BALTIMORE (Map, News) - Librarians shushing rowdy patrons in Harford County will soon have well-armed backup, as officials plan to add security guards to several county libraries and offices in the 2009 budget.

Library Director Audra Caplan said four of the guards would be posted at the libraries in the Route 40 corridor during the after-school and evening hours, when teenagers tend to gather and can become disruptive.

“It’s a balancing act,” Caplan said. “There’s nothing for teens to do after school. We’re one of the first places they come, and we don’t want to turn them away.”

Problems range from fights breaking out outside the libraries to teens inside crowding around computers and becoming loud or confrontational with employees or patrons, she said. Guards would only address the disruptions, not drive teens away.

The guards — one at each branch in Edgewood, Joppatowne, Aberdeen and Havre de Grace — will replace the combination of off-duty police and private security guards stationed there, she said.

County Executive David Craig is proposing $447,000 in the budget for two additional guards, bringing the total to 11 armed and uniformed officers who will provide security, conduct patrols and escort employees carrying money for bank deposits, said Lorraine Costello, Craig’s chief of administration.

Human resources, located in a separate county office on Hays Street will be among the 40 locations getting extra security, Costello said.

“If something were to happen with a disgruntled employee, that’s where it would occur,” she said. Other posts will include a county food pantry on Courtland Street, the McFaul Senior Center, the recreation center on Brookside Drive in Edgewood and the Water and Sewer offices on Philadelphia Road.

The guards will also generate about $53,000 in revenue by writing parking tickets, Costello said.

About nine already work for the county. The proposed budget will extend their salaries, benefits and equipment funding and add two more positions. Most are retired officers from Baltimore City or County; or retired Sheriff’s Deputies, said Costello. “These guys come here with 30 years of experience.”

The County Council will continue to review the budget, may recommend cuts and will take a final vote on May 27.

msantoni@baltimoreexaminer.com