After a week of limited service, Anne Arundel Public Library has opened one more set of doors.
The Michael E. Busch Annapolis Library opened Wednesday, a project Library CEO Skip Auld touted as 20 years in the making.
A video ribbon-cutting featuring Gov. Larry Hogan and Speaker of the House Del. Adrienne Jones honoring her late predecessor was released on social media to avoid crowding and potential spread of coronavirus.
As patrons lined up outside, 6-year-old Jaxon Giordano was ready to do the honors as the library’s first patron. Giordano used the self-checkout kiosk to take out a stack of picture books including “Crown: an ode to the fresh cut,” “When the beat was born: DJ Kool Herc and the creation of hip hop” and “Hair Love.”
“Can I take out more?” Jaxon asked his mother, before giving library mascot Sneaks, a giant fuzzy yellow cat, a high-five.
The $24 million building is modeled after the New York Public Library, boasting 85,000 books and materials, a maker space, tech zone and teen area, expanded children’s area with fluffy cloud lights overhead, an outdoor play space, six collaboration spaces and two meeting rooms.
The limited capacity for social distancing is 65 patrons at a time inside the 32,500-square-foot building.
“Please stay safe 6-feet apart” signs marked the floor, a digitized map of the Chesapeake Bay. Auld proudly pointed out the Annapolis Harbor section flowing into the library system’s first in-branch vending cafe — though no eating or drinking is permitted while masks are mandated.
The branch, like all Anne Arundel Public Libraries, is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Sunday hours will start in September. Contactless curbside pickup will start Monday.
Library staff and representatives were excited to see a line forming just before the 11 a.m. opening, though not all AACPL staff are happy about welcoming in the public. Two librarians at other branches voiced concerns about possible cleaning supply and personal protective equipment (PPE) shortages, but didn’t want to be identified after they reached out following an Odenton Regional Library staff member testing positive last week.
Libraries received PPE from the county including masks, gloves, wipes and cleaning supplies, library spokeswoman Christine Feldmann said.
“We continue to receive PPE and cleaning supplies from the county and regularly purchase items that keep our customers and staff safe,” Feldmann said. “Right now, we have an ample supply of PPE and cleaning supplies and have multiple vendors we can purchase from directly if need be. We can’t predict when or if future shortages may occur, but we are working to keep an adequate supply and anticipate future needs.”
Libraries are also using plexiglass shields and technology to assist customers with minimal contact like the new curbside communicator text service for pickup of library items at the curb and Quick Assist software that allows staff to provide one-on-one computer help remotely.
Masks are mandatory at all branches and are supplied at the door, but not everyone wants to wear them. In the last week, three incidences have occurred where customers refused to wear masks and were asked to leave, Feldmann said.
Still, she is confident in the safety of the libraries and is proud of the work of county staff. Anne Arundel is the third Maryland public library system to open its doors during the pandemic, next to The Ruth Enlow Library of Garrett County and the Somerset County Library.
“We were eager to open our doors to the public because our community relies on the library, especially in times of crisis,” Feldmann said.
“Many of our customers don’t have internet or computer access and so haven’t been able to check email in nearly four months, apply for jobs and communicate with the outside world. Our libraries are also a place of refuge in times of extreme temperatures and provide opportunities for critical social interaction for the isolated.”
