HCPL Press Releases

(Belcamp, Maryland – May 15, 2013) Mary Hastler has been named to The Daily Record’s 2013 list of Maryland’s Top 100 Women.

The Daily Record’s annual list of Maryland’s Top 100 Women was created to recognize outstanding achievement by women who have demonstrated significant professional accomplishments, outstanding community leadership and inspiration mentoring.

Since 1996, The Daily Record has recognized more than 1,000 high-achieving women who are making an impact in Maryland. This year’s winners were honored at the Meyerhof Symphony Hall in Baltimore on May 6th.

“As Maryland’s Top 100 Women celebrates its 18th anniversary, all of us at The Daily Record continue to be proud and honored to present this important event that recognizes the many ways women contribute to a vibrant Maryland,” Daily Record Publisher Suzanne Fischer-Huettner said. “We commend all of our past winners and are proud to recognize our Top 100 Women of 2013.”

“We are proud to say that Mary Hastler has been named to the 2013 list of Maryland’s Top 100 Women,” stated Louise LeTendre, Harford County Public Library Board President. “Her commitment and dedication to the Library and the community is evidence of her leadership qualities. She continues to elevate the Library in Harford County to a new plateau by providing products and services that meet the needs and exceed the expectations of its customers. Congratulations Mary!”

This year, The Daily Record received more than 500 nominations solicited from economic development agencies, women’s organizations, chambers of commerce and the business community at large.

Nominees were asked to complete an application outlining their educational and career history, professional and community involvement, corporate and nonprofit board memberships and mentoring experience. They were encouraged to submit one letter of recommendation from someone who is familiar with their accomplishments professionally, in the community and through mentoring.

A panel of judges composed of business professionals and past Top 100 Women winners from throughout Maryland reviewed all of the applications, narrowing the list to select this year’s Top 100 Women. The process is comprehensive and includes multiple panels judging hundreds of worthy applicants to find the best Maryland has to offer. This year, 63 women are first-time recipients.

For more information about Maryland’s Top 100 Women and a complete list of winners visit www.thedailyrecord.com/marylands-top-100women/

About The Daily Record
For 125 years, The Daily Record Company has provided trusted legal and business information to Maryland readers. In addition to the daily newspaper published five days a week, The Daily Record publishes its website, TheDailyRecord.com; six blogs, On the Record, Eye on Annapolis, Maryland Business, Generation JD, Movers and Shakers and Small Biz Buzz; four e-newsletters, TDR Insider, Real Estate Weekly, TDR Auction Notices and Best Practices, and a variety of special publications on topics of interest to Maryland business and legal professionals.

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Photo caption #1: Mary Hastler, Harford County Public Library Director, is named to 2013 List of Maryland’s Top 100 Women.
Photo caption #2: The Daily Record Maryland’s Top 100 Women.

(Belcamp, Maryland – May 9, 2013) Professional and amateur regional photographers share their vision of A Nation Divided at the Harford County Public Library’s Juried Photography Exhibition now on display at the Jarrettsville Library through May 18, 2013. This is the second year for the annual photography show which celebrates National Library Week. A Nation Divided recognizes the Civil War 150th Anniversary theme at the Library this spring and serves as a companion exhibition to The Mask of Lincoln exhibition at the Bel Air Library and Divided Allegiance: The Booths of Tudor Hall on display at the Abingdon Library.

In all, 31 photographers submitted 196 entries to be considered. An initial committee selected 28 works by 19 photographers to be shown and judged. A panel of three judges – photographers Chris Holland and Nicki Jergensen, and the coordinator for the Harford County Cultural Arts Board, Natalie Weeks, walked the show to determine the place winners and two honorable mentions. When they were through with the blind judging, the 1st place prize of $250 went to Kevin Moore for Civil War Photographer; the $150 2nd place prize to Gino Amazia for Boy from the North Country; and, as happened last year, the 3rd place winner of $100 was a repeat – Kevin Moore for The Letter Home. The $50 Honorable Mention prizes went to Josh Berg for My Battle Cry, and Joshua Eller for The Bloody Lane.

