New American Services

Baltimore County Public Library welcomes new Americans and immigrant communities. Whether you are looking for books in multiple languages, citizenship resources, language support, learning opportunities, community resources or simply a place to be, you can find free resources, services and support at any Baltimore County Public Library branch. 

Everyone is welcome. Immigration status is not required to use the library or get a free library card. Customer privacy is protected. Every Baltimore County resident deserves opportunities to explore, learn, create and connect. 

New American Welcome Centers

Each branch has a New American Welcome Center with free information and resources to help new Americans, including:

  • Information about getting a free library card. 
  • Citizenship preparation resources. 
  • English language learning resources.
  • Legal and community information. 
  • Calendar of library programs and events. 
  • Materials and services in multiple languages. 
  • Information about free Wi-Fi and public computers in branches.

You can learn more about what is available at your local branch. 

Language Support

Baltimore County Public Library is committed to providing welcoming and accessible service for everyone in our county. If you need to communicate in a language other than English, we offer several ways to help. 

Speak With a Staff Member

Many of our branches have staff members who speak additional languages, including Spanish, and may be able to assist you directly.

Use a Pocketalk Translator

Available at the service desk of each branch is a Pocketalk, a handheld voice translator that provides real-time, two-way translation in 90 languages to help staff and customers communicate during library visits. 

Request an Interpreter

If additional support is needed, the library can connect with professional interpreters through a service called LanguageLine. Telephone interpretation is available live and on-demand in more than 240 languages. Live interpreters may be an option for library programs with advanced notice. Please contact the branch hosting the program at least eight days before a program to request an interpreter. 

Get a Library Card

Baltimore County residents can register for a free Baltimore County Public Library card either by visiting a branch to get a standard library card or online to get an e-card. 

Standard Library Card

A standard free library card allows you to:

  • Borrow or place holds on library materials.
  • Borrow books, DVDs, CDs, video games and other library materials.
  • Borrow special items from the Library of Things, including Chromebooks and hotspots.
  • Download e-books, audiobooks and e-magazines.
  • Stream movies, music and television.
  • Use public computers.
  • Access language learning, skill learning and test preparation tools. 

Library card applications are available in the following languages:

Complete the form and take it to your branch to get a library card.

Get an e-Card

Can’t make it to a Baltimore County Public Library branch? Get a free e-card to start using many of our digital resources, including language learning, newspapers and magazines, streaming content and online learning tools.

To get an e-card, register online. 

Your Privacy Matters

Your privacy is important to us. Baltimore County Public Library is committed to protecting the confidentiality of your library records and personal information as required by Maryland law. 

Immigration status is not required to use the library or get a free library card. You can feel confident asking questions, browsing materials, attending programs and exploring everything the library has to offer.

Collection

Find books and other library materials in a variety of languages for children, teens and adults, including:

  • Books, e-books and audiobooks.
  • Bilingual books.
  • World language collections in Chinese, Korean, Russian and Spanish.
  • Citizenship materials.
  • English learning materials.
  • Newspapers, magazines and digital reading.

Branch staff can help you find materials in your preferred language. Browse the catalog or explore our digital library. 

Online Resources

Your library card gives you access to a wide range of online resources that you can use anytime, anywhere.

  • Citizenship Test Preparation—Tools, practice tests, study materials and tutoring resources to help customers prepare for the naturalization process and build confidence along the way.
  • Brainfuse—Learning support with citizenship test preparation resources and 24/7 tutoring. Depending on the service, support is available in English and Spanish.
  • Mango Languages—Self-paced language lessons for English learners and anyone interested in learning more than 70 languages. Lessons are designed to support real-life conversation and practical language skills.
  • PressReader—Access to more than 7,000 newspapers and magazines from over 100 countries in more than 60 languages.  
  • Legal Forms Library—Access to Maryland legal forms and document templates for many common legal needs. 
  • Kanopy and Hoopla—Streaming of movies, television shows, documentaries, music and comics with content available in hundreds of languages. 

Library of Things

Borrow more than books. The Library of Things is a collection of useful items available to borrow with your library card, including citizenship kits, Chromebooks, WiFi hotspots, health and wellness kits, camera kits and much more.

Citizenship kits include study guides, flashcards, practice materials and other resources to help prepare for the naturalization process.

Classes, Programs and Learning Opportunities

Explore free classes, programs and events to help you learn new skills, connect with your community and access helpful resources. Opportunities may include:

  • English language learning. 
  • Technology and digital skills. 
  • Job, career and small business workshops.
  • Tax preparation assistance.
  • “Know Your Rights” and other informational programs.
  • Family, cultural and community events.

Explore our events calendar or contact your branch to learn more about upcoming opportunities.

Suggest a Purchase

Can’t find a book, movie or other library material in your language? Help grow the library’s collection by submitting a purchase suggestion for consideration. Community recommendations help ensure the collection reflects the languages, cultures and interests of Baltimore County residents. 

Suggestions are especially welcome for:

  • Books in world languages. 
  • Bilingual materials. 
  • English learning resources. 
  • Citizenship materials. 
  • Materials that reflect the cultures and languages of Baltimore County communities. 

Contact Us

Questions or need assistance getting started? Contact dei@bcpl.net with questions about library cards, language support, classes, programs, citizenship resources, digital tools or materials in multiple languages. Assistance is available to help connect you with the information, resources and services you need.