Anne Arundel Libraries To Host Meetings on Modernization

As public libraries across Anne Arundel County move toward modernization, they will host a series of town hall meetings to talk about their needs and answer questions from the public.

Skip Auld, executive director for Anne Arundel County Public Libraries (AACPL), will discuss the need for expanded hours, technology upgrades and the new Annapolis and Glen Burnie libraries. He will also talk about reasons and remedies for AACPL’s shortcomings compared to other Maryland libraries, according to a release.

The library system is also seeking additional funding to open all library branch locations to a full schedule. Currently only five branches are open more than one weekday morning each week, a critical time for preschoolers to begin early literacy activities.

The library system also is requesting funds to upgrade the public computers at all library branches and to complete the network infrastructure initiatives begun in 2010.

Auld will seek approval this year from Anne Arundel County Government for a new, two-level, 65,000-square-foot Annapolis Regional Library.

“After submitting this request each of the past six years, we believe it’s time to build a new library in the Annapolis area. Approval of this project will signify a commitment on the part of the County to modernize its public libraries,” Auld said in the release.

The following libraries will host town hall meetings at 7 p.m. on the assigned dates:

• Broadneck Branch Library—Feb. 28
• Annapolis Area Library—Mar. 5
• Maryland City at Russett Branch Library—Mar. 7
• North County Area Library—Mar. 12