New Library To Be Named After Key MD Legislator From Anne Arundel

ANNAPOLIS, MD — The new library planned for 1410 West Street in Annapolis has finally been given an official moniker. Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman announced Wednesday that the 32,500-square-foot library will be named the Michael E. Busch Annapolis Library. It will be the first county library to be built in 15 years and is expected to open this spring.

Busch was first elected as a delegate from Annapolis in 1987 representing District 30. He served as Speaker of the House from 2003 until his death on April 7, 2019.

“Speaker Busch was a strong advocate for Annapolis and for education, access, and youth,” said Pittman in a statement. “I firmly believe having the Michael E. Busch Library in Annapolis is a fitting tribute to an extraordinary public servant. There is no more appropriate time than on the opening day of legislative session to publicly announce this honor.”

Bipartisan leaders of the General Assembly and Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley had written letters of support for naming the library after Busch.

“Mike Busch held a deep belief in the power of education to lift up children and families,” said Maryland Speaker of the House Adrienne A. Jones. “He cared a great deal about his community and worked tirelessly to make sure their needs were met. That’s why it is so fitting that the Annapolis Library, just a few blocks from his home, will be named in his honor.”

Skip Auld, Anne Arundel County Public Library CEO, said that under Busch's leadership, public libraries received more than $1 billion in operating and capital funding.

“Speaker Busch was the longest serving Speaker of the House in Maryland history and the only one from Anne Arundel County in the last 150 years,” said Auld. "We are honored to have our flagship location bear his name.”

The $24 million facility will feature:

• 85,000 print books and materials
• Large community meeting room with space for 500 people
• Six collaboration spaces for studying or meetings
• Expanded children’s area, including an outdoor play space
• Teen Area
• Tech Zone
• Tinker Space
• Vending Café
• Community Living Room