Library System Unveils Initial Plans for Renovations

Plans for a massive-scale renovation project are being made by Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL).

Early details of the project were shared with the public Wednesday at the in one of three town meetings held at area libraries.

Library Administrator Skip Auld said the project will include renovation, expansion and modernization of all 15 branches of the county's library system. According to Auld, the project is expected to be completed over the next 20 years and will have a primary focus of updating AACPL for use by today's children in their future.

“The goal of the project is to reach the kids who are just getting into kindergarten this year. If by the time these kids get into high school they have modern library facilities to access, we will have been successful,” he said.

Auld explained that AACPL has partnered with Minneapolis firm Meyer, Scherer and Rockcastle (MS&R), a group of facility consultants who specialize in updating and reshaping libraries. Additionally, MS&R enlisted the help of library space planner Anders Dalghren, founder of Library Planning Associates.

The Division of Library Services at the Maryland State Department of Education provided a grant to pay for the MS&R study currently underway. The cost of any renovation, replacement or new construction of library buildings will be funded by Anne Arundel County Government, said AACPL spokeswoman Laurie Hayes.

Auld stressed the importance of government funding to complete the project.

“We are trying to do what we can to build political interest and define for the government the needs of the community,” Auld said. “We need the help of the community for this to happen. People need to express the need for library renovations to their elected officials.”

Jeffrey Scherer, principal founder of MS&R, gave an overview of the services his organization provides and said the future of libraries lies in new technology.

Scherer said that in the last six to eight years, the number of printed materials being held by libraries has decreased, while video and electronic materials are increasing in number.

“Everybody wants things fast, now and personal,” he said. “There is, however, a very strong need in communities to socialize with other people and to feel a personal connection to something ... The library is the most neutral place for those interactions to happen.”

Library patron Dennis Lamont shared enthusiasm about the potential for renovations, but was clear about his love of printed books.

“I grew up in Baltimore City and the Pratt Library is one of my favorite libraries. If a child can one day walk into an Anne Arundel County library and think 'Wow, now this is a library,' then this will all be worth it,” Lamont said.

“The reason I come to the library, however, is for a printed book. I embrace and like new technology, but holding a book and reading it brings me joy. I'd love to see the updates to the library find a balance between the two,” he said.

Scherer led attendees through a presentation of top library renovation projects in the country, sharing potential ideas for the future of AACPL.

Changes such as higher numbers of computers, renovated exteriors, and flexible spaces that are easily rearranged for different uses were discussed. Also discussed were partnerships between libraries, schools and community centers, and making library facilities greener through energy efficiency measures and rain gardens.

“The answer is not to outguess the market,” Scherer said. “Buildings have to be built very smart. Society does not allow libraries to be changed and rebuilt often, so they have to be designed to be nimble and smart and they have to be able to change over the years.”

Specific plans for AACPL will be outlined by MS&R and presented to library administration and members of the county government in mid-November.

Information about the plans to renovate AACPL can be found both on Renewing Anne Arundel County Public Library Facebook page, and by visiting the AACPL website.