Westminster branch
50 East Main Street
Westminster, MD 21157
Christina Ogle, 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.
Read with a Furry Friend
Westminster BranchSaturday, May 2, 2026 - 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 4 - Adults, Adults
Class information
Every dog enjoys a good story! Trained "reading dogs" provide a relaxed, informal atmosphere for kids to practice reading. Research shows that reading to animals can boost reading skills in children and help with emotional and social skills.
Nintendo Afternoon
Westminster BranchSaturday, May 2, 2026 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 11 - 17
Class information
Join us in our Young Adult Area for gaming on our Nintendo Switch. Bring your friends and take turns playing Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros., and more. Games will be provided.
Family Storytime
Westminster BranchMonday, May 4, 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.
May the Fourth: Star Wars Day
Westminster BranchMonday, May 4, 2026 - 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: All Ages
Class information
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…the Jedi Council decreed that May the Fourth would forever be known as Star Wars Day. For one day, Wookies will embrace Hutts, Sith will lay down their lightsabers and embrace their Jedi brethren, and Yoda and the Emperor will meet for tea at the local cantina. All will be right with the universe. Drop in anytime between 1 PM - 4 PM for Star Wars-themed crafts, giveaways, and a surprise Star Wars movie screening (rated PG)! Fun for all ages!
Read and Play
Westminster BranchTuesday, May 5, 2026 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: Birth - 24 Months
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.
Twos and Threes Together
Westminster BranchTuesday, May 5, 2026 - 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 2 - 3
Class information
This lively, fast-paced storytime for young children includes books, songs, fingerplays, and movement.
Needle Little Klatch?
Westminster BranchTuesday, May 5, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class information
Klatch (noun): a gathering usually characterized by informal conversation.
Join us for a casual, bi-weekly stitching club. All needle-crafters are welcome!
Pajama Party Storytime
Westminster BranchTuesday, May 5, 2026 - 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Ages: Birth - 8
Class information
Wear your pajamas, bring your favorite stuffed animal, and listen to stories before bed. This storytime introduces stories through books, songs, and activities appropriate for young children.
Read and Play
Westminster BranchWednesday, May 6, 2026 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: Birth - 24 Months
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.
Twos and Threes Together
Westminster BranchWednesday, May 6, 2026 - 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 2 - 3
Class information
This lively, fast-paced storytime for young children includes books, songs, fingerplays, and movement.
Westminster Wednesdays: Live Music Featuring Honey Sol
Westminster BranchWednesday, May 6, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: All Ages
Class information
Come downtown to enjoy live music in our park featuring Honey Sol, an Annapolis-based trio playing funk, rock, and R&B. Feel free to bring a blanket or lawn chair and stay awhile. Check out the many restaurant and retail specials happening while you are on Main Street.
Twos and Threes Together
Westminster BranchThursday, May 7, 2026 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: 2 - 3
Class information
This lively, fast-paced storytime for young children includes books, songs, fingerplays, and movement.
Family Storytime
Westminster BranchThursday, May 7, 2026 - 11:00am - 12:00pm
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.
CCGS Research Thursday
Westminster BranchThursday, May 7, 2026 - 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 13 - Adults, Adults
Class information
Volunteers from the Carroll County Genealogical Society are available to help with your family history research. Please contact volunteers at info@ccgsmd.org to schedule a time if you require CCGS staff assistance.
Open Mah Jongg
Westminster BranchThursday, May 7, 2026 - 1:00pm - 4:45pm
Ages: Adults
Class information
Join us for a friendly game of casual, non-competitive American Mah Jongg. This program is for experienced and newer players with some play experience. An instructor will be present. Please bring a current National Mah Jongg League card. If you don’t have a card, one will be provided.
Westminster Branch Chess Club
Westminster BranchThursday, May 7, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 11 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Whether you are a chess newbie or an expert, you will find a community here in Westminster Branch's Chess Club and walk away having learned something new from our personal instructor. All pawns, bishops, knights, rooks, queens, and kings are welcome! Our club sessions consist of 30 minutes of instruction and one hour of open play. Boards and pieces will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own set(s) from home.
Play Baby Play
Westminster BranchFriday, May 8, 2026 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: Birth - 3
Class information
You're invited to a morning playgroup just for little ones! Enjoy a warm and inviting space where you and your child can play with our toys, practice gross motor skills on our baby obstacle course, enjoy music, and socialize with others.
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: 8
1 Study Room - Capacity: 4 people
Services
24/7 book drop access
Free Wi-Fi access
Branch history
Library service in Carroll County began in 1863, when the Westminster Public Library was founded by Reverend J. A. Monroe and Dr. Charles Billingslea. The library was supported by membership dues and fines, and was open to the public on Friday afternoons. Relocating over the years from the Odd Fellows Hall to the new Times Building and then to the second floor of the Wantz Building, Westminster Public Library was still a one-room library in the 1940s.
In 1949, Mr. and Mrs. Walter H. Davis announced that they would give a public library building to Westminster and provide an endowment for its support. At that time, the Westminster Public Library turned over its operation and assets to the Davis Library. The Davis Library, housed in a former Methodist church building, was formally dedicated as a library in May, 1951.
In 1958, after ten years of lobbying, a county-wide library system was established, with the Davis Library operating as the central branch. Carroll County's first modern library facility, the Westminster Branch, opened at 50 E. Main Street in March, 1980.
A major interior and exterior renovation to the building and park began in 2008. The interior renovation included a complete redesign of interior public space and features a train-themed children's area. Improvements to the Mary Lou Dewey Park in front of the branch included a redesigned entrance, new landscaping and walkways, and the Booth Memorial Stage, a performance platform for concerts and educational programming. Private funding made the addition of Wild Imaginings, a library-inspired sculpture by world-renown artist Bart Walter, possible.