Baltimore County Libraries Offer Free 'Stay-cation' Programs

From video games to hula hoops, the library system has activities for all ages during spring break.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 8:27pm

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An abstract, impressionistic scene of blurred, warm-toned shapes and colors representing children reading, playing, and participating in activities at a local library, conveying the sense of community and enrichment the library provides.The Baltimore County Public Library's free 'Stay-cation' programming offers families a range of engaging activities to enjoy during spring break without leaving town.Baltimore Today

For those staying in Baltimore over spring break, the Baltimore County Public Library is offering a variety of free programs and activities at all 19 of its branch locations from April 2-12. The 'Stay-cation' programming includes everything from infant and toddler activities to adult classes, as well as chances to win prizes like zoo passes and brewery gift cards.

Why it matters

With many families opting to stay local for spring break this year, the Baltimore County library system is providing a range of free, engaging activities to keep residents entertained and enriched during the school vacation. The 'Stay-cation' programming highlights the library's role as a community hub that offers educational, recreational, and social opportunities for people of all ages.

The details

The Baltimore County Public Library's 'Stay-cation' programming includes free hula hoop classes from Baltimore Hoop Love, Kona Ice giveaways at seven branch locations, and a staycation giveaway where visitors can enter to win a family pack to the Maryland Zoo and a gift card to Union Craft Brewery. The library also has video games, chess, and a wide selection of books and graphic novels available for young readers.

  • The 'Stay-cation' programming runs from April 2-12, 2026.

The players

Baltimore County Public Library

The public library system serving Baltimore County, Maryland, with 19 branch locations.

Sloane Biser

A young library patron who loves books.

Nora Biser

Sloane's sister, who is a speed reader and enjoys the library's selection of books, especially those featuring dragons.

T.J. Saxenmeyer

A young reader who enjoys the library's selection of graphic novels as well as its other amenities like video games and chess.

Emily Williamson

The communications supervisor for the Baltimore County Public Library.

Spilly

An instructor with Baltimore Hoop Love, which is providing free hula hoop classes at the library.

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What they’re saying

“I love the library a lot because I love books.”

— Sloane Biser

“I'm a speed reader and I love dragons, so this library is like a mix of all that.”

— Nora Biser

“There's video games and books; you can get DVDs. There's chess over there.”

— T.J. Saxenmeyer

“We bring a number of hula hoops of all different sizes, and we just play. We show people tricks and different things. We let people really be creative.”

— Spilly, Instructor, Baltimore Hoop Love

“We're going to do a family for a pack for The Maryland Zoo, and also a gift card for Union Craft Brewery.”

— Emily Williamson, Communications Supervisor, Baltimore County Public Library

What’s next

The 'Stay-cation' programming at the Baltimore County Public Library runs through April 12, 2026, with no reservations required. Residents can find a full schedule of activities and events on the library's website.

The takeaway

The Baltimore County Public Library's 'Stay-cation' programming demonstrates how public libraries can serve as vibrant community hubs, offering a wide range of free, engaging activities for residents of all ages during school breaks and other times when families may be looking for affordable local entertainment options.