Temporary Closure: The Schooner Cove area at the Havre de Grace Library will be closed on Friday, May 9, for a refresh. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.
Holiday Closure: All Harford County Public Library locations will be closed
Monday, February 17, in observance of Presidents Day.
Holiday Closure: All Harford County Public Library locations will be closed
Friday, April 18, in observance of Good Friday.
Holiday Closure: All Harford County Public Library locations will be closed
Sunday, April 20, in observance of Easter.
Holiday Closure: All Harford County Public Library locations will be closed
Monday, May 26, in observance of Memorial Day.
Holiday Closure: All Harford County Public Library locations will be closed
Thursday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth.
Holiday Closure: All Harford County Public Library locations will be closed
Friday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day.
Holiday Closure: All Harford County Public Library locations will be closed
Monday, September 1, in observance of Labor Day.
Library Closure: All Harford County Public Library locations will be closed
Monday, October 13, for Staff In-Service Day.
Library Closure: Abingdon Library will be closed
Friday, October 31, for a Private Event.
Library Closure: Abingdon Library will be closed
Saturday, November 1, for a Private Event.
Library Closure: Abingdon Library will be closed
Sunday, November 2, for a Private Event.
Holiday Closure: All Harford County Public Library locations will be closed
Tuesday, November 11, in observance of Veterans Day.
Early Closure: All Harford County Public Library locations will close early at 5 PM
Wednesday, November 26.
Holiday Closure: All Harford County Public Library locations will be closed
Thursday, November 27, in observance of Thanksgiving.
Holiday Closure: All Harford County Public Library locations will be closed
Friday, November 28, in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday.
Holiday Closure: All Harford County Public Library locations will be closed
Wednesday, December 24, in observance of Christmas Eve.
Holiday Closure: All Harford County Public Library locations will be closed
Thursday, December 25, in observance of Christmas Day.
Library Closure: All Harford County Public Library locations will be closed
Sunday, December 28.
Early Closure: All Harford County Public Library locations will close early at 5 PM
Wednesday, December 31.
Holiday Closure: All Harford County Public Library locations will be closed
Thursday, January 1, 2026, in observance of New Year’s Day.
System Upgrades: On Thursday, June 19, HCPL will be conducting system maintenance. Access to public computers, library databases, e-resources, and account access will be unavailable during this time.
Branch Closure: The Havre de Grace library will be closed Tuesday, June 10, due to mechanical issues.
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Nature Backpack Kits

Nature Backpack Kits

The Nature Backpack Collection enables you and your family to explore, enjoy, and educate yourselves while hiking locally. The tools, guides and activities found in the backpacks will enable meaningful and memorable interactive opportunities for you and your family.

Using Your Nature Backpack: Being a Naturalist

Good Naturalists Respect Nature:

We encourage the ethical observation of nature, plants and wildlife while hiking. Please avoid collecting or removing life from its natural habitat.

Please observe rules posted at each local hiking location.

Protect wildlife by observing only. Never feed wildlife and keep pets under control. Be wary of wildlife during sensitive times such as mating, nesting, and raising young.

Nature Backpack circulation parameters:

  • Available at all branches and are requestable
  • May be checked out on an adult or juvenile card
  • 1 backpack per card
  • Loan period is 21 days
  • Late fee is $2.00 per day

Reserve a Nature Backpack today

Great Places to Hike in Harford County

Diverse hiking experiences exist in Harford County! Whether exploring the Piedmont Plateau in the northern region or the tidal marshes in the southern region, the Nature Backpacks contain tools and activities that help engage your family with the great outdoors!

Explore these parks and nature centers: http://harfordcountymd.gov/225/Parks-Recreation

Maryland State park information

Maryland Deptment of Natural Resources

Find state parks, park activities and amenities. http://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/default.aspx



Access DNR App Download AccessDNR-the official app from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources! The app, available for Android or iPhone, includes maps and directions to Maryland state parks and trails and much more.


Additional Resources:

Books for Children

Books for Adults to Share with Children

Resources from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Guide to Common Mammal Tracks in Maryland: https://dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/Documents/Key-Common-Mammal-Tracks.pdf

Maryland Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Education Resources: http://dnr.maryland.gov/Wildlife/Pages/Education/home.aspx

Maryland’s Wildlife Species: http://dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/Pages/plants_wildlife/mdwllists.aspx

We thank the following local organizations who contributed Activities to the backpacks:*

Anita C. Leight Estuary Center
http://www.otterpointcreek.org/

The Harford Bird Club
A chapter of the Maryland Ornithological Society
https://harfordbirdclub.org/

Susquehannock Wildlife Society
http://www.susquehannockwildlife.org/