Library to Distribute Gun Safety Locks at All Branches

After positive feedback from the community, we are once again partnering with Baltimore County Department of Health to distribute gun safety locks at all 18 open branches throughout June for Gun Violence Awareness Month. County residents who are 18 years of age and older can receive the locks at our service desks, while supplies last. No proof of residency is required.

"Baltimore County Public Library is committed to serving as an inclusive and connected space for everyone in our community. That commitment makes our branches a natural place to distribute free gun safety locks and connect customers with important safety resources," said Baltimore County Public Library’s Chief Public Services Officer Erin Baker. "We appreciate the partnership with Baltimore County Department of Health’s Bureau of Behavioral Health (BBH) in helping make Baltimore County safer for all."

Experts say safe storage can create time and space between firearms and individuals suffering from a crisis and considering harm to themselves or others. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, between 2020 and 2024, firearms were used in 44 percent of suicide deaths in Baltimore County, and 27 percent of suicide deaths for those under 18. Thanks to a local partnership through the Baltimore County Veteran Suicide Prevention Coalition, firearm locks have been distributed by the BBH since 2024 to support suicide prevention efforts. 

“The Locks in the Library initiative has proven to be a vital, life-saving partnership in Baltimore County,” said BBH’s Suicide Prevention Coordinator Heather Dewey. “Celebrating this one-year milestone reminds us that a simple human connection is often all it takes to protect the health, safety and well-being of our neighbors.”

In addition to receiving a gun lock, customers will receive instructions on how to use the gun lock, materials with information about safe gun storage, suicide prevention resources and other valuable information. BBH’s Mental Health Team is also hosting a resource table to raise suicide awareness and promote gun safety at four branches this June. They will have free cases and vaults to support safe storage, while supplies last.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency or need immediate assistance for a mental health emergency, call 911. If you want to have support in navigating difficult emotional experiences, including grief or thoughts of self-harm, call or text 988 for support 24/7. 

Here to Help 

If you are grappling with mental health problems, our Social Workers in the Library can point you to helpful resources. They have drop-in hours and appointments available at the following branches:

• Essex
• Owings Mills
• Randallstown
• Towson 

The social worker page also links you to local hotlines that can talk with you for free on a myriad of crisis situations.