Investing in Spaces
We continue to transform our physical spaces to better serve the community. From major branch expansions to modern refreshes, Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL) is creating welcoming, functional environments that support learning, connection and innovation for all ages.
Discoveries Expansion at Annapolis Mall
Discoveries: The Library at the Mall continues to grow as one of AACPL’s busiest branches. With $675,000 from Anne Arundel County and $125,000 from the Library Foundation and community donors, the branch added 3,200 square feet, featuring:
- A larger program room
- Enhanced Discovery Dock children’s area
- New space for middle-grade readers
- Expanded collections
- A quiet shared workspace with desktop computers
This marks the second expansion for Discoveries: The Library at the Mall since opening in 2018, at a 3,000-square-foot storefront. In 2020, the branch moved to a 13,000-square-foot location with a community pantry, event space and teen area.
Planning the New Glen Burnie Library
A new 40,000-square-foot Glen Burnie Library is currently in development, featuring the county’s cultural resource center, an outdoor learning space, community meeting rooms and modern amenities. Now in the schematic design phase, the project reflects feedback from over 1,000 community members through surveys, listening sessions and outreach.
Branch Refreshes
Seven branches—Brooklyn Park, Crofton, Eastport-Annapolis Neck, Edgewater, Linthicum, Odenton and Severn—received updates in FY 2025 including:
- New shelving
- Fresh carpet and paint
- Practical improvements for better functionality
By investing in thoughtfully designed, flexible spaces, AACPL is building the libraries of the future—places where everyone can learn, collaborate and thrive in an environment that reflects the evolving needs of our community.
Championing Learning & Literacy
AACPL is committed to nurturing a lifelong love of reading and learning. Through kindergarten readiness programs, outdoor storytimes and bold initiatives like becoming Maryland’s first Book Sanctuary, we empower individuals and families to explore ideas, embrace diversity and grow together.
1000 Books Before Kindergarten and Summer @ Your Library
Participation in the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program continues to grow, helping families build early literacy habits, school readiness and a lifelong love of reading.
The annual favorite – Summer @ Your Library (S@YL) – saw a 5% increase in participation overall and an 80% jump for teens with the new Choose Your Own Adventure: Teen Edition. More than 75,000 customers attended S@YL programs.
Storytimes in the Great Outdoors
In partnership with Anne Arundel County Recreation and Parks, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center and other community organizations, AACPL brought storytimes and family programs to parks and natural spaces across the county. These outdoor events combined literacy, learning and nature exploration—encouraging families to read, play and discover together in the open air.
Storytimes and activities were hosted at:
- Patuxent Research Refuge
- Ft. Smallwood Park
- Hancock’s Resolution
- Linthicum Park
- Kinder Farm Park
- Lake Waterford Park
- Beverly Triton Nature Park
- South River Farm Park
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
By bringing the library to the community—under the trees and open skies—AACPL connects families with both books and the beauty of the natural world, inspiring a love of reading and an appreciation for the environment.
Book Sanctuary Designation
AACPL became Maryland’s first Book Sanctuary, joining a growing movement to protect endangered books and promote intellectual freedom. The designation was announced at Discoveries: The Library at the Mall with support from County Executive Steuart Pittman, Delegate Dana Jones, Mayor Gavin Buckley and State Librarian Morgan Miller. The initiative includes:
- Collecting and protecting challenged books
- Hosting educational events
- Promoting access and awareness
AACPL continues to spark curiosity, strengthen families and build a more informed and connected community—one story, one reader and one idea at a time.
Expanding Access
Access is at the heart of our mission. Whether through new technology, inclusive digital tools or quiet study pods, AACPL is breaking down barriers and ensuring that everyone can benefit from the resources and opportunities our libraries provide.
Privacy Pods
The Crofton and Odenton libraries join the Maryland City at Russett branch in now featuring collaboration pods—quiet, modern spaces with lighting, seating and power outlets—thanks to Library Foundation funding. The spaces can allow for telehealth appointments, Zoom interviews and private study space.
Long-Term Chromebook Lending
In partnership with T-Mobile for Government, Wellpoint Maryland and the Library Foundation, AACPL launched a $50,000 long-term Chromebook lending program at the Brooklyn Park Library, offering nearly 60 Chromebooks with free data available for checkout for up to 12 weeks.
