Library News

(March 26, 2025– Annapolis, MD) Anne Arundel County Public Library is offering the following events in April to celebrate Arab American Heritage Month: 

(February 27, 2025– Annapolis, MD) Anne Arundel County Public Library is offering the following events to celebrate Women’s History Month: 

(February 10, 2025 – Annapolis, Md.) The Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL) Board of Trustees is seeking two new members for the 18-person body. One position available is for a full-term trustee, while the other is for a one-year student member. Interested applicants may apply starting today through March 7. 

(February 4, 2025 – Annapolis, MD) Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL) announced the launch of its Share Your Library Love Referral Program for the month of February. The goal of the initiative is to gain new library customers and to reward current customers for recommending the library to their friends and family. 

(January 31, 2025 –Annapolis, MD) Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL) is offering the following programs to celebrate Valentine’s Day. 

(January 24, 2025 –Annapolis, MD) Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL) is offering the following Black History Month programs throughout February. 

(December 5, 2024 – Annapolis, MD) Anne Arundel County Public Library is offering the following events to celebrate the holiday season: 

BALTIMORE, MD. -- The Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL) launched its Chromebook lending program on Wednesday at its Brooklyn Park branch.  

Brooklyn Park Library customers are now able to check out one of 56 Chromebook kits equipped with a hotspot for up to 12 weeks. 

As a result, the Anne Arundel County Public Library has launched a pilot program that lends Chromebooks for the long term to help those who don't have one.

Grace Planalp was the first to check out one of 56 Chromebooks under Brooklyn Park Library's new long-term lending program.

$50,000 Initiative Funded by T-Mobile for Government, Wellpoint Maryland & Library Foundation 

$50,000 Initiative Funded by T-Mobile for Government, 

Wellpoint Maryland & Library Foundation 

(December 4, 2024 – Brooklyn Park, MD) Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL) and Foundation officials today

(November 13, 2024 – Annapolis, MD) The international non-profit Let’s Move in Libraries recently honored Patuxent Research Refuge alongside 10 other organizations and individuals across North America as recipients of the

(October 28, 2024 – Annapolis, MD) Anne Arundel County Public Library is offering the following events throughout November at area libraries to celebrate Military Family Appreciation Month: 

(October 25, 2024 – Annapolis, MD) Anne Arundel County Public Library is offering the following events throughout November at area libraries to celebrate Native American Heritage Month: 

(October 18, 2024 – Annapolis, MD) Anne Arundel County Public Library is offering the following events at area libraries to celebrate Halloween: 

ANNAPOLIS, MD. — In honor of Banned Books Week, Anne Arundel County announced the first book sanctuary in the state.

The public library joins 12 other library systems across North America, offering access to banned materials.

The Anne Arundel County Public Library hopes that by doing this, it ensures all stories and perspectives are protected.

At an event Wednesday where the Anne Arundel County Public Library System declared itself a “book sanctuary,” County Executive Steuart Pittman took it a step further, declaring all of Anne Arundel County a “book sanctuary.”

(September 25, 2024 – Annapolis, MD) Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL) officials announced today that the system is the first library in Maryland to be designated a Book Sanctuary, joining other library systems across North America with this distinction.   

(September 10, 2024 – Annapolis, MD) Anne Arundel County Public Library is offering the following events at area libraries to recognize September 15 through October 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month.  

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — Becoming a safe driver is an essential part of many young people's lives. But it's a challenge that can present several hurdles.

Now, the Anne Arundel Public Library Foundation has a way for new drivers to get some practical experience behind the wheel. WMAR got an inside look at the library's solution to this issue.

Usually, libraries offer more than just free books — you can often find free tools and other educational resources. But this Maryland library wants to teach you how to drive without leaving the building.

Parents and kids join together to help with creating some important Chesapeake Bay habitat. The project is a joint effort involving the Annapolis Busch Library and the Coastal Conservation Association of Maryland.

Watch the Maryland Public Television video here: https://youtu.be/SeoBTqbZEFE

First-ever Resource Located at Mall Library 

(July 9, 2024 – Annapolis, MD) The Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL) Foundation held a ribbon cutting today for the new, donor-funded Mamava nursing pod at its mall’s library.

ANNAPOLIS, MD — A library in Annapolis recently added a driving simulator, helping people learn to navigate the roads before they actually get there.

