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Facts & Policies
Harford County Public Library
Library Reports
Library Policies
Materials Selection Policy (PDF)
Materials Selection Procedures (PDF)
Request or Reconsideration of Library Materials Procedures (PDF)
Technology and Guidelines
Social Media Commenting Guidelines
Community Information
Information for Candidates for Public Office
American Library Association and Net Neutrality
American Library Association Statements
Freedom to Read Statement (PDF)
Freedom to View Statement (PDF)
Library Neutrality
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.
