During COVID, I actually avoided this location because I thought the drive up window at Perry Hall…read morewould be a much easier option. So for the past couple months I've been driving out of my way to the PH branch. Two weeks ago I thought I would give the WM a shot. Mannnn I have been so wrong about them. You drive in, call the number on the sign and tell them your name and which parking spot you're in (this is really only necessary if they are bringing the books to your car). I thought it would take forever to get someone on the phone, but each time it was right away (my 3rd trip in 2 weeks, yes I'm a bookworm). Then you have the option to meet them at the front door with your books. It was less than 30 seconds of a wait time!! While I like the lazy option of not getting out of my car at the PH branch, this was just as fast and convenient (if not faster because PH usually has at least 1-2 cars in line already).

Popped in quick to print something and the front desk woman was very kind and helpful!read more

This branch of the Baltimore County Public Library system is close to my work. Occasionally I will…read morehave books that I place on hold sent here so I can grab them after work. What I like about the Essex Branch: *Lot's of parking (it is part of a strip mall complex) *Access to all the books that the library system has to offer *Easy check out *The history about the branch that is posted on the walls. I spent a lot of time reading through these articles and information the first time I visited. So why only three stars? Namely, this branch is a lot smaller than the normal one I go to making computer access and comfortable seating more hit and miss. Also more hit and miss, if I'm popping in for a specific book there is less of a chance that they would have it.

This is my second favorite Baltimore County Public Library branch. The library is smaller than some…read moreof the other libraries in the county, but they make great use of their space with computer stations, quiet study rooms, activities, and of course a decent selection of books. I spent many Sundays here during my first semester of grad school. I never had any difficulty finding space in the quiet study rooms, and I found that the dedicated quiet space encouraged the quality of my writing for my weekly discussions and papers. The library also offers printing services for a very small fee. The librarians are friendly and kind, and remain knowledgeable about a wide array of books and other resources.

This is a large central library. You can't find free parking immediately around it, so you can…read moreeither search a ways or pay for the municipal garage, which adjoins the library, is quite large, and is not wildly expensive. It was a substantial facility offering a mix of reading materials and social services. I had no difficulty in locating a workspace, and wifi, charging, and air conditioning was mainly what I needed.

Awesome library. Came here with my parents alot as a kid. Very clean and well staff. Ran by good…read morepeople

I was able to come here to renew my library card! Staff were friendly and helpful…read more The small branch seems more kid centered, which didn't feel like somewhere I would frequent, but I would definitely come back to see what books they have available.

This is the oldest library in Balitmore city. I'm sad I just found it a few months ago. It's such a…read morelovely place. It's quite small but packed with the best items and it mainly attracts children as there's a school next door. But the staff is always super friendly - I never have my physical card but they can find me or enter in my number. The library also does a summer reading challenge (I just learned about this). If you sign up for the challenge in June, you get a free book for three months. I only signed up in July so I got my first free book and I will be going back in August. They also do a reading challenge so you just tell them how many books you read that month and then they enter you into a raffle I will for sure be signing up early next year and I just recommend everyone do this. It's amazing!

Our friend's toddler enjoys the little Light Street Branch of Baltimore's Enoch Pratt Free Library!…read moreWe stopped in to wind down from a busy active time near the harbor (May 2026). It has a nice children's section, and besides books for a range of ages, there's toys, play floor-areas, and drawing & coloring supplies. Computer terminals that parents can use, art on the walls, and helpful staff. We like it after a full day, or as a quiet warm / cool and dry refuge when the weather gets tough.

A super cute neighborhood focused public library branch - I went for the first time to attend one…read moreof their free events, creating lanterns for lunar new year. Parking is really hard in this area because it's on a very busy street and in Fed Hill. This is very close to Cross Street market so you can grab a bite while you stop at this library branch if you wanted. I do think their selection is more focused on the youth because there are a lot of families and schools nearby but glad I finally got to go in because I've seen it for years.

North Point Branch Library...Website says open until 8pm on Thursday…read more I am here at 4:45pm and they are closed! Please update this information!! I drove here from the City to use the computer and now have to wait until another day. What are the hours???? Even the recording does not give any information, only says closed.

Don't use fax machine or trust the staff to help you! Was there July 25th of 2024 the place that…read morepapers was supposed to go never received my fax! Also missing the beginning part of my packet with personal information! Contacted Library and was of no help or responsibility!

