Noyes Library for Young Children (Kensington)
🏢 Montgomery County Public Libraries · Kensington, Maryland
Noyes Library for Young Children (Kensington)
Founded in 1893 by Brainard Warner and private citizens in the Victorian rail suburb of Kensington, the Noyes Library for Young Children is one of Montgomery County's oldest public libraries and the only branch in the county dedicated exclusively to children from birth through age eight. The building at 10237 Carroll Place is currently closed for a full gut renovation that began in summer 2026, transforming it into a bright modern space for early literacy and community connection.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | Closed for renovation |
| Tuesday | Closed for renovation |
| Wednesday | Closed for renovation |
| Thursday | Closed for renovation |
| Friday | Closed for renovation |
| Saturday | Closed for renovation |
| Sunday | Closed for renovation |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 10237 Carroll Place, Kensington, MD 20895
Phone: (240) 773-9570
Website: montgomerycountymd.gov
Plus Code: 87F42WFG+RR (Kensington, MD)
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📖 About Noyes Library for Young Children (Kensington)
The Noyes Library for Young Children in Kensington traces its origins to 1893, when Brainard Warner and other private citizens established a subscription library association in what was then a fashionable Victorian railroad suburb outside Washington, D.C. It was one of nine independent library associations that eventually joined the newly formed Montgomery County Public Libraries system in 1951, bringing its historic building and collections under county stewardship. Today Noyes is the only branch in Montgomery County's 21-location system dedicated solely to young children — serving babies, toddlers, and children up to age eight with a collection of picture books, early readers, board books, and programming designed around every stage of early literacy. The branch at 10237 Carroll Place, a short walk from the Kensington antique district and the Marc Train station area, is currently undergoing a full renovation that began in June 2026. Work includes gutting the interior, updating all building systems, improving energy efficiency, and reshaping the site to create a modern, welcoming learning environment. Until the branch reopens, children's programs and collection access are available at the neighboring Kensington Park Library (4201 Knowles Avenue, 0.4 miles away) and all other MCPL branches.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Founded in 1893 — one of the oldest public library institutions in Montgomery County, Maryland
- The only branch in Montgomery County's 21-library system dedicated entirely to children from birth through age 8
- Historic Victorian-era suburb of Kensington, one block from the antique district; served community for over 130 years
- Joined Montgomery County Public Libraries in 1951 when nine independent county library associations were unified under county administration
- Currently closed for full gut renovation (summer 2026) to create a modern early-literacy and community space — interim programs at Kensington Park Library (0.4 mi)
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Montgomery County cardholders can borrow and learn free while Noyes is under renovation:
📚 Services
- Dedicated early literacy collection for birth through age 8 — picture books, board books, early readers
- Children's storytimes, lap-sit programs, and early literacy events (at Kensington Park Library during renovation)
- Online catalog and digital account access during renovation at mcpl.aspendiscovery.org
- Interlibrary borrowing across all 21 MCPL branches with a single card
- Returns accepted at any MCPL branch while Noyes is closed
🎸 Programs
- Storytime for babies, toddlers and preschoolers (currently hosted at Kensington Park Library)
- Early literacy and school-readiness programs
- 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten reading challenge
- Summer reading programs for children
- Family programs aligned with the Montgomery County school calendar
📍 Nearby Libraries in Montgomery County
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
All libraries in Kensington · Browse all Maryland libraries →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Noyes Library only for young children and when was it founded?
Noyes Library for Young Children was founded in 1893 by Brainard Warner and private citizens in Kensington as a subscription library. Over the decades it became the community's dedicated children's library and remained so when it joined the Montgomery County Public Libraries system in 1951. Today it is the only branch in the 21-library MCPL system focused exclusively on children from birth through age eight.
Is the Noyes Library open? When will it reopen after renovation?
No, Noyes Library is currently closed for a full renovation that began in June 2026. The project involves gutting the interior, updating building systems, improving energy efficiency, and creating a modern early-literacy space. No specific reopening date has been announced. During construction, children's programs and collection access are available at Kensington Park Library (4201 Knowles Avenue, about 0.4 miles away) and all other MCPL branches.
Where can my child attend Noyes Library programs during the renovation?
The closest alternative is Kensington Park Library at 4201 Knowles Avenue in Kensington, just 0.4 miles from Noyes, which hosts children's programs including storytimes and early-literacy events. Any of the 21 MCPL branches can also accept holds, returns, and serve your child's programs with a standard Montgomery County library card.
Can I still use my Montgomery County library card for digital resources while Noyes is closed?
Yes. All digital resources remain fully available. You can borrow eBooks and audiobooks through Libby, access children's titles on hoopla, and use the MCPL catalog at mcpl.aspendiscovery.org with your library card number and PIN. No physical visit is required for digital access.
👶 This library runs story times for kids. See how library story times work — ages, what happens and that they are free — and find other libraries with story-time programs library story times by state.
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✓ Hours & details last verified from official sources in September 2026.