A reception held on April 17th introduced the winners and allowed for photographers to talk about their work and converse with admirers. Special acknowledgements were made to Debbie Frantini of Fast Frames for doing a fabulous job on the framing; Jim’s Bottleworks for supplying beer and wine; and the Harford County Cultural Arts Board for supporting exhibition costs. All framed photographs are for sale during the course of the exhibition for $30. Proceeds benefit the Library.

Civil War 150 is a project of the Harford County Public Library with collaborations between Harford County Public Library and the Historical Society of Harford County, the Smithsonian Institution, Harford County Cultural Arts Board, the Maryland Music Conservatory, and the Junius B. Booth Society.

Harford County Public Library operates eleven branches located throughout Harford County, Maryland. The library serves over 175,000 registered borrowers of all ages and has an annual circulation of 4.5 million. Harford County Public Library is committed to connecting people with information and promoting the love of reading within the community.

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Photo caption #1: Guests view the many entries received for Harford County Public Library’s “A Nation Divided” photo exhibition that recognizes the Civil War 150th Anniversary theme at the Library this spring. In all, 31 photographers submitted 196 entries to the exhibition that is on display at the Jarrettsville Library through May 18.

Photo caption #2: Josh Berg, winner of an Honorable Mention prize, poses with his award-winning submission titled “My Battle Cry” during the reception for Harford County Public Library’s “A Nation Divided” photo exhibition.

(Belcamp, Maryland – May 3, 2013) The Harford County Public Library Foundation hosted a crowd of nearly 200 guests on Friday, April 19th for their annual A Night Out @ the Library fundraiser. Attendees enjoyed lite fare, cocktails and the opportunity to hear and meet renowned military history author Jeff Shaara.

“It was a phenomenal evening!” said Kay Deitz, local realtor with Garceau Realty and a sponsor of the event. “Mr. Shaara is able to present history in a way that the general public can enjoy and relate to. I found him fascinating.”

Shaara’s novels about the Civil War, the American Revolution, and World Wars I & II have been met with acclaim. He was approached to write his first book, Gods and Generals, after the death of his father, Michael Shaara, author of the Pulitzer Prize winning The Killer Angels. Gods and Generals was a prequel to his father’s work and remained on the New York Times bestseller list for 15 weeks. Over the last decade, Shaara has written 11 historical war novels that have made the New York Times bestseller list.

“We were honored to host Mr. Shaara for our annual A Night Out @ the Library event,” said Amber C. Shrodes, Director of the Harford County Public Library Foundation. “His extensive knowledge, easy demeanor, and enthusiasm for the subject were inspiring. He is a master storyteller.”

Shaara shared stories about growing up, his father, and his unique journey that led him to a career in writing. In addition, he discussed his new series, which marks a return to the Civil War. The first volume, A Blaze of Glory, was released in May 2012, and made its debut at #7 on the New York Times bestseller list. The book recounts the Battle of Shiloh and was released to coincide with the 150th anniversary year of that momentous event.

“I read Jeff Shaara’s father’s book Killer Angels thirty years ago and I thought his presentation tonight was fantastic,” stated Ray VanPelt, an attendee and retired army officer. “I have gained a great appreciation of the writing process. Mr. Shaara is a humble man and it was nice to see him continuing the legacy of his father.”

According to Dave Patzer, Harford County Public Library Foundation President, the event had tremendous support from local sponsors. The event sponsors included MediaWise, Inc., the Kelly Group, Kay Deitz/Garceau Realty, the Aegis, Harford’s Heart, Two Brothers Moving, the Jarrettsville Friends, COPT, PNC Bank, Pamela Kaste, the Kinsley Foundation, Mary and Mark Hastler, Lynne and Mark Degen, Mathew and Beth Hendrix, the Carroll Men’s Club, Kathy and Robert Wajer, Aberdeen Proving Ground Federal Credit Union, the Bel Air Friends, Mark Welsh/BB&T Bank, Jarrettsville Creamery and Deli, BottleWorks, Coffee Coffee, and WOLO Food Truck and Catering. Proceeds support a vast array of initiatives, including the Library’s early literacy program, the annual summer reading program, and Little Leapers – a new STEM initiative.

