Library Staff Welcome You Into New School Year

  • By Baltimore County Public Library

As summer’s sunny days give way to the crisp energy of new beginnings, we want to wish a happy school year to all Baltimore County families! The classrooms are buzzing with anticipation, and as your community partner, we’re here to make sure you’re ready for a fantastic year ahead. Whether you’re looking for in-person events, online resources or interactive programs, we’ve got you covered.  

While all Baltimore County residents are able to obtain library cards in person or online, BCPS student identification numbers already serve as library cards. Students can check out up to five print, audiobooks or downloadable books and access our online resources for homework help, test prep research projects, and streaming. Then, use your standard library card to reserve study rooms, browse our library of things and borrow video games, movies and more. Read below to learn more or explore our youth offerings.  

Programs  

The library holds in-person and virtual programs nearly every day. Programs include:  

  • Anime, manga and book clubs  
  • Crafts and DIY 
  • Gaming and recreation  
  • STEM 
  • Tween/teen afterschool hangout 
  • Writers clubs 

Search for programs by date, location and age group.  

Digital Library  

Our digital library is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Download or stream using a computer, tablet, phone or smart TV. Options include:  

Homework Help  

Learn more about the following homework help resources:  

  • Brainfuse—Get expert help from tutors through a live chat from 2 p.m. to midnight, seven days a week. Send a question and get an answer within 24 hours. Have your library card number and password available. Spanish-speaking tutors are available.   
  • SkillSurfer—Practice long division, improve reading comprehension and learn other key skills.   
  • Writing Lab—Submit a writing sample and receive feedback on structure, grammar, style and content to help you better organize and present your thoughts and information.   

Research Databases    

Use our online databases for research and school assignments. Many contain full-text articles from magazines, journals, current and historical newspapers, encyclopedias and more. A valid library card or BCPS student identification number is required to access some databases.   

After-School Snacks 

Starting Tuesday, September 3, seven branches will offer after-school snacks, thanks to a partnership with Good Harvest. Come to the branch after school Monday-Friday to work on homework, hang out with friends, play games and get a snack. Snacks will be available at: 

  • Lansdowne 
  • Parkville-Carney  
  • Randallstown 
  • Reisterstown 
  • Rosedale 
  • Sollers Point 
  • Woodlawn 

Snacks are available for those 18 and younger while supplies last. Children under eight must be with an adult. 

For the Little Ones 

It is never too early to start learning! Parents can enroll their children younger than 5 in our 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program. There is no minimum age to sign up! Reading out loud with your child helps them develop important early literacy skills—such as speaking, listening and communicating—before they start kindergarten. Parents can sign up through Beanstack or by downloading or picking up a paper reading log (PDF) at their home branch. For every 100 books read, children can collect a special sticker. When they get to 1,000 books, there is a completion prize.   

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