The North Carroll Branch is currently closed for renovations. The bookdrop will remain open during the closure. Please check back for our reopening date.
Carroll County Public Library
Infinite Possibilities
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
Programs and Events
Check Currents or the Calendar of Events site for more events.
Family Storytime
Thursday, November 13, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: Birth - 8
More 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.
Thursday, November 13, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: Birth - 8
More 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.
North Carroll Writers Group
Thursday, November 13, 2025 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: Adults
More information
Bring your writing, works-in-progress, or works-in-thought. This writing group allows beginners, unpublished, and published writers to network, learn, vent, and feel inspired to move to the next level.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.
Thursday, November 13, 2025 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: Adults
More information
Bring your writing, works-in-progress, or works-in-thought. This writing group allows beginners, unpublished, and published writers to network, learn, vent, and feel inspired to move to the next level.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
Thursday, November 13, 2025 - 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Ages: 13 - Adults, Adults
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!
Thursday, November 13, 2025 - 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Ages: 13 - Adults, Adults
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
Friday, November 14, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: Birth - 24 Months
More 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.
Friday, November 14, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: Birth - 24 Months
More 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.
Read and Play
Monday, November 17, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: Birth - 24 Months
More 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.
Monday, November 17, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: Birth - 24 Months
More 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.
Alphabet Train
Monday, November 17, 2025 - 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 3 - 6
More information
Climb aboard each week to explore a different letter of the alphabet through books, songs, and activities. All adult caregivers are welcome.
Monday, November 17, 2025 - 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 3 - 6
More information
Climb aboard each week to explore a different letter of the alphabet through books, songs, and activities. All adult caregivers are welcome.
Battle of the Books: Parent and Coach Information Sharing
Monday, November 17, 2025 - 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: All Ages
More information
Join us for an information session about the Battle of the Books! All parents and caregivers who have children who are interested in participating, as well as coaches, are encouraged to attend.
Monday, November 17, 2025 - 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: All Ages
More information
Join us for an information session about the Battle of the Books! All parents and caregivers who have children who are interested in participating, as well as coaches, are encouraged to attend.
North Carroll Ask a Master Gardener
Tuesday, November 18, 2025 - 9:30am - 11:30am
Ages: Adults
More information
Bring your questions about fall gardening to the Carroll County Master Gardeners and pick up tips, handouts, and more.
Tuesday, November 18, 2025 - 9:30am - 11:30am
Ages: Adults
More information
Bring your questions about fall gardening to the Carroll County Master Gardeners and pick up tips, handouts, and more.
Preschool Vision Screening
Tuesday, November 18, 2025 - 9:30am - 12:00pm
Ages: 2 - 6
More information
Drop by for a free vision screening for preschool-aged children. Testing covers nearsightedness, farsightedness, unequal focusing, and differences in the power of the eyes. Offered in partnership with the Lineboro-Manchester Lions Club.
Tuesday, November 18, 2025 - 9:30am - 12:00pm
Ages: 2 - 6
More information
Drop by for a free vision screening for preschool-aged children. Testing covers nearsightedness, farsightedness, unequal focusing, and differences in the power of the eyes. Offered in partnership with the Lineboro-Manchester Lions Club.
Move and Learn
Tuesday, November 18, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: Birth - 8
More information
A theme-based storytime featuring an age-appropriate story, songs, and learning activities, with a concentration on creative movement.
Tuesday, November 18, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: Birth - 8
More information
A theme-based storytime featuring an age-appropriate story, songs, and learning activities, with a concentration on creative movement.
North Carroll Knitters Group
Tuesday, November 18, 2025 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: Adults
More information
Knitters and crocheters are welcome to join this group gathering to share tips, projects, and patterns.
Tuesday, November 18, 2025 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: Adults
More information
Knitters and crocheters are welcome to join this group gathering to share tips, projects, and patterns.
North Carroll Writers Group
Tuesday, November 18, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: Adults
More information
Bring your writing, works-in-progress, or works-in-thought. This writing group allows beginners, unpublished, 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.