Prior to the A Night Out @ the Library event, Shaara attended a luncheon hosted by David Craig, County Executive, and Mary Hastler, Library Director, at Tudor Hall the childhood home of John Wilkes Booth. Curtis and Kimberly Coon won the luncheon at the Library’s Annual Gala last November. Representatives from the Spirits of Tudor Hall and Harford County Historical Society were on hand to lead tours of the estate and serve as docents to Divided Allegiance: The Booths of Tudor Hall exhibition, which goes on display at the Abingdon Library May 4th. The lunch was graciously catered by WOLO Food Truck.

Shaara’s next three works will feature Vicksburg and the final campaigns of Sherman through the end of the war in the Carolinas. These volumes will be released in 2013, 2014 and 2015 respectively. A Chain of Thunder is due for release next month.

Harford County Public Library operates 11 branches throughout Harford County, Maryland. The library serves more than 175,000 registered borrowers of all ages and has an annual circulation of 4.5 million. Harford County Public Library is committed to connecting people with information and promoting a love of reading within the community.

The Harford County Public Library Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable organization established to raise funds to augment the financial resources of the Library and to promote awareness of Library services. More information may be found at hcplonline.org.
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Photo caption #1: Author Jeff Shaara appeared at the Jarrettsville Library for the annual A Night Out @ the Library on April 19th. Photo credit J. Thomas Photography.

Photo caption #2: A crowd of nearly 200 guests gathered at the Jarrettsville Library on April 19th to hear author Jeff Shaara speak at the Library’s annual A Night Out @ the Library event. Photo credit J. Thomas Photography.

Photo caption #3: Members of The Kelly Group, a supporting sponsor of the event, pose with author Jeff Shaara (center). Photo credit J. Thomas Photography.

(Belcamp, Maryland – April 26, 2013) Little Leapers was unveiled to an excited crowd of children and caregivers along with program sponsors and library staff on March 27th at the Bel Air Library. Over 80 people were in attendance including 30 children to see the new kits and have the opportunity to participate in several experiments put on by local scientists. Little Leapers is Harford County Public Library’s newest early literacy initiative which consists of pre- and early-literacy kits that focus on fostering and developing pre- and early literacy skills through STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). Targeted for children ages birth to 5 years, these kits are now available system-wide from Harford County Public Library.

The launch event included a science fair with scientists Amy Groth and Mindy Soethe from Aberdeen Proving Ground Safety Office and Rob Lieb with NMTC who did experiments for the children and on-looking adults! The Little Leaper kits were also on display and library staff engaged with the children in play. Media coverage of the event included several Baltimore television stations plus local radio station WAMD broadcasted live from the event.

“Since the day we launched the Little Leapers initiative there has been an outstanding demand for the kits!” stated Library Director, Mary Hastler. “We are thrilled to see the response from the community, both from our customers and from our valued sponsors. This support recognizes the importance these kits have in teaching our youngest children the concepts of math and science while building their early literacy skills,” further explained Hastler.

These unique kits were designed by Harford County Public Library librarians, and contain age-appropriate books, toys, and games along with instructions on how children and their families can use them. Ten kits have been developed and include “I am a Chemist,” “I am a Marine Biologist,” “I am an Entomologist,” “I am a Botanist,” “I am an Architect,” and “I am a Paleontologist.” Four kits were specifically designed for infants and include “Me and My World,” “Shapes, Colors & Counting,” “My Senses,” and “Baby Animals.”

Support from the Harford County Public Library Foundation was crucial in launching this unique product for Harford County residents. “The Foundation was thrilled to help bring this groundbreaking initiative to fruition,” said David Patzer, Harford County Public Library Foundation President and a supporting sponsor of the program. “We are fortunate to have an innovative and vibrant library system in Harford County, and equally blessed to have community partners that support it so passionately.”

Title sponsor, Celebree Learning Centers, is honored to be a key contributor to the Little Leapers initiative. “It is amazing to have found a community partner who advocates for preschool education. The groundbreaking pre-literacy focus of Little Leapers aligns with Celebree’s values and those values extend beyond the walls of our childcare and preschool buildings into the greater community,” stated Richard Huffman, CEO of Celebree. “Our partnership with Harford County Public Library has given us an avenue to contribute to the community in such an impactful way. We value our libraries and look forward to the opportunity to work together on many future initiatives. We love the library!”

Supporting sponsors of Little Leapers include SAIC, M&T Bank and Hart to Heart Transportation.

