HCPL Press Releases

(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.

(Belcamp, Maryland – March 21, 2013) So much writing talent, so little space! The Bel Air Library will be brimming with local authors on Sunday, March 24th from 2 to 4 pm for the Harford County Public Library Local Author’s Day. Nearly three dozen authors will be participating, ready to talk books, give advice and tips, and sell their works. All types of books are represented in this talented group, from children’s to adult romance; true crime to teen fantasy. Meet your favorite and get some local stories to put in your Easter baskets!

This event is free and open to the public. For more information please go to hcplonline.org or contact the Bel Air Library at 410 638 3151.

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.

(Belcamp, Maryland – March 18, 2013) Harford County Public Library employees added creativity to their participation in the Harford County Government’s “Harvest for the Hungry” food collection campaign which ran March 1-8. The Library held a contest for Library employees only for the most creative food collection themes and displays. Library retirees Susan Burdette and Ruby Corum judged the displays at all of the Library branches and the Administrative Office. Taking first place was the Bel Air Library’s Children Department with their “LMNO Peas” display. The Technical Services Department of the Administrative Office won second place with their theme of the “The Fairy Food Mothers” and the Norrisville Library took third place with a creative display with a “Pantry Picnic” theme. Overall, Harford County Public Library collected 1,810 pounds of food to be donated to the Harford Community Action Agency which provides food for those in need.

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: The Children’s Department of the Bel Air Library took first place in the Library’s competition for creative food collection displays while participating in Harford County Government’s recent “Harvest for the Hungry” campaign.

(Belcamp, Maryland – March 15, 2013) Harford County Public Library is pleased to introduce hoopla! Customers can now borrow thousands of movies, television shows, music albums and audiobooks right from a smartphone, tablet, laptop or computer. With an HCPL library card, hoopla makes downloading and watching movies, television shows, and more easy, and it’s free.

Harford County Public Library is one of seven national libraries to Beta test hoopla and provide critical feedback to hoopla’s vendor, Midwest Tapes, before it is made available nationwide. Harford County Public Library staff has been testing hoopla and now it is time for Library customers to test it, too!

“hoopla is terrific addition to the Library’s array of downloadable products and it is significant that our customers will now be part of the developmental piece of this new service,” explained Mary Hastler, Library Director.

Library card holders will be to electronically borrow movies, TV episodes and music albums and watch with any compatible device. Unlike other streaming audio and video services, customers do not pay a monthly subscription fee making hoopla the first app of its kind for public libraries. The app is designed for users of all ages and skill levels, and is as easy to navigate as the library shelves. Best of all, with mobile devices, hoopla allows you to take the library with you wherever you go!

When the testing period is over and hoopla is fully launched later this summer, customers will enjoy access to over 300,000 movies, videos and music albums!

hoopla was designed and published by Midwest Tape, LLC. Midwest Tape has been a leader in library media service for over 25 years.

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Photo caption #1: hoopla, digital movies and more available now through Harford County Public Library.

(Belcamp, Maryland – March 15, 2013) Harford County Public Library hosted two authors in recent weeks, drawing excited crowds to the Bel Air and Abingdon Libraries!

Best-selling author Christopher Tilghman, spoke to over 50 guests about his latest novel, The Right-Hand Shore, at the Bel Air Library on March 3rd. Raised primarily in New England, Tilghman’s life has always revolved around his family’s farm on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. The Right-Hand Shore, a sequel to his book Mason’s Retreat, tells the multigenerational story of a farm on the Eastern Shore modeled after his own. The audience included two women that had lived on the farm in the 1930s. Thrilled to meet and speak with Tilghman, they commented that library events such as these are what make a community.

Christopher Tilghman’s program kicked off Harford County Public Library’s Civil War 150 events. Civil War 150 is a special programming initiative which features authors, speakers, and exhibitions dealing with one of the darkest and most transformative periods in American History. Programs will take place March through June in various branches throughout the county. Please go to HCPLonline.org for complete details or visit your local library branch.

Ken Lang, a former Baltimore area homicide detective turned award-winning author, shared his experiences investigating some of the most intriguing and gruesome murder investigations as detailed in his books to over 45 guests at the Abingdon Library on March 10. In his presentation, Homicide: One Detective’s Story, Lang captured the extremes of working as a homicide detective in a busy metropolitan area and shared with the audience actual cases that are featured in his books. Lang’s first book, Walking Among the Dead, published in 2011, lead to him being named one of “50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading,” by the Author’s Show. Lang has since completed two sequel books: Standing In Death’s Shadow and Death Comes Uninvited.

A book signing by both authors followed their presentations.

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: Christopher Tilghman at the Bel Air Library on March 3, 2013 signs books with family that lived on his family’s farm in the 1930s.

Photo caption #2: Ken Lang speaks to audience at the Abingdon Library on March 10, 2013

(Belcamp, Maryland – March 5, 2013) Harford County Public Library is excited to announce the launch of its newest early literacy initiative, Little Leapers, pre- and early-literacy kits that focus on fostering and developing pre- and early literacy skills through STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) topics. Targeted for children ages birth to 5 years, these kits will be unveiled at the Bel Air Library on Wednesday, March 27.
“Little Leapers will aid with reading readiness, preparing our county’s children for school and introducing STEM at an early age to nurture life-long interest,” stated Mary Hastler, Library Director.

Designed by Harford County Public Library librarians, the Little Leapers kits contain age-appropriate books, toys, games and instructions on how children and their families can use them. A total of 10 different 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 developed for infants and focus on the world of colors, shapes, numbers, senses, baby animals and learning “all about me.”

Richard Huffman, CEO of Celebree and the title sponsor of the Little Leapers program, has been a longtime supporter of Harford County Public Library and values how the Library and Celebree complement the work each does with early childhood education and literacy. “Celebree focuses on early childhood education and Harford County Public Library reinforces our work with solid, age-appropriate programs for young children,” stated Huffman of Celebree. “Little Leapers is a great way for us to partner with an organization that offers so many fun, yet educational, programs for young people in our community.” Supporting sponsors of Little Leapers include SAIC, M&T Bank and Hart to Heart Transportation.

The public is invited to join in on the unveiling activities on March 27th starting at 8:30 am. Activities will include a story time, kit demonstrations, and a visit by a local scientist and an appearance by Tales, the Library mascot. Please call 410 273 5600 to register. More than 100 Little Leapers kits will be available to check out at the Library branches after the launch. The loan period for the kits is seven days.

Little Leapers is an extension of the Library’s successful LEAP: Science is Fun! Program that was launched in 2007, targeted toward third to eighth grade children. The interactive LEAP kits are curriculum-based and age-appropriate with fun, do-it-yourself activities designed for families to explore and play at home. Topics include “Build a Car; Forces, Energy, and Motion,” “Human Skelton” and “Mindstorm Robots.” The findings of a survey given to children who use LEAP kits and program materials found that:

• 89% replied that LEAP programs helped them decide to consider a possible career in science
• 91% reported that LEAP kits and materials helped them learn to pay more attention to science in the world around them
• 60% said they wanted to read more books about science
• 95% reported that the LEAP kits and materials helped them to be more interested in science all or most of the time

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: Little Leapers, pre- and early-literacy kits that focus on STEM education and targeted for children ages birth to 5 years, will be unveiled at the Bel Air Library on Wednesday, March 27.