Tuesday, November 18, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: Adults
More information
Bring your writing, works-in-progress, or works-in-thought. This writing group allows beginners, unpublished, 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: Intro to Intuitive Eating
Tuesday, November 18, 2025 - 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Staying on track with nutrition seems to be at the top of everyone’s mind, especially as we enter the holiday season. Join Weis Dietitian Christina to discuss the principles of intuitive eating and how they can shed light on a new perspective surrounding food and nutrition. The presentation will be followed by a Caprese Bites recipe demonstration that participants will be able to sample. Pick up recipes, Weis Healthy Bites Magazine, healthy handout tips, and a $5.00 Weis coupon.
Tuesday, November 18, 2025 - 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Staying on track with nutrition seems to be at the top of everyone’s mind, especially as we enter the holiday season. Join Weis Dietitian Christina to discuss the principles of intuitive eating and how they can shed light on a new perspective surrounding food and nutrition. The presentation will be followed by a Caprese Bites recipe demonstration that participants will be able to sample. Pick up recipes, Weis Healthy Bites Magazine, healthy handout tips, and a $5.00 Weis coupon.
Ask the Department of Human Services (DHS)!
Wednesday, November 19, 2025 - 9:30am - 11:30am
Ages: Adults
More information
Staff from the Carroll County Department of Social Services will be available to share community resources and DSS services; offer application assistance for SNAP, TCA, MA, and more; and assist with child support services.
Wednesday, November 19, 2025 - 9:30am - 11:30am
Ages: Adults
More information
Staff from the Carroll County Department of Social Services will be available to share community resources and DSS services; offer application assistance for SNAP, TCA, MA, and more; and assist with child support services.
Social workers are unable to provide clinical and therapeutic services, direct financial support, or make eligibility determinations.
Family Storytime
Wednesday, November 19, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: Birth - 8
More 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.
Wednesday, November 19, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: Birth - 8
More 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.
Goldilocks and the Three Bears Puppet Show
Wednesday, November 19, 2025 - 6:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 3 - 12
More information
Goldilocks is off to get her mom some flour from the store. Should she go the long way or take the shortcut through the woods and risk running into the ferocious bears? Who else will she meet along the way? Join us as we wind our way through the twists and turns of this adventure with Goldilocks!
Wednesday, November 19, 2025 - 6:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 3 - 12
More information
Goldilocks is off to get her mom some flour from the store. Should she go the long way or take the shortcut through the woods and risk running into the ferocious bears? Who else will she meet along the way? Join us as we wind our way through the twists and turns of this adventure with Goldilocks!
Goldilocks and the Three Bears Puppet Show
Thursday, November 20, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: 3 - 12
More information
Goldilocks is off to get her mom some flour from the store. Should she go the long way or take the shortcut through the woods and risk running into the ferocious bears? Who else will she meet along the way? Join us as we wind our way through the twists and turns of this adventure with Goldilocks!
Thursday, November 20, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: 3 - 12
More information
Goldilocks is off to get her mom some flour from the store. Should she go the long way or take the shortcut through the woods and risk running into the ferocious bears? Who else will she meet along the way? Join us as we wind our way through the twists and turns of this adventure with Goldilocks!
North Carroll Writers Group
Thursday, November 20, 2025 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: Adults
More information
Bring your writing, works-in-progress, or works-in-thought. This writing group allows beginners, unpublished, 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.
Thursday, November 20, 2025 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: Adults
More information
Bring your writing, works-in-progress, or works-in-thought. This writing group allows beginners, unpublished, 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.
Mini Musicians
Thursday, November 20, 2025 - 1:00pm - 1:30pm
Ages: 3 - 6
Registration and more information
Come join us for a creative and exploratory first introduction to music! This program will incorporate piano playing, boomwhackers, and rhythm instruments while teaching children the basics of pitch, patterns, and rhythm. We will learn skills that are beneficial for future piano lessons and other musical instruments too!
Thursday, November 20, 2025 - 1:00pm - 1:30pm
Ages: 3 - 6
Registration and more information
Come join us for a creative and exploratory first introduction to music! This program will incorporate piano playing, boomwhackers, and rhythm instruments while teaching children the basics of pitch, patterns, and rhythm. We will learn skills that are beneficial for future piano lessons and other musical instruments too!
Crazy for Crafting
Thursday, November 20, 2025 - 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for some fun and easy craft projects each month. No experience or creative skills are needed. Bring a friend or meet new people who also enjoy crafting. This month, we will be making beautiful holiday greeting cards!
Thursday, November 20, 2025 - 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for some fun and easy craft projects each month. No experience or creative skills are needed. Bring a friend or meet new people who also enjoy crafting. This month, we will be making beautiful holiday greeting cards!
Multiple Sclerosis Support Group
Thursday, November 20, 2025 - 6:00pm - 7:45pm
Ages: Adults
More information
Speaking with other people who have multiple sclerosis can be one of the most empowering and helpful things for someone with MS. Sharing stories, feelings, and experiences with people in similar situations is not only therapeutic, but also enlightening, and can often improve emotional health. This group is part of the MS Focus Independent Support Group Network. Please email Nadine Rosendale (nadiner@carr.org) with questions. This group meets on the third Thursday of the month.
Thursday, November 20, 2025 - 6:00pm - 7:45pm
Ages: Adults
More information
Speaking with other people who have multiple sclerosis can be one of the most empowering and helpful things for someone with MS. Sharing stories, feelings, and experiences with people in similar situations is not only therapeutic, but also enlightening, and can often improve emotional health. This group is part of the MS Focus Independent Support Group Network. Please email Nadine Rosendale (nadiner@carr.org) with questions. This group meets on the third Thursday of the month.
Q&A with the Small Business Administration
Friday, November 21, 2025 - 9:30am - 1:30pm
Ages: Adults
More information
class="custom1">Meet with a representative from the Small Business Administration (SBA) for a 30-minute, one-on-one appointment to learn about resources available for small businesses. Whether you want to start a business or are interested in learning to improve the business you have, the SBA can assist you.
Friday, November 21, 2025 - 9:30am - 1:30pm
Ages: Adults
More information
class="custom1">Meet with a representative from the Small Business Administration (SBA) for a 30-minute, one-on-one appointment to learn about resources available for small businesses. Whether you want to start a business or are interested in learning to improve the business you have, the SBA can assist you.
Schedule an appointment at https://tinyurl.com/ccpl-northcarroll-sba or email Denise.Hayes@sba.gov. Walk-ins are welcomed as time allows.
Read and Play
Friday, November 21, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: Birth - 24 Months
More 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.
Friday, November 21, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: Birth - 24 Months
More 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.
All Aboard the Polar Express
Saturday, November 22, 2025 - 11:00am - 2:00pm
Ages: 2 - Adults, Adults
More information
Storyteller Beth Rebert’s delightful presentation of this heartwarming holiday tale will enchant children of all ages! Come dressed in your PJs as this magical story unfolds.
Saturday, November 22, 2025 - 11:00am - 2:00pm
Ages: 2 - Adults, Adults
More information
Storyteller Beth Rebert’s delightful presentation of this heartwarming holiday tale will enchant children of all ages! Come dressed in your PJs as this magical story unfolds.
Read and Play
Monday, November 24, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: Birth - 24 Months
More 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.
Monday, November 24, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: Birth - 24 Months
More 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.
Alphabet Train
Monday, November 24, 2025 - 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 3 - 6
More information
Climb aboard each week to explore a different letter of the alphabet through books, songs, and activities. All adult caregivers are welcome.
Monday, November 24, 2025 - 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 3 - 6
More information
Climb aboard each week to explore a different letter of the alphabet through books, songs, and activities. All adult caregivers are welcome.
Move and Learn
Tuesday, November 25, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: Birth - 8
More information
A theme-based storytime featuring an age-appropriate story, songs, and learning activities, with a concentration on creative movement.
Tuesday, November 25, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: Birth - 8
More information
A theme-based storytime featuring an age-appropriate story, songs, and learning activities, with a concentration on creative movement.
North Carroll Writers Group
Tuesday, November 25, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: Adults
More information
Bring your writing, works-in-progress, or works-in-thought. This writing group allows beginners, unpublished, 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.
Tuesday, November 25, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: Adults
More information
Bring your writing, works-in-progress, or works-in-thought. This writing group allows beginners, unpublished, 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
Wednesday, November 26, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: Birth - 8
More 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.
Wednesday, November 26, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: Birth - 8
More 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.
Passport Services
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
2 Study Rooms - Capacity: 1 - 4 per room
Services
- 24/7 book drop access
- Children's learning games
- Citizenship Resource Center
- Copy machine
- EV charging
- Free Wi-Fi access
- Notary Services
- Passport services
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.