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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.

Labels: HCPL Mobile

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

The following information was received by Harford County Public Library from the office of Mark S. Furst, President and CEO, United Way of Central Maryland regarding the recent earthquake in Haiti:

To our compassionate friends:

As you know, tragedy struck Haiti, one of the world’s most impoverished nations, this week. We offer our condolences to all those affected by the disaster.

Even as reports arrive from the devastated area, we still don’t know the full toll of damage and destruction caused by the earthquake and aftershocks. The task at hand is so challenging that no one organization, no one country, acting alone can address the crisis. The effects of this disaster are particularly acute due to the country’s poor infrastructure and wrenching poverty.

Many nonprofit organizations around the world are providing humanitarian assistance. It is heartwarming to see the world responding so urgently and with such an outpouring of compassion and aid. Strong United Way partners like the American Red Cross are doing what they do best and are fully engaged in the massive relief effort.

Please know that United Way Worldwide has mobilized its Core Crisis Team which is working with local United Ways across the Caribbean to support recovery efforts. The United Way Worldwide Disaster Fund supports long-term recovery efforts to rebuild lives devastated by disaster and address educational, financial and health-related challenges.

If you are interested in more information or links to several relief efforts, please refer to our web site (www.uwcm.org). Feel free to contact me as well.

Sincerely,
Mark S. Furst
President and CEO
United Way of Central Maryland
410-895-1513
mark.furst@uwcm.org

Labels: Haiti

The following information was received by Harford County Public Library from the office of Edward Hopkins, Deputy Director of Operations, Maryland Emergency Management Agency regarding the recent earthquake in Haiti:

FBI Cyber Security regarding Haitian fraud alert. Haitian Earthquake Relief Fraud Alert

01/13/10-The FBI today reminds Internet users who receive appeals to donate money in the aftermath of Tuesday’s earthquake in Haiti to apply a critical eye and do their due diligence before respon