The driving simulator offers multiple educational courses. It can help rookie drivers and experienced drivers who want to test their reaction times. Gabby Norton lobbied for it.

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — Mothers needing to breastfeed their children in public have a new option in Anne Arundel County. Today at Discoveries: The Library at the Mall in Westfield Mall, they had a ribbon cutting for a new Mamava Lactation pod.

(June 21, 2024 – Annapolis, MD) In an effort to better allocate resources, officials from Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL) today announced a change to branch closing times during the week. Starting September 3, all libraries will close at 8 pm, Mondays-Thursdays instead of the previous closing time of 9 pm. The hours for Friday and Saturday remain the same at 10 am – 5 pm.

Program Expands with Adult Bingo Challenge, Airline Tickets 

(May 31, 2024 – Annapolis, MD) Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL) recently announced the return of its annual Summer @ Your Library (S@YL) program with the theme, “Adventure Begins at Your Library.” The campaign aims to prevent seasonal learning loss among students and encourages reading, and social and library

(May 28, 2024 – Annapolis, MD) Anne Arundel County Public Library is offering the following events at area libraries to recognize June’s Pride Month. 

Pride Art Nights 

Board Elects Damita McDonald as New First Vice Chair 

(May 17, 2024 – Annapolis, MD) Members of the Anne Arundel County Public Library’s (AACPL) Board of Trustees voted Thursday to appoint Margot Argeles, of Severna Park, as the second-ever student board member.

(April 30, 2024 – Annapolis, MD) Anne Arundel County Public Library is offering the following events at area libraries to recognize May’s Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. 

20,000-Square-Foot Facility Highlights Area’s Ties to Chesapeake Bay, Offers Countless Community Resources 

(April 3, 2024 – Annapolis, MD) Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL) will be closed Saturday, April 6 through Sunday, April 7 for system upgrades. All library buildings will open to the public on Monday, April 8 at noon.

(March 28, 2024 – Annapolis, MD) Anne Arundel County Public Library is offering the following events at area libraries to recognize April’s Arab American Heritage Month. 

Events, Giveaways Planned for Opening Weekend 

(March 13, 2024 – Annapolis, MD) Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL) officials today announced April 25 as the opening day for the new Riviera Beach Library. After the invite-only ribbon cutting, the branch will open at noon to customers.

(February 23, 2024 – Annapolis, MD) Anne Arundel County Public Library is offering the following Women’s History Month programs throughout March. 

Public, Private and Homeschool Students Eligible

(February 12, 2024 – Annapolis, Md.) The Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL) Board of Trustees is seeking a rising high school junior or senior to serve as its second-ever student member. County residents may apply starting today through March 8. 

(January 26, 2024 –Annapolis, MD) Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL) is offering the following Black History Month programs throughout February. 

African Dance Through the Decades 

Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman and members of the county library system handed out more than 200 Chromebook laptops at the Linthicum library location Wednesday as part of a program aiming to bridge digital and internet access gaps.

Program Funded by County’s Nonprofit Center 

(January 17, 2024 –Annapolis, MD) Officials from Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL), in partnership with County Executive Steuart Pittman, today announced the expansion of its popular grant research tools by Candid to all 16 library locations.

(December 5, 2023 –Annapolis, MD) Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL) is offering the following holiday programs throughout December.

The Gift of Reading at Discoveries

Discoveries: the Library at the Mall from Now through Friday, December 9

(October 30, 2023 –Annapolis, MD) Anne Arundel County Public Library is offering the following programs throughout November in honor of Native American Heritage Month.  

Paint Night

(October 11, 2023 – Annapolis, MD) Officials from the Anne Arundel County Public Library today announced a series of special events as part of the 9th annual Maryland STEM Festival, a family-friendly statewide celebration of science, technology, engineering and math that runs from October 13 to November 11.

Events include:  

FarmUnity and the Anne Arundel County Public Library held a Harvest Festival at the Crofton branch to celebrate the first year of their community garden, Wednesday, August 30, 2023.

Five months after the county first launched a free gun lock giveaway

(August 29, 2023 – Annapolis, MD) Anne Arundel County Public Library is offering the following programs in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month.  

