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The Friends of the Canton Library is dedicated to supporting and promoting the restoration, preservation, and use of the historic Canton Branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library, the country's first branch library. "
The Canton Branch is located at 1030 S. Ellwood Avenue. Hours and other branch information can be found at the Enoch Pratt Free Library web site.
Contact us at library@cantoncommunity.org
News
Library Renovation Meeting Recap
The community came out to the Canton Branch on Monday evening, October 13, to discuss the current status of the interior renovation and the November 3 bond issue for funds to renovate three branches, including Canton. Library Director Dr. Carla Hayden, Director of Neighborhood Services Pat Costello, Director of Planning John Sondheim, and Branch Librarian Mariellen Baxter were in attendance on behalf of the Pratt Library. Delegate Brian McHale, Councilman Jim Kraft, Guide editor Jackie Watts, and The Rev. D. Lee Hudson of Messiah Lutheran were among the many attendees, as were the Friends' officers.
During the fruitful hour-long meeting, attendees discussed the bond issue and design drawings of the three proposed entrances. One of the main purposes of the meeting was to discuss the Maryland Historical Trust's opposition to installing a ramp on the front entrance for access by disabled patrons and those with carriages. After a wide-ranging discussion on issues including the legal requirements of the American Disabilities Act, historical preservation standards, and current best practices in library design, the attendees agreed that the preferred options for the library entrance were, in order of preference:
- The front entrance, with a ramp
- The side (south) entrance, with either an internal or external ramp
- The rear entrance (which currently serves as the disabled patron entry), with a new ramp
Important Meeting--Renovation Update
October 13--Canton Branch 7:00 pm
Meeting with representatives of the Enoch Pratt Free Library to discuss:
- Status of library renovation
- Importance of November bond issue on the November ballot -- $3 million to renovate the Canton, Waverly, and Hampden branches
- Discussion on the location of entrance to the renovated library -- issues of historical preservation vs. ADA access. Community opinion is very important on this issue.
Great Success for the Summer Reading Program
Canton experienced its most successful Summer Reading Club ever. 300 children were registered for the program. 128 completed it – 55 more than in 2007. During the program, the Canton community read and reported on 3,594 books, more than double the 1,771 total in 2007. The devotion to reading as a family activity is extraordinary in this community.New Branch Hours and Events Admission Policy
The Pratt will be making a slight change to the hours at the Canton Branch. Beginning on September 2, 2008 the library will be closed on Tuesday mornings and will instead be open from noon to 5:30 p.m. On Thursdays, Canton will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mother Goose on the Loose will be held on Thursday mornings (non-walkers at 10:30 a.m., as usual, and walkers at 11:30 a.m.) Preschool Story Time at Canton will be on Tuesday afternoons at 4:00 p.m.EPFL's Director and Leadership Team instituted the changes to provide staff the opportunity to attend staff development and other meetings, and to provide a full day of service immediately preceding a closed day (Fridays).
Questions about the new branch hours or about the new event ticket policy? Contact the EPFL's Branch & District Services Office at (410) 396-5390.
Events
Saturday, 9/27 - One Maryland, One Book discussion of Ron Suskind's A Hope in the Unseen will start at 2:00 p.m.Saturday, 10/11 - Bouchercon 2008: Charmed to Death. The Canton Branch will host mystery/thriller author Austin Camacho during the annual World Mystery Writers' Convention. 2:00 p.m.
Previous Events
Spring 2008 Book Sale
Our Spring book sale was a smashing success. The Friends of the Canton Library partnered with the Friends of the Southeast Anchor Library to have our first books sale in Highlandtown. It was a great success. Thanks to all who contributed.May 2008
"A Reason for Rhyme"
The Friends of the Canton Library partnered with the Pratt Library and the Baltimore Chapter of the Maryland Writers Association to bring an evening of poetry to the library. Poets from the area shared their work in a coffee house atmosphere. There wasno better way to celebrate National Poetry Month.
April 2008
Canton Memories
Our third annual Canton Memories program was a huge success. Over 50 people joined Jennifer Bodine, Editor of Bodine’s Chesapeake Bay Country and Tim Almaguer, Author of Baltimore’s Patterson Park to learn about great what makes Baltimore and Canton unique.
February 2008
Baltimore Authors Showcase
On Saturday, August 17, 2007 over thirty people turned up an a beautiful summer day to hear and meet six up-and-coming local fiction authors at the premiere Baltimore Authors Showcase. Each author read 10 to 15 minute selections from their recent work. The audience response was overwhelmingly positive. The authors were available to answer questions about their work and many sold signed copies of their books. The refreshments that the Friends made from the Canton Cookbook were also a huge success.
The event was co-sponsored by the Baltimore Chapter of the Maryland Writers' Association (MWAB) and the Enoch Pratt Free Library with the support of the CityLit Project, Write Here, Write Now, and the Friends of the Canton Library, the Baltimore Authors Showcase is the first in a series highlighting Baltimore's contemporary literary talent as represented by MWA members.
August 2007
Community Charrette with the Enoch Pratt Free Library
Charrette Media Coverage
In the Baltimore Guide, Mary Helen Sprecher wrote "Community to discuss renovations to Canton Library," which is also available online. Jackie Watts, editor of the Guide, wrote an excellent summary of the meeting on the "Write Now" blog, and invites you to comment.
Ron Matz of WJZ Channel 13 did two stories on the charrette. You can watch them online:
- Canton Library Gets a Makeover, June 4, 2007
- People Are Talking: Enoch Pratt Free Library in Canton, June 5, 2007
Next Meetings:
The Friends of the Canton Library meet on the 2nd Monday of the month (except July, August, and December) at 6:30 p.m. in the Canton Library.Upcoming meetings:
- September 8th
- October 13
- November 10th
Newsletter:
Membership:
Membership forms are available at the Canton Branch.
Canton Cooks!
Buy the centennial editon of Canton Cooks at the library or through this web site for $12.00! New and renewing Patron members may purchase Canton Cooks for only $5.00 with their dues payment! The proceeds support programming and events at the Canton Branch.
Contact Us
For more information about the Friends, please contact us.
Last Updated: 10/16/2008
The Friends of the Canton Library is not affiliated with the Canton Community Association.
The Canton Community Association is a non-profit, volunteer organization that strives to enhance our community for neighbors, businesses and visitors.