Anne Arundel County Public Library Debuts Expanded Discoveries: The Library at the Mall

Anne Arundel County government officials today shared exciting news regarding the recent expansion of Discoveries: The Library at the Mall. This significant milestone was recently celebrated by officials from Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL), County Executive Steuart Pittman, Del. Dana Jones, local elected officials, and various community members.

Discoveries, situated within Annapolis Mall, is recognized as one of the busiest branches within the AACPL system. The expansion project, totaling $675,000, was funded by Anne Arundel County, with an additional $125,000 contributed by the Library Foundation.

This latest development marks the branch's second expansion. Originally opened in 2018 as a 3,000-square-foot storefront, the library moved to a nearly 13,000-square-foot space in 2020, which notably included a community pantry, dedicated event space, and a teen area. The most recent expansion adds another 3,200 square feet, providing a larger room for programs, an improved Discovery Dock children's area, new space tailored for middle-grade readers, an expanded collection for all ages, and a shared workspace equipped with desktop computers for those seeking a quieter environment.

Discoveries consistently demonstrates high engagement, leading the AACPL system in program attendance with nearly 43,000 people participating in events in fiscal year 2025. Last year alone, the location welcomed over 143,000 visitors who checked out more than 107,000 items. System-wide, county libraries recorded over 1.6 million visits and more than 6 million items checked out, highlighting the vital role these institutions play in the community.

As Skip Auld, CEO of Anne Arundel County Public Library, commented, "Discoveries represents the future of public libraries. What started as a small experiment has become a model for how libraries can adapt and grow with their communities. This expansion is about more than square footage—it's about creating a welcoming, dynamic space." This sentiment truly encapsulates the vision behind this remarkable growth.

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