More Than Books

At the heart of Severna Park, between the B&A Trail and Ritchie Highway, sits the Severna Park Library.

A local mainstay since 1972, the library offers not just books, but community.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re a baby, a senior or everybody in between,” said Samantha Zline, Severna Park Library branch manager. “For anybody who comes in the door, the library is here.”

Check the events tab at www.aacpl.net, and you’ll find something scheduled nearly every day.

For parents and caregivers of little ones, weekly Babies in Bloom, Toddler Time and Preschool Storytime offer a safe, indoor space to both learn and socialize.

This year, the library is adding more weekend and evening options to give working families more opportunities to attend.

“I think there’s some pandemic parents who just don’t know that the library has this to offer,” Zline said. “So we’re trying to figure out what will bring them in. What are the special programs that’ll catch their eye that they might not have thought about?”

Other regular offerings for children of varying ages include Early Reader Book Club, Fresh Air Storytime and Homeschool Hangout.

Adults can also foster their hobbies through the local library with events focused on fitness, stitching, line dancing and more.

Zline explained that the library strives to meet community demand. One example of that is STEM programming; because of the high levels of interest, this year the library is trying to host STEM events quarterly.

“Feedback is helpful,” Zline added.

Last fall, the Severna Park Library added an outdoor play space thanks to a generous donation from the Kiwanis Club of Severna Park. This new feature offers two Percussion Play instruments, an open play area and four benches.

“I already had families that were telling me that’s where they’d go sit after story time anyway and have their lunch, so now there’s actual benches for them,” Zline said. “Hopefully it’s the start of something more.”

Of course, the library remains the epicenter of rentals. Along with books, both hard copy and digital, residents can borrow DVDs, Launchpad tablets for kids, Chromebooks and fishing poles, in addition to getting free gun locks and COVID tests.

The meeting room at the library is also available to reserve for community groups and nonprofits, free of charge.

The Severna Park Library is a branch of the Anne Arundel County Public Library system, and is located at 45 West McKinsey Road.