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Holiday Closing All Pratt Library locations will be closed Monday, May 30 in observance of Memorial Day.

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Central Library

Closed now; Opening Tuesday @ 10:00 AM

400 Cathedral Street
Baltimore, MD 21201

Map & Directions  |  Public Transportation

phone: (410) 396‑5430
email: info@prattlibrary.org

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Public Transportation

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 — 7:00 PM
Tuesday 10:00 AM — 7:00 PM
Wednesday 10:00 AM — 7:00 PM
Thursday 10:00 AM — 7:00 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:

Martin Luther King Day Monday, January 17, 2022
Presidents’ Day Monday, February 21, 2022
Good Friday Friday, April 15, 2022
Memorial Day Monday, May 30, 2022
Juneteenth Sunday, June 19, 2022
Juneteenth (Observed) Monday, June 20, 2022
Independence Day Monday, July 4, 2022
Labor Day Monday, September 5, 2022
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Monday, October 10, 2022
Election Day Tuesday, November 8, 2022
Veterans Day Friday, November 11, 2022
Thanksgiving Day Thursday, November 24, 2022
Christmas Day Sunday, December 25, 2022
Christmas Day (Observed) Monday, December 26, 2022
Central Library

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.

Upcoming Events

TOMORROW 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM
Cricut Diecut Craft! Central Library Program Details
Program Details
Monday – May 30 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Design Your Future: 2022 Teen Summer @ the Pratt Central Library Program Details
Program Details
Monday – May 30 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM
Cricut Diecut Craft! Central Library Program Details
Program Details
Tuesday – May 31
Take & Make: Art Explorers Sculpting Kit Central Library Program Details
Program Details
Tuesday – May 31
Take & Make: Wood Sculptures Central Library Program Details
Program Details
View All Central Events

View All Pratt Library Events

Departments & Collections

African American Department

(410) 361‑9287

Best & Next Department

(410) 396‑4616

Business, Science & Technology

(410) 396‑5317

Children's Department

(410) 396‑5402

Fiction Department

(410) 396‑5484

Fine Arts & Music Department

(410) 396‑5490

H. L. Mencken Room

(410) 396‑5547

Humanities Department

(410) 396‑5487

Information Services Department

(410) 396‑5430

Job & Career Information Center

(410) 396‑5317

Maryland Department

(410) 396‑5468

Periodicals Department

(410) 396‑5451

Senator Barbara A. Mikulski Room

(410) 396‑5430

Social Science & History Department

(410) 396‑5320

Special Collections

(443) 984‑2451

Teen Center

(410) 396‑5486

Features & Services

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

Make an appointment to check out library materials, print remotely, and borrow computer and internet devices with contactless pickup.

Learn More

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

Patricia B. – Central Library

“It's a gorgeous building. The staff is always polite, helpful, and knowledgeable. The collection of books is huge; I can often find all the old books of an author I'm encountering for the first time. It's a real treasure.”

Anita S. –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

“The building itself is beautiful. I found more resources than I expected. The staff did not hesitate to help. I love that it's a place where everyone can feel welcome regardless of everyone's differences.”

Karla B. — Central Library

“I love the atmosphere at the Central Library, and the service is great too. They've done a great job with COVID-19 protocol.”

Donna C. –⁠Central Library