We believe this says it all...
Wednesday, 24 June 2009, late afternoon
We received this press release late this afternoon. We only had to read that "The Board of Trustees has removed the closure of a branch, specifically Fallston, from the budget reduction proposal" to know it was a good sign.
Reluctant to post this finding we called the HCPL and asked if this means Fallston library would remain open. The response we received was "until tomorrow's board meeting and vote concludes we can not confirm that Fallston Library will stay open."
But a few moments later we where told be a resident passing the library, on the way to a swim meet, that the sign now says "Fallston Branch Not closing!"
If you read the press release you will see that there will still be a public hearing tomorrow night (see info below). We do not know, if what we read on this marquee will be officially announced prior to the public speeches. What we can say right now, is please still plan on attending the public hearing. Until this is made official we need to stand united. The Board that slated our library to close is still looking to hear what we have to say. We hope to see you all at the High School tomorrow at 5:30 sign-in.
We received this press release late this afternoon. We only had to read that "The Board of Trustees has removed the closure of a branch, specifically Fallston, from the budget reduction proposal" to know it was a good sign.
Reluctant to post this finding we called the HCPL and asked if this means Fallston library would remain open. The response we received was "until tomorrow's board meeting and vote concludes we can not confirm that Fallston Library will stay open."
But a few moments later we where told be a resident passing the library, on the way to a swim meet, that the sign now says "Fallston Branch Not closing!"
If you read the press release you will see that there will still be a public hearing tomorrow night (see info below). We do not know, if what we read on this marquee will be officially announced prior to the public speeches. What we can say right now, is please still plan on attending the public hearing. Until this is made official we need to stand united. The Board that slated our library to close is still looking to hear what we have to say. We hope to see you all at the High School tomorrow at 5:30 sign-in.
Help us save the Fallston Library
Friday, 19 June 2009, 3:30 pm
Since turn out at June 18's public hearing far exceeded expectations there will be a second opportunity at which to voice our concerns, suggestions and ideas on how to keep our library open. This Public Meeting has been confirmed. We have received this information from the HCPL Board of Trustees.
"The Harford County Public Library Board of Trustees will hold a second Public Hearing to discuss the possible closure of the Fallston Branch on Thursday, June 25, 2009, 6:00 pm, at the Fallston High School auditorium. Fallston High School is located at 2301 Carrs Mill Road. For more information about the Public Hearing, call 410-273-5600."
From our experience at the June 18th meeting we would encourage you to arrive prior to sign-in at 5:30. At this meeting only 130 citizens where able to sit inside the room, there where about another 50 people who remained outside the doors trying to hear what was being said. It's hard to say how many where turned away at the library doors. But after Del. Rick Impallaria, who represents Fallston in the Maryland General Assembly walked through the crowded waiting room outside, he stated that he thought 75% more people where turned away then who where able to get into the room.
These guidelines given to us from the last meeting. There may be changes for the upcoming meeting. We will update this when we receive changes or additions:
Sign In: will begin at 5:30 pm
Public Meeting: will begin at 6:00
Public Meeting will end: promptly at 6:30
- Fire codes WILL BE OBEYED ! If you arrive after the room limit is reached we are not sure where the overflow will be directed. HCPL did not say this BUT we would encourage you to ARRIVE EARLY !
- Bring printed copies of paper petitions (each petition will be officially presented and added to the logs being kept by the HCPL, 410-273-5600)
- If you have something to say and will NOT be able to attend this meeting please call the Harford County Public Library at 410-273-5600 (hours of operation are 8:30 - 5, you might get to speak to a live person, if you call after hours you will be prompted to leave a message. All calls are being logged and counted)
- Given our 30 minute window we are encouraged to choose a spokesperson for each group to speak, refrain from repeating our arguments and stay with-in the 2 minute limit for each speaker.
Not a guide by the HCPL but a suggestion - be polite and try to stay calm. We totally understand how upset our community is but we strongly believe our efforts will be more successful if we keep our communication clear, passionate and to the point. Remember we only have 30 minutes for this meeting and each person will have a limit of 2 minutes to speak. They intend on ending the PUBLIC meeting at 6:30!
Since turn out at June 18's public hearing far exceeded expectations there will be a second opportunity at which to voice our concerns, suggestions and ideas on how to keep our library open. This Public Meeting has been confirmed. We have received this information from the HCPL Board of Trustees.
"The Harford County Public Library Board of Trustees will hold a second Public Hearing to discuss the possible closure of the Fallston Branch on Thursday, June 25, 2009, 6:00 pm, at the Fallston High School auditorium. Fallston High School is located at 2301 Carrs Mill Road. For more information about the Public Hearing, call 410-273-5600."
From our experience at the June 18th meeting we would encourage you to arrive prior to sign-in at 5:30. At this meeting only 130 citizens where able to sit inside the room, there where about another 50 people who remained outside the doors trying to hear what was being said. It's hard to say how many where turned away at the library doors. But after Del. Rick Impallaria, who represents Fallston in the Maryland General Assembly walked through the crowded waiting room outside, he stated that he thought 75% more people where turned away then who where able to get into the room.
These guidelines given to us from the last meeting. There may be changes for the upcoming meeting. We will update this when we receive changes or additions:
Sign In: will begin at 5:30 pm
Public Meeting: will begin at 6:00
Public Meeting will end: promptly at 6:30
- Fire codes WILL BE OBEYED ! If you arrive after the room limit is reached we are not sure where the overflow will be directed. HCPL did not say this BUT we would encourage you to ARRIVE EARLY !
- Bring printed copies of paper petitions (each petition will be officially presented and added to the logs being kept by the HCPL, 410-273-5600)
- If you have something to say and will NOT be able to attend this meeting please call the Harford County Public Library at 410-273-5600 (hours of operation are 8:30 - 5, you might get to speak to a live person, if you call after hours you will be prompted to leave a message. All calls are being logged and counted)
- Given our 30 minute window we are encouraged to choose a spokesperson for each group to speak, refrain from repeating our arguments and stay with-in the 2 minute limit for each speaker.
Not a guide by the HCPL but a suggestion - be polite and try to stay calm. We totally understand how upset our community is but we strongly believe our efforts will be more successful if we keep our communication clear, passionate and to the point. Remember we only have 30 minutes for this meeting and each person will have a limit of 2 minutes to speak. They intend on ending the PUBLIC meeting at 6:30!
Click the tab labeled "News" above for the latest. From what we hear, our voice is being heard and our attendance at the public hearing is important.
Also, it has been brought to our attention that this meeting might turn into the HCPL Board stating that thier hands are tied due to the budget cuts. When we spoke to people at HCPL Board they suggested that we call the County Counsil. But then when we called Counsil thay suggest we call HCPL Board. Maybe it would be smart to invite other public officials to this meeting. If anyone knows any or could email their offices that would be helpful.
6/17/09 Wednesday's Aegis article, Fallston library closing? Budget cuts blamed link: