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.
Create, Explore, and More: Mix It Up! Art Lab
North Carroll BranchTuesday, August 4, 2026 - 10:00am - 11:30am
Ages: 8 - 13
Class registration and more information
Kids will create colorful mixed-media masterpieces using various materials while exploring creativity and hands-on design.
North Carroll Writers Group
North Carroll BranchTuesday, August 4, 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 This writing group allows beginners, unpublished writers, and published writers to network, learn, vent, and feel inspired to move to the next level.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 5, 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.
Family Fun Night
North Carroll BranchWednesday, August 5, 2026 - 6:30pm - 7:15pm
Ages: Birth - 8
Class information
Join us for a fun-filled time of a story, music, games, and creativity! After a story and group activities, families have a choice of playing games and making crafts together. Perfect for all ages!
Family Storytime
North Carroll BranchThursday, August 6, 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.
North Carroll Writers Group
North Carroll BranchThursday, August 6, 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 This writing group allows beginners, unpublished writers, and published writers to network, learn, vent, and feel inspired to move to the next level.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.
Mini Musicians
North Carroll BranchThursday, August 6, 2026 - 1:00pm - 1:30pm
Ages: 3 - 6
Class registration and more information
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!
Club Friendship: Libraries Are for Everyone - Body in Motion
North Carroll BranchThursday, August 6, 2026 - 1:00pm - 1:45pm
Ages: 13 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
The library is more than just books. It is a place to come together as a community. We welcome teens and adults of all abilities, along with support staff, to join us for a program full of movement and music.
Read to a Dog
North Carroll BranchThursday, August 6, 2026 - 6:00pm - 6:30pm
Ages: 4 - 12
Class information
Read to a puppy from the Seeing Eye Puppy Raising Program! Reading to a dog can increase a child's self-esteem and confidence levels in reading, especially for struggling readers.
Read and Play
North Carroll BranchFriday, August 7, 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.
Chair Yoga at the Library
North Carroll BranchFriday, August 7, 2026 - 11:30am - 12:30pm
Ages: Adults
Class registration and more information
Focus on simple stretches, mindful breathing, and relaxation techniques through chair yoga at the library! This class is a great way to improve your flexibility, balance, and overall well-being in a welcoming environment. No prior yoga experience or supplies are needed—just bring your curiosity and a smile!
Read and Play
North Carroll BranchMonday, August 10, 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 10, 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.
Jurassic Park Escape Room
North Carroll BranchMonday, August 10, 2026 - 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Ages: 11 - 17
Class registration and more information
Gather clues, solve puzzles, and try to get out in time in a Jurassic Park-themed escape room.
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.