Pratt Library Expands Services To Public

Appointment-only computer use to begin November 4 at three locations

October 26, 2020

Baltimore, MD – The Enoch Pratt Free Library will begin offering appointment-only computer use at three locations starting November 4. A limited number of computer stations will be available at the Central Library, Southeast Anchor Library, and the Pennsylvania Avenue branch.

Customers can sign up for a 45 minute appointments by calling one of the three locations:

Central Library
400 Cathedral St.
(410) 396-5325
Monday-Saturday 10 am - 4 pm

Southeast Anchor Library
3601 Eastern Ave
(443) 984-3901
M-F: 10 am – 4 pm (every other Sat)

Pennsylvania Ave. Branch
1531 W. North Ave
(410) 396-0399
M-F: 10 am – 4 pm (every other Sat)

A small number of walk-in customers will also be accepted. Customers entering a Pratt building will have their temperatures checked and be required to wear a mask or face covering. Anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 will not be admitted. Each computer station will be spread six feet apart. The keyboard and mouse will have protective covers and each work station will be disinfected in between appointments.

“We know many of our customers rely on the Pratt for our computers to connect to the internet,” says Pratt Library President & CEO Heidi Daniel. “Connectivity is important to help people find jobs, apply for unemployment, connect with family members, to complete educational work, and so much more. That’s why we are prioritizing bridging the digital divide for customers who may not have access at home. We hope to open more locations for computer appointments in December.” Customers can begin calling to book November appointments on October 26. A video with a special Computer Appointment guest helps customers walk through the process.

In July, the Pratt began lending Wi-Fi hotspots to customers. Free Drive-In Wi-Fi can also be accessed outside 8 library locations. The Pratt’s Bookmobile and Mobile Job Center have been outfitted with Wi-Fi hotspots and redeployed to neighborhoods where connectivity can be challenging. Each vehicle can support up to 60 devices.

“We will continue to look for ways to expand our services to meet the needs of our community while keeping customers and staff safe,” says Daniel.

Contact-free Sidewalk Service materials pickup is also available at 14 Pratt locations, which also feature remote printing by appointment. More details are available at prattlibrary.org.