I've always been fond of my local libraries. I've come here in the past to vote, but this visit was…read moreto utilize the library tools. I needed to print some documents. My printer was down and I had to have them quickly so, I knew I could do that here. I dealt with two librarians who were very helpful. When I couldn't log onto the computer one of the librarians checked my account and made a change that allowed me to sign on. Then, when I needed to print, she instructed me on the procedures. You can't just print directly to a printer. Once you print the items you want, you'll head to another computer, log on there, and your documents will be in a que waiting to be printed. You can choose color or black and white, then print. The first 20 pages each day are free to print. Cool! The computers were packed. Luckily I found one that was available, but keep that in mind. It was a calm, welcoming environment. They also have security on-site. That made me curious, but I suppose it's better to have them there and not need them than need them and not have them. Check out your local library!

Stopped by this branch because their location had a copy of a book I'd been meaning to read. The…read moreelectronic hold process via the website was easy and the staff was helpful when I arrived for pickup. They introduced me to Summer Break Baltimore, a summer reading initiative. With enrollment you receive a free T-shirt and a new book during the months of June, July and August! They also have prize raffles when you complete a book or participate in an event. Looking forward to lots of book time this summer!

I love this branch, my local go-to. Staff is courteous and helpful. It's not as large as some…read moreothers nearby so doesn't have a lot of classrooms, etc. but I have been to two "classes" which were very fun.

Wonderful staff and nice selection of titles. Libraries are such an amazing resource and everyone…read moreI've talked to has been super helpful and friendly. There are pretty neat events, as well. Great location, right off the highway.

For the price, can't be beat!…read more The model is simple: donate your books (up to 7 boxes per visit). They give them away for free! According to their website, you can't take more than 150,000 books per visit, so don't be too greedy, you bookworms! They sell 1-2% of donated books to cover overhead, but everything else is volunteer basis, keeping The Book Thing a free community even once a month. Be prepared to wait in line. We arrived at 11:45 so most of the big rush had faded. They let people in on the hour, with a max of 100 people in per time. If you arrive after someone leaves, they can let you in to finish that hour out. You could make a day of it - there are several cafés, breweries, and restaurants in the area that you could visit before or afterwards. Inside there are three rooms - red, blue, and green. They are organized by genres. A warning: this is not for claustrophobic people. It gets crowded and while people are generally polite and respectful, you will rub shoulders with plenty of other bibliophiles. My kids enjoyed it, though Child #1 was a tad overwhelmed and Child#3 wanted to get out of his umbrella stroller and run around! They all picked out something that was just for them. My wife gathered several books and I picked up a couple for myself. When you leave, you need to count your books and tell them that number (for their record-keeping) and your ZIP code. Other than that, it's a great deal, not to mention a fun way to meet other folks in the community. One parent reminisced about how her (now grown) daughter used to love a series that my middle child was looking at. I overheard one woman asking about a particular genre and a volunteer told her that those usually get picked over pretty early. So while there is more of a wait and higher demand closer to opening time, it sounds like there are some choicer items that are available then. DONATION - there is a small one-way road that leads around the back. After the morning rush, it seemed like it moves quickly. There's a small parking pad where you can pull up and give your books to some volunteers. Parking - it's Waverly, so pretty much street parking and you will have to look. We lucked out and saw someone leaving their spot right by the donation drop-off, so we were able to park close. If you have a bunch of books that could use a new home, come donate them here! If you are curious about grabbing some new books for yourself, drop on by! Just check the website for specific dates - it can vary from month to month what's available.

Such a cool community completely FREE resource in the city! I first heard about bookthings in 2023…read moreand this was my second time coming here. It has been in operation since 1999 and filled with volunteers and they now own the building. It's only open once a month now but I guess it used to be more. As a tip - go closer to the hour like on the :45 mark otherwise be prepared to wait an hour. People from all walks of life come here. This operates on donations so I dropped off my books and got in line. It is a bit overwhelming and the books are organized in categories. It is fun to browse but there is a chaotic energy that I don't always love. I don't think I would go back - I much prefer the little libraries! After standing in line, when you walk in, you do have to adjust to the brightness. It's a completely free resource. You can take as many books as you want. When you check out you just tell them the total number of books and your ZIP Code. It's amazing this free resource exists - make sure you don't hoard (like the two women in front of me who were on their fourth entry of the day). Make sure you partake in the recycling of the system. Take books back take new books and keep this amazing free resource in the community.