More than 100 Little Leapers kits are available at the Harford County Public Library branches. The loan period for the kits is seven days. Customers can also go online to reserve kits and have them sent to their branch of choice to pick up. For more information contact your local library branch or go online to HCPLonline.org/kids/.

Harford County Public Library operates 11 branches located throughout Harford County. The library serves more than 176,000 registered borrowers of all ages and has an annual circulation of more than 4.5 million. Harford County Public Library is committed to connecting people with information and promoting the love of reading within the community.

The Harford County Public Library Foundation is a 501© 3 charitable organization established to raise funds to augment the financial resources of the Library and to promote awareness of Library services. For more information call 410 273 5601 x2283.
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Photo caption #1: Children participated in experiments put on by local scientists at the launch of Little Leapers, pre- and early-literacy kits that focus on STEM education and targeted for children ages birth to 5 years.
Photo caption #2: Children pose with Tales, the Library mascot and Squiggles, Celebree’s mascot along with Library Director, Mary Hastler, Richard Huffman, Celebree CEO, and Amber Shrodes, Library Foundation Director, for the launch of Little Leapers at Bel Air Library on March 27th.

(Belcamp, Maryland – April 22, 2013) Members of the Korean War Veterans Association, Maryland #33 in Baltimore, presented Harford County Public Library with a donation of $1,000 to bring a Korean War exhibition and related programming to the Library this summer in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the close of the war. Events to commemorate the Korean War include a moving photo exhibition, a veterans panel discussion, book groups and a historical look back at the era.

“The Library is honored to be commemorating such an important part of our country’s history,” said Mary Hastler, Library Director. “We are very appreciative of the commitment of the Members of the Korean War Veterans Association, Maryland #33 in Baltimore, in sharing their stories with our community.”

A photo exhibition, GIs and the Kids, tells the story of how American soldiers helped save the lives of thousands of orphaned Korean children during the war. The exhibition will be at the Bel Air Library from June 21 through July 27 during Library hours. A veterans panel discussion will take place at the Bel Air Library on Saturday, June 22 at 3:00 pm with memories and observations from those who lived and fought through “The Forgotten War.”

Harford book groups will be reading and discussing Home by Toni Morrison, the story of 24-year-old Korean War veteran Frank Money as he embarks on a reluctant journey home. Book discussions will be held at the Bel Air Library on Thursday, July 18 at 6:30 pm or Friday, July 26 at the Aberdeen Senior Center at 10:30 am.

Other programs include Historian Mike Dixon’s “Duck and Cover: Remembering the Days of Sputnik, Conalrad and Fallout Shelters,” a nostalgic look at old emergency procedures, films and signage that were standard in schools and public buildings during the days of the Cold War; a memorial wreath laying at the Bel Air Veteran’s Memorial; and an author discussion. For more information on related programs, visit HCPLonline.org.

Harford County Public Library operates 11 branches located throughout Harford County. The library serves more than 176,000 registered borrowers of all ages and has an annual circulation of more than 4.5 million. Harford County Public Library is committed to connecting people with information and promoting the love of reading within the community.

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Photo caption: Members of the Korean War Veterans Association, Maryland #33 in Baltimore, presented Harford County Public Library with a donation of $1,000 to bring a Korean War exhibition and related programming to the Library this summer. Left to right: Samuel Fielder; Robert Banker; Mary Hastler, Library Director; Commander Charles Reed, Jr.; Earl House; Louise LeTendre, Library Board of Trustees Chairperson; Jack Cloman; Sam DeFazio.

(Belcamp, Maryland – April 16, 2013) Harford County Public Library rolled out the red carpet for teens and their families at the Abingdon Library in March at a special screening and awards ceremony for the teen Film This! Book Trailers contest. Throughout the winter months, teens created and submitted short videos showcasing a favorite book, similar to a movie trailer. At the premiere, the finalist videos were viewed and the winners announced.

Peter Stauffer was awarded first place for his Chasing the Falconers book trailer. The Dietz family including Emily, Sarah, Allison and Grace won second place for their trailer promoting the book Do Hard Things. Delaney Allen won third place for her book trailer promoting The Goddess Test. A Fan Favorite award was given to Michael Tilley, Andrew Clarke and Logan Hennlien who made a trailer for Green Eggs and Ham. All entries can be viewed by searching “HCPL Film This 2013″ on YouTube.

