By Megan Carter, Library Resources Editor · Updated August 11, 2026

If you live in Maryland, your local county library is only half the story. Because of a decision the Maryland General Assembly made back in 1971, every resident of the state is also entitled to a second free card that unlocks a deep statewide collection of ebooks, audiobooks, streaming media and research databases. Most people never sign up for it. This guide explains both cards, what each one unlocks, and how to get them — then points you to the public libraries in Maryland where you can start.

Card #1: your county (or city) library card

Maryland's day-to-day public library service is run county by county. Whichever county you live in, that system issues you a free card that lets you borrow physical books, use computers and wifi, reserve meeting rooms, and access that system's own ebook collection — usually through the Libby app. Montgomery County residents use Montgomery County Public Libraries (branches in Rockville, Bethesda and Silver Spring); people up in Carroll County use the Carroll County Public Library; and residents out west borrow from systems in Frederick, Hagerstown and Cumberland.

Card #2: the Enoch Pratt / State Library Resource Center card

Here is the part most residents miss. The Central Library of the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore was designated the Maryland State Library Resource Center (SLRC) by the General Assembly in 1971. Its job is to serve the entire state, not just the city. As a result, anyone who lives in — or owns property in — Maryland is eligible for a free Pratt Library card, no matter which county they call home.

That card is the key to a large statewide digital collection: ebooks, downloadable audiobooks, streaming video and music, and dozens of research and learning databases. You do not have to drive to Baltimore to get it — Maryland residents can apply online for a Pratt eCard and start using the digital resources the same day. It stacks on top of your county card, so you effectively get two ebook collections instead of one. You can browse the Baltimore branches on our Baltimore public libraries page.

Sailor and Digital Maryland: the statewide backbone

Two statewide programs sit behind your local library. Sailor is Maryland's long-running statewide library network, which helps fund and deliver shared online resources to every public library system in the state. Digital Maryland is the state's collaborative digitization program — an online archive of historical photographs, maps, newspapers and documents contributed by libraries and cultural institutions across Maryland. Both are free to use and are especially useful for students, genealogists and local-history researchers.

What each card unlocks

How to get both cards (step by step)

1. Your county card: Find your county system on the Maryland directory, then sign up online or bring a photo ID and proof of address to any branch. 2. Your Pratt / SLRC eCard: Apply online through the Enoch Pratt Free Library as a Maryland resident and you'll get digital access right away; if you want a physical card with full borrowing, take ID to any Pratt location. 3. Install Libby: Add both library cards in the Libby app so you can search two ebook collections at once.

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