Harford County Public Library rolled out the red carpet for a screening of the top Film This! book trailer entries on March 14 at the Abingdon Library.
 
Teens in grades 6-12 were invited in December to create a short video of their favorite book and post it to YouTube by February 14. The films were judged by the Library’s Teen Services staff based on creativity, originality, visuals, audio/music (dialogue, music, sound effects), use of resources and technology (recording devices, props, costumes, locations, cast) and how the video created interest in the book.
 
“Our staff and customers look forward to this event every year. The creativity demonstrated by the teen filmmakers was awesome. We are super proud to shine a spotlight on the incredible work created by these young Library customers to showcase their favorite books,” said Mary Hastler, CEO of Harford County Public Library.
 
At the March 14 event, the 14 trailers were viewed by the audience three entries at a time, after which followed audience questions and comments about each video.
 
The first place winner was “The Magician's Nephew” by Caroline, Lillian and William Dietz. Second place was awarded to “Mistborn” by Mackenzie Weirich, and the third place award was presented to Vera Gilmore and Rain and Sunshine Mears for “The Hunger Games.” The winners received cash prizes, certificates and engraved medals.
 
People’s Choice awards were voted on by attendees at the March 14 screening, and the winners were given a certificate and commemorative award. The winners were:  People’s Choice: “The Bad Guys” by Logan and Mason Crouse; People’s Choice, Best Costume: “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” by Jack Northcote, David Burman, Benjamin Dalde, Shiloh Dalde, Vincent Davis, Luke Northcote, Nathanael Sugarman, Marandtha Weiskopf and Salem Weiskopf; People's Choice, Best Music: “The Shape of Thunder” by Anna Zaledonis; and People's Choice, Best Acting: “Brother's Keeper” by Lillian Lubiano, August Dannettel and Meena Dannettel.
 
Harford County Public Library operates 11 branches located throughout Harford County offering access to ideas that inform, entertain and inspire. Last year the Library interacted with its residents more than 12 million times – borrowing free materials, visiting branches and the website, using free WiFi, and attending classes and events. In 2024 Harford County Public Library received the Maryland Library Association Excellence in Marketing Award for graphic excellence for the second time. For more information, visit HCPLonline.org.