Harford County Public Library operates 11 branches located throughout Harford County. The library serves more than 176,000 registered borrowers of all ages and has an annual circulation of more than 4.5 million. Harford County Public Library is committed to connecting people with information and promoting the love of reading within the community.

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Photo caption: Winners from the teen “Film This! Book Trailers” contest proudly display their trophies. Included are Peter Stauffer who won first place for his “Chasing the Falconers” video; Emily, Sarah, Allison and Grace Dietz who won second place for their “Do Hard Things” video; Delaney Allen who won third place for her “The Goddess Test” video and the Fan Favorite winners Michael Tilley, Andrew Clarke and Logan Hennlien who made a video for “Green Eggs and Ham.”

(Belcamp, Maryland – April 15, 2013) Stories from one of American history’s most revered women, Clara Barton, filled the Fallston Library on April 11. With over 50 in attendance, Mary Ann Jung portrayed Barton during a living history presentation that spanned Barton’s brave life as a teacher, government worker, Civil War nurse and eventual founder of the American Red Cross.

Through enthralling stories and interaction from the audience, Jung was able to portray Barton’s independent spirit and perseverance despite meeting much opposition throughout her life. Jung shared with the audience that of all the historical women that she portrays, Barton is her favorite character to perform and the one she wants to be remembered by.

“Through her living history presentation, Jung communicated so clearly what the life of Clara Barton was like and seamlessly drew her audience into this heroic woman’s emotional experiences on the battlefields during the Civil War,” commented Joyce Wemer, Fallston Library Branch Manager. “It was truly an amazing and captivating performance.”

The program was one of many happening this spring at Harford County Public Library to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg and the American Civil War. Civil War 150, a series of events and exhibitions that explore this tumultuous time in American history, runs through June. Visit HCPLonline.org for more information and related programming.

Harford County Public Library operates 11 branches located throughout Harford County. The library serves more than 176,000 registered borrowers of all ages and has an annual circulation of more than 4.5 million. Harford County Public Library is committed to connecting people with information and promoting the love of reading within the community.

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Photo caption #1: Mary Ann Jung portrayed Clara Barton at the Fallston Library on April 11, 2013 during a Living History Presentation. The program is one of many happening this spring at Harford libraries to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War.

(Belcamp, Maryland – April 12, 2013) Utilizing local experts to help the business community navigate current issues, Harford County Public Library presented Game Changers: Health Care Reform on March 28 to business professionals at the Abingdon Library. Paul Brooks, Vice President, and Keith Creamer, Corporate Benefits Consultant, of Brooks Financial Group lead the group through the maze of Health Care Reform by exploring some of the widespread myths and misconceptions.

More than two dozen business owners and human resource professionals from a variety of fields including finance, real estate, service industry and health care attended the program to find answers to their concerns related to the changes in health care. The program was sponsored by Shaffer, McLauchlin & Stover, LLC and moderated by Betsy Campion of Campion Insurance.

For future Game Changers programs, visit HCPLonline.org.

Harford County Public Library operates 11 branches located throughout Harford County. The library serves more than 176,000 registered borrowers of all ages and has an annual circulation of more than 4.5 million. Harford County Public Library is committed to connecting people with information and promoting the love of reading within the community.

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Photo caption #1: Business professionals attended the “Game Changers: Health Care Reform” program at the Abingdon Library on March 28. Pictured left to right: Paul Brooks, Vice President, Brooks Financial Group; Mary Hastler, Director, Harford County Public Library; Betsy Campion, President, Campion Insurance; Keith Creamer, Corporate Benefits Consultant, Brooks Financial Group.

(Belcamp, Maryland – April 5, 2013) Thirty-four local authors attended Harford County Public Library’s first Local Authors Day on March 24th. In just two hours approximately 70 customers visited with the diverse range of authors to chat about their work, get advice and purchase their books. “I don’t even read that much but this was great!” exclaimed one customer.

Bethany Hacker, Community Relation’s Specialist, who coordinated the event commented, “I just thought it would be a good venue for authors to be able to network and meet with the public…a kind of celebrity sports signing event but for readers!”

