Spread the Word—the Library Is Free!

  • By Baltimore County Public Library

Take it from us, you can skip the lines this Black Friday. We’re spreading the news that the library is 100 percent free, making it the best deal ever! All you need is a Baltimore County Public Library card. Customers can come into any of our 19 branches and sign up for a physical card or grab an e-card to start saving immediately. 

Seven Ways to Save Big 

  1. Books, DVDs, Video Games and More  

This may sound obvious, but we have more than 1.2 million items in our physical collection. The more you check out, the more you save! Next time you check out an item, look to the bottom of your receipt and it will tell you how much you’ve saved this year by visiting the library.  

  1. Digital Library 
photo of instruments available for loan

We love our digital library because it offers you instant access to thousands of books, graphic novels, TV shows, movies, magazines and newspapers. Start saving now with our e-card.  

  1. Library of Things 

Budding artist? We have musical instruments to help with that. Want to host a game night? We have nearly 100 board games to choose from, including classics like Monopoly or something new like Moose Match Mayhem. Explore our Library of Things to see what “nonbook” items you can find. We also think this collection is a great way to try things out before you buy them or borrow an item that would normally be used once and then done.  

  1. Hotspots and Chromebooks 

These are a part of our Library of Things, but they deserve their own shout-out! They are perfect for people on the go or those who want an extra device to get work done without paying hundreds for the equipment. It is important to note that they are only available for customers 18+. 

  1. Programs 

We truly have something for everyone—from our youngest customers to the young at heart. Whether you’re into crafting, technology, gaming, books, writing, finance or something else, we invite you to check out our events page. All programming is free to attend. 

Inside Storyville's Rosedale location.
  1. Storyville 

Located in Rosedale, Storyville combines the fun of play with the importance of early literacy skills. They are designed for children ages birth through 5 and their caretakers. Right now, our Storyville at Woodlawn is closed due to the ongoing branch renovations. 

  1. Mango Languages  

If your New Year’s resolution was to learn a new language in 2025, it’s not too late to start. Mango Languages has more than 70 languages ready for you to explore and learn. It can cost $17.99 a month for this access on your own, or free with a library card. New this year, we’ve added Little Pim, which is a language-teaching site for our littlest learners. The short videos use child-friendly themes of color, shapes, counting and food, and are available in 12 languages.  

Plus One More

It's not in time for Black Friday, but we do have a way for you to save in 2026. The Winter Reading Challenge runs Monday, December 1, through Saturday, January 31, and is open for kids in grades K through 12. Participants need to read 400 minutes and fill in the paper game board or play on Beanstack. Once the challenge is completed come into any branch to receive:

  • A Baltimore County Public Library pom-pom beanie, while supplies last.
  • One free child ticket to a Towson University basketball game.
  • One free popcorn during the game.
  • Discounted group rate for accompanying adults, family and friends.  

Today’s Hottest Picks 

Find some of today’s hottest finds at the library, including Taylor Swift’s “The Life of a Showgirl.” We also want to prepare you for some major debuts, including: 

  • “Wicked”! Enjoy the original book, the soundtrack from the musical or the movie ahead of the premiere of “Wicked: For Good.”  
  • “Stranger Things” Season 5. Search our collection of DVDs for previous seasons along with books, manga and more.  
  • “Bridgerton: An Offer From a Gentleman.” Catch up on Benedict's story before the January debut of his season.  

We also have lists for what’s new in fiction, nonfiction, DVDs, video games and more. The best part is that customers can borrow all of these for free with a library card. 

There are many opportunities to explore, learn, create and connect at our branches. We invite you to come "be all in" and experience all the library has to offer. 

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