20,000-Square-Foot Facility Highlights Area’s Ties to Chesapeake Bay, Offers Countless Community Resources
(April 25, 2024 – Annapolis, MD) Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL) officials today opened the new Riviera Beach Library, the second new facility for the system since 2020. Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman, Maryland State Delegate Nic Kipke and County Councilman Nathan Volke provided remarks and joined others in a ribbon cutting ceremony. The event also featured a performance by the Northeast High School Vocal Ensemble and a land acknowledgment.
The new 20,000-square-foot building on the campus of the previous location at 1130 Duvall Highway in Pasadena, doubles the size of the former library and provides greater visibility and more resources. The nautical-themed facility features a large children’s area, four study rooms, a dedicated teen space, 20 public computers, an outdoor patio, a large meeting room and a brand-new collection of books and other materials. Funding for the $16 million project comes from Anne Arundel County and the County Library Capital Grant Program, Maryland State Library Agency.
“I am thrilled to see the completion of this much-needed addition to our community," said County Executive Pittman. "The Riviera Beach Library will serve as a hub for learning, creativity and connection for residents of all ages.”
“The Riviera Beach Library is more than just a building filled with books," said AACPL CEO Skip Auld. “It is a catalyst for positive change within our community promoting education, inclusivity and empowerment. I appreciate the community’s patience during construction
and I know the positive impact this library will have on our customers is sure to be felt for years to come.”
Local architects Grimm and Parker describe the building as having an underwater theme with surfboard-shaped counters and a “boat ceiling”. There are multiple nautical references throughout the library including the use coastal materials, color and finishes with oars and anchors. The design concept ties into the local nautical context and the area's history of being a resort community at the edge of the Chesapeake Bay. The building is expected to receive LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver certification, a symbol of sustainability achievement.
The Anne Arundel County Library Foundation is also providing special giveaways to the first 250 customers on Friday, April 26 and Saturday, April 27 and will host a ticketed Bay Breezes and Books event on Sunday, April 28, to celebrate the new library. The happy-hour style afternoon will feature delicious food from Bahama Mike’s including oysters, cocktails, live music from the Eastport Oyster Boys, a custom library pint glass, a treasure hunt with raffle prizes, giveaways and the chance to explore the new building. Tickets are $75 at the door.
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NOTE: PHOTOS AND VIDEOS FROM THE EVENT CAN BE FOUND HERE AND ARE AVAILABLE FOR MEDIA USE.
CAPTION FOR PHOTOS RIVIERA BEACH LIBRARY GRAND OPENING - 11 to 13: The following people are pictured from left to right cutting the ribbon for the Riviera Beach Library Grand Opening: AACPL Foundation Board Dir. Ian Marchanti and Officer Karen Smith, Student Jaxton Murphy, AACPL CEO Skip Auld, Anne Arundel Co. Exec. Steuart Pittman, Delegate Nic Kipke, Co. Councilman Nathan Volke, Grimm & Parker’s Brian Walbridge and Library Branch Manager Johanna Doty