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
residents, who are 18 and older will be able to get two free gun locks with no personal information collected
or shared.
Studies show that when firearms are accessible, individuals are three times more likely to die by suicide.
Suicide and accidents can be prevented by limiting access to lethal means and by talking with those who
may want to end their lives.
"We address gun violence through a public health lens. Our goal is to work with the community to make
sure that firearms are kept as safe as they can in family situations and in homes," said Dr. Tonii Gedin, Acting
Health Officer for Anne Arundel County. "Firearms are the leading cause of death for children and teens in
the United States. This is about prevention."
The GVIT, which is part of the Anne Arundel County Department of Health, secured gun locks for this pilot
program through a grant from the Governor's Office of Crime, Prevention and Youth Victim Services.
“While state law preempts local jurisdictions from imposing certain gun restrictions, this program is one of
the ways we are working to save lives by mitigating the risk of gun violence,” said County Executive Pittman.
“I want to thank the Department of Health and the library system for continuing to find innovative ways to
meet the needs of our communities.”
The pilot program will start at three branches; Glen Burnie Library, Busch Annapolis Library and
Eastport-Annapolis Neck Library; with hopes of expanding distribution to more county libraries in the near future.
“The library is a trusted community institution where residents can count on accurate information,
high-quality educational tools and helpful resources,” said AACPL CEO Skip Auld. “We are proud to expand
our partnership with the Anne Arundel County Department of Health through this important initiative.”
Gun locks will be available beginning April 13, 2023. When picking up a gun lock, residents are asked not to
bring any firearms to the library.
For more information about the GVIT, visit: www.aahealth.org/GVIT.