Sign In
Upcoming Event
Free Newsletter
Baltimore County Library announces shutdown support services
Exterior view of the Randallstown branch of the Baltimore County Public Library. (File photo)
Baltimore County Library announces shutdown support services
Listen to this articleAs the government shutdown approaches the five-week mark, Baltimore County Public Library officials said the system looks to support its customers who have been impacted.
More than 13,000 federal civilian jobs, 76 federal work establishments and several nonprofits are based in Baltimore County that are navigating these uncertain times, according to a release.
BCPL is inviting its customers, patrons and families to explore how its branches are seeking to help by offering the following resources:
- Free internet access to complete school or work tasks, apply for necessary applications like unemployment and search for other resources. BCPL also has Chromebooks and hotspots available to loan through its Library of Things.
- Referrals to local assistance networks and food pantries are available at BCPL branch service desks, public benefits programs are scheduled in November.
- My Librarian appointments, offering one-on-one support for resume writing, job searches and more.
- Free streaming of movies, music, shows and more with hoopla and Kanopy, in addition to access to newspapers, including The Baltimore Banner, The Baltimore Sun, The New York Times and The Washington Post.
- Some services are only accessible with a library card.
“In times of uncertainty, the library remains constant for so many in the community,” BCPL CEO Sonia Alcántara-Antoine said.
BCPL has 19 branches that are open Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and select branches are open Sunday from 1-5 p.m.
The digital library is available 24/7 and four BCPL mobile units are available with additional assistance as needed.
