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

Central Library

Closed now; Opening Monday @ 10:00 AM

400 Cathedral Street
Baltimore, MD 21201

Map & Directions  |  Parking & Public Transit
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Parking & Public Transit

Parking

Metered street parking available. Free bike parking is available in front of the building.

Bus

51, 94, Blue, Green, Pink, Silver

Charm City Circulator

Purple - Stops 305 (N. Charles and Pleasant St.) or 306 (N. Charles and Hamilton St.)

See the Circulator's website for other routes, schedules and information.

Light Rail

Centre Street, Lexington Market

Metro Subway

Charles Center, Lexington Market

For more public transportation information, visit the Maryland Transit Administration.

Day Opens   Closes
Monday 10:00 AM 8:00 PM
Tuesday 10:00 AM 8:00 PM
Wednesday 10:00 AM 8:00 PM
Thursday 10:00 AM 8:00 PM
Friday 10:00 AM 5:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM 5:00 PM
Sunday CLOSED
Holiday Closing Schedule
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Holidays & Early Closings

All Pratt Library locations will be closed on the following days:

New Year's Day Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Martin Luther King Day Monday, January 20, 2025
Presidents’ Day Monday, February 17, 2025
Good Friday Friday, April 18, 2025
Memorial Day Monday, May 26, 2025
Juneteenth Thursday, June 19, 2025
Independence Day Friday, July 4, 2025
Labor Day Monday, September 1, 2025
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Monday, October 13, 2025
Veterans Day Tuesday, November 11, 2025
Thanksgiving Eve Wednesday, November 26, 2025 : closing at 5:00 PM
Thanksgiving Day Thursday, November 27, 2025
Christmas Eve Wednesday, December 24, 2025 : closing at 5:00 PM
Christmas Day Thursday, December 25, 2025
New Year's Eve Wednesday, December 31, 2025 : closing at 5:00 PM
New Year's Day Thursday, January 1, 2026
Central Library
Central Hall with natural light from above
Central Library interior showing two levels with bookshelves, tables and chairs, and awindow
Central Library - African American Department reading room with bookshelves, wooden chairs, and glass-topped wooden tables
Central Library Teen Center reading room with tables and chairs, books, checkered floors and decorative ceiling
Wheeler Auditorium at Central Library - chairs view from the stage

The Central Library is located in the heart of Mount Vernon. With more than half a million visitors each year, the state-of-the-art renovations to the Central Library complement Pratt's significant print collection with the latest technologies, welcoming a vibrant future while preserving a cherished historic landmark.

The Central Library was designated the Maryland State Library Research Center (SLRC) by the General Assembly in 1971. This designation and accompanying State support allow all Maryland citizens to have access to a public library whose resources are unparalleled in the State.

Get a behind the scenes look and at the Library's collections, and learn about the history of the Central Library building with a free tour. Check the tour schedule for details.

Upcoming Events

Google Apps. Connectivity Monday – Dec 16 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Google Apps. Connectivity Central Library Program Details
Program Details
Art Hive at the Library Monday – Dec 16 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM
Art Hive at the Library Central Library Program Details
Program Details
Lawyer in the Library Tuesday – Dec 17 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Lawyer in the Library Central Library Program Details
Program Details
Celebrate Kwanzaa with Jarmonay Tuesday – Dec 17 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Celebrate Kwanzaa with Jarmonay Central Library Program Details
Program Details
Rambling Readers Thursday – Dec 19 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Rambling Readers Central Library Program Details
Program Details

Departments & Collections

Senator Barbara A. Mikulski Room

Senator Barbara A. Mikulski Room


(410) 396‑5430

Features & Services

  1. State Library Resource Center
  2. ADA/handicap accessible
  3. Free Wi-Fi
  4. Computers for public use
  5. Photocopier and printing services
  6. Children and Teen sections
  7. Job and Career assistance
  8. Events and programs for all ages
  9. Social Worker in the Library
  10. Lawyer in the Library
  11. Self check-out
Hackerman Artist in Residence

The Hackerman Artist & Writer in Residence Programs bring creatives from around Baltimore to share and create at the Pratt Library.

Learn More
Community & Meeting Rooms

Reserve a room at the Central Library for your next meeting or community event.

Learn More

“I love the Central Library! The building is beautiful and the staff are always courteous and helpful.”

Patricia B. – Central Library

“I've loved the Pratt and especially Central since I was 6 years old. Central has history in its stunning architecture.”

Signe L. –Central Library

“It's a lovely facility with dedicated staff, great resources, and it's easy to use.”

Casey W.

“I love the Library! The staff are wonderful, the space is gorgeous, the selection is awesome. I also love the speakers who visit!”

Tovah C. — Central Library

“What an awesome building! The folks working there are friendly and knowledgeable.”

John S. —Central Library