ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL) officials announced today that the system is the first library in Maryland to be designated a Book Sanctuary, joining other library systems across North America with this distinction.
Book Sanctuaries, which started in Chicago in 2022, are places dedicated to collecting and protecting endangered books, making those books broadly accessible, hosting book talks and events and educating others on the history of book banning and burning. County Executive Steuart Pittman, Maryland Delegate Dana Jones, Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley and State Librarian Morgan Miller joined AACPL CEO Skip Auld in making the announcement at the Annapolis Mall library location. The library’s Board of Trustees adopted a formal resolution designating AACPL as a Book Sanctuary at its September 19 meeting.
“Anne Arundel County Public Library is dedicated to protecting the rights of all who use our library’s resources and will defend their freedom to read,” said AACPL CEO Skip Auld. “In becoming a Book Sanctuary, we reaffirm the library’s role as a defender of intellectual freedom, a place where every individual has the right to explore ideas without fear of censorship or judgment. This declaration is a powerful statement of our values and redoubles our efforts to educate people on the dangers of censorship to a democracy.”
“While some seek to block books they disagree with, our library system is stepping up to ensure that all voices, all stories, and all perspectives are protected,” said County Executive Pittman. “This designation is a statement about our commitment to intellectual freedom and access to knowledge for everyone. By becoming a Book Sanctuary, we’re standing firm against censorship and defending the idea that open access to books and ideas is essential to the strength of our democracy and the richness of our communities.”
“I applaud AACPL and the Board of Trustees for taking bold action defending the freedom to read in Anne Arundel County,” said Delegate Dana Jones. “As the sponsor of the Freedom to Read Act, Maryland has taken a leading role fighting to protect libraries, librarians, and literature. I couldn’t be prouder of my home library system in becoming the first book sanctuary in Maryland. It sends a clear message that Anne Arundel County values all people and their right to free and open access to information.”
Today’s announcement coincides with Banned Books Week (September 22-28) and comes against the backdrop of a sharp rise in book challenges. According to the American Library Association, public libraries experienced a 92% increase in titles targeted for censorship in 2023, with more than 4,200 unique titles challenged or banned. In the last five years, more than half of Maryland’s public libraries have faced book challenges or far worse and have experienced a 600% increase in staff threats and 11 bomb threats related to this issue.
Besides the Banned Book Storytime held at today’s event, AACPL is hosting a Banned Book Tiny Art Showcase today from 6-7:30 pm at the Maryland City at Russett Library. Additionally, special Cheers to AACPL: Raise a Glass to Your Freedom to Read events are scheduled at local breweries including:
Each brewery has created an exclusive libation and 20% of all on-site sales during the release events will be donated to the library to support enhancements at all 16 branches. A new, limited edition, specially designed pint glass is also available with a $10 donation or more. Glasses will be available at each event, while supplies last. Additionally, AACPL is offering special freedom to read for sale at bonfire.com/store/aacpl. Proceeds benefit the library system.
