- Find Books, Movies, Music
- Programs & Events
- Research
- For You
- About the Library
- HCPL Foundation
- Express Gratitude: Thank the County Executive or Council Members for supporting the library.
- Fair and Equitable Wages: Emphasize the need for fair wages for HCPL staff compared to other county agencies.
- Address Inflation and Rising Costs: Discuss the impact of inflation on HCPL's expenses for materials, electricity, and technology.
- Discuss Infrastructure Challenges: Highlight HCPL’s increasing burden of facility maintenance costs and its role as a vital community hub.
- Close with Appreciation: Thank them again for their advocacy and emphasize the importance of continued support for HCPL's future.
- Share Your Story: Use Facebook or email to webservices@hcplonline.info to share your personal story about what the library means to you.
- Template Advocacy Letter:
- AI-Powered Letter Assistance: Use an AI tool to create a personalized advocacy letter. Download the AI Prompt to guide your message and make it impactful.
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Help Support Harford County Public Library
Harford County Public Library (HCPL) is a vibrant hub of learning, growth, and connection at the heart of our community. Every day, we offer essential resources, dynamic educational programs, and welcoming spaces that empower individuals of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
However, HCPL programs, resources, and services are not guaranteed. Your advocacy is crucial in sustaining HCPL’s ability to deliver top-quality resources and create transformative opportunities for individuals, families, and businesses.
Please take a moment to learn how you can help support the library and advocate for its funding in the upcoming budget.
County Council Budget Hearings
Each spring, the County Executive proposes a budget to fund county operations and capital programs for the upcoming fiscal year that begins on July 1. The County Executive’s recommended budget is based on revenue projections and must be approved by the Harford County Council. Typically, both the County Executive and County Council host budget hearings for citizens to provide input on the next county budget prior to voting on its approval.
More information about the County Executive's proposed budget can be found on the County's Budget Town Hall page.
County Council Public Hearings on the FY26 Budget are scheduled as follows:
When:
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Thursday, May 15, 2025
Starting at 7:00 PM
Live Stream:
For more information, visit the Harford County Council website.
Where:
County Council Chambers
212 South Bond St
Bel Air, MD 21014
The County Council will receive the County Executive’s FY26 Proposed Budget on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 and will begin hosting our work sessions on Wednesday, April 23rd. These work sessions provide an opportunity for every department and agency that receives county funding to present and discuss their budget with Councilmembers and their Citizen Budget Advisors.
Following these work sessions, Council will host two Public Hearings on May 7th and 15th where we invite members of the public to speak on their budget priorities.
Council work sessions will be open to the public for viewing and available through live audio streaming on the Council’s webpage. The public hearings will be open to the public and will be live video and audio streamed on the Harford County Council website.
Please share your input with the County Executive:
County Executive
220 S. Main Street
Bel Air, MD, 21014
You can also share your support by emailing the County Council President and members directly. Let them know how much the library means to you and why funding is essential for its programs and services.
You can also send written letters to all Council Members at their official mailing address below:
212 South Bond Street
Bel Air, MD 21014
Key Talking Points
Below are valuable resources to help you advocate for the Harford County Public Library. Whether you're sharing your personal story, drafting a letter to elected officials, or preparing for public hearings, these tools are designed to amplify your voice and demonstrate the library's vital role in our community.
Public Hearing Advocacy
Use these talking points to effectively voice your support for HCPL at public hearings:
Electronic Advocacy
Explore these resources to voice your support digitally:
Discover the Value of Your Library to Our Community
The Harford County Public Library is more than just books—it's a cornerstone of learning, connection, and opportunity. Each service, program, and resource empowers individuals and enriches our community as a whole.
In FY 2024 alone, HCPL provided over $103 million in value through its diverse offerings. From borrowing books and digital materials to attending programs and using vital resources, the library plays an indispensable role in shaping Harford County.
We want to hear your story! Share what the library means to you and how it has impacted your life. Leave a comment on Facebook, Twitter, or email us at foundation@hcplonline.org.
Together, let’s celebrate the immense value HCPL brings to our community!
