Administrator Thanks County Library Supporters

The newly approved budget for the Anne Arundel County Public Library system—and libraries in Pasadena—includes $200,000 for technology upgrades, eliminates furloughs for library staff and preserves operating current hours for most branches.

The following statement was submitted to Patch by Laurie L. Hayes, manager of public relations and marketing, for .

Earlier today, The Anne Arundel County Council adopted the Fiscal Year 2013 Operating and Capital budgets for the Library and all other County-funded agencies. The approved budget contains the Library funding proposed by County Executive John Leopold, plus an additional $200,000 for much needed technology upgrades.

Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL) Administrator Skip Auld released the following statement upon the announcement of the Library’s budget:

“The Anne Arundel County Public Library Board of Trustees and Library staff are grateful to Anne Arundel County Executive John Leopold and the seven members of the County Council for recognizing the importance of Library service in Anne Arundel County.

“We applaud the elimination of furloughs for library staff and other county workers. We are also happy that we will be able to preserve our present hours, with the exception of the elimination of Sunday service at the Maryland City at Russett Branch Library. (The Laurel Racetrack Impact Fee previously funded these hours.)

“We are especially pleased that the County Executive and County Council worked together to find an additional $200,000 for improving library technology. These funds will be used for the replacement of outdated computer hardware and software upgrades.

“I also want to send heartfelt thanks to all who contacted their local officials and advocated for the Library. The outpouring of support and kind words from our customers were truly humbling for the staff and myself.

“I look forward, in an improved financial climate, to beginning the process of modernizing our Library system which will include the replacement of some of our oldest facilities.”