All types of books were represented from children’s to adult romance; true crime to teen fantasy. The Library plans to do more local author days and has already received calls from other authors who want to attend the next time. “What a great thing for the library to do for us (local authors). Getting to meet with other authors and readers was so much fun!” commented one author.

Harford County Public Library operates eleven branches located throughout Harford County, Maryland. The library serves over 175,000 registered borrowers of all ages and has an annual circulation of 4.5 million. Harford County Public Library is committed to connecting people with information and promoting the love of reading within the community.

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Photo caption 1: Customers mingle with local authors at Harford County Public Library’s first Local Authors Day.

Photo caption 2&3: Local authors show off their work. Included are Karin Harrison author of “Herrman’s Ruhe” and Becky Titelman author of the “Wonky Witch” series.

(Belcamp, Maryland – April 2, 2013) To commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg and the American Civil War, Harford County Public Library is hosting Civil War 150, a series of events including visits from bestselling authors of books about the Civil War, book discussion groups, a special musical performance and enthralling exhibitions that explore this tumultuous time in American history. Visit Harford County library branches now through June to experience the commemoration of the Civil War.

A Nation Divided: Juried Photography Exhibition takes place at the Jarrettsville Library from April 18-May 18, where 20 local amateur and professional photographers interpret the theme through their work. Thirty-two photographs are included in this juried exhibition. The Bel Air Library will host an exhibition titled The Mask of Lincoln: Photography and the Making of a President from April 27-June 15, exploring how Lincoln was able to rise above his humble beginnings through the art of photography. This exhibition is made possible by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service and the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Foundation. The Abingdon Library will host an exhibition highlighting Harford County’s claim to Civil War infamy through Divided Allegiance: The Booths of Tudor Hall from May 4-June 8. There is perhaps no better example of “a house divided” than this exhibition which explores the unique and dysfunctional Booth family.

In conjunction with the exhibitions, speakers and authors will visit Harford County to talk about various aspects of the Civil War. Baltimore historian Jeff Korman will expand on the “Life and Mysterious Death of John Wilkes Booth” at the Edgewood Library on April 29 at 6:30 pm. For fiction fans, author William Martin of The Lincoln Letter and other Peter Fallon mysteries will visit the Bel Air Library on May 11 at 7:00 pm. A book discussion of The Lincoln Letter will take place on May 26 at 1:00 pm at the McFaul Center. Author Dan Toomey writes on railroad history and will discuss his newest title, The War Came By Train, on June 13 at 6:30 pm at the Abingdon Library.

This year’s A Night Out @ The Library guest has also written many books related to the Civil War. On April 19, New York Times bestselling author Jeff Shaara will discuss his recent novel A Blaze of Glory. Tickets for A Night Out @ The Library are $55, available at HCPLonline.org or by calling (410)273-5600. A book discussion of another Shaara book, Gods and Generals, will take place at the Jarrettsville Library on April 10 at 6:30 pm. A Blaze of Glory will be discussed at the Bel Air Library on April 18 at 6:30 pm.

To round out the Civil War experience, enjoy a truly unique program – a role play concert conceived and performed by Dr. Duke Thompson, Director of the Maryland Conservatory of Music. Portraying Lincoln, the concert pianist plays the popular songs of the day and discusses his attachment to music and the theatre. A reception, hosted by General and Mrs. Grant, begins at the Havre de Grace Library on June 1 at 6:30 pm and the concert begins at St. John’s Church next door to the library at 7:00 pm.

Registration for all programs and author events is suggested and can be made by calling the branch hosting the program. The events of Harford County Public Library’s Civil War 150 are presented, in part, with support from the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Foundation, the Gilder Lehrman Institute, the Bel Air Friends of Harford County Public Library, the Harford County Cultural Arts Board, the Junius Booth Society, Inc., and the Historical Society of Harford County.

Harford County Public Library operates 11 branches located throughout Harford County. The library serves more than 176,000 registered borrowers of all ages and has an annual circulation of more than 4.5 million. Harford County Public Library is committed to connecting people with information and promoting the love of reading within the community.

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Photo caption: Civil War 150 series at Harford County Public Library includes visits from bestselling authors of books about the Civil War, book discussion groups, a special musical performance and exhibitions.