FY 2024 Value of Selected Library Services*
| Quantity | Library Services | Retail Value | Value of Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| 819,550 | Adult Books Borrowed | $32.50 | $26,635,375 |
| 1,020,990 | Children's Books Borrowed | $20.25 | $20,675,048 |
| 838,855 | Digital Materials Borrowed | $25.00 | $20,971,375 |
| 184,730 | DVDs/Blu-Rays Borrowed | $19.99 | $3,692,753 |
| 26,647 | Music CDs Borrowed | $15.00 | $399,705 |
| 30,121 | Audiobooks on CD Borrowed | $40.00 | $1,204,840 |
| 12,500 | Playaways Borrowed | $65.00 | $812,500 |
| 1,151 | Little Leapers Kits Borrowed | $280.00 | $322,280 |
| 1,453 | LEAP Science Kits Borrowed | $110.00 | $159,830 |
| 938 | LEAP Music Kits Borrowed | $250.00 | $234,500 |
| 1,367 | WiFi Hotspots Borrowed | $50.00 | $68,350 |
| 7,119 | LSC Kits Borrowed | $150.00 | $1,067,850 |
| 15,330 | Play & Learn Materials Borrowed | $25.00 | $383,250 |
| 1,285 | American Girl Dolls Borrowed | $150.00 | $192,750 |
| 411 | Superhero Kits Borrowed | $50.00 | $20,550 |
| 18,569 | Magazines Borrowed | $5.00 | $92,845 |
| 38,216 | Interlibrary Loans | $25.00 | $955,400 |
| 169 | Meeting Room Use | $100.00 | $16,900 |
| 483,519 | Program Attendees | $20.00 | $9,670,380 |
| 63,905 | Online Class Attendees | $144.00 | $9,202,320 |
| 418,224 | Database Searches | $10.00 | $4,182,240 |
| 379,318 | Customer Queries Answered | $7.00 | $2,655,226 |
| 254 | Light Therapy Lamps Borrowed | $20.00 | $5,080 |
| Total Value on Selected Items | $103,621,346 | ||
*The values above are based on the estimated retail value of the materials or services
Discover Your Library Savings with Our Interactive Calculator
Ever wondered how much the library saves you or could save you? With our Library Use Value Calculator, you can see the financial impact of the services you use.
Simply enter the quantity for each category listed, and the calculator will automatically display the subtotal for each service and a grand total at the bottom. It's a fun and easy way to understand the value the Harford County Public Library provides!
Try it out and see how much you're saving with your library today!
Note: The values used above are based on the estimated retail value of the materials or services, with research from the Maine and Massachusetts State Libraries and HCPL staff.
A Community Resource for All
Harford County Public Library operates 11 branches throughout the County, offering access to ideas that inform, entertain, and inspire. Last year, the library engaged with residents more than 12 million times – borrowing materials, visiting branches and the website, using free WiFi, and attending classes and events. Here’s how HCPL made an impact in 2024:
In-Person & Virtual Visits
HCPL welcomed 776,298 customers who visited branches in person or used the convenient drive-through service. More than 6 million virtual visits were made to the library's website and app.
Borrowed Materials
A staggering 3,147,447 items were borrowed, providing access to books, eBooks, audiobooks, DVDs, CDs, and more.
Programs for All Ages
483,519 babies through adults attended library programs that educate, entertain, and inspire. Programs include storytimes, the Summer Reading Program, and outreach efforts like the Rolling Reader.
Questions Answered
HCPL's librarians answered 379,318 questions, providing expert assistance and guidance to the community.
Bridging the Digital Divide
HCPL ensures internet access through in-branch resources, free WiFi, and WiFi hotspots available for checkout, helping bridge the digital divide in Harford County.
Support for Businesses & Job Seekers
The library supports small businesses and job seekers with essential tools, professional databases, workforce training, and resources for employment success.
Innovative Programs
Programs like LEAP and the Innovation Lab offer hands-on experiences in science, technology, reading, engineering, arts, and math (STREAM), preparing the community for a tech-driven future.
Fostering Literacy & Love of Reading
HCPL sparks a lifelong love of reading through storytimes, outreach programs, and initiatives that build essential literacy skills for thousands of children annually.