Maryland State Library Resource Center

Enoch Pratt Free Library

Teen Center - Maryland State Library Resource Center

Teen Center

Teen Center, Reading Room The Earl Teen Center for Learning and Leadership at the Central Library is an inclusive, safe space aiming to enrich the lives of Baltimore teens in grades 6–12 through reading materials, creative arts, and technology.

Anyone may browse the collection. However, the seating, computers, and programming are for teens in grades 6–12 only. 

Teen Creation Station

The Creation Station maker space exists to fuel creative, STEAM-based learning for teens. The room has equipment for hands-on learning and creation, including:

  • sewing machines
  • 3D printers
  • Cricut machines
  • heat presses
  • art supplies

Materials are provided on a limited basis for library programs. For personal projects, you should bring specific materials you will need. Call 410-396-5486 for more details.

The Creation Station is open Monday through Thursday, 2 pm–6 pm and Saturdays 11 am–4 pm for use by teens, except when a pre-planned program is in progress. 

Adults may use the Creation Station room on Tuesdays and Fridays, 10 am–1 pm (with the exception of class visits and/or special programs). Please call ahead. The Station may not be staffed during these times, and a waiver must be signed before use.

Sound & Video Production Studio

Record your song, make a video, start a podcast  — the space is yours! Teens have access to our state-of-the-art video and audio recording and production studio. Please bring your own device to save your work (flash drive, portable hard drive).

The studio is open by appointment during the following times:

Mon: 12 pm–7 pm
Wed: 12 pm–7 pm
Fri: 12 pm–5 pm
Sat: 1 pm–5 pm

Use of the studio is free, however a reservation is required. Fill out a reservation form to book time in the studio, and we will contact you to confirm within 24 hours. If you have questions, please call the Teen Center at 410-396-5486 or email teen@prattlibrary.org

The Learning Lab

Equipped with tables and seating for up to 37, plus built-in audio/video equipment, this is a space for discovery and learning. We host class visits from schools in Baltimore city, as well as the surrounding counties throughout the school year. 

This space is also available for community organizations to work with teens on various learning and creative projects.

Gaming systems are available during scheduled times in the Learning Lab. Our gaming systems include:

  • VR headsets (Oculus Quest and Playstation)
  • Nintendo Switch
  • Playstation 4

Interested in visiting or using this space? Fill out a class visit request form.

The Reading Room and Collection

Visit the Teen Center reading room to browse popular Young Adult fiction, nonfiction, classics, graphic novels, video games (XBOX One, PS4, Nintendo Switch), and audiobooks.

In addition to materials to help with school assignments, this collection includes books on topics such as self-help, social issues, teen sexuality, school-life, poetry, crafts, and drawing.

Special features of the collection include:

  • A retrospective collection including teen fiction dating back to the 1940s.
  • A wide variety of titles pertaining to the African American experience.
  • Wide variety of Western and Manga graphic novel series.

Request a Class Visit

For school groups: fill out a request form to schedule a class visit to the Library, or to request a visit from the Library to your school.

Teen Volunteers

Interested in volunteering at the Library? Check out the Community Youth Corps Program

Statewide Training & Events

Calendar

From Merlin, the learning community for Maryland library staff