400 Cathedral Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
410-396-5430

The Enoch Pratt Free Library, is one of the oldest free public libraries in the United States. Established in 1882 (first opened to the public in 1886) after a grant from philanthropist Enoch Pratt.  The Central Library was renovated and expanded in 2003. The new wing contains the Maryland and African American Departments as well as Special Collections and the H. L. Mencken Collection, an extensive collection related to the life and work of H. L. Mencken, including personal correspondence and memorabilia, typscripts, presentation volumes, clipping books, and research materials used in writing The American Language.  Hours: M-W 10am to 8pm, Thurs. 10am to 5:30pm, Fri-Sat 10am to 5pm, Sun. 1pm to 5pm.  The Central Library is open Sundays from October, 2006 - May 20, 2007.