Aberdeen Branch
A library in Aberdeen has existed since the early 20th century, becoming part of county-wide library services in 1945. The library was housed in a variety of locations from a second floor of a store at West Bel Air Avenue and North Parke Street to the Aberdeen Recreation Center to a building on North Parke Street built for it in 1958. None of these would accommodate the library for long, however, and in 1972 plans for a new branch began. The present location opened in November 1975.
The collection in this new building began with about 26,000 items and a first year circulation of 130,000. Today the library houses 86,000 items ranging from books and magazines to DVD's and MP3 audiobooks to online databases and downloadable eBooks. The Aberdeen Branch's circulation last year was over 392,000.
Beyond books, the library provides a wide array of programs and services vital to the community. There are thirty-three computers with Internet access. Story times for children are especially popular along with the Summer Reading Program. Karma Dogs, a program where children read to a dog in a judgment and criticism free environment, is also a popular program.
In 2008, the Aberdeen Youth Program (AYP) was developed in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club and a grant from the Local Management Board. AYP provides regular activities for teens such as video gaming, movie nights and homework help as well as opportunities for socializing in the 'teen lounge'. Programs for adults range from the monthly Triple Crown Divas book club that discusses the newest releases to a knitting group to the Winter Reading Program.
Over the years volunteers and donations have assisted in supplementing the branch and its services. Volunteers have donated countless hours of computer assistance, program preparation and aid in maintaining the branch collections. The Ripken Foundation and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation were essential in providing early computer services. The Friends of Aberdeen Library hold regular book sales to support library programs such as special guest presenters for Summer Reading.
Recent changes in the building have been thanks to some generous donations including the funding from the Library Foundation to purchase teen friendly furniture and resources for the Young Adult area. In the children's area, the Aberdeen Express train table was funded by a private donation along with support from the Library Foundation. The design was the vision of one of our very own children's librarians.
Upcoming Programs
Search for upcoming programs at the Aberdeen Branch
Address & Contact
21 Franklin Street
Aberdeen, MD 21001
Phone: 410-273-5608
Fax: 410-273-5610
Branch Hours
| Mon & Wed | 10:00 am - 8:00 pm |
| Tue & Thu | 1:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
| Fri & Sat | 10:00 am - 5:00 pm |
Branch Manager
Directions
From I-95: Take exit 85 to Rt. 22 East.
Follow Rt. 22 for 2 miles to fifth light.
Turn right (as if going to Rt. 40 West), onto Rogers Street.
Turn left at Franklin Street.
Library is on the left.
From Rt. 40: Turn onto Franklin Street.
Follow Franklin Street to Parke Street.
Library is across the intersection on the right.
