During COVID, I actually avoided this location because I thought the drive up window at Perry Hall…read morewould be a much easier option. So for the past couple months I've been driving out of my way to the PH branch. Two weeks ago I thought I would give the WM a shot. Mannnn I have been so wrong about them. You drive in, call the number on the sign and tell them your name and which parking spot you're in (this is really only necessary if they are bringing the books to your car). I thought it would take forever to get someone on the phone, but each time it was right away (my 3rd trip in 2 weeks, yes I'm a bookworm). Then you have the option to meet them at the front door with your books. It was less than 30 seconds of a wait time!! While I like the lazy option of not getting out of my car at the PH branch, this was just as fast and convenient (if not faster because PH usually has at least 1-2 cars in line already).

Popped in quick to print something and the front desk woman was very kind and helpful!read more

This is a large central library. You can't find free parking immediately around it, so you can…read moreeither search a ways or pay for the municipal garage, which adjoins the library, is quite large, and is not wildly expensive. It was a substantial facility offering a mix of reading materials and social services. I had no difficulty in locating a workspace, and wifi, charging, and air conditioning was mainly what I needed.

Awesome library. Came here with my parents alot as a kid. Very clean and well staff. Ran by good…read morepeople

This is my favorite branch in the HC library system. Freshly remodeled, they have opened up the…read morespace and added more PCs and reading areas. A good selection of titles with various formats available although CDs are no longer available at this branch. That said, you can request a CD hold for pickup at the Abingdon branch. They will also order/request items they don't carry in the Harford County system from Baltimore for example. Also nice to be have the option to pick up your reserve items at the window. Most of the branches are open Sundays from October to April. I've always had a great experience with all of the staff at the various branches.

It's really fun they have lots of windows and they have a playground I like to get books and CDs…read moreand DVDs but they don't have CDs or DVDs anymore

Absolutely beautiful location. I love that so much of the history is preserved and cared for so…read moreintensely. If I were still in school, it would certainly be my top place to find quiet while studying.

Beautiful library with a rustic and magical feel and plenty of space for studying. I was able to…read moreget free wifi and sat down in a corridor of the bottom level. Apparently the upper levels of the library aren't open to visitors, but just sitting in the main floor was stunning.

I love this branch, my local go-to. Staff is courteous and helpful. It's not as large as some…read moreothers nearby so doesn't have a lot of classrooms, etc. but I have been to two "classes" which were very fun.

Wonderful staff and nice selection of titles. Libraries are such an amazing resource and everyone…read moreI've talked to has been super helpful and friendly. There are pretty neat events, as well. Great location, right off the highway.

This branch of the Baltimore County Public Library system is close to my work. Occasionally I will…read morehave books that I place on hold sent here so I can grab them after work. What I like about the Essex Branch: *Lot's of parking (it is part of a strip mall complex) *Access to all the books that the library system has to offer *Easy check out *The history about the branch that is posted on the walls. I spent a lot of time reading through these articles and information the first time I visited. So why only three stars? Namely, this branch is a lot smaller than the normal one I go to making computer access and comfortable seating more hit and miss. Also more hit and miss, if I'm popping in for a specific book there is less of a chance that they would have it.

This is my second favorite Baltimore County Public Library branch. The library is smaller than some…read moreof the other libraries in the county, but they make great use of their space with computer stations, quiet study rooms, activities, and of course a decent selection of books. I spent many Sundays here during my first semester of grad school. I never had any difficulty finding space in the quiet study rooms, and I found that the dedicated quiet space encouraged the quality of my writing for my weekly discussions and papers. The library also offers printing services for a very small fee. The librarians are friendly and kind, and remain knowledgeable about a wide array of books and other resources.