Special Resource Web Pages
AACPL has enhanced its online resource pages to better serve federal workers, marginalized communities and families in need. Highlighted pages include:
- Career Resources: Resume help, job search tools and unemployment support
- Food Resources: Community pantries, Caring Cupboards and community garden
- LGBTQIA+ Resources: Crisis hotlines, legal protections and booklists
- Immigration Resources: Citizenship prep, language learning and legal rights
By expanding access to resources through technology, innovative spaces and strategic partnerships, AACPL continues to create pathways for learning, connection, support and opportunity—ensuring that every customer can get the help they need from the library.
Connecting Community
Libraries are more than buildings—they’re hubs of creativity, expression and belonging. Through teen programs, public art and remembering our past, AACPL fosters meaningful connections and supports the diverse needs of our community.
Art Exchange Boxes
Installed at Brooklyn Park, Crofton and Linthicum Libraries, these vibrant boxes—created with Chesapeake Arts Center—invite community members to “take or leave” art and supplies. They foster creativity, connection and joy.
Enslaved People of Crofton Monument
A new monument at Crofton Library honors the enslaved individuals who lived and labored on local farms. Created by Eagle Scout Athena Cochrane, it invites reflection and education about the area's history and the foundational role of enslaved labor.
By creating opportunities for engagement, creativity and remembrance, AACPL strengthens community connections and ensures that libraries remain welcoming spaces where everyone can belong, learn and contribute.
Health & Wellness
AACPL plays a vital role in promoting public health and well-being. From distributing COVID-19 test kits and health supplies to offering baby and menstrual supplies and wellness resources, we’re helping our community stay informed, supported and safe.
Community Pantry at Discoveries: The Library at the Mall
In FY 2025, the pantry served 2,146 visitors, distributing:
- 5,600+ packs of diapers
- 1,600+ packs of menstrual and incontinence supplies
Visitors also received help with government benefits, kindergarten registration and health information. Thanks to our generous partners and donors for making this possible.
COVID Test Kits
AACPL staff distributed over 218,000 COVID test kits in partnership with the Anne Arundel County Department of Health. The library continues to support public health through screenings, education and protective supplies.
Health to Go Machines and Gun Locks
Vending machines at Brooklyn Park and Deale Libraries also provide free health supplies. In fiscal year 2025 the following supplies were given out:
- Brooklyn Park: 164 naloxone kits, 335 fentanyl test strips, 275 COVID kits, 240 xylazine test strips, 22 masks
- Deale: 129 naloxone kits, 135 fentanyl test strips, 235 COVID kits, 125 xylazine test strips, 166 masks
Look for additional health supply machines in other libraries in fiscal year 2026.
Library staff also continue providing free gun locks at all locations. Since 2023, staff have distributed more than 9,000 locks.
Through innovative programs, partnerships, and accessible health resources, AACPL promotes the well-being of our community—ensuring that all residents have the support, information, and tools they need to stay safe and healthy.
Library Usage in Fiscal Year 2025
Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees is the governing body of the Anne Arundel County Public Library. It is comprised of volunteers representing all areas of our county. Trustees come to their volunteer roles with a range of experiences and backgrounds, and a strong desire to ensure the long-term vitality of our public libraries. In FY 25, the body included:
- Christopher Nelson, Board Chair
- Damita McDonald, 1st Vice Chair
- J. Robert Sapp, 2nd Vice Chair
- Laura Ellis, Secretary
- Catherine Belcher, Treasurer
DIRECTORS
- Tim Lemke
- Lonni K. Summers
TRUSTEES
- Margot Argeles
- Dylan Behler
- Noah Comet
- James Estepp
- Ishani Ghandi
- Simmona Simmons
- JanElaine Smith
- Sandra Solomon
- Gerald Starr
- Faith Steele
- Jeremy York
Library Foundation
Library Foundation’s Mission
The Library Foundation proudly champions the Anne Arundel County Public Library's strategic priorities that enrich our community and foster connections. Through donor generosity, we help create a welcoming and evolving library where people of all ages belong, connect and grow.
What Your Gifts Make Possible
Your support touches every corner of our library system:
- Lifelong Learning & Welcoming Spaces – Creating inviting environments for readers and learners of all ages.
- Innovation & Technology – Expanding access to cutting-edge tools and digital resources.
- Inclusive Growth – Meeting the evolving needs of our diverse community.
- Community Engagement – Building connections through outreach and events.
- Staff & Volunteer Excellence – Empowering those who serve our community.
- Advocacy – Championing intellectual freedom and universal access.
A Monumental Year of Impact
Thanks to your generosity, this past year was transformative for the Anne Arundel County Public Library. From July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025, the Library Foundation allocated $811,000 in grants to the library, funding programs and initiatives that make our library stronger, more welcoming, and more innovative. The Library Foundation granted the following:
$125,000 helped enhance Discoveries: The Library at the Mall latest expansion, creating new opportunities for learning and connection.
