Anne Arundel County Public Library meanders into reopening to walk-ins today

After a long wait
Glen Burnie library patrons are once again able to freely access
their community library branch of the Anne Arundel Count Public
Library. 

The reopening continues to come with some 
COVID-19 related stipulations, but patrons are now able to use the facility computers
and physical in-person programming events are now being planned
again.

“As of now you can
just walk in to the library,” said AACPL Communication Director
Christine Feldmann. “That’s super-good news.”

Residents seem to
feel the same way. Feldmann said patrons are already filling up the
computer areas to take advantage of the free internet and other
programming.

“I was at the Glen
Burnie Library,” she noted. “Things are rolling right along.
People are happy to be back. There was a lot of people using
computers. It’s nice to see people just browsing the stacks and not
feeling they have a short limited time to check things out.”

Regular customers,
are also starting to come back to quietly while-away some time at the
community institution. In the past the library has functioned as a
point of contact for social services.

“Our staff really
gets to know the customers, particularly the regulars that come in,”
she said. “It’s certainly a sign of better times ahead I’m
hoping. They’re enjoying seeing familiar faces and catching up with
people.”

The in-person
programming has already taken place in the library system at a couple
of locations.

“There are a
couple of branches that already have very limited in-person
programming,” she said. “Specifically I’m thinking the mall
library is doing a story time on the parking garage deck,”

She said the library
is planning both outdoor and indoor events as part of their summer
programming at this point.

The Severn branch of
AACPL, located off Annapolis Road also serves Fort Meade patrons.

“We have a special
collection of materials that are for military families on things like
transitions and career after the military,” Feldmann said. “So we
try to serve the needs of that community by the materials that we
offer.”

A new Glen Burnie
library is currently in the works. The current branch there serve
around 100,000 people, Feldmann said.

“We
are excited to once again open the library for on demand service,”
said Library CEO Skip Auld. in
a recent press release “With
our customers’ help, we believe we can now safely provide library
service in our buildings. We have missed seeing our customers and
look forward to continuing to serve the needs of the community.”

This
Wednesday, April 14, AACPL’s Glen Burnie branch will host an online
Zoom event for kids.

See
the library’s current COVID-19 regulations below:

Safety
protocols remain in place at the library and customers are
reminded:

• 
  A
  mask is required for all customers over the age of two regardless of
  vaccine status. Free masks are available while supplies last;

• 
  Customers
  may be asked to limit their time in the building so more people can
  enjoy the library.

• 
  Capacity
  limits are in place for each library location.

• 
  A
  reduced number of public computers will be available

• 
  Printing
  of 10 free black and white pages per day remains available.

• 
  Limited
  seating is available in the branch;

• 
  No
  meeting rooms or conference rooms can be used;

• 
  The
  Odenton Library Creation Station and Computer Lab remain
  closed.

• 
  Toys
  have been removed from children’s areas;

• 
  No
  print newspapers are available;

• 
  Please
  use the book drops for returning materials;

• 
  Limited
  study rooms are available;

• 
  There
  is no access to water fountains;

• Assistance
  continues to be available by calling the library,
  and using Email
  a Librarian and website chat.