Preschoolers 

Discoveries: The Library at the Mall 

Check Out Curiosity is Theme for Busch Annapolis Library Event

(August 14, 2023 – Annapolis, MD) Officials from the Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL) Foundation today announced the date for their annual fundraising gala, For the Love of the Library, set for Friday, September 22 at 6 pm at the Michel E. Busch Annapolis Library.

Ticket Giveaway Announced For Seven Upcoming Shows  

(August 1, 2023 – Annapolis, MD) Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL) officials today announced a new partnership with Maryland Hall to provide access to arts experiences for library customers.

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Pouring up a cold one for a cause, the public library in Anne Arundel County is teaming up with breweries to raise money to support the libraries efforts in keeping books available to all.

Across the United States, some malls are undergoing big changes. Businesses such as animal shelters, trampoline parks and movie theaters are filling the spaces that have been left empty in recent years. NBC News’ Brian Cheung has the story.

Rebuilding healthy local waterways is a team effort. The Coastal Conservation Association and the Anne Arundel County Public Library recently hosted their second annual oyster reef-building program and FOX 5 photojournalist Ama Arthur-Asmah was there! “Coastal Conservation Association is a nationwide organization.

Families are cleaning the Chesapeake Bay, one oyster ball at a time. Today's rain couldn't stop this group at the library in Annapolis from helping the environment. Kids and parents mixed concrete to make reef ball molds. Tomorrow, they'll be put on to trailer and sent to a warehouse, where they'll cure for a year. Then, they're covered with baby oysters and sent off to the

Program Aims to Reduce Seasonal Learning Loss 

(June 5, 2023 – Annapolis, MD) Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL) recently announced the return of its annual Summer @ Your Library (S@YL) program with the theme, “All Together Now” to promote kindness among youth.

More than 1,000 Safety Locks Already Distributed

(June 1, 2023 – Annapolis, MD) Officials from the Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL) and the Anne Arundel County Department of Health announced today the expansion of their successful pilot program to distribute gun safety locks to three additional county library branches.

(May 31, 2023 – Annapolis, MD) Anne Arundel County Public Library is offering the following programs in honor of Pride Month. 

Preschoolers

Rainbow Family Storytime

Enjoy stories and songs of diversity, love and friendship. All are welcome!

Rising Senior Linda Gayle Seeks to Create Positive Change in Community 

Tuesday was National Library Workers Day. This is traditionally a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation’s hardworking library employees.

In these divisive and challenging times, librarians and other library staff deserve extra praise as they perform the duties of social worker, business coach, IT professional, teacher and advocate for the marginalized.

Annapolis, Maryland (April 13, 2023) – Securing a gun in your home could be as simple as visiting a library,

thanks to a collaboration between Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL) and the Department of

Health’s Gun Violence Intervention Team (GVIT). The pilot program is the first of its kind in the state. County

 (April 4, 2023 – Annapolis, MD) Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL) officials today announced a new addition to its Library of Things catalog available to all library customers. Family passes to visit the Annapolis Maritime Museum and Park are now available for checkout with a library card.    

In 1950s Annapolis, one would not be caught dead walking down Main Street without a hat. It was a key piece of the ensemble. Luckily, there was Mrs. Musterman’s shop.

Opened in 1921 at 197 Main St., L.P. Musterman Hat Shop sold the finest in hat couture, outfitting legislators, Naval Academy personnel and local leaders.

Temp Library to Close July 15    

Capital Gazette

Public, Private and Homeschool Students Eligible 

(March 3, 2023 – Annapolis, MD) The Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL) Board of Trustees is seeking a rising high school junior or senior to serve as its inaugural student member. Anne Arundel County residents may apply starting today through April 3, 2023.  

(February 22, 2023 – Annapolis, MD) Anne Arundel County Public Library is offering the following programs in honor of Women’s History Month. Programs are for varied age groups as noted below.

Discoveries: The Library at the Mall

Women in STEM

Saturday, March 25 at 2 pm

(January 23, 2023 – Annapolis, MD) Anne Arundel County Public Library is offering the following programs in honor of Black History Month. Programs are for all ages unless noted. 

Broadneck

(November 1, 2022 – Annapolis, Md.) Anne Arundel County Public Library is offering the following programs to celebrate the Native American Heritage Month. 

