Annapolis, MD (September 25, 2024) - County Executive Steuart Pittman and Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL) officials announced today that the county and library system will be the first in Maryland to be designated a Book Sanctuary, joining only 12 other library systems across North America with this distinction.
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 Discoveries: The Library at the Mall. During the event, County Executive Pittman presented a proclamation officially designating the county a book sanctuary. The library’s Board of Trustees adopted a formal resolution designating AACPL as a Book Sanctuary at its September 19 meeting.
"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."
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.
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.
“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.”
“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.”
For more information on AACPL, visit aacpl.net.
From the left, County Executive Steuart Pittman, Hoboken Public Library Director Jennie Pu, State Librarian Morgan Miller, Library CEO Skip Auld, Maryland Delegate Dana Jones, and Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley during library event.
Photo Credit: Tanner Halleran, Office of County Executive Pittman. The Office of County Executive Pittman grants members of the media the right to use these photos in publications and on social media.