$108,000 funded Big Ideas, critical items over $5,000 that elevate library experiences including:
- Smart Board at Brooklyn Park – Enhances interactive learning and presentations.
- Additional Meeting Room Tables at Riviera Beach – Expands capacity for community programs.
- Storywalk® Eastport-Annapolis Neck at Quiet Waters Park – Outdoor literacy experience for families.
- Modular Soft Seating & Storage at Odenton – Flexible seating for collaborative learning.
- Collaboration Pod at Crofton – Quiet space for focused study and work.
- Programming Tables at Brooklyn Park – Supports hands-on activities and events.
- Reading Nooks Children at Busch Annapolis – Cozy spaces to encourage early literacy.
- Outdoor Benches at Severn Park – Creates inviting outdoor learning environments.
- Outdoor Exercise Equipment at Crofton – Promotes health and wellness in library spaces.
$578,000 supported essential library services at all branches. Over the last year, donor funding enhanced and improved library programs including:
- Materials, incentives and supplies to ensure everyone is ready for kindergarten
- Supplies, educator fees and resources for enriching programs and hands-on learning for all ages
- Heritage celebrations for Native American Month, Black History Month and Women’s History Month and more
- Supplies and resources for the four Library on the Go! outreach vehicles
- Summer @ Your Library performers, incentives and supplies while matching dollar for dollar what is provided by the county ($60,000)
- Mobile hotspots and Chromebooks to ease the digital divide
- Creating memory labs, makerspaces and inspiring spaces across the county and providing supplies to sustain programming
- Funding the popular lock-ins, movie nights and more to ensure creative and safe spaces where teens feel connected and secure, fostering an environment for learning, inspiration and fun
Celebrating Community Generosity
We often say donors sprinkle the magic throughout the library - essential gifts touch so many aspects of what we do. Virtually every area of the library is made better by community donations. Together, we achieved incredible milestones:
- For the Love of the Library raised $156,000 with over 400 attendees.
- Library Giving Week united 300 donors, raising $57,000 for literacy programs.
- I Love My Library Month brought creativity and fun with book-inspired ice cream and craft brews thanks to Always Ice Cream Company and Pherm Brewing, who created “One Flew Over the Cookies Nest,” a flavor filled concoction with chocolate, caramel, and cookies swirled into vanilla ice cream, and a matching brown ale. We spent the entire month celebrating all 16 branches and our incredible library team.
- Cheers to AACPL featured local breweries—Forward Brewing, Crooked Crab Brewing, and Pherm Brewing crafting library-inspired brews dedicated to celebrating and defending your freedom to read.
- Read Between the Wines at Great Frogs Winery celebrated our community’s love of reading in a beautiful setting and our November 2024 event honored Veterans and active duty military, recognizing their service and commitment to freedom including the freedom to read.
Planned Gifts: A Legacy of Learning This year, we welcomed new members into the Legacy of Learning and the Anna E. Greenberg Society visionary donors who have included the library in their estate plans. These planned gifts ensure that future generations will have access to vibrant spaces, innovative programs, and the freedom to read. By making a bequest or other planned gift, donors create a legacy that strengthens the library for decades to come. Your Impact Over 1,200 individuals, corporations and foundations contributed more than $750,000, ensuring our libraries remain vibrant hubs where everyone belongs. Every gift large or small makes a difference. Together, we are building a library system where people of all ages grow, connect and thrive.
Thank you for making this possible. Your generosity creates lasting impact.
FY25 Library Foundation Board of Directors:
- Linda Greene, President
- Jane Campbell-Chambliss, Vice President
- Tessie LaRose Ballard, Secretary
- Martha O. Blaxall, Treasurer
- Betsy Bender
- Vanessa Carter
- Katie Prechtl Cooke
- Mary S. Hagerty
- Anne Hamel
- Stephen R. Holt
- Stacy Korbelak
- Ian Marchanti
- Kris Maslonka
- Donald E. Rau, Jr.
- Diane Rinaldo
- Karen W. Smith
- Tim Williams
- Skip Auld, ex officio
- Ishani Ghandi, ex officio
- Noah Comet, ex officio
- Cathleen Sparrow, ex officio
Library Foundation Staff
- Cathleen Sparrow, Executive Director
- Bethany Kerley, Donor Engagement, Grants and Events Manager
- Julie Kizer Ball, Development Manager