December the 15 at 9:30 in the AM. I just wanted to sit and read in peace, even brought my own book. I have a Library Card. I wear a face shield because I have a American With Disabilities card and am not able to wear a face mask for any length of time (don't even get me started about how unsafe they are!!!). As far as I could see, there was NO ONE else in the library at the time, only those at the front desk. I was about to sit in the children's section ( NO ONE was there), when I read a sign that said I could only be in the library for an hour???? What do all these magic numbers have to do with COVID? The older women at the front desk sent a very young girl ( did not even look old enough to vote) with blonde pig tails to confront me. I was told that I could not stay unless I "put a mask on under my face shield!!!!!" She had a mask in her hand. I explained I could not do this due to my ADA condition. Her answer was, no exceptions. So I had to leave. My question is this: why are these people being paid to sit at a front desk when no one is utilizing these facilities. read more

I love this library. It is one of the smaller libraries I've been to in my lifetime, but they have a great selection of books. If the book you are looking for isn't there, it's most likely in one of the county's other libraries, and can arrive at East Shore within a week. The staff is helpful. There are plenty of desks and chairs. Being a 24 year old adult, I haven't ventured into the children's area, but from what I've seen, it is very nice. I enjoy visiting this library on my day off, grabbing a book, sitting in one of the chairs by the window, and reading the whole book in one (or 2) sitting. read more

This place has seen a lot of use, from the days of card catalogs to the new computer search systems. The staff is very helpful and attentive, and are willing to assist with almost any issue. If they don't have what you need, you can always get an interlibrary loan, or request that they purchase it. The staff is often so polite that if you're honest about things, you can get a fee reduced or waived... within reason, of course. The selection of magazines is okay, but obviously with budget cuts they can't cater to every demographic. The layout is nice and simple, and you can simply plug in a laptop at a table, or use the library's own computers. read more

The library was recently (about a year ago) remolded and the new arrangement and sight-lines looks great. They are also working on a new children's programming room in the down-stairs area - pretty cool! read more

the staff is always suer helpful and they have a great selection for adults and children. they also have a wide variety of programs for the community read more