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From a bigger library to play spaces, Westfield Annapolis mall moves into entertainment

This children's book and toy store is designed like a child-sized city where kids ages 1 to 11 can craft in the art room, decorate a cupcake in the bakery, pet a live animal in the pet shop or make butter slime at the science bar.
Lloyd Fox / Baltimore Sun
This children’s book and toy store is designed like a child-sized city where kids ages 1 to 11 can craft in the art room, decorate a cupcake in the bakery, pet a live animal in the pet shop or make butter slime at the science bar.
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Malls have always been places where shoppers go when the weather outside is frightful.

Now Westfield Annapolis is expanding its offering of entertainment and activities, with everything from an expanded Anne Arundel County Public Library to a museum activity center just for kids.

“(The mall management company) has consistently demonstrated that a mix of retail, restaurants, entertainment and daily needs is what consumers want — and has incorporated the idea of ‘Eat, Play and Shop — all in one place’ into its vision for Westfield Annapolis,” said Steven Stavropoulos, general manager at Westfield Annapolis.

Last week the library announced the newer bigger location’s opening date last week as Feb. 17, while the mall also announced the old Lord & Taylor will be remodeled into stylish boutiques.

Discoveries: The Library at the Mall has programs and books for all guests that enter. They will be moving to a bigger location inside the mall that will open Feb. 17.

The library will open in the former Charlotte Russe and American Eagle stores near Crate and Barrel. When it moves it will be the sixth-largest county branch at 12,715 square feet.

Library officials plan to expand the teen area and the adult reading area in the new location. With all the success they have had in the mall, the staff has had to keep expanding programs they offer, said Aurelia Larrimore, a library staff member.

“The new location will be four times the size of our current location,” Larrimore said. “This is such a convenient location for us and we have a constant flow of people coming every day, it is so refreshing.”

This location is the only one where you can check out a laptop and use it while you are inside the library.

Anne Arundel County Library spokesperson Christine Feldmann shows off the new space. A look at the on going construction of the new Discoveries: The Library at the Mall in the Westfield Annapolis Mall.
Anne Arundel County Library spokesperson Christine Feldmann shows off the new space. A look at the on going construction of the new Discoveries: The Library at the Mall in the Westfield Annapolis Mall.

The library offers weekly programs such as “Bilingual storytime” and “Babies in Bloom.” On Fridays, they have a special program that changes from week to week.

“We really are excited to be able to do even more quality programming and incorporate intentional spaces for all of our great customers of all ages in the new location,” said Rachel Myers, Branch Manager.

The addition of all the programs was to focus on the customers’ needs and improve the experience at the library.

“Discoveries: The Library at the Mall has demonstrated the county’s commitment to providing education, workforce development and recreational opportunities to residents of all ages and backgrounds. We are proud to fund this 16th location in a way that truly makes the county the best place for all,” said County Executive Steuart Pittman.

The new location in the mall will have access to more foot traffic due to being on the corner in a busy section of the mall.

“Customers will be able to see through our giant glass windows while passing by and see what is going on in the library,” Myers said. “This location will engage more people passing by and show them what we have to offer.”

For more information call 410-222-0133, or visit them on facebook.com/discoveries.

Playseum

Playseum is a business that caters to kids and adults, they have only been open a year and are located at Westfield Annapolis Mall.

“It is really about spending time with each other and getting away from all the technology and away from work,” said Ianna Seebachan, HR & operations. “There are families everywhere and families need places like this around.”

Playseum includes 24 unique rooms, which have interactive tools for children and adults to play with and learn from. They even have a pet shop, where once an hour, kids can pet certain animals like a rabbit or a lizard.

“I think the rooms are very important to show the kids what is out there in the world,” said Seebachan. “They can find out what they like in the different rooms. One kid might want to be a nurse in the medical center or one might want to be an artist in the art room.”

Being a family business, Playseum prides itself on people and taking care of others. Ten percent of all its revenue goes to two different organizations, Life Bridge India and Water for life.

“It is important to us, that people feel safe while they are here,” said Seebachan. “No matter where you come from, all kids can come play together. They get a chance to imagine together and not create walls for themselves, which helps build the community.”

For more information about Playseum call 240-507-8965, or email: Children@playseum.com

PLAYlive Nation

PLAYlive Nation is a classic presence in malls, with a wide variety of video games. They have also been open for a year.

This location is the first in the Northeast region, owner John Robinson Jr. said.

“It is a social space that includes gaming,” Robinson said. “This generation gaming is everything, as the technology keeps getting better the more kids are going to be invested. It is also an outlet for many kids to get away from life for a time period. I know when I was a kid I would do that.”

PLAYlive has PC stations for gamers and XBOX ONE systems for everyone else. They have over 142 game titles for customers to choose from; including, Madden 20, NBA 2K20 and more.

Tournaments are on the horizon for PLAYlive due to the increasing amount of customers that are into competitive game play.

“You can win money playing video games now,” Robinson Jr. said. “Fortnite gave out $3 million for winning a tournament. A lot of kids are getting more competitive, which isn’t a bad thing. I think it prepares them for any sports they want to play and they are getting it from video games.”

Competitive gaming or Esports is one of the fastest growing industries and revenue from Esports is expected to surpass $1 billion this year, according to Business Insider.

“PLAYlive is about community. This a place where you can meet new friends,” Robinson Jr. said. “A lot of kids, like myself, will stay inside and play video games by themselves. But, here they come meet new friends that they have similarities with. I try to introduce new customers with some of my repeat customers to make them more comfortable.”

For more information about PLAYlive call: 443-775-7529 or visit website www.playlivenation.com/location/annapolis.

ZBounce

A more active place for kids inside Westfield Annapolis mall is ZBounce. They offer Inflatable slides, bounce houses, obstacle courses and more.

ZBounce also offers private birthday parties, after-school programs and other personal events.

For more information about ZBounce, call 734-347-2354 or visit its website zbouncefun.com.