Your Complete Guide to Harford County Public Libraries
When I became a new mom, our local library became my lifeline. It was a safe, welcoming space where my daughter could make noise during story time, explore freely, and just be a kid—without any pressure or expectations.
And the best part? It was always free.
Over the years, I've watched my daughter fall in love with reading through the incredible programs our Harford County libraries offer. From baby story times where she giggled at rhymes and songs, to STEM activities where she built robots and experimented with coding, these libraries have been so much more than a place to borrow books.
What You'll Find at Harford County Libraries
Each branch offers unique programming throughout the year - story times for babies and toddlers, craft sessions, reading challenges, LEGO clubs, and hands-on STEM activities. Many locations also have dedicated play spaces where little ones can climb, explore, and learn through play while you browse or just take a breath.
To find current programs and events, check out the Harford County Public Library website or pick up a monthly calendar at any branch. You can also sign up for their newsletter to get updates delivered right to your inbox.
Plan Your Visit
This guide includes detailed information about each Harford County Public Library location and what makes each branch special, the unique features they offer, and nearby activities you can add to your visit for a full day of fun.
Ready to discover everything our libraries have to offer? Let's explore together!
AngeBrowse by Category
Use the categories below like a little “choose your adventure” menu. Tap a category, click a location, and you’ll jump straight to the full details below.
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Abingdon: Abingdon Branch
Aberdeen: Aberdeen Branch
Bel Air: Bel Air Branch
Darlington: Darlington Branch
Edgewood: Edgewood Branch
Fallston: Fallston Branch
Havre de Grace: Havre de Grace Branch
Jarrettsville: Jarrettsville Branch
Joppa: Joppa Branch
Street: Darlington Branch
White Hall: Norrisville Branch
Whiteford: Whiteford Branch
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Playground nearby • Enclosed kids section • Makerspace • Drive-thru
📍 100 E. Pennsylvania Ave, Bel Air, MD 21014
🚂 Town-themed play area with Harford County heritage focus (MA and PA railroad train, blacksmith, grocery store), garden area for babies, pond area for toddlers
🖐️ StreamWorks makerspace (3D printer, coding computers, sewing machines, BEAM interactive projection system and more)
🧸 Enclosed children’s section that is completely separated from the main library
🚗 Drive-thru service available
🛝 Paved path that connects to Shamrock Park & Playground
📌 Nearby Activities: A short walk or drive to Downtown Bel Air for shopping or finding a spot to eat.
Sensory room • Registration required • Playground onsite • Sensory trail
📍 2510 Tollgate Road, Abingdon, MD 21009
🧸 Large children’s section with a play area designed specifically for young learners
🖐️ An incredible feature is the free to visit Sensory Room. Designed for all ages and abilities, it features the only library space dedicated to fully engaging sensory input. While this does require advanced registration prior to visiting, it is completely free and an amazing county resource.
📌 Nearby Activities: While the library does offer it’s own playground and sensory trail, we love to add in a visit to the Bear Legacy Trail up the street. This is a hiking trail designed specifically with kids in mind and is perfect for a nature-filled adventure.
Play area • Story garden • Paved loop trail nearby • Playground nearby
📍 21 Franklin Street, Aberdeen, MD 21001
🧸 A separate large children’s play area filled with activities and an outdoor Story Garden
📌 Nearby Activities: This is across the street from Festival Park & Playground. Great for taking a walk along the paved loop trail, while also enjoying some time on the playground.
Kids section • Drive-thru • Playground nearby • Sensory trail nearby
📍 629 Edgewood Road, Edgewood, MD 21040
🧸 Large children’s section that’s great for younger ages
🚗 Drive-thru service available
📌 Nearby Activities: Make a stop to Edgewood Creamery for a sweet treat or make some time to play at either the Flying Point Park Playground or the newly opened Mildred C. Kelly Park, Playground, & Sensory Trail.
Kids area • Small play structures • Playground nearby
📍 1461 Fallston Road, Fallston, MD 21047
🧸 Dedicated children's area with toys, small play structures, and creative options
📌 Nearby Activities: We love adding in a playground stop after a visit. There are a few options located within a short drive from the library: Annie’s Playground, Jarrettsville Rec Center, Fox Meadows Park
Multiple play spaces • Enclosed teen room • Waterfront nearby • Playground nearby
📍 120 N. Union Ave, Havre de Grace, MD 21078
🧸 Play Spaces: Schooner Cove (interactive learning center for babies and preschoolers with hands-on activities), Lafayette's Landing (for school-aged children with iPads, LEAP kits, STEAM activities), large children’s section with additional play equipment, and an enclosed teen room
📌 Nearby Activities: Located within walking distance to Downtown Havre de Grace which is filled with unique shops and restaurants. The area also offers the beautiful promenade trail that will guide you along the waterfront and leads to the nautical themed playground at Millard Tydings Park.
Kids section • Drive-thru
📍 3722 Norrisville Road, Jarrettsville, MD 21084
🧸 Children's section that includes a few centers for play, along with creative activities
🚗 Drive-thru available
📌 Nearby Activities: Add in a stop for lunch at either Jarrettsville Creamery & Deli or J’Ville Grille
Kids section • Fishing equipment rental • Waterfront nearby • Paved trails nearby • Boat launch nearby • Playgrounds nearby
📍 655 Towne Center Drive, Joppa, MD 21085
🧸 Large children’s section with a variety of play options for younger ages
🎣 A unique feature, this library also includes an option to rent fishing equipment as they are located within a waterfront community
📌 Nearby Activities: This is located a short drive from Mariner Point Park. This includes beautiful paved trails, multiple playgrounds, waterfront views, ample opportunities for fishing, and my daughter’s favorite – a boat launch area that’s always busy in the warmer months.
Play house • Scavenger hunts • Playground onsite
📍 2407 Whiteford Road, Whiteford, MD 21160
🧸 Children's section that includes a play house, puzzles, scavenger hunts, and more
📌 Nearby Activities: Attached to the library is the Whiteford Playground. Perfect for younger ages, it’s always a great way to spend some extra time outside. If visiting in the summer, be sure to add in a stop and enjoy a sweet treat from either Bonkey’s Ice Cream stand or Ice Hole Snowball stand.
Kid-friendly activities • Small kids section
📍 5310 Norrisville Road, White Hall, MD 21161
📖 Children's Offerings: Story times, educational programs, drop-in activities
🧸 Small children’s section with a few options for play
📌 Nearby Activities: If visiting in the warmer months, be sure to add in a visit to Shaw Orchards. We love their pick-your-own options for berries, apples, and more. Also included is a farm market filled with local produce.
StoryWalk trail • Flat kid-friendly trails • Shaded picnic pavilion • Drive-thru • Playground nearby
📍 3535 Conowingo Road, Street, MD 21154
🧸 Small children's area with an art center, tablets, hands-on activities
🚗 Drive-thru service available
📌 Nearby Activities: Attached to the library is a StoryWalk trail that will connect you to Poplar Grove Park & Playground. This farm-themed playground is a favorite, along with their flat kid-friendly trails, and shaded picnic pavilion.
