Maryland State Library
Every resident of Maryland has free access to a statewide library system run by Maryland State Library. With a local library card, students, parents, and teachers can use research databases, ebooks and audiobooks, and learning programs at no cost. Here is what is available and how to get it.
Maryland public libraries at a glance
Research databases: Sailor (Maryland's statewide databases)
Sailor (Maryland's statewide databases) is Maryland's free statewide research service.
Resources students can use inside Sailor (Maryland's statewide databases) include:
- Gale In Context (Elementary, Middle, High School)
- Gale Academic & General OneFile
- Gale Presents: National Geographic Kids
- Peterson's Test & Career Prep
- ChiltonLibrary
- Mango Languages (+ Little Pim, ages 0-6)
Ebooks & audiobooks: Libby/OverDrive (Maryland public library systems), free with a library card.
Early literacy programs
Maryland supports early reading through Governor's Young Readers Program. Programs like this give young children free books and reading support before they start school.
Accessible reading & talking books
Students and family members who cannot read standard print (because of a visual, physical, or reading disability such as dyslexia) can get free audiobooks and braille through Maryland State Library for the Blind & Print Disabled, part of the national NLS network and its BARD download service. The Maryland State Library for the Blind & Print Disabled (Baltimore) is the state's NLS network library; residents who can't read standard print qualify with a certified application.
Find a library & get a card
Use the official locator to find your nearest Maryland public library, hours, and how to get a card. Find a library →