About the Program
The Howard County Gun Lock Program has partnered with the Library System to offer free gun safety locks to Howard County adults at all County library locations. The aim of this partnership is to increase gun safety, reduce accidental injuries and save lives.
From 2019-2023, more than 1 in 3 (36%) suicides in Howard County were by firearms. Over those five years, firearms were the leading method of suicide among those 20 years and older. Using a gun safety lock can create a critical pause that could help save a life.
The following people are eligible to get up to two free gun safety locks:
- Howard County residents
- Adults 18 and older
No library card is needed to participate and no proof of residency is required. People who pick up gun locks will be asked to provide some basic demographic information for internal Health Department use.
Gun locks are available at ALL County Library locations during normal business hours.
To locate the library branch closest to your home, visit the library's website. A library card is not needed to pick up a gun safety lock. Visitors can go up to the front desk and request up to two gun locks.
When picking up a gun lock, please DO NOT bring firearms to the library.
During the first phase of this program, the gun locks being distributed are a courtesy of the VA Maryland Health Care System. Future funding for gun locks will be provided through a grant from the Maryland Department of Health.
Protect Your Loved Ones: Free Gun Locks Available at Elkridge and East Columbia Libraries (Media release, June 26, 2025)
To watch a livestream of the event, go to https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1CCxdexJ58/
For photos of the event visit https://www.flickr.com/photos/hocolibrary/albums/72177720327160594/ (courtesy of Howard County Library System).
Gun Safety/Suicide Prevention Information
- Firearm Safe Storage and Youth Suicide Prevention (Maryland Department of Healt…
- Suicide Prevention (Maryland Department of Health)
- A Parent's Guide to Firearm Storage (Maryland Center for School Safety)
- Firearm Violence Data Dashboard (Maryland Department of Health)
- Discussing Mental Health (Project ChildSafe)
- Be SMART responsible gun ownership campaign
- Suicide Prevention Resources for Individuals (NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade …