The North Carroll Branch will be closed for renovations Monday, October 13 through Saturday, November 8, 2025. The bookdrop will remain open during the closure.
Carroll County Public Library
Infinite Possibilities
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
Programs and Events
Check Currents or the Calendar of Events site for more events.
Twos and Threes Together
Thursday, October 23, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: 2 - 3
More information
This lively, fast-paced storytime for young children includes books, songs, fingerplays, and movement.
Thursday, October 23, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: 2 - 3
More information
This lively, fast-paced storytime for young children includes books, songs, fingerplays, and movement.
Family Storytime
Thursday, October 23, 2025 - 11:00am - 12:00pm
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, October 23, 2025 - 11:00am - 12:00pm
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.
CCGS Research Thursday
Thursday, October 23, 2025 - 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 13 - Adults, Adults
More 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.
Thursday, October 23, 2025 - 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 13 - Adults, Adults
More 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
Thursday, October 23, 2025 - 1:00pm - 4:45pm
Ages: Adults
More 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 not be present. Please bring a current National Mah Jongg League card. If you don’t have a card, one will be provided.
Thursday, October 23, 2025 - 1:00pm - 4:45pm
Ages: Adults
More 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 not 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
Thursday, October 23, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 11 - Adults, Adults
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.
Thursday, October 23, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 11 - Adults, Adults
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.
Teen After Hours Movie Night: Five Nights at Freddy's
Friday, October 24, 2025 - 6:30pm - 9:00pm
Ages: 11 - 17
Registration and more information
Join the Westminster Branch Teen Advisory Board as we prepare for the upcoming Five Nights at Freddy's 2 with a Five Nights at Freddy's movie night! Snacks will be provided. Five Nights at Freddy's is rated PG-13.
Friday, October 24, 2025 - 6:30pm - 9:00pm
Ages: 11 - 17
Registration and more information
Join the Westminster Branch Teen Advisory Board as we prepare for the upcoming Five Nights at Freddy's 2 with a Five Nights at Freddy's movie night! Snacks will be provided. Five Nights at Freddy's is rated PG-13.
Ghost Walk of Westminster
Saturday, October 25, 2025 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 10 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for a ghost presentation and stroll through Westminster to visit our local ghosts and legends. The walk is approximately 1.5 miles. Registrants will be contacted with updates in the event of bad weather.
Saturday, October 25, 2025 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 10 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for a ghost presentation and stroll through Westminster to visit our local ghosts and legends. The walk is approximately 1.5 miles. Registrants will be contacted with updates in the event of bad weather.
Family Storytime
Monday, October 27, 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.
Monday, October 27, 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.
Westminster Branch Teen Advisory Board
Monday, October 27, 2025 - 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Ages: 12 - 17
Registration and more information
Calling all teens looking for leadership roles in planning library programs. We want you for our Teen Advisory Board! Need service hours? We've got those too! Participants can join us in person or log in virtually through Zoom by registering.
Monday, October 27, 2025 - 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Ages: 12 - 17
Registration and more information
Calling all teens looking for leadership roles in planning library programs. We want you for our Teen Advisory Board! Need service hours? We've got those too! Participants can join us in person or log in virtually through Zoom by registering.
Ghost Walk of Westminster
Monday, October 27, 2025 - 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Ages: 10 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for a ghost presentation and stroll through Westminster to visit our local ghosts and legends. The walk is approximately 1.5 miles. Registrants will be contacted with updates in the event of bad weather.
Monday, October 27, 2025 - 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Ages: 10 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for a ghost presentation and stroll through Westminster to visit our local ghosts and legends. The walk is approximately 1.5 miles. Registrants will be contacted with updates in the event of bad weather.
Read and Play
Tuesday, October 28, 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.
Tuesday, October 28, 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.
Twos and Threes Together
Tuesday, October 28, 2025 - 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 2 - 3
More information
This lively, fast-paced storytime for young children includes books, songs, fingerplays, and movement.
