Annapolis, MD - The Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL) and local officials will announce the system's official designation as a Book Sanctuary, the first of its kind in Maryland. Book Sanctuaries, 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.
This announcement coincides with the nationwide Banned Books Week 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.
After the press conference, officials will participate in a Banned Book Storytime where they will read Granddad's Camper, a book that has been challenged and banned across the country.
WHO: Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman, Delegate Dana Jones, Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley, Maryland State Librarian Morgan Miller, Hoboken Public Library Director Jennie Pu and AACPL CEO Skip Auld
WHEN: Wednesday, September 25 at 10 am
WHERE: Discoveries: The Library at the Mall (near Crate and Barrel, park on level 2 of Green Garage and take escalator downstairs)
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY: Mayor Gavin Buckley, State Librarian Morgan Miller and Hoboken Public Library Director Jennie Pu will read to preschoolers as part of a Banned Books Storytime.
