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Announcement The Edmondson Avenue Branch will be open limited hours 10 am to 1 pm through Saturday, May 11 due to AC and facilities maintenance issues.

Location Closure The Forest Park Branch is closed for renovations. The Washington Village Branch is closed for facility maintenance. The Walbrook Branch is closed for HVAC repairs.

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Research

Research your family history, get homework help, read current newspapers, and more with Pratt Library research resources. Browse subject guides, databases, and digital collections or chat with a librarian to get started. A Pratt Library Card is required to access many of our databases.

Featured Databases

Historical Census Data
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Heritage Quest collage of logo, handwritten names on a bank ledger, and a local steamboat ad

Historical Census Data

HeritageQuest Online contains essential collections of genealogical and historical sources with coverage dating back to the 1700s.

Ancestry Library Edition
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Ancestry Library Edition database - logo with antique photos and school yearbook photos from Frederick Douglass High School

Ancestry Library Edition

Browse a wide range of unique resources for genealogical and historical research.

Military Records
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Fold3 Library Edition database collage with logo, Vietnam War soldier photos and related data

Military Records

Fold3 provides convenient access to military records, including the stories, photos, and personal documents.

Maryland Newspapers
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Maryland Newspapers - Baltimore Sun, Afro-American, and Baltimore Banner mastheads

Maryland Newspapers

Search current and historical Maryland newspapers, including The Baltimore Banner and over 100 years of the Baltimore Sun and Baltimore Afro-American.

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Featured Research Guides

Job Seeker's Toolkit
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Job & Career Center

Job Seeker's Toolkit

Looking for a job in Baltimore? This toolkit is designed to support job-seekers and those who assist job-seekers.

COVID-19 Vaccine Information
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COVID-19 vaccine vials

COVID-19 Vaccine Information

Use this guide to find trusted and reliable news sources related to the Coronavirus COVID-19 vaccine.

Genealogy & Family History Research
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Genealogy and family history research - old family photographs and leaves

Genealogy & Family History Research

Research your family history and genealogy with extensive resources, both in person and online.

Evaluating Old Books
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old books on a shelf with gold embossed leather spines

Evaluating Old Books

Ever wonder how much your old books are worth? The Humanities Collection has resources to help you find out.

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Got a Question? Ask a Librarian!

During Pratt Library hours you can live chat with a librarian. Prefer to talk on the phone? Call (410) 396-5430 for answers to reference questions.

Chat with a Librarian

Digital Maryland Collections

Providing online access to digital versions of rare and unique materials, including historical maps, photographs, reports, books, manuscripts, artwork, and other media. To view more digital collections from libraries, museums, archives, and other institutions throughout Maryland, visit Digital Maryland.

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Central Library Departments

Find librarian expertise, books, media, microfilm, and more in Central Library Departments. Explore Departments related to subjects from Maryland history and fine arts to job seeking and teen resources.

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“I use the free online research from home that Enoch Pratt provides. The broad scope of research databases is even is better then the Library of Congress's resources.”

Warren R.

“Excellent library, great resources beyond the standard public library selection, particularly academic resources in the arts.”

Christopher P, Central

“It's a great place for resources and studying when you need a quiet space.”

Celeste H.

“The Pratt librarians are amazingly helpful. I could not do the research that I have been doing without the live chat services.”

Julie D.

“I'm a teacher and the Library is a great resource for my students and their families.”

Kitra K.