More Than a Library—The Perfect Staycation

Planning a staycation for spring break? Baltimore County Public Library has you covered—we’re your passport for fun! From Thursday, April 2, through Sunday, April 12, visit our branches for all the things you’d want a vacation to offer: activities for kids, sweet treats and a chance to get a future staycation. Plus, explore our large collection of books, CDs, DVDs, video games and Library of Things items.  

Programs That Wow 

We are the perfect place when families want to get out of the house, offering a wide variety of programs for children, tweens and teens. View the full list of programs, including a few special programs highlighted below.

Professor Mike’s Science and Magic Show (Elementary )—Professor Mike explores the wonders of science through the lens of magic and juggling. He engages his guests with captivating science experiments, incredible magic tricks and lots of laughter, all while encouraging audience participation. Ideal for children 10 and younger, this fun-filled experience combines learning with entertainment, making science both educational and exhilarating.  

• Thursday, April 2, 10:30 a.m. (Perry Hall Branch)
• Friday, April 3, 3 p.m. (Randallstown Branch) 

Baltimore Hoop Love (Elementary/Tween/Teen)—Baltimore Hoop Love is excited to bring hula hoops to audiences of all ages for interactive fun for the whole family.   

• Friday, April 3, 2 p.m. (North Point Branch)
• Saturday, April 4, 2 p.m. (Loch Raven Branch)
• Monday, April 6, 2 p.m. (Rosedale Branch)
• Tuesday, April 7, 2 p.m. (Reisterstown Branch)
• Wednesday, April 8, 2 p.m. (Hereford Branch)
• Thursday, April 9, 10:30 a.m. (Sollers Point Branch) 

Juggling Funny Stories (Elementary)—Chris Fascione's interactive performance combines comedy, mime, juggling and storytelling. 

• Monday, April 6, 10:30 a.m. (Arbutus Branch)
• Monday, April 6, 2:30 p.m. (Towson Branch)
• Monday, April 6, 6:30 p.m. (Lansdowne Branch)
• Tuesday, April 7, 10:30 a.m. (Cockeysville Branch)
• Wednesday, April 8, 10 a.m. (Parkville-Carney Branch)
• Thursday, April 9, 10:30 a.m. (Essex Branch)
• Thursday, April 9, 2 p.m. (Catonsville Branch)
• Friday, April 10, 10 a.m. (North Point Branch) 

Spaces for Everyone 

Come for the programs but stay for the spaces. Each branch offers dedicated spaces for children, tweens and teens. This includes video game systems, age-appropriate furniture, educational toys and more.

For families with younger learners, the library encourages them to check out Storyville, the child-sized, play-and-learn village at the Rosedale Branch that features developmentally appropriate books, toys and activities, designed to promote early literacy and school readiness skills for children ages birth to five. Storyville operates on a slightly different schedule, closing one hour earlier than the branches. 

Storyville at the Woodlawn Branch is currently closed due to the branch renovation. 

Tropical Treats

We’re taking you to the tropics, while your feet stay planted in Baltimore County. Kona Ice will visit seven branches from Friday, April 3, to Friday, April 10, starting at noon. The first 100 people who show a library card or checkout receipt at each location will receive a free, kid-sized shaved ice. 

• Friday, April 3 (Randallstown Branch)
• Monday, April 6 (Arbutus and Hereford branches)
• Tuesday, April 7 (Reisterstown Branch)
• Wednesday, April 8 (Parkville-Carney Branch)
• Thursday, April 9 (Catonsville Branch)
• Friday, April 10 (North Point Branch)

A Staycation to Remember 

We think the Baltimore metro is one of the best places for a staycation. Why leave when you have top tier attractions, entertainment and food in your own backyard? We are gifting three lucky people our day trip giveaway, including: 

• A family four-pack of tickets to the Maryland Zoo
• Gift cards to Union Brewing and Carroll and Son Fine Foods

This contest is open to anyone who uses a child or adult library card to borrow at least one item from Thursday, April 2, through Sunday, April 12; more items do not mean more entries. Winners will be notified via email on Friday, April 17, and will be able to pick up their prize at their home branch. The odds of winning are based on the number of qualifying participants. Employees of Baltimore County Public Library and their immediate family and household members of such employees are not eligible. Students who use their student account identification are also not eligible to win.   

The fun starts here! Skip the travel stress and make the most of your time close to home. Your staycation adventure is waiting—at the library.