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It's hard to believe, but Harford County Public Library is celebrating 60 years of service. Some of you may even remember some of our milestones: the Bel Air Branch opens its doors in 1946; Darlington open in 1948; Aberdeen opens in 1952; Roenna Fahrney becomes the first Library Director in 1957; Havre de Grace branch opens in 1960; Joppa Branch and Whiteford branches open in 1980; our first automated circulation system is installed in 1981; the combined Fallston/Jarrettsville branch opens in 1984; our Administrative Office opens in Riverside in 1989; the library has a presence on the Internet in 1997; Bel Air Branch is renovated in 1998; Abingdon opens in 2004; and most recently, in 2006, Jarrettsville Branch opens. Isn't it amazing?

Our annual gala event called Harford Sparkles: An evening in the stacks is already getting a lot of attention. Tickets went on sale the first of the month and sales are brisk. If you enjoyed last year's event, then get your tickets early. We're also celebrating our 60th anniversary this year, so join the fun and order your tickets today.

McGruff the Crime Dog is just one of the many programs still running at the library in tandem with the Summer Reading Program. We have had an overwhelming response to our program this summer and we would like to thank you... our customers and reads... for making these programs such a success. Come out and see McGruff ... for a detailed scheduled, check our online events calendar. Maybe you'll catch a glimpse of Tales, the library dog too!

Don’t miss two special cultural arts programs presented to celebrate the 43rd Annual Havre de Grace Art Show.

The first is a presentation of the life of Frida Kahlo, the 20th century Mexican painter. Dressed as Kahlo, Colleen Webster, Professor of English Humanistic Studies at HCC will draw you into the fascinating life of this emotional and charismatic woman. This program is suggested for high school students and adults and will be held at the Havre de Grace Branch on Thursday, August 10 at 7:00 pm.

On Monday, August 17 at 6:30 pm at the Havre de Grace Branch, local bronze and clay artist Teresa Yost Bennett will discuss the process of creating a bronze sculptor from concept to foundry. Ms. Bennett’s work are part of public and private collections.

Both programs are provided by the Soroptimist International of Havre de Grace.

The dates for the Havre de Grace Art Show are August 19 & 20, 10 am to 5 pm in Tydings Memorial Park.