A black and white icon of a credit card with a book on it.

Get a library card & check out some books

A black and white icon of a computer and a book.

Use our computers to do some research & learn

A black and white icon of a book in a circle on a white background.

Visit our grounds & garden space or rent it for a private event.

Join us at the Village Learning Place today.

Our programs are at the heart of so much of what makes the Village Learning Place special. The library is so much more than a place to check out wonderful books, it is also a community gathering place to foster organizing, understanding, and fellowship.

Search our online catalog now.

  • Hours

    Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 10:00 am - 5:30 pm

    Wednesday: 12:00 pm - 5:30 pm

    Friday: Closed

    Saturday: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

    Sunday: Closed

  • Directions

    The Village Learning Place is located in the Charles Village neighborhood in central Baltimore City, near the intersection of Saint Paul and 25th Streets.


    Library Address: 2521 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, MD 21218.


    Classrooms and Offices: 2510 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, MD 21218



    Bus Stops at VLP:

    • City Link Silver – Runs from Curtis Bay to Johns Hopkins University & Morgan State University (operates 24 hours).
    • Local Link 95 – Runs from Inner Harbor to Roland Park (operates weekday peak only).
    • Charm City Circulator Purple Route – Runs from Johns Hopkins University to Federal Hill (operates daily).


    Bus Routes Near the VLP:

    • Local Link 21 – Runs from Woodberry to Canton Crossing (operates daily).
    • Local Link 51 – Runs from Inner Harbor to Towson (operates daily).
    • Local Link 94 – Runs from Sinai Hospital to Fort McHenry (operates daily).

  • Parking

    Free parking is available in the parking lot next to our office & classroom building at 2510 St. Paul Street. Our spaces are numbered 15-33 and marked with a “V” for VLP.  

  • Computer Use

    Free WiFi  


    The Village Learning Place library offers free WiFi to all patrons. Bring your laptop or phone and access our WiFi at any time, or use one of our computers!


    Computers for Patrons


    Computers with internet access are available to the public. You must have a Village Learning Place library card to access our technology. Children 12 and under may only use the computer with the supervision of an adult caregiver.


    If others are waiting to use a computer, patron sessions are limited to 30 minutes.


    Printing


    Black and white printing is available at $0.10 per page.


    Computer Education


    The Village Learning Place periodically offers computer classes for adults – check our Programs page for dates and details.


  • Rent Our Space

    Discover the charm and versatility of Village Learning Place, nestled in the heart of historic Charles Village. Our independent free library offers a unique 4100 sq foot rental space, boasting exquisite Romanesque Greek architecture both inside and out. Whether you're hosting a meeting, workshop, performance, or special event, our venue provides the perfect backdrop with excellent acoustics and ample room for your guests.

    Learn more

Here's how to get a library card.

Learn how to start your journey with the VLP's library card. Here you will learn the basics of how to apply for a card, what you need to get one, and how to stay up to date.

come check out books

  • How to Apply

    Get started by filling out the library card application.

    Click here to start.

  • ID & Proof of Address

    Please present one of the following photo IDs along with your library card application.

  • Children Under 12

    There are no age restrictions for library card applicants. However, parents or guardians must sign library card applications for children under 12.

  • Youth 13 & Older

    Students 13-18 must have two forms of ID with at least one verifying current address. Students may present a school ID, recent report card or official document/letter from their school to register for a library card if parent or guardian is not present.

  • Using Your Card

    Once your new library card has been issued, you can begin using it immediately to check out library books or access patron computers. Adult borrowers, 18 or older, will be limited to 10 books per library card at any given time. Borrowers under 18 will be limited to 5 books per card at any given time. Books will be checked out for 2 weeks and may be renewed two times.

  • Keeping Your Card Up to Date

    The VLP Library card is permanent. The cardholder's name and address must be verified every two years in person.

Visit our grounds & garden.

our location

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  • Our Buildings

    The historic Village Learning Place library, located at 521 St. Paul Street, is more than just a building—it’s a symbol of resilience and community spirit. Originally built in 1896 as one of the first six branches of Baltimore’s Enoch Pratt Free Library, the library closed its doors in 1997, leaving a void in the neighborhood. In response, our community rallied together, dedicating countless volunteer hours to restore this beautiful Victorian brick building and establish the Village Learning Place as a beacon of learning and connection. Today, this cherished space serves as a hub of resources and programming, meeting the evolving needs of our neighbors every day of the week. From its welcoming halls, we offer a diverse range of educational and cultural opportunities for all ages, fostering a sense of belonging and growth.

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  • Outdoor Space

    Just steps away from the library, our community garden transforms what was once a neglected parking lot into a vibrant green space that nurtures both the mind and spirit. This garden is a testament to the power of community effort, offering a peaceful refuge for all. Open to the public during library hours, it’s a place where visitors can enjoy a quiet moment, gather fresh herbs, or participate in outdoor events like our 2nd Wednesdays program. The youth garden along the south wall is a living classroom, where students learn about the environment, food, and sustainability. Whether it’s through planting seeds or simply enjoying the beauty of the garden, this space embodies the Village Learning Place’s mission of lifelong learning and community engagement.

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