Jim Lathe
Chief of Highways

If you’re up at dawn to shovel your driveway on those deep-snow days, you’re not alone. And if, after you’ve shoveled the snow, you break out in a cold rage because a plow came along and pushed it all back where you started, you’re not alone either.

Snow happens.  And a little frustration is only natural – especially since you expect the County’s snow plow drivers to work with you, not against you. After all, they can see that you’ve just shoveled, can’t they?

The truth is, blocking driveways with mountains of snow and re-covering sidewalks you‘ve just shoveled has been a problem for plow drivers from time immemorial. As a driver for nine years, I know your problem and I’m sympathetic. But there’s simply no other way to “git ‘er done” except by plowing all the snow and ice to the curb. It’s better to push the snow onto a cleared driveway than to leave it in the road and it’s the only way to get the job done efficiently.

Your best bet is to shovel snow to the right side so that the plow pushes it away from your property. And, of course, never shovel snow into the street. The Department of Public Works asks that residents give snow plow drivers time to do their job before clearing driveways and walkways completely.

Remember, snow is everybody’s problem and everybody’s responsibility too. In Baltimore County we understand that homeowners have to do a lot of work to dig out of a heavy snow. And we, in turn, hope that residents understand that it takes a full twenty-four hours to clear a six-inch snowfall. So, please be patient; we’re all in this together!

By Josh McCready, Communications Assistant, BCPL

Personalized help is waiting for customers of the Baltimore County Public Library through the “My Librarian” program. This new program at BCPL allows people to schedule a free 60-minute appointment with a librarian.

Anyone can get help with downloading books, audiobooks and magazines to their mobile device; assistance with job searches, résumés and email setup. They can learn more about the library’s many databases; find out how to do genealogy research; get basic computer help including Microsoft Office; learn how to manage their BCPL account using the library’s mobile app and much more. In order to receive the best possible service, we recommend having a valid Baltimore County Public Library card.

Customers can request an appointment online at www.bcpl.info/mylibrarian  or in person at any of our 19 branches. Once a request has been completed, a librarian will contact the customer within three days to set up an appointment. They may be contacted by phone or email for more information prior to setting up an appointment and to determine whether an appointment is the best option. For quick email or phone questions, we are still encouraging customers to use our Ask a Librarian service (bcpl.libanswers.com).

For more information visit www.bcpl.info/mylibrarian.