The Brooklyn branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library is set to celebrate its grand reopening on Monday, January 12. This event marks an exciting milestone for the library system in Baltimore, as it completes another significant renovation.
Following substantial interior upgrades, this nearly century-old library has been thoughtfully modernized. Enhancements include essential infrastructure improvements and revitalized public areas designed to better serve the Brooklyn community. Visitors will appreciate features like fresh furniture, updated paint, new carpeting, and a state-of-the-art HVAC system for added comfort.
Anticipated attendees at the ceremony include Mayor Brandon Scott, Baltimore City Councilmember Phylicia Porter (District 10), and Enoch Pratt Free Library President and CEO Chad Helton, along with other notable community members who will be present throughout the celebration.
This extensive renovation project, which came at an estimated cost of $2 million, was made possible through funding from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and administered by the Mayor’s Office of Recovery Programs.
Established in 1921 and rebuilt in 1965, the Pratt’s Brooklyn branch has long been a cornerstone of its neighborhood, providing invaluable resources, learning opportunities, and community connection.
After the formal ribbon-cutting ceremony, the community is warmly invited to partake in a variety of engaging activities suitable for all ages. Festivities will include a live jazz performance by the Gregory Thompkins Ensemble, an all-ages prize drawing, a library scavenger hunt, card and board games, craft activities, a DJ workshop led by Raise Nation, airbrush tattoos from Airbrush Unlimited Group, and much more.
This grand reopening is part of a larger trend of renovations and new library openings for the Enoch Pratt Free Library over the past two years. Notable milestones include the grand opening of the new branch at The Hammond in November 2025, the reopening of the Walbrook Branch in June 2024 after renovations, and the completion of updates at the Herring Run Branch in 2024. Additionally, officials recently broke ground in August 2025 for a new library branch in Park Heights, which will be the first in the area in over twenty years, with an expected completion date in fall 2027.
The Enoch Pratt Free Library’s Brooklyn Branch is located at 300 E. Patapsco Ave., Baltimore, MD. The ribbon-cutting ceremony and official remarks will begin at 10 a.m., followed by community activities from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the library.
