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Best Library Programs For Kids In Baltimore

The first known library dates back to the ancient civilization of Sumer in 2600 B.C. The clay tablets of the Sumerian age led to today's library. Those seeking to broaden their knowledge on a given subject can explore a library's collection of books, periodicals, newspapers, reference books, CDs, DVDs, ebooks, and online resources. In addition to acting as a repository for information resources, libraries are a community resource. Baltimore area libraries offer a variety of library programs for kids, including the Baltimore's Enoch Pratt Free Library, the Baltimore County Public Library, Howard County Library System and more.
Enoch Pratt Free Library
Central Library
400 Cathedral St.
Baltimore, MD 21201
(410) 396-5430
www.prattlibrary.org

The Enoch Pratt Free Library is the public library of Baltimore City. Designated as the Maryland State Library Resource Center in 1971, the Enoch Pratt Free Library is one of the oldest free public library systems in the United States. Serving the residents of Baltimore City and the State of Maryland, the Enoch Pratt Free Library has locations throughout the city of Baltimore. Kids can engage in a love of reading with their furry friends with "Reading Tails" where kids can read to a dog from Therapy Pets Unlimited. For those still a little too young to read, they and their parents can enjoy some great interactive nursery rhymes at "Mother Goose Baby Steps." For the older kids, there is a chance to get some homework help.

Baltimore County Public Library
320 York Road
Towson, MD 21204
(410) 887-6166
www.bcpl.info

With branches located throughout Baltimore County, the Baltimore County Public Library was founded in 1948. Based in Towson, Maryland, the Baltimore County Public Library has branches from Arbutus to Cockeysville to Essex to Lansdowne to Owings Mills to Perry Hall to Randallstown to Soilers Point to Woodlawn. From tots to teens, the Baltimore County Public Library system offers a variety of classes including Baby Story Time, Toddler Story Time, Family Story Times, Preschool Story Time, and Bilingual Preschool Story Time. Programs are offered at each branch of the Baltimore County Public Library.

Howard County Library System
10375 Little Patuxent Parkway
Columbia, MD 21044
(410) 313-7800
hclibrary.org

Founded with the aim to "delight [people] with extraordinary customer service -- whether in person, by telephone, or online," the Howard County Library System serves 282,000 people all over Howard County. Named the Library of the Year in 2013 by the Library Journal, Howard County Library System aims to "deliver high-quality public education for all ages." Howard County Library System offers a variety of programs aimed at kids including 3, 2, Fun!, All Together Now, Play Partners, Picture Book Parade, Audio/Video Lab, and more. In addition to regular library programs, the Howard County Library System offers special interest programs, such as Chemistry in the Library, GirlPower, Too Cool for School, and many more.

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Anne Arundel County Public Library
5 Truman Parkway
Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 222-7371
www.aacpl.net

Opened with the aim to provide a "door to discovery and diversion for all County residents regardless of age, education, race, income level or interest," the Anne Arundel County Public Library has nearly one million items in stock, including books, periodicals, DVDs, CDs, library programs, and "web-based program resources." With locations throughout Anne Arundel County, the library system "provides an outlet for enrichment and entertainment through literature, music and film, as well as in-branch programming for nearly every age and interest." Programs for kids include Babies in Bloom, Bingo, Book -- Club Kids, Book Club -- Teens, and many other programs.

Carroll County Public Library
50 E. Main St.
Westminster, MD 21157
(410) 386-4490
library.carr.org

Founded in 1863 as the Westminster Public Library, the Carroll County Public Library now has branches in Eldersburg, Finksburg, Mount Airy, North Carroll, Taneytown, and Westminster. Library programs for kids offered at the Carroll County Public Library include Creative Playtime, Ready, Set, School, Read and Play, Tinker Tots, Family Storytime, Preschool STEAM, Library Wars, Saturday Storytime, and Read to a Dog. Specific interest programs for kids are also offered including Back to School Safety Seminar, Intro to 3D Printing, American Girls and American History, and Art Academy 102.

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Jill Berry @MusingsfromMe is a writer who stays at home or a SAHM who writesit depends on the day and her mood. While playing a writer on the internet, Jill has the gray hair AND blogposts from raising a kid, a preteen, and a teen. When not blogging at Musings from Me, Jill seizes family time whenever she candinner as a family, movie night, marathon family game sessions, travelingyou name it she wants to do it.
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