Towson in Baltimore County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Towson Library

Founded 1936

Photographed By Ben Nofs, May 31, 2023

1. Towson Library Marker

Inscription. Founded in 1936 by the Woman's Club of Towson, the Towson Library began as a volunteer organization operating out of the home of the first librarian, Mary Osborne Odell. Under her direction for the next 16 years, it grew rapidly. in 1948 the Baltimore County Public Library was established, and the Towson Library became one if its initial 12 branches.

This building was built in 1974 during the tenure of head librarian Charles Robinson, whose leadership and philosophy of circulation" to give them what they want" brought the BCPL international prominence. It houses both the Towson branch and the administrative offices for the BCPL system.

The building is an example of the brutalist style of architecture and attracted attention for its innovative design. It made news in again in 2020 when the Towson Chamber of Commerce commissioned nationally-known muralist Ryan Adams to create a mural on its façade. Each panel has a hidden word -- explore, learn, create, read, grow. Can you see them?

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Charity & Public Work • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1936.

Location. 39° 23.958′ N, 76° 36.168′ W. Marker is in Towson, Maryland, in Baltimore County. Marker is at the intersection

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of York Rd and York Rd & Chesapeake Ave, on the right when traveling south on York Rd. On the sidewalk, across the street from the library, facing the murals. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Towson MD 21286, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Historic East Towson (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); World War I Memorial (about 800 feet away); Hometown Hero (approx. 0.2 miles away); Abisado (approx. 0.2 miles away); Vietnam Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Baltimore County Courthouse (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Jacob House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Carver (Colored) High School (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Towson.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 31, 2023, by Ben Nofs of Columbia, Maryland. This page has been viewed 76 times since then and 20 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on May 31, 2023, by Ben Nofs of Columbia, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.