Officials from the Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL) today announced that it is extending the suspension of in-person appointments until March 1, citing continued high numbers of new COVID-19 cases in the county and delays in the vaccine rollout. Curbside Plus service remains available and six libraries are now offering use of Chromebooks in library parking lots.
“The rate of new COVID-19 cases in our county remains extremely high and we believe it is in the best interest of our staff and customers to continue to limit indoor service for the time being,” said Library CEO Skip Auld. “We will continue to look at the data to make decisions on library operations.”
Curbside Plus service is available Monday – Thursday from 10 am to noon and 3-6 pm at all locations. Friday hours run from 10 am to noon and 2-4 pm. Sunday service is offered from 1-5 pm at the Busch Annapolis, Crofton, Discoveries, Glen Burnie, Maryland City at Russett, Odenton, Severn and Severna Park libraries.
The Brooklyn Park, Deale, Glen Burnie, Maryland City at Russet, Mountain Road and Severn libraries are now offering Chromebooks for use in library parking lots.
“I know many residents are struggling with issues like accessing unemployment benefits or preregistering for the vaccine,” said Library CEO Skip Auld. “Library staff can help. I encourage residents who need assistance to call their local library. Our staff will work with customers to find innovative solutions to meet their needs.”
As part of its contactless service, the library offers free wireless printing of up to 10 black and white pages, per day, through its website and SmartALEC app. Research assistance and book recommendations are also available via chat on any page of the library’s website, via phone and by email.
Since the pandemic began, the library has offered an extensive collection of virtual programs on its Facebook page (facebook.com/aacpl) and on Zoom including live kindergarten readiness storytimes, cooking demonstrations, book clubs and numerous how to workshops focused on using library resources. Customers should visit the library’s calendar of events for a complete list of virtual programs.
Library staff continue to add more titles to the system’s extensive digital collection of eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines and databases available on the library’s website. Customers are encouraged to visit AACPL’s Cloud Library collection for the quickest access to the newest eBooks for all ages.
Customers can stay updated on changes to library services through the library’s social media channels (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) and on our website.
