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.

The Maryland State Library Agency (MSLA) ensures all Marylanders have access to outstanding services and welcoming, innovative spaces by administering state and federal funding, empowering library professionals through certification and training programs, and facilitating collaboration across public, school and academic libraries. 

MSLA also oversees the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled, the Maryland Deaf Culture Digital Library, the Governor's Young Readers Program, the County Library Capital Grant Program, and 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 eighth year as an independent agency in 2025​, serving over 3.3 million people from 192 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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