Connecting Residents to Resources
Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL) is a community connector, using our resources and partnerships to educate, enrich and inspire the lives of all people. We are proud of our efforts to enhance the lives of all residents through our special partnerships in Fiscal Year 2024.
Chromebook Giveaway Puts Tech in Hands of People
With a grant awarded to Anne Arundel County through Maryland’s Connected Devices Program under the state's Department of Housing and Community Development, AACPL staff distributed 5,813 Chromebooks to under-resourced individuals to help close the digital divide. These devices were life changing for some, helping make education and everyday life simpler.
“Thank you so much for this computer. I have been doing online school all on my phone, so this will be so much easier."
Gun Safety Locks Program Expanded to All Libraries
In FY 24, the popular gun lock distribution program expanded to all 16 libraries. Since its inception, more than 6,500 gun safety locks have been distributed to county adults through this partnership with the Anne Arundel County Department of Health.
Access to the Arts with Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts
In an effort to offer arts experiences to those who may not otherwise have access, AACPL partnered with Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts to offer free tickets to each of the Maryland Hall Presents shows in Fiscal Year 2024. Lucky library customers were able to enjoy dance, jazz, aerialists, music and performances for all ages.
“Wow, thank you! I will gladly accept the tickets for myself and my daughter. I’m looking forward to the performance!”
Responding to the Needs of the Community
Library staff are always looking for ways to serve the changing needs of their communities. Here are just a few new offerings available at the library, which we’ve introduced after hearing from customers.
Privacy Pod at Maryland City at Russett Library
Customers now have a more private place to conduct Zoom interviews and tele-health appointments with the branch’s new privacy pod. Funded by the Laurel Race Course Impact Fund Advisory Committee, this space also provides an area for quiet study or work.
"This has been a godsend. The library is a safe space for me to host my group via Zoom."
Driving Simulator at Busch Annapolis Library
To provide new and experienced drivers with a safe, free and educational behind-the-wheel experience, AACPL launched a driving simulator at its Busch Annapolis location. Funded by the Library Foundation and community donors, the $13,000 device helps rookie and veteran drivers navigate a myriad of hypothetical scenarios in a controlled environment, while offering people who may not be able to afford extensive driving courses an opportunity to supplement their driving lessons.
Lactation Pod at Discoveries: The Library at the Mall
Discoveries: The Library at the Mall now offers a Mamava nursing pod at its location. This first-ever in a Maryland library resource will allow breastfeeding and pumping caregivers a quiet and secure spot without having to leave the branch. The Mamava lactation pod was funded by the generosity of donors across the county through a $31,500 grant from the Library Foundation.
Outdoor Musical Instruments Now at Busch Annapolis and Severna Park Libraries
Based on their popularity at the Brooklyn Park Library, two additional branches now offer outdoor musical instruments and play spaces for families and caregivers thanks to funding by community donors through the Library Foundation and Kiwanis Club (Severna Park Library).
Grant Resources Expanded to All Libraries
Thanks to funding from the Anne Arundel County’s Nonprofit Center, all 16 library locations now offer popular grant research tools from Candid. Organizations and individuals can now find funders more easily, as database access has expanded from just the Busch Annapolis Library to all branches.
Increased Usage of Library’s Community Pantry
In FY 2024, the Community Pantry at Discoveries saw an increase in visitors. The staff distributed over 155,000 diapers, which is double the amount from the previous year. Additionally, nearly 2,000 packs of menstrual pads, tampons, and incontinence supplies were given out. A total of 2,635 people visited the pantry, where they also received assistance with signing up for government benefits, registering for kindergarten, obtaining health information and more. We extend special thanks to our funders, including Anne Arundel County, the Library Foundation, Park Books, the Annapolis Mall, Annapolis Moms Media, Junior League of Annapolis, Chick-fil-A, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Leadership Anne Arundel and community donors.
Kindergarten Readiness & Promoting Reading
Weekend and Evening Storytimes
The Anne Arundel County Public Library is committed to helping families and caregivers prepare their children for kindergarten. In addition to our regular weekly Every Child Ready to Read Storytimes, we have expanded our offerings this year to include programs in the evenings and on weekends.
“We love the weekday evening storytime with Mel and Mikey. As a dual working family, it is impossible to get to the storytimes during the workday and Saturday mornings are chockfull. Having this option allows us to participate in such a wonderful program.”
More Early Reader Book Clubs
In 2024, more libraries began offering early reader book clubs. At these programs, children in K-2 can practice their reading skills through group reading, activities and games based on popular beginner reader books. Broadneck, Busch Annapolis, Deale, Discoveries: The Library at the Mall, Edgewater, Glen Burnie, Odenton and Severn libraries offer this program on a regular basis. Additionally, the Odenton and Severna Park libraries offer RAD Readers Book Clubs for students in grades 3-5.
