Advocacy

Our BOLD New Chapter Continues

The Library of the 21st Century is a modern hub for exploring, learning, creating and connecting. Today’s libraries offer far more than books on shelves. A library for the 21st century is a vibrant, multifaceted community center providing lifelong learning, access to technology and community engagement.

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New Essex Branch

The new Essex Branch will be a relocation and expansion. Baltimore County Government has purchased and cleared 1513-1519 Old Eastern Avenue for a total of 4.61 acres for a 36,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art branch. In addition to welcoming spaces for all ages, an auditorium, a food pantry and tool-lending area, the site will feature outdoor walkways, landscaping and a play area that take full advantage of the natural surroundings for outdoor programming.

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Support the Essex Library Proposal

Take Action Today: On April 16, 2026, County Executive Kathy Klausmeier included a referendum to authorize more than $58 million in bond funding to build a replacement Essex Branch in her annual budget message. The budget must now be approved by the Baltimore County Council before it goes to the ballot for your vote.

Please use the link below to let your county councilman know you support a New Essex Branch. Your voice matters! Hearing directly from constituents like you makes a real difference in legislative decisions. To send a message, click on "Send a Message of Support" below. Don't know who your council representative is? Visit the Baltimore County Council website, select "Find Your District," enter you address, then select "Who Is My Representative?" to find your council member and send the message below now.

Dear [Councilman __________]:

I'm writing as a proud supporter of Baltimore County Public Library. The new Essex Branch Library will be a vital resource for education, opportunity and connection. It will provide state-of-the-art spaces for children, families and lifelong learners while supporting the revitalization of the surrounding community.

Please support the Bond Initiative for the new Essex Branch Library in the amount of $58,000,000.

Thank you for your leadership and for your commitment to strengthening our Baltimore County communities.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your City or County]

Together, we can ensure that Essex and all of Baltimore County continue to have the strong, innovative libraries our communities deserve.

Make Your Voice Heard

Fill out the form below to automatically send a message to your County Council representative encouraging them to approve the recommended funding.

Community Support

Support for this project will help ensure generations of Essex residents have the opportunity to explore, learn, create and connect at a 21st century library. We are grateful to the community leaders, civic organizations and residents—just like you—who have participated in the community input process and are helping to make this project a reality!