Loch Raven in Towson in Baltimore County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Towson Library
Founded 1936
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 faηade. 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 •
this page online
Location. 39° 23.958′ N, 76° 36.168′ W. Marker is in Towson, Maryland, in Baltimore County. It is in Loch Raven. It is at the intersection of York Road (Maryland Route 45) and West Chesapeake Avenue, on the right when traveling south on York Road. The marker stands on the sidewalk, across the street from the library, facing the murals. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3 W Chesapeake Ave, Towson MD 21204, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Central Maryland. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic, in the Chesapeake Bay Region, and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies and also the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: MA & PA Overpass (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Pioneer Walk (about 700 feet away); Towson Tavern (about 700
Photographed by Ben Nofs, May 31, 2023
2. Towson Library Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 23, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 31, 2023, by Ben Nofs of Columbia, Maryland. This page has been viewed 516 times since then and 51 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 23, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 2. submitted on May 31, 2023, by Ben Nofs of Columbia, Maryland. 3. submitted on June 23, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
