Library Holds Week of Celebration for 75th Anniversary

  • By Baltimore County Public Library

As we near the end of 2023, we want to celebrate the culmination of our 75th anniversary with a week of events! From birthday parties to a meet-and-greet with a prolific author, there is something for everyone.

Scratch to Win

Image of the Library's 75th anniversary scratch off ticket

Starting Monday, October 16, while supplies last, anyone who is 18 and older is eligible to participate in our anniversary scratch-off. 

  1. Head to the service desk to pick up a scratch-off ticket.
  2. Scratch the diamond on the top right of the card to see if you win a magnet, notebook or tote.
  3. Pick up the prizes while you're at the branch.

Three grand prize winners will receive a diamond necklace, courtesy of Smyth Jewelers. Those who do not receive a prize can enter to win the second chance drawing of a $75 VISA gift card. Those winners will be notified by Monday, November 6. Find the official rules below.

Participants must be at least 18 years of age. Limit one ticket per library cardholder while supplies last. Scratch-off on ticket reveals prize awarded or option to enter the second chance drawing. Odds of winning are based on number of qualifying participants and tickets distributed. By participating in this promotion, the entrant gives their consent for Baltimore County Public Library/Smyth Jewelers to use their name and photographs for promotional and marketing purposes. 

For Winners

  • Scratch-Off Winners—Are immediately awarded scratched prizes, except for diamond pendants provided by Smyth Jewelers (retail value from $850 to $1,290 each). 
  • Second Chance Drawing Winners—Will be notified by email/phone on or about Monday, November 6.
  • Grand Prize Winners—Need to make arrangements with Baltimore County Public Library's Marketing Department to pick up prize at branch of choice. The winning card must be presented and validated before the prize is awarded. Diamond pendants are not returnable or exchangeable to Smyth Jewelers.

For Library Employees and Relatives

Employees of Baltimore County Public Library and the immediate family (spouse, parent, child, sibling and their respective spouses or step of each) and household members of such employees are not eligible.

Happy Birthday to Us

What’s a 75th anniversary without a party? We invite you to celebrate with us at our birthday party on Saturday, October 21, taking place at various times throughout our branches. We have presenters from Pam the Kindersinger to Danny Joe’s Tree House, balloon artists, face painting and more. Check out the events calendar to find one that interests you.

Joyce Carol Oates

Photo of author Joyce Carol Oates

We are thrilled to wrap up our week of celebrations with An Afternoon With Joyce Carol Oates at our Owings Mills Branch on Sunday, October 22, at 2 p.m. Ms. Oates will be in conversation with Dr. Ron Tanner, director of the Writers Retreat at Good Contrivance Farm and former chair of Loyola University's Writing Department. Book sales and signings will follow the event.

Other Ways to Celebrate

  • View a booklist (PDF) of the most popular books spanning the last seven decades.
  • Most branches will have a 75th anniversary tabletop coloring sheet.
  • The Adult Reading Challenge runs through October 28, and those who complete the challenge receive a commemorative tote.
  • There is a traveling display on the history of our library system that is stopping in our branches throughout the year.
  • See how our system has evolved over the decades through videos on our YouTube.

CategoryProgramming and Events