Hot Topics Blog

Full access to your library account is now available directly in our iPhone app, HCPL Mobile. Enter your library card number and PIN, and you can see your items out, requests, My List items, fines and fees, and profile information. More information: hcplonline.info/hcplmobile.

Already installed HCPL Mobile to your phone’s home screen? You will automatically access the new version when you next open the app.

Winds & Words of War
Posters & Prints from the San Antonio Public Library

This collection of 40 original images from WWI will be on display at the Bel Air & Jarrettsville Branches of Harford County Public Library from March 20 - May 31, 2010. This wonderful exhibit features artwork not seen in public since 1933. This is your opportunity to see some great illustrations and glimpse a bit of American history.

PREVIEW PARTY:
The Bel Air location will host a preview party offering guests the chance to see the exhibit before it opens to the public.

Friday, March 19
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
$20 ticket price
($15 of your ticket price is a tax-deductible donation to the HCPL Foundation)
Includes appetizers by Carried Away Gourmet and beverages by Bottleworks

Are you curious about who Maryland’s Poet Laureate is and what he does in his official capacity? The Humanities Department of the Enoch Pratt Free Library/State Library Resource Center has put together a great new guide explaining what a Poet Laureate does and who is currently filling the position. You can find it here: http://www.prattlibrary.org/locations/humanities/index.aspx?id=42722

Maximizing Library Resources - A Strategic Plan for Harford County Public Library is now available online: http://www.hcplonline.info/about/facts/strategicplan/

The State Library Resource Center, located at the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore, put together a list of fun and informative resources about the Olympics: http://www.prattlibrary.org/locations/bst/index.aspx?id=26536

Health and safety information, weather forecasts, and instructions on building snow forts. Stay safe and enjoy the snow!

http://delicious.com/AskUsNow/Blizzard2010

By now you’ve probably seen our new website, but did you know that we also launched an iPhone app? We’re proud to be one of the first libraries in the country to offer our customers a mobile app, with quick access to some of the library’s most used online content, as well as branch hours, directions, and contact information.

To view and install the HCPL Mobile app, just point your phone’s browser to hcplonline.info. The app is designed to work with the iPhone and iPod Touch, as well as Android and webOS devices. For more information, and to watch a quick demo video, please see hcplonline.info/hcplmobile.

A massive earthquake struck Haiti on January 12th. The New York Times reports “the quake was the worst in the region in more than 200 years.”

Maryland AskUsNow! put together an online resource guide for those looking for more information. Please see the Haiti Earthquake Resources page on the AskUsNow! website.

Labels: Haiti

The following information was received by Harford County Public Library from the office of President Barack Obama regarding the recent earthquake in Haiti:

On Tuesday, a catastrophic earthquake struck near Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, but the death toll -- already in the thousands -- is climbing fast.

This is the worst earthquake to hit the area in more than 200 years. Entire communities have been ripped apart and as many as 3 million people have been directly affected, including tens of thousands of American citizens who are in Haiti.

Our neighbors in Haiti are racing to confront the enormous devastation -- and this community can help.

Click here for more information about essential relief efforts and ways
you can help today.

Footage is pouring in of homes collapsing, Haitians carrying injured family members, and hospitals being overrun in what was already the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere.

I have directed my administration to respond with a swift, coordinated, and aggressive effort to save lives. Personnel from the United States and our partners in the international community are on the ground in damaged areas right now, working side by side with the Haitian people. They’re providing much-needed food, water, and sanitation supplies, saving lives and helping local communities start to rebuild.

Despite the fact that we are experiencing tough times here at home, I encourage those who can to reach out and help. It’s in times like these that we must show the kind of compassion and humanity that has defined the best of our national character for generations.

Click here to find out what you can do.

As this story continues to unfold, I hope you will continue to keep the people of Haiti in your thoughts and prayers, as well as the many Haitian-Americans who have done so much to enrich our country and who are worried about friends and loved ones in this time of need.

Thank you,
President Barack Obama

Labels: Haiti

The following information was received by Harford County Public Library from The Department of Homeland Security regarding the recent earthquake in Haiti:

The Department of Homeland Security continues to support the worldwide relief effort underway in Haiti in every way we can. The first 48 hours have focused on saving lives and supporting recovery, but we know that several of you are pooling resources and supplies in your own communities.

The following information can be distributed in order to provide your constituency with the necessary information on how they can assist in this tragedy.

The State Department Operations Center has set up the following number for Americans seeking information about family members in Haiti: 1-888-407-4747.

If you personally are looking for way to help, the most effective way to support the individuals and families of Haiti is through cash donations. Monetary contributions from individual Americans are the best way to immediately support the efforts of relief workers from around the world who are working around-the-clock to help save lives in Haiti-and will help sustain these efforts over the long-term. Contribute to the relief effort online at the American Red Cross or donate $10 by charging it to your cell phone bill by texting “HAITI” to “90999.” Small organizations and individuals can donate via the Center for International Disaster Information (CIDI).

DHS encourages every American to participate in this response effort by providing support to those in need. You can visit USAID and White House for additional information regarding help for Haiti.

For State, local and Tribal governments looking to provide resources or capabilities should send an email to helphaiti@state.gov, and indicate in the subject line what resources are being offered, e.g., “Donation of XXXX.”

As always, please do not hesitate to contact DHS IGA if you have any questions.

Thank you,
Office of Intergovernmental Affairs
DHS.IGA@dhs.gov
(202) 282-9310

Labels: Haiti