Howard County Library System
 
 
Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2012: Self-Directed Education

Mobile web site. HCLS’ new mobile site delivers immediacy and convenience to customers who wish to check class schedules and place reserves on the go. A customer wrote:

"Finishing the second book in the Hunger Games, my husband said,‘I have to read the last book.’ I pulled out my   Blackberry, went to hclibrary.org/mobile, and reserved Mockingjay. Felt like the future."

E-books. Available for Nook, Kindle, iPad/iPod/iPhone, Android, Kobo, Sony, and Pandigital e-readers. HCLS' e-book and downloadable audiobook collection now totals 50,000 items. Details.
 
"I really appreciate the e-library. I waited to get a Kindle until I found HCLS’ digital consortium. I use it every day!"
 
Online Homework Assistance. Through HCLS' web site, kindergarten through college students connect to live tutors—free of charge—for assistance with math, science, social studies, and English assignments seven days a week. Details.

"Thank you so much for offering this! I don't know WHAT I would do without Online Homework Assistance. Because of you, I moved both my C in algebra and B in History up to an A!!!"
 
Summer Reading. Nearly 4,000 people packed the Miller Branch for the Summer Reading Kickoff. More than 27,000 students of all ages enrolled in one of four summer-long Summer Reading Clubs. In the competition among elementary schools, Lisbon took first place (69 percent of students participated), followed by Stevens Forest (54 percent). Middle school winners were Lake Elkhorn (66 percent enrollment), with Oakland Mills taking second place (63 percent). Pictures from the Summer Reading Kickoff.




 
Annual Report FY12