Anne Arundel Library Extends Closure, Says Cases Remain Too High

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — The Anne Arundel County Public Library extended its suspension of all in-person service through Feb. 28. The library was originally scheduled to close from Dec. 15, 2020 to Jan. 18.

Library CEO Skip Auld announced the extension in a Wednesday press release. In light of the prolonged closure, these six branches now offer free Chromebook use in their parking lots:

• Brooklyn Park
• Deale
• Glen Burnie
• Maryland City at Russet
• Mountain Road
• Severn

"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," Auld said. "We will continue to look at the data to make decisions on library operations."

Contactless curbside pickup is available at all branches during these hours:

Monday through Thursday

• 10 a.m. to noon
• 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Friday

• 10 a.m. to noon
• 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Curbside pickup also runs on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. It is available at these locations:

• Busch Annapolis
• Crofton
• Discoveries
• Glen Burnie
• Maryland City at Russett
• Odenton
• Severn
• Severna Park

The library system will still offer these services:

• Free wireless printing
• Virtual events
• Cloud library collection of eBooks
• eBooks
• eAudiobooks
• eMagazines
• Databases

Customers can visit the system's website, call a branch helpline or email a librarian for help.

"I know many residents are struggling with issues like accessing unemployment benefits or preregistering for the vaccine," Auld added. "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."

To see when you'll be eligible for the inoculation, read Patch's explainer. Check out our how-to guide to learn how to sign up for the shot. Catch up on the latest coronavirus infection and vaccination metrics in Anne Arundel County by heading to our latest numbers update.

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