The intersection of Pennsylvania and North Avenues was the focal point of the demonstrations and confrontations after the death of Freddie Gray.

The neighborhood branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library at that intersection stayed open.

That commitment to the library’s mission prompted the 2016 General Assembly to enact legislation providing state funds to extend the hours of all Pratt branches.

The bill became law without Governor Hogan’s signature because he opposes mandates that require him to put money in the state budget.

When we told neighborhood groups that their branch would be open longer, they were elated – from Edmondson Village to Roland Park, with branches in Walbrook, Forest Park, and Glen In between.

Delegate Angela Gibson and I wanted to learn about the impact of the longer hours first hand.

We toured the five branches in the 41st District last week.

Patronage and circulation are up.

The lesson I brought home, however, is that a library branch and the access it provides to computers is of great benefit to job seekers.

What they learn from the books they borrow will make them more skilled employees.