Material Pickup & Return

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 can safety check out your materials at the counter

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.

Library book drops are a convenient way to return most materials

Book return containers are available outside library locations