Anne Arundel County Public Library Newsletter Winter 2024-25

BROADNECK LIBRARY

BUSCH ANNAPOLIS LIBRARY

ß SCAN THIS CODE FOR A COMPLETE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS AT THIS BRANCH

SCAN THIS CODE FOR A COMPLETE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS AT THIS BRANCH à

NEW DRIVING SIMULATOR A driving simulator, recently launched at Busch Annapolis Library, offers customers an opportunity to take a seat behind the wheel and practice their driving skills in a virtual setting. Available to new and experienced drivers ages 14 and up, this simulator allows users to practice their driving skills in a risk-free environment. Drivers can choose between manual and automatic transmission and can practice various driving scenarios, including night driving, country driving, driving