Who We Are

Who We Are

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Governor signs bill establishing MSLA ​In April 2017, legislation was signed by Governor Larry Hogan that established the Maryland State Library Agency as independent.

Established as the State Library Agency for Maryland in 2017, Maryland State Library Agency (MSLA) supports local libraries in their mission to provide outstanding resources, programs, and customer service to all Marylanders. MSLA currently serves over 3.3 million residents across 190 library branches and provides free access to computers, Wi-Fi, and educational and academic resources. The agency also delivers career development and training support to library staff through the Public Libraries and State Networking Branch (PLSNB) and offers over 434,000 items such as books and magazines in audio, braille, e-braille, and more to over 8,394 registered blind and print disabled residents through the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled.

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Other organizations MSLA supports include Maryland’s Public Libraries, the State Library Network, the public library Capital Grants Program, and the Maryland Deaf Culture Digital Library. Additionally, MSLA acts as the passthrough for federal and state funds to provide funding for Maryland public libraries, including the Maryland State Library Resource Center located in the Central Branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore City.

It’s no secret – Marylanders depend on their public libraries. In fact, a recent survey ​found that almost two-thirds of Maryland residents consider public libraries an essential service. Currently, Maryland’s 24 public library systems, rank top in the nation, serve over 3.3 million residents and provide free access to computers, Wi-Fi, educational and academic resources, and more. Generally governed by a Board of Trustees, Maryland’s public libraries serve as a place for collegial learning and community engagement and ensure all residents have equal access to library resources. 

​Maryland's public libraries have come a long way since 1902 when the first legislation was passed that established libraries throughout the state. After operating under the State Board of Education from 1935 to 1971, the Division of Library Development and Services (DLDS) was formed and later named the official State Library Agency of Maryland. The DLDS consisted of two branches - the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD) and the Public Libraries and State Networking Branch (PLSNB). In 2017, the Maryland General Assembly established the Maryland State Library Agency (MSLA) and transferred the duties and responsibilities of the DLDS over to MSLA. 

MSLA celebrated its fifth year as an independent agency in 2022​, serving over 3.3 million people from 190 library branches across Maryland. MSLA continues to support Maryland's public libraries in their mission to offer outstanding resources, programs, and excellent customer service to all Marylanders.

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