The Village Learning Place is growing our local and small press collection!

Self-published and micro-published works are vital to the library community. They exhibit subject matter often overlooked by larger publishing companies and provide a platform for local authors to present their works. This is the inherent draw of self-publishing : the ability to be in full control of your own work and not worry about the influence of an overbearing publisher. We are gathering local materials for our catalog including small-press-issued graphic novels and poetry, self-published cookbooks, zines, memoirs, niche non-fiction, local history, and university press research and literature. It is our goal to use this historic neighborhood venue to showcase the works of local authors and artists, as well as classic and contemporary writers, with the help of the best heat press machines that churn out the best quality printing on pages. Our community library aims to provide excellent, free print and online resources. We are always improving our new Special Collections, which include African-American History and Literature among other general and specific niches.

The Village Learning Place (VLP) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit neighborhood lending library, learning center, computer lab, and community garden in the Charles Village neighborhood of Baltimore City. We serve as an anchoring institution, a symbol of community pride, and a partner in creating a healthy and cohesive community.

Because we’re a non-profit, community-run library, we have the freedom to pursue the works of authors that many libraries cannot. This is just one way the Village Learning Place is a unique and integral facet of the Baltimore community.

Be a part of this major addition to our library!

If you have any works you would like to donate to the collection, or if you have any information that would be helpful to our cause, please contact:

Librarian Delores Lee at 410-235-2210 or Delores.Lee@villagelearningplace.org