Facts & Policies

HCPL Annual Report

Lead...Engage...Exceed! A Strategic Plan for Harford County Public Library

Library Card Policies

Social Media Commenting Guidelines

3D Printing @ HCPL

Information for Candidates for Public Office

Internet Policy (pdf)

Privacy and cookie policy

Materials Selection Policy (pdf)
Materials Selection Procedures (pdf)
Request or Reconsideration of Library Materials Procedures (pdf)
ALA Freedom to Read Statement (pdf)
ALA Freedom to View Statement (pdf)
ALA Library Bill of Rights (pdf)

Neutrality of the Library Policy (pdf)

History

In June 1945, Harford became the first county in Maryland to implement the new tax-supported Public Library Law. By January 1946, the first Harford County Board of Library Trustees was formed and the old Methodist Church Building on Main Street in Bel Air was bought to provide headquarters for the County library system.

In the 70 years since the founding, the system has grown prodigiously to include 11 branches, administrative offices, and 2 outreach vehicles. In 2015, annual circulation of materials reached almost 4 million. Today, the Harford County Public Library serves more than 252,725 registered borrowers.

The Harford County Public Library borrower’s card is free and available to a person of any age. Included in the services and materials that the library offers to the community are: books, recordings, magazines, newspapers, DVD's, public meeting rooms, large-type books, compact discs, puzzles, puppets, oral history, films, copy machines, public access computer catalogs with printers, microfilm reader- printer, children and adult programs, information services, reading development materials, an online community information directory, Internet access, health information, tax assistance, and volunteer opportunities.