Maryland State Library Agency

10/16/2026

📚 Unusual Libraries: Stop #2!

Our next stop takes us to Baltimore and the H. Furlong Baldwin Library at the Maryland Center for History and Culture!

With more than 7 million items spanning five centuries, this library preserves the stories of Maryland and its people through books, manuscripts, maps, photographs, oral histories, newspapers, and genealogical records. Its collections explore everything from colonial Maryland and the Revolutionary War to arts and culture, politics, and the struggle for civil rights.

Notable collections include the Calvert Papers and Carroll Papers, the McKeldin-Jackson Oral History Collection, and the Paul Henderson Photograph Collection, which document Maryland’s political history and social justice efforts. Researchers can also explore historical documents and family records to uncover connections to Maryland’s past.

🔎 Want to learn more about this fascinating library and its collections? Visit https://www.mdhistory.org/library/

10/15/2026

📚 Then & now! Take a look at the Talbot County Free Library, with a glimpse of how it looked in 1977 compared with today.

From its historic roots to the library we know today, it’s amazing to see how Maryland’s libraries continue to grow and serve their communities.

10/14/2026

📚 A new chapter begins in Friendsville!

On Friday, The Ruth Enlow Library of Garrett County celebrated the grand opening of its new Friendsville branch! 🎉 The new library offers a modern, welcoming space for the community to read, learn, gather, and connect.

Since 2008, MSLA’s County Library Capital Grant Program has provided over $4.2 million for capital projects in Garrett County, including funding to support the construction of this new branch. Explore the Capital Grants Map to see projects supported across Maryland: https://msla.maryland.gov/Pages/Grants.aspx

Congratulations to the Ruth Enlow Library and the Friendsville community on this exciting milestone!

10/09/2026

Did you catch the PBS Books Reading Road Trip episode about Maryland? If so, you probably spotted Maryland State Librarian Morgan Lehr, the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled, and our partners at Maryland Humanities. Check it out!

Join PBS Books and the Library of Congress for book inspired adventure through Maryland in American Stories: A Reading Road Trip. Join us on October 8th at 8 p.m. ET for the episode premiere on the PBS Books YouTube channel, or watch on the PBS Books

10/09/2026

The numbers are in! This year, Summer Reading and Learning Programs at Maryland public libraries attracted more than 163,000 people - a 31% increase over 2025. That increase is the result of a concerted effort among public libraries to connect Marylanders of all ages, nurture a love of reading and improve literacy skills.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4hXC3qi

10/08/2026

Did you know Maryland is home to 14 Carnegie libraries—and all 14 are in Baltimore City? A single $500,000 grant from Andrew Carnegie in 1906 helped construct these historic libraries.

Today, that legacy continues through investment in Maryland’s libraries. The Maryland State Library Agency is currently providing capital funding for the renovation and expansion of the historic Forest Park Branch of The Enoch Pratt Free Library.

Originally opened in 1910 with Carnegie funding, Forest Park is now undergoing a full-scale renovation that will include an expanded building, modern children’s and teen spaces, accessible features, meeting and study spaces, and upgraded technology and building systems.

10/07/2026

Join Blue Star Families for Welcome Wednesday on Wednesday, October 14, from 12–1 PM!

Whether you’re new to Maryland or have been here for years, Welcome Wednesdays are a great opportunity to connect with fellow military and veteran families, discover valuable resources, learn about upcoming community events and support programs, and enter monthly giveaways. We’re proud to partner with Blue Star Families to help connect Maryland’s military and veteran communities with the resources and support they need.

10/06/2026

📚✨ It’s Trivia Tuesday with the Maryland State Library Agency!

Drop your guess below ⬇️ and check back later
for the answer.

The answer is B. Garrett County.

10/05/2026

Did you know October is Print Disabilities Month in Maryland? Governor Wes Moore issued a proclamation recognizing October 2026 as Print Disabilities Month, helping raise awareness of the many ways print disabilities can affect how people access and enjoy reading. Throughout October, the Maryland State Library for the Blind & Print Disabled will celebrate accessible reading, share resources, and host programs exploring dyslexia and other print disabilities and braille literacy. Join us as we celebrate a Maryland where everyone has access to the joy of reading! https://conta.cc/472PFvb

10/02/2026

📚✨ Celebrating access to books for every reader!

October is Print Disability Awareness Month, a time to recognize the importance of making books, information, and literacy resources accessible to everyone.

Through the Maryland State Library for the Blind & Print Disabled, Maryland children who are blind or print disabled can enjoy books in accessible formats, including Braille. With engaging stories, beautiful illustrations, and tactile elements, these books help make reading more accessible and enjoyable.

The Maryland State Library Agency is proud to support libraries and resources that help ensure Marylanders of all abilities have the opportunity to discover the joy of reading.