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Location Closure The Forest Park, Washington Village, Herring Run, Brooklyn, & Northwood 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 PM 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 Monday, January 1, 2024
Martin Luther King Day Monday, January 15, 2024
Presidents’ Day Monday, February 19, 2024
Good Friday Friday, March 29, 2024
Staff Training Day Tuesday, April 9, 2024
Memorial Day Monday, May 27, 2024
Juneteenth Wednesday, June 19, 2024
Independence Day Thursday, July 4, 2024
Labor Day Monday, September 2, 2024
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Monday, October 14, 2024
Election Day Tuesday, November 5, 2024
Veterans Day Monday, November 11, 2024
Thanksgiving Eve Wednesday, November 27, 2024 : closing at 5:00 PM
Thanksgiving Day Thursday, November 28, 2024
Christmas Eve Tuesday, December 24, 2024 : closing at 5:00 PM
Christmas Day Wednesday, December 25, 2024
New Year's Eve Tuesday, December 31, 2024 : closing at 5:00 PM
New Year's Day Wednesday, January 1, 2025
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

My First Website TOMORROW 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM
My First Website Central Library Program Details
Program Details
ReCOUP Business Accelerator IT/STEM Track TOMORROW 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
ReCOUP Business Accelerator IT/STEM Track Central Library Program Details
Program Details
David Gaylin: "The Final Days of Edgar Allan Poe" TOMORROW 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
David Gaylin: "The Final Days of Edgar Allan Poe" Central Library Program Details
Program Details
Stop Smoking with Tobacco Free Baltimore Tuesday – Oct 8 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM
Stop Smoking with Tobacco Free Baltimore Central Library Program Details
Program Details
Journey Records Tuesday – Oct 8 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Journey Records Central Library Program Details
Program Details

Departments & Collections

African American Department

African American Department


(410) 361‑9287
Best & Next Department

Best & Next Department


(410) 396‑4616
Business, Science & Technology

Business, Science & Technology


(410) 396‑5317
Fiction & Humanities Department

Fiction & Humanities Department


(410) 396‑5484
Fine Arts & Music Department

Fine Arts & Music Department


(410) 396‑5490
Information Services Department

Information Services Department


(410) 396‑5430
Job & Career Information Center

Job & Career Information Center


(443) 984‑5852
Periodicals Department

Periodicals Department


(410) 396‑5451
Senator Barbara A. Mikulski Room

Senator Barbara A. Mikulski Room


(410) 396‑5430
Social Science & History Department

Social Science & History Department


(410) 396‑5320

Features & Services

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

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

John 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

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

Patricia B. – Central Library

“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

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

Casey W.