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Audra Caplan, Director of the Harford County Public Library, has been elected vice-president/president-elect of the Public Library Association (PLA). Caplan will become PLA president-elect in July 2009 and will assume the PLA presidency in July 2010 for a one-year term.

“I am extremely honored to represent this extraordinary organization in this position. I am looking forward to working with the membership and developing partnerships with colleagues across the association as we face the challenges ahead.� said Audra Caplan.

The Public Library Association (PLA), with more than 11,000 members is one of the fastest growing divisions of the American Library Association (ALA), the oldest and largest library association in the world. PLA’s core purpose is to strengthen public libraries and their contribution to the communities they serve.

Founded in 1944, PLA is a member-driven organization that exists to provide a diverse program of communication, publication, advocacy, continuing education, and programming for its members and others interested in the advancement of public library service.

We are very proud of Audra's achievement and we know she will be a dynamic and outstanding leader in the challenging times ahead.

Labels: Audra Caplan, Harford County, libraries, Maryland, public libraries

To assist in keeping Harford County citizens and employees informed about the H1N1 flu, the following information has been posted to the Harford County Government website:

Harford County Opens Call Center for Flu Questions (click here)

Harford County Health Dept. Announces Probable H1N1 Flu Case (click here)

In addition, the Harford County Health Department has posted useful links and information on their website. It is available here.

Residents can call 1-877-MDFLU4U (633-5848) Seven days a week

ANNAPOLIS, MD (May 1, 2009) - Governor Martin O’Malley and the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) announced today that 1-877-MDFLU4U (633-5848) has been activated as a statewide toll free information line to answers questions residents may have about the swine flu outbreak.

The service will operate between the hours of 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. Monday – Friday and 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. In addition, DHMH will accept swine flu questions by email at swineflu@dhmh.state.md.us.

“It is of paramount importance to ensure information is available in as many ways as possible,� Governor O’Malley said. “This information line – 1-877-MDFLU4U (633-5848) – and the email option are more tools to help answer questions our residents may have about this new flu. Information remains available on the Internet at www.maryland.gov.�

As with any other seasonal flu, DHMH officials remind Marylanders to use common sense precautions to avoid becoming ill or spreading an illness to others. Basic hygiene is the best tool to help prevent a swine flu illness. Individuals should frequently wash their hands and cover their mouths when coughing.

“Maryland residents will ask more and more questions as this outbreak moves forward and additional cases are identified,� DHMH Secretary John M. Colmers said. “This phone line and mailbox are additional resources to assist those who need answers.�

DHMH officials have identified eight probable cases of swine flu in Maryland. They are from Anne Arundel County (three), Baltimore County (four) and Montgomery County (one.) All patients are recovering from their illness and none have been hospitalized. Due to confidentiality considerations, no further information about the patients will be released.

In addition to the 1-877-MDFLU4U (633-5848) information line, people can log on to www.maryland.gov for swine flu-related information.