Native American Storytime 

WMAR-TV news story

In Anne Arundel county all 16 libraries have a story time program. That's when families can come in and young children have books read to them, it also get the kids up to speed for starting school. 

Kits Available at Maryland City at Russett Library  

It's been one year since the Anne Arundel County Public Library opened a community pantry at its Westfield Annapolis location. Manager Rachel Myers joins WJZ at 9 with an update on how things are going.

Watch the interview here.

Summer Fun at the Library

Bay Weekly

Colbert, Judy

Annapolis, Md., (March 21, 2022) –Officials from the Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL) today announced its’ board of trustees is seeking six new members for the 17-member body. Terms would begin in June and last three years with the option of renewing for two additional three-year terms.   

From Eye on Annapolis

The Anne Arundel County Public Library is offering the following programs to celebrate Women’s History Month.

“Picturing Women Inventors” Smithsonian Poster Exhibition

March 1-31 at the Odenton Library

WTOP Radio

By Scott Gelman

In recent weeks, the start of Aryssa Damron’s day as a children’s librarian at Capitol View Neighborhood Library in D.C.’s Ward 7 has changed.

(January 5, 2022) Effective, January 6, the library is suspending all in-person programs for preschoolers through January 31. This action results from rising COVID-19 numbers, the inability of children under age 2 to mask, the lack of vaccines for kids under 5 and staffing shortages due to staff illness. 

Annapolis, Md., (December 7, 2021) –Officials from the Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL) today unveiled the system’s new logo and website in a ceremony at the Michael E. Busch Annapolis Library. Two local families also put a lid on the library’s centennial anniversary celebration by closing a time capsule.  

(August 3, 2021–Annapolis, Md.) – Meeting rooms will reopen for public use starting Tuesday, September 7, officials for the Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL) today announced. Community groups and other organizations can now begin making reservations for the month of September.

Pasadena Voice

Allgair, Emily

Capital Gazette

Padilla, Irene and Auld, Skip

Imagine having to wait outside for other patrons to leave a library before you could enter. Or being one of hundreds of children turned away each year because your library’s meeting room was limited to fifteen.

American Library Association News

McFadden, Trish

ALA and United for Libraries have named William A. Shorter, Jr., Anne Arundel County Public Library (Md.) Board of Trustees Chair, a recipient of the ALA Trustee Citation.

Capital Gazette

Kachevas, Sarah

Annapolis, Md., (April 5, 2021) – Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL) officials today announced that the system will allow its local history collection to be checked out for in-home use. This action represents the first time the collection of nearly 500 items has been available for borrowing.

Capital Gazette

staff reports

Anne Arundel Public Library CEO Skip Auld was joined by a County Executive Steuart Pittman, House Minority Leader Nic Kipke and others Friday to break ground on the $15.9 million Riviera Beach Library in Pasadena.

Capital Gazette

Jackson, Kelley

What’s your mental picture of a librarian? Perhaps it includes gray hair, glasses and being told to be quiet. 

Today’s library staff breaks this outdated stereotype. They are detectives, musicians, social workers and tech gurus of all ages.

Annapolis, Md., (March 26, 2021)-- County Executive Steuart Pittman joined Library CEO Skip Auld and area elected officials to break ground on the new Riviera Beach Library at 1130 Duvall Highway in Pasadena. The 20,000 square foot building will double the size of the former facility and is expected to open in Summer 2022.

More than $361,000 in Old Fines Forgiven for 28,000 Customers 

Capital Gazette

Kachevas, Sarah

Bay Weekly

Colbert, Judy

I was a wide-eyed 12-year-old when I saw a book in my local library with my last name on the spine. The book was by Marvin Mudrick, a distant relative. We never met, but he definitely influenced my life as I promised myself that one day, I’d have a book with my name on the spine.  

Romance in the pages and online: Anne Arundel County Public Library celebrates 100 years of evolution from book repository to broad public resource

Capital Gazette

Sanchez, Olivia

Frances Smith has only lived five of her 77 years without knowing William Smith Jr. — the first five.

(June 3, 2020) So another black person was killed. This time, protests by diverse groups erupted and have enveloped our nation. Why it’s happening now after George Floyd’s killing, rather than last month after the video of Ahmaud Arbery’s death went viral, or in March when Breonna Taylor was shot in her home is not the point. Enough is enough. It’s time to speak out.