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.
Over time, library workers have stepped up to help improve the lives and health of their communities. Since the pandemic, our county’s library workers have partnered with the Anne Arundel County Department of Health to provide life-saving resources, including handing out more than 300,000 COVID test kits and more than 285,000 masks.
Just recently, three county libraries began a pilot program with the health department’s Gun Intervention Task Force to hand out gun safety locks to reduce accidental deaths and suicide deaths by gun.
Anne Arundel County Public Library workers have hosted vaccine clinics and food distributions while connecting residents with social workers, job and computer training and providing digital access. These hardworking individuals regularly connect residents with emergency housing, access to government benefits and employment opportunities.
Thanks to an infusion of county funds in 2022, they’ve increased their capacity to provide kindergarten readiness classes and resources. As you’d expect, they’ve also helped millions of residents find copies of their favorite books and movies.
But our library workers have also faced significant challenges in today’s acrimonious society.
The American Library Associated (ALA) reports that in 2022, more than 2,500 unique titles were targeted for censorship with nearly 1,300 demands made to censor books and library resources.
These figures represented the highest number of attempted book bans since ALA began compiling this data more than 20 years ago. Of those titles opponents have attempted to ban, the vast majority were written by or about people of color and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Anne Arundel County believes libraries are for everyone and stands committed to offering books and resources that represent the needs of all communities. We understand that everyone deserves to see themselves represented in the books they read, the movies they watch and the people they interact with.
Your library system is dedicated to creating an environment where all are valued and belong. Our affirming staff offer LGBTQIA+ programs all year long and provide safe spaces for everyone. We are committed to hiring staff who reflect the diverse communities we serve.
While there is more work to do, we remain resolute in our mission to serve as a community connector, using our resources and partnerships to educate, enrich and inspire the lives of all people.
The next time you walk into one of our 16 county libraries to pick up a book, use a computer, attend an educational program, pick up a COVID test kit or just hang out, say hello and thank you to one of our amazing staff members. You are always welcome at the library!
Skip Auld is Anne Arundel County Public Library CEO and Steuart Pittman is Anne Arundel County executive.