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Location Closure The Forest Park, Washington Village, Herring Run, Brooklyn, & Northwood branches are closed for renovations. Learn more here.

Holiday Closing All Pratt Library locations will be closed Monday, October 14 in observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

Picking Up Materials

Use one of the following methods to pick up physical items from the Pratt Library collection.

  • In person: Pratt locations are open at 100% capacity. Customers can come into the building to pick up holds, or browse the collection and check out materials in-person. Self-checkout is available at select locations.

  • Sidewalk Service: We recognize that some customers may not be ready or able to come to the counter inside the library, so we are continuing Sidewalk Service appointments at all Pratt locations.

  • Books by Mail: Baltimore City residents who are confined to their homes can have materials mailed to them for free.

Looking for a book that’s not in our catalog? Marina Interlibrary Loan is a free, statewide interlibrary loan system for requesting books your Library does not own from public libraries across the country.

library staff checking out books with a mask on during COVID-19

Library staff can safety check out your materials at the counter

Books by Mail return label

Books by Mail is an option for Baltimore City residents confined to their homes

Returning Materials

Materials can be returned to any Pratt location at the circulation desk or through the outdoor book drop. Digital devices, Library of Things, and STEAM to GO kits must be returned in person at the counter.

The Clifton book drop is closed until further notice with alternative material return options in place.

Book by Mail items can be returned via book drop, or by mail. Customers will receive a shipping label with their order but will be responsible for return postage costs.

returning books by bike using a Pratt Library book drop

Library book drops are a convenient way to return most materials

book drop for returning library materials at the Forest Park branch

Book return containers are available outside library locations

Computer & Internet Devices
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computer and internet devices - mobile hotspot, tablet, chromebook

Computer & Internet Devices


With a Pratt Library card, you can borrow computer and internet devices like Chromebooks, tablets, and mobile hotspots to get online from the comfort of your home.

Checkout Limits, Renewals, Overdue Materials & Fees
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checkout at Hampden branch, with a customer wearing a mask and a library card being handed over

Checkout Limits, Renewals, Overdue Materials & Fees


Find information about Pratt Library checkout limits, renewals, overdue materials, and additional fees.