Tuesday, October 28, 2025 - 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 2 - 3
More information
This lively, fast-paced storytime for young children includes books, songs, fingerplays, and movement.
Diverse Voices Book Club: Kin
Tuesday, October 28, 2025 - 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for a monthly book discussion focusing on a diverse author's work. Each month, we will select a young adult or adult title written by an author from a diverse background so we can learn from others' perspectives. Our October selection is the 2025 One Maryland One Book title, Kin: Rooted in Hope by Carole Boston Weatherford with art by Jeffery Boston Weatherford. Attendees are welcome to attend in person at CCPL's Westminster Branch or virtually through Zoom.
Tuesday, October 28, 2025 - 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for a monthly book discussion focusing on a diverse author's work. Each month, we will select a young adult or adult title written by an author from a diverse background so we can learn from others' perspectives. Our October selection is the 2025 One Maryland One Book title, Kin: Rooted in Hope by Carole Boston Weatherford with art by Jeffery Boston Weatherford. Attendees are welcome to attend in person at CCPL's Westminster Branch or virtually through Zoom.
Pajama Party Storytime
Tuesday, October 28, 2025 - 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Ages: Birth - 8
More 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.
Tuesday, October 28, 2025 - 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Ages: Birth - 8
More 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
Wednesday, October 29, 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.
Wednesday, October 29, 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.
Twos and Threes Together
Wednesday, October 29, 2025 - 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 2 - 3
More information
This lively, fast-paced storytime for young children includes books, songs, fingerplays, and movement.
Wednesday, October 29, 2025 - 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 2 - 3
More information
This lively, fast-paced storytime for young children includes books, songs, fingerplays, and movement.
Twos and Threes Together
Thursday, October 30, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: 2 - 3
More information
This lively, fast-paced storytime for young children includes books, songs, fingerplays, and movement.
Thursday, October 30, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: 2 - 3
More information
This lively, fast-paced storytime for young children includes books, songs, fingerplays, and movement.
Family Storytime
Thursday, October 30, 2025 - 11:00am - 12:00pm
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, October 30, 2025 - 11:00am - 12:00pm
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.
CCGS Research Thursday
Thursday, October 30, 2025 - 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 13 - Adults, Adults
More 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.
Thursday, October 30, 2025 - 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 13 - Adults, Adults
More 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
Thursday, October 30, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:45pm
Ages: Adults
More 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 not be present. Please bring a current National Mah Jongg League card. If you don’t have a card, one will be provided.
Thursday, October 30, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:45pm
Ages: Adults
More 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 not be present. Please bring a current National Mah Jongg League card. If you don’t have a card, one will be provided.
Preschool Science: Not-So-Scary Science
Friday, October 31, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: 3 - 6
More information
Join us as we investigate not-so-scary science! There will be a variety of hands-on learning activities for kids. We will read a book, sing, and have a messy time! Costumes are welcome, but not too spooky.
Friday, October 31, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: 3 - 6
More information
Join us as we investigate not-so-scary science! There will be a variety of hands-on learning activities for kids. We will read a book, sing, and have a messy time! Costumes are welcome, but not too spooky.
Nintendo Afternoon
Friday, October 31, 2025 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 11 - 17
More 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.
Friday, October 31, 2025 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 11 - 17
More 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.
Ghost Walk of Westminster
Friday, October 31, 2025 - 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Ages: 10 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for a ghost presentation and stroll through Westminster to visit our local ghosts and legends. The walk is approximately 1.5 miles. Registrants will be contacted with updates in the event of bad weather.
Friday, October 31, 2025 - 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Ages: 10 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for a ghost presentation and stroll through Westminster to visit our local ghosts and legends. The walk is approximately 1.5 miles. Registrants will be contacted with updates in the event of bad weather.