I admit, I came here for the instagram photos. I didn't get exactly what I came for because you…read moreonly see a limited number of rooms in the house and you can't take photos on the first floor (to protect the artifacts) . . . but it was still a worthwhile trip! First, call ahead (there is no online system so you do actually have to call) to make sure they are giving tours and at what times (only certain days of the week, last tour usually starts at 1 PM). This mansion is another relic from the gilded age, however this one isn't completely stuck in the past and is a living, breathing arts venue. The last residents (she died in 1956 I think) had no children and left it to Johns Hopkins University with the specification it be used as an art museum. And there is a lot of interesting and attractive art, though it's mostly art by European white men. That's just what the owners collected . . . but our docent told us they are trying to diversify the collection by purchasing pieces by artists of color. The libraries are actually part of the Johns Hopkins collection and students can make appointments to come read them or use them for research. There are some nature books and some Audubon books that are so large that they require two people to move and turn the pages. There is also a reading room for students. It was previously their bedroom, which they didn't want displayed. There are some fun little quirky rich people things (if you dissociate from today's capitalistic hell). A 23K gold bathroom. The second wife who lived in the residence was obsessed with herself and had multiple paintings and busts of herself around the home. And her bathtub was surrounded by mirrors, including a mirror on the ceiling. A bowling alley that was turned into a display space for all their expensive artificacts. A lot of Tiffany glass. Antiquities. My admission was 10 dollars with a AAA discount. I think regular admission is 12 dollars.

I do recommend calling to confirm when a docent is available, but if one is, it is definitely worth…read morecoming. There is plenty of parking as it's a bit away from the main Johns Hopkins campus. Our tour guide was really knowledgeable and explained a lot about each room and answered all of our questions. There are a lot of beautiful and unique objects, even though unfortunately photograph isn't allowed in the good rooms. The sheer amount of books they owned and how they present them is pretty inspiring. The Garrett's having their own performance/stage area is pretty unique, and you can even rent the space out if desired. At the end, there's a great display of their Asian art collection, and then suddenly you are back in the gift shop where you started, which has some good items. The tour was more than an hour, but it was really interesting, and all the employees were excited to answer questions, so you could see their passion. It's a great tour and worth doing if in Baltimore.

Was denied work by incompetent management with awful interviewing skills. This was at the main…read moreTowson branch. I live in Cockeysville and I was perfectly qualified for the job. Very very frustrating.

I don't get here often enough, but when I do I am always pleased with the customer service here…read more Every employee is friendly and helpful. And smiling. This branch is smaller than the Towson BCPL, but I like it better because it's easy to navigate and it has free parking and clean public restrooms.

This isn't my first choice in libraries as it's not necessarily the closest to me, however it might…read morehave to be. This location is utterly breathtaking in terms of accessibility for people in the city and the architecture. I champion all libraries and we should be flooding them to take advantage of the clubs, panels, classes, and other resources. Today I checked out the Carmelo Anthony exhibit which has been extended to the 19th of January. It's completely FREE! It was truly a great exhibit and so amazing to see and relearn about so many pivotal points in his career, community impacts and soundtrack to his life and career. You also can sign up for a Melo library card (limited edition)!! I think this is a great initiative to get people into the library again and reintroduce why the library is an amazing place to be!

The building is breathtaking. This is a wonderful place to attend an event. Parking can be a…read morechallenge.

*Review for Storyville*…read more Storyville is the best!! What an amazing play option for littles! As soon as my daughter got comfortable walking, we came here to let her explore. She loves it! Plus they have a room off to the side where I can put the stroller and diaper bag and there's a bathroom for diaper changes and washing hands afterwards. They also give you a bag in case your little one puts anything in their mouth so they can sanitize afterward which is so smart. The only small thing that can be annoying is some parents come and ignore their kids, preferring to be on their phones and let their kids run rogue. Not ideal. I had a kid come up to my daughter trying to pick her up to give her a hug once - no parent anywhere to be found. I like that there's an age limit, although I don't know how strict they are with that because I've seen some bigger kids before. But it's an amazing free resource!

Storyville is the reason I gave this 5 stars. There are only 2 locations that have Woodlawn and…read moreRosedale . This little interactive area for kids age 0-12 years is amazing. So much to see and do. I love it. I bring my son here 2 times a week and he always has such a good time