Big Changes In Store for Anne Arundel Libraries Starting Monday

Editor's note: This is the first story in a multi-part series focusing on an array of improvements coming to Anne Arundel County libraries later this month.

The gears of change have been silently spinning at local libraries, and starting next week, regular patrons will begin noticing some big improvements.

A year ago, Anne Arundel County's Library Director Skip Auld was rallying support for big changes at local libraries. Among his wishes were operational hours that put an end to confusion over when libraries are open.

"No longer will people have to scratch their heads and wonder, 'Is the library open today?'" Auld said. "Everybody will know the libraries are open."

Auld got his wish with last year's budget, but the funds only kicked in for the last half of the year. 

Starting Jan. 27, all Anne Arundel County libraries will operate at least six days a week on a unified schedule:

• Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Friday-Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Sunday (at five locations): 1-5 p.m.

Sunday hours will be available at Severna Park, Crofton, West County, Annapolis and North County branch libraries.

The library system accomplished this feat by adding 31 new, full-time positions to the staff across the county. These newcomers came on board at the end of the year, and have been in intense training over the past month, gearing up for the big shift on Jan. 27.

So whether you're a library regular, or just haven't found the time in a while, local branches will soon be putting that additional workforce into action with a variety of new programs and activities.

Stay tuned for the next part of our library series, which will focus on what's new at area libraries.