Maryland Horse Library & Education Center
Welcome to the Library
The Maryland Horse Library & Education Center is the largest library of its kind on the east coast, its shelves holding thousands of books dedicated exclusively to horses. Visitors may browse shelves on a variety of topics, from breeds to training methods, riding disciplines to the history of horse sports, and much much more. Officially opened in December 2022, MHLEC serves as a hub for learning and collaboration, while honoring the long history of horses in Maryland. In addition to its non-lending, special collections reference library, MHLEC offers a meeting space, a gallery, educational exhibits and programs.
On the Shelves
Browse our collection online, keep tabs on new additions to the library, and take a closer look at fascinating titles, book reviews and staff suggestions.
Dulany's Friday Finds
The latest finds from library volunteer Dulany Noble!
Upcoming Library & Maryland Horse Foundation Events
Maryland Horse Library Christmas Open House
Get Involved
The Maryland Horse Library and Education Center is a multi-faceted facility that honors the history and importance of Maryland’s horse industry. Visitors can expand their knowledge of all things equine while using the library, which houses more than 5,000 volumes; attending educational programs; viewing exhibits in the gallery; and making use of the versatile meeting room. The site is centrally located and easily accessible at 321 Main Street in Reisterstown.
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Meeting Room Reservations
Hold your next meeting at the MHLEC! Our Safely Home Meeting Room comes fully equipped for everything from virtual meetings to seminars.
Request a Reservation -
Howard & Sondra Bender Educational Series
View upcoming events and watch recordings of past seminars in the Maryland Horse Foundation's newest educational program.
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Book Club
Sign up for the new Maryland Horse Library book club!
Maryland Horse Library Book Club
In the Media
WBAL-TV Segment with Jennifer Franciotti
Where’s Marty? Maryland Horse Library on WJZ
Building
The Maryland Horse Library & Education Center went from dream to reality when the offices of the Maryland Horse Breeders Association, established in 1929, moved to its permanent home in Reisterstown in the summer of 2020. The library occupies what was originally Grace Methodist Church (built circa 1866). In September 2021, MHLEC was designated by the Maryland Horse Industry Board (MHIB) as the Educational and Cultural Center of the Maryland Horse Park System.
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History
In its more than 150-year history, the building that is now home of Maryland Horse Library & Education Center has had many occupants and uses. Constructed in 1866 as a church, the building was purchased by the Maryland Horse Breeders Association in 2020.
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Silks Wall
One of the most distinctive features of the Maryland Horse Library & Education Center is the silks wall! Arranged in 4 x 3 grid and visible to passerby traveling northbound on Reisterstown Road, the silks wall pays tribute to some great names in Maryland racing history.
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Previous Author Talks & Panel Discussions
Retired Racehorse Project Panel
Author Talk with Patricia McQueen
Elkridge-Harford 100th Anniversary Panel
Women & Horses Panel
Author Talk with Alvin Stone
Visit Us
Reisterstown, MD 21136
HOURS:
9AM – 5PM
Mon – Fri
The Library will be CLOSED for the following dates in 2023:
April 7
May 29 (Memorial Day)
July 3-4 (Independence Day)
September 4 (Labor Day)
November 23-24 (Thanksgiving)
December 23-25
December 29
Questions? Contact us!