North Carroll branch
2255 Hanover Pike
Hampstead, MD 21074
Darrell Robertson, Branch Manager
Branch hours
Monday - Thursday: 9 AM - 8 PM
Friday - Saturday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Directions
Upcoming programs and events
Check Currents publication (PDF) or the Calendar of Events site for more events.
North Carroll Writers Group
North Carroll BranchTuesday, August 11, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: Adults
Class information
Bring your writing, works-in-progress, or works-in-thought. This writing group allows beginners, unpublished writers, and published writers to network, learn, vent, and feel inspired to move to the next level. All genres are welcome: novel, short story, essay, poetry, memoirs, spiritual, sci-fi, fiction, and nonfiction. This group is led by Barbara D. Duffey, an experienced writing workshop leader and author of five books.
Family Storytime
North Carroll BranchWednesday, August 12, 2026 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: Birth - 8
Class information
We’ll share books, stories, rhymes, music, and movement. Come talk, sing, read, write, and play together in a format appropriate for young children.
Carroll County Workforce Development Day
North Carroll BranchWednesday, August 12, 2026 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: Adults
Class information
Explore invaluable career resources at Carroll County Workforce Development's pop-up event. Discover free training opportunities, learn how to connect with employers, and receive personalized support to revamp your resume.
Family Fun Night
North Carroll BranchWednesday, August 12, 2026 - 6:30pm - 7:15pm
Ages: Birth - 8
Class information
Wear your pajamas and listen to stories before bed. Join us for family fun, featuring stories, music, crafts, play, and time with friends.
Journey to the Center of the Earth with the Science Guys!
North Carroll BranchThursday, August 13, 2026 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: 3 - 12
Class information
Join us as we travel from outer space inward to learn about the conditions that make life on Earth possible! Unearth the story of our planet through interactive elements that explore planetary motion, the elements, changes over time, and even eruptions!
North Carroll Writers Group
North Carroll BranchThursday, August 13, 2026 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: Adults
Class information
Bring your writing, works-in-progress, or works-in-thought. This writing group allows beginners, unpublished writers, and published writers to network, learn, vent, and feel inspired to move to the next level. All genres are welcome: novel, short story, essay, poetry, memoirs, spiritual, sci-fi, fiction, and nonfiction. This group is led by Barbara D. Duffey, an experienced writing workshop leader and author of five books.
Club Friendship: Libraries Are for Everyone
North Carroll BranchThursday, August 13, 2026 - 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Ages: 13 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
The library is more than just books. It's a place to come together as a community. We welcome teens and adults of all abilities, along with support staff, to join us for games, crafts, music, and more in a sensory-friendly environment!
Read and Play
North Carroll BranchFriday, August 14, 2026 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: Birth - 2
Class information
Join your little one at a storytime featuring interactive books, rhymes, music, and movement, followed by playgroup activities that allow children to practice skills and socialize.
Reptile Invasion
North Carroll BranchSaturday, August 15, 2026 - 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Ages: All Ages
Class information
Learn more about reptiles and interact with live animals! Reptile Invasion works to save reptiles in need, teach the community through engaging, tactile learning, and promote responsible stewardship. Our vision is a world where reptiles are understood, respected, and met with curiosity instead of fear.
Read and Play
North Carroll BranchMonday, August 17, 2026 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: Birth - 2
Class information
Join your little one at a storytime featuring interactive books, rhymes, music, and movement, followed by playgroup activities that allow children to practice skills and socialize.
Move and Learn
North Carroll BranchMonday, August 17, 2026 - 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: Birth - 8
Class information
A theme-based storytime featuring an age-appropriate story, songs, and learning activities, with a concentration on creative movement.
Create, Explore, and More: Sphero Zoom Zone
North Carroll BranchTuesday, August 18, 2026 - 10:00am - 11:30am
Ages: 8 - 13
Class registration and more information
Roll, race, and code your way to fun with our awesome Sphero robots!
North Carroll Knitters Group
North Carroll BranchTuesday, August 18, 2026 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: Adults
Class information
Knitters and crocheters are welcome to join this group gathering to share tips, projects, and patterns.
North Carroll Writers Group
North Carroll BranchTuesday, August 18, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: Adults
Class information
Bring your writing, works-in-progress, or works-in-thought. This writing group allows beginners, unpublished writers, and published writers to network, learn, vent, and feel inspired to move to the next level. All genres are welcome: novel, short story, essay, poetry, memoirs, spiritual, sci-fi, fiction, and nonfiction. This group is led by Barbara D. Duffey, an experienced writing workshop leader and author of five books.
Healthy Eating: Build a Better Breakfast
North Carroll BranchTuesday, August 18, 2026 - 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
Class registration and more information
Join Weis dietitian Christina to learn why breakfast may be the most important meal of the day and some recipe ideas to get your day started right. The presentation will be followed by an Avocado Toast recipe demonstration that participants will be able to sample. Pick up recipes, Weis Healthy Bites Magazine, healthy handout tips, a $5.00 Weis coupon, and more.
Passports
The North Carroll Branch accepts passport applications on behalf of the U.S. Department of State to better serve our customers and to respond to the needs within our communities. We process new passport applications and provide photo services on site. Please note that we cannot accept or process passport renewals, however, we do provide forms and assistance.
Passports services are available on a first come, first served basis, with no appointment necessary. Hours are:
Monday - Thursday: 10 AM - 6 PM
Friday and Saturday: 10 AM - 3 PM
Sunday: No passport services.
For more passport information, please visit our passport page.
Meeting rooms
Meeting rooms are available for public use Monday through Saturday, excluding library-observed holidays.
We have the following meeting rooms available for public use:
Large Meeting Room - Capacity: 50
Small Meeting Room - Capacity: 10
Services
24/7 book drop access
Citizenship Resource Center
EV charging
Free Wi-Fi access
Branch history
The Hampstead Library was established in 1955, through the efforts of the Junior Woman's Club of Hampstead. The club won a Federation Prize for its library project. With the establishment of a county system in 1958, the Hampstead Library became the Northeast Branch of the Carroll County Public Library. The present North Carroll Branch, located between Hampstead and Manchester, opened as a full-service branch in February, 1990.
The 2011 renovation to the branch included improvements to the interior and a reworking of the parking lot entrance to alleviate unsafe conditions.
Interior renovations took place in 2025. New shelving was purchased, the customer service desk was replaced, lights replaced, the entire branch repainted, and new carpet installed.