Taylor Branch Coming to the Library

Pulitzer Prize winning author, Taylor Branch will be appear in a special evening called A Night Out @ the Library, on May 18th, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the Jarrettsville Branch. This special fundraising evening will support the HCPL Foundation who in turn support the library.

Mr Branch has authored several books and articles including the America in the King Years trilogy about the life and times of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the civil rights movement. “We are very fortunate to have an author of Taylor Branch’s caliber speak at Harford County Public Library,” said Kay Deitz, member of the HCPL Foundation Board of Directors. “I believe it speaks highly of our system to have a famous author excited to visit our library,” Ms. Deitz adds. Mr. Branch’s next book will be based on dozens of taped conversation with then-President Bill Clinton. The book, tentatively titled Wrestling History: The Bill Clinton Tapes, will be published in 2008 by Simon & Schuster.

Tickets can be purchased online for only $25.00 and students with a curren ID, may purchase tickets for $15.00. More information.

Downloadable Video

Well, it's here! We now have downloadable videos at the library. Recorded Books, known by many of you for their audio books, have put together a dynamic new product called My Library DV. We have partnered with this organization to offer downloadable videos to our customers at no charge to you. Please note, this product is strictly for HOME USE and does require a pretty fast connection - something like cable or DSL. The company will be adding new movies each month, but for now, their inventory includes some old classics, "How-Tos," Food, Health, Travel, Literature and other documentaries. We expect to see this service grow. Let us know what you think right here and leave a comment. Start downloading videos today!

Gaming at the Library

Did you know that over 90 million people are "gaming" in the United States? In case you're wondering, we're talking about all kinds of tech-based games from video games to online Sudoku or Solitaire to MPOG (multiple player online games). What's amazing is that these games are not just for teenagers anymore. In fact, the average age of today's "gamer" is early 30's. And the stereotype of gamers just being "guys" is also thrown out as more and more gals jump into the world of gaming. The library is part of this phenomenon... first of all, by offering video games in both the Playstation and Xbox formats, but also through a number gaming clubs, gaming nights, and gaming tournaments. Check out the Events Calendar using keyword: Gaming.

Book Sales, Book Sales, Book Sales

It's that time again... every spring, the Friends of Harford County sponsor their bi-annual book sales at various branches around the county. These sales include everything from donated books to magazines, dvd's, videos, puzzles, and games. Each branch usually collects donated items two to three weeks before the sale. Donations are tax deductible. For a list of book sales this spring, check our events page (type in the words "book sale" in our search box). Havre de Grace, Darlington, Bel Air, and Edgewood all have March sale dates.