History of Rock 'n' Roll: Part 1
Saturday, November 1, 2025 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 11 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join guest speaker Paul Ruehs, a local history adjunct instructor, as he takes us through the musical genre that we call rock and roll. We’ll explore its inception in the late '40s and '50s and learn what rock and roll is and how it differs from pop and other musical genres. We’ll also learn about the men, women, and organizations who helped found the genre. Then we'll discuss how musical influences from the '60s and '70s affected rock and roll. Finally, we’ll look at how this popular music has changed over the decades.
Saturday, November 1, 2025 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 11 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join guest speaker Paul Ruehs, a local history adjunct instructor, as he takes us through the musical genre that we call rock and roll. We’ll explore its inception in the late '40s and '50s and learn what rock and roll is and how it differs from pop and other musical genres. We’ll also learn about the men, women, and organizations who helped found the genre. Then we'll discuss how musical influences from the '60s and '70s affected rock and roll. Finally, we’ll look at how this popular music has changed over the decades.
Read with a Furry Friend
Saturday, November 1, 2025 - 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 4 - Adults, Adults
More 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.
Saturday, November 1, 2025 - 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 4 - Adults, Adults
More 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.
K-Pop Fan Meetpp: Stan, Slay, Repeat
Saturday, November 1, 2025 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 8 - Adults, Adults
More information
Calling all K-pop fans! Celebrate your love of music, fandom, and fantasy at our K-Pop Demon Hunters fan meetup. Share your favorite groups and songs and connect with other fans for an afternoon of music, games, and giveaways. Whether you’re here for the idols, the action, or the fandom vibes, this meetup is the perfect place to unleash your inner K-pop demon hunter!
Saturday, November 1, 2025 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 8 - Adults, Adults
More information
Calling all K-pop fans! Celebrate your love of music, fandom, and fantasy at our K-Pop Demon Hunters fan meetup. Share your favorite groups and songs and connect with other fans for an afternoon of music, games, and giveaways. Whether you’re here for the idols, the action, or the fandom vibes, this meetup is the perfect place to unleash your inner K-pop demon hunter!
Family Storytime
Monday, November 3, 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.
Monday, November 3, 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.
Read and Play
Tuesday, November 4, 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.
Tuesday, November 4, 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.
Twos and Threes Together
Tuesday, November 4, 2025 - 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 2 - 3
More information
This lively, fast-paced storytime for young children includes books, songs, fingerplays, and movement.
Tuesday, November 4, 2025 - 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 2 - 3
More information
This lively, fast-paced storytime for young children includes books, songs, fingerplays, and movement.
Needle Little Klatch?
Tuesday, November 4, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
More information
Klatch (noun): a gathering usually characterized by informal conversation.
Tuesday, November 4, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
More 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
Tuesday, November 4, 2025 - 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Ages: Birth - 8
More 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.
Tuesday, November 4, 2025 - 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Ages: Birth - 8
More 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
Wednesday, November 5, 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.
Wednesday, November 5, 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.
Twos and Threes Together
Wednesday, November 5, 2025 - 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 2 - 3
More information
This lively, fast-paced storytime for young children includes books, songs, fingerplays, and movement.
Wednesday, November 5, 2025 - 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 2 - 3
More information
This lively, fast-paced storytime for young children includes books, songs, fingerplays, and movement.
Westminster Wednesday Live Music
Wednesday, November 5, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: All Ages
More information
Come downtown to enjoy live music in our park. 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.
Wednesday, November 5, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: All Ages
More information
Come downtown to enjoy live music in our park. 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.
Meeting Rooms
Meeting rooms are available for public use Monday through Saturday, excluding library-observed holidays.
We have 1 meeting rooms available for public use:
Small Meeting Room - Capacity: 10
Services
- 24/7 book drop access
- Children's learning games
- Copy machine
- Free Wi-Fi access
- Notary Services
- Pay County tax bills
- Play and Learn Centers
- Print from anywhere (Global Print)
- Public fax
- Public Internet computers
- Scan documents to email
- Wireless printing
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.