“At the last book club session we went to, my grandson read out loud for the first time! That is so, so huge! Thank you so much!”
Increased Participation in Summer @ Your Library
Participation in our Summer @ Your Library program increased by 22 percent in 2024, with over 76,000 attendees at events. While some view this annual program as primarily for children, it has always been open to all ages. This year, adult participation more than doubled, thanks to our popular Wildcard Bingo contest, which featured a grand prize of four free Southwest Airlines passes.
“I appreciate you having an adult program for summer! You're right, it's not just for kids.”
New Riviera Beach Library
On April 25, library and local officials opened the new Riviera Beach Library. The $16 million facility offers 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. Local architects Grimm + Parker describe the building as having an underwater theme with surfboard-shaped counters, a “boat ceiling,” shark sofa and yellow submarine program space. There are multiple nautical references throughout the library including a coastal type of architecture in materials, color and finishes with oars and anchors.
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 24, the body included:
- Christopher B. Nelson, Chairman
- Simmona Simmons, 1st Vice Chairman
- J. Robert Sapp III, 2nd Vice Chairman
- Laura J. Ellis, Secretary
- Cathy Belcher, Treasurer
DIRECTORS
- Tim Lemke
- Lonni K. Summers
TRUSTEES
- Dylan Behler
- Noah Comet
- James R. Estepp
- Ishani Gandhi
- Linda Gayle
- Damita McDonald
- JanElaine Smith
- Sandra L. Solomon
- Gerald P. Starr
- Faith Steele
- Jeremy York
Library Foundation
Donor Gifts Impact the Library
Last year, the Library Foundation reached an extraordinary milestone, raising over $600,000 through the collective generosity of donors like you. Every contribution, large or small, played a vital role in helping to build a welcoming and evolving library where people of all ages grow, connect and belong. Your contributions have made a lasting impact that reaches every corner of our library system.
Here are a few of the year’s highlights made possible through your generosity:
A Safe Space for Mothers
With donor contributions, we installed the first nursing pod in a Maryland library at Discoveries: The Library at the Mall, offering a safe, private space for mothers and their children
Enhanced Outdoor Spaces
Your gifts improved the library's outdoor areas with new musical instruments, picnic tables, gardens, and benches, creating welcoming spaces for families to relax and enjoy the library experience.
Advanced Technology for Learning
Thanks to your support, all 16 branches now feature new SMART Boards, and we introduced a driving simulator for teens and adults to sharpen their driving skills. We also funded mobile hotspots and Chromebooks, making them available at all library branches.
Summer Fun and Literacy
Donations to the Summer @ Your Library program brought our community together with engaging reading activities for all ages, ensuring a summer filled with fun and learning.
Early Literacy Support
Your gifts provided books to children enrolled in the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program, fostering a love of reading in our youngest community members.
Comfortable and Welcoming Spaces
Because of you, new comfy chairs and lounge furniture now enhance the children's and adult areas, making every visit more inviting and enjoyable.
Community Engagement at Library Fundraising Events:
We hosted the most successful fundraising event, For the Love of the Library, where attendees explored the exciting library offerings. Events like Cheers to AACPL brought library lovers together to bring awareness to intellectual freedom and the importance of reading banned books, and our unique Read Between the Wines honored veterans. As always, we had another library-themed ice cream, Dragons Love Toffee, for all to enjoy with our partners at Always Ice Cream.
Library Giving Week: Over 300 donors came together to support children's literacy programs, helping to inspire lifelong readers and learners.
Every donation you make is an investment in the future of our community. Your philanthropic support helps us inspire lifelong learners, foster a love of reading, and create a brighter tomorrow. Together, we are building a library that enriches, educates and inspires future generations. Thank you for your remarkable generosity!
FY24 Library Foundation Board of Directors:
- Karen W. Smith, President
- Linda Greene, Vice President
- Tessie LaRose Ballard, Secretary
- Martha O. Blaxall, Treasurer
- Jane Campbell-Chambliss
- Katie Prechtl Cooke
- Mary S. Hagerty
- Stephen R. Holt
- Stacy Korbelak
- Ian Marchanti
- Kris Maslonka
- Donald E. Rau, Jr.
- Diane Rinaldo
- Tim Williams
- Skip Auld, ex officio
- Damita McDonald, ex officio
- Ishani Ghandi, ex officio
- Cathleen Sparrow, ex officio