During 'Arctic Weather' Harford County Opens Warming Centers

Given the "arctic weather event" chilling the region with below-freezing temperatures, Harford County Public Library and Harford County Government announced that libraries are serving as warming centers.

Branches of Harford County Public Library are open "for those seeking some relief from the bitter cold weather for the remainder of the week," according to a statement from the county. 

Temperatures were in the mid twenties in Harford County on Thursday and the National Weather Service issued a wind chill advisory, effective from 9 p.m. Thursday to 9 a.m. Friday. A wind chill advisory means cold air and strong winds may combine for low wind chills, according to the weather service, which said people should wear a hat and gloves if they must go outside.

"The risk of frostbite and hypothermia is a serious concern to emergency management and public safety officials," according to a statement from Harford County's Department of Emergency Services.

Libraries will be available during normal hours of operation, as follows:

• Aberdeen: 21 Franklin St.; Tuesday and Thursday, 1–8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sunday, 1–5 p.m.
• Abingdon, 2510 Tollgate Rd.; Thursday 1–8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sunday, 1–5 p.m.
• Bel Air, 100 E. Pennsylvania Ave.: Thursday, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sunday, 1–5 p.m.
• Darlington, 1134 Main St.; Thursday, noon to 5 p.m.; Friday, 1–5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
• Edgewood, 629 Edgewood Rd.: Thursday, 1–8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. 
• Fallston, 1461 Fallston Rd.: Thursday, 1–8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
• Havre de Grace, 120 N. Union Ave.: Thursday, 1–8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
• Jarrettsville, 3722 Norrisville Rd.: Thursday, 1–8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sunday, 1–5 p.m.
• Joppa, 655 Towne Center Dr.: Thursday, 1–8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
• Norrisville, 5310 Norrisville Rd.: Thursday, 1–8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
• Whiteford, 2407 Whiteford Rd.:  Thursday, 1–8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

The libraries are not "shelters" and will only be available during their normal hours of operation, according to a statement from Harford County.

Harford County has a plan that goes into effect to place individuals and families in shelters when temperatures drop below 32 degrees, according to the Harford County Department of Community Services.