(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. Sunday hours (September 8 - May 18) will also remain at 1-5 pm for applicable branches (Busch Annapolis, Crofton, Discoveries: The Library at the Mall, Glen Burnie, Odenton, Severn and Severna Park).
“Use of the library from 8 to 9 pm is low, representing only 1 percent of our usage. By adjusting our hours, we can better allocate our resources and staff to provide higher quality service during peak times,” said AACPL Chief Operating Officer Catherine Hollerbach. “We’ve carefully considered the usage patterns of our customers and the schedules of nearby library systems and feel confident that this change will allow us to focus our efforts on the times when our community needs us most.”
Additionally, officials noted that since the pandemic, fewer community groups are using library meeting rooms with the popularity of Zoom and other online platforms, and so the demand for physical space late in the evening has significantly decreased.
Even when library doors are closed, digital library resources are still available. AACPL offers an extensive collection of eBooks and eAudiobooks available for download 24 hours a day. Additionally, the system offers a plethora of online learning resources including tutoring, language learning, job searching and skill building classes. Enhanced Wi-Fi is also available in library parking lots round the clock and Chromebooks and hotspots can be checked out.