Kent County Public Library
🏢 Kent County Public Library · Chestertown, Maryland
Kent County Public Library
The Kent County Public Library serves Maryland's smallest county from its historic High Street headquarters in Chestertown, with additional branches in Galena and Rock Hall. Chestertown — a well-preserved 18th-century colonial port town and home of Washington College — brings a deep sense of local identity to a library that anchors the county's cultural and civic life. With Wednesday hours until 7 p.m., more than 40 Gale research databases, a Library of Things, and a growing digital collection, the system punches well above its size.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 9:30am–6pm |
| Wednesday | 9:30am–7pm |
| Thursday | 9:30am–6pm |
| Friday | 9:30am–5pm |
| Saturday | 10am–4pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 408 High Street, Chestertown, MD 21620
Phone: (410) 778-3636
Website: kentcountylibrary.org
Plus Code: 87F56W6J+99 (Chestertown, MD)
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👋 Use the Library Online
📖 About Kent County Public Library
The Kent County Public Library is the public library system of Kent County, Maryland's smallest county by population, situated on the Upper Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay. The main Chestertown Branch at 408 High Street sits in the heart of a colonial-era port town that has changed remarkably little since the 18th century; Washington College, one of the oldest liberal arts colleges in the United States, is also a neighbor. Two branch locations extend service county-wide: the North County Branch in Galena serves the northern end of the county on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday; and the Rock Hall Branch serves the bayside fishing community on Wednesday and Friday. Together the three locations provide Chestertown-area residents with access to a broad catalog, 40+ Gale research databases, Kanopy streaming, Blackstone Unlimited audiobooks, a Library of Things lending program, and genealogy resources — all backed by free Wi-Fi and public computing at each site.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Three-branch system serving Maryland's smallest county — Chestertown, Galena (North County), and Rock Hall on the Chesapeake Bay
- Main branch on High Street in Chestertown, a well-preserved 18th-century colonial port and home of Washington College
- More than 40 specialized Gale research databases including genealogy, academic journals, and career tools
- Library of Things lending program — specialized equipment for checkout beyond books
- Wednesday extended hours until 7 p.m. at the Chestertown Branch for after-work visits
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
A Kent County library card opens these free digital resources for cardholders at home and on mobile:
📚 Services
- Library of Things — specialized equipment and items for loan
- 40+ Gale research databases (genealogy, academics, career prep)
- Public computers, Wi-Fi, printing, copying, fax & scanning at all branches
- Meeting and study spaces
- Technology support and digital literacy help
- Genealogy resources and research assistance
- Interlibrary loan through the Eastern Shore regional network
- Reference and reader's advisory services
🎸 Programs
- Children's programming and summer reading
- Teen volunteer opportunities and youth activities
- Book clubs and adult reading groups
- Educational workshops and community events
- Friends of the Library programs and fundraisers
📍 Nearby Libraries on Maryland's Upper Eastern Shore
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
All libraries in Chestertown · Browse all Maryland libraries →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How many branch locations does the Kent County Public Library system have?
The system operates three branches. The main Chestertown Branch at 408 High Street is open Tuesday through Saturday with the widest hours (including until 7 p.m. on Wednesdays). The North County Branch in Galena serves the upper county Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. The Rock Hall Branch serves the bayside community on Wednesday and Friday. All three branches are closed on Sunday and Monday.
What is the Library of Things at Kent County Public Library?
The Library of Things is a lending program that goes beyond books and media, allowing cardholders to borrow specialized equipment and items. It reflects a growing national trend of public libraries serving as community resource hubs for things patrons might need occasionally but not want to purchase outright.
Does Kent County Public Library offer genealogy resources?
Yes. The library provides genealogy-focused resources including access to Gale's genealogy databases, which can help patrons trace family histories using newspaper archives, historical records, and other primary sources. Staff can also assist with research questions.
What digital resources are free with a Kent County library card?
Cardholders can access Kanopy (streaming films and documentaries), Blackstone Unlimited (unlimited audiobook streaming), Libby/OverDrive (eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines from Maryland's statewide collection), and more than 40 specialized Gale databases covering genealogy, academics, business, and test prep.
📜 This library has genealogy & local-history resources. See how library family-history research works and find other libraries with genealogy collections genealogy libraries by state.
🧰 This library lends a “Library of Things.” See what you can borrow besides books and find other libraries with a Library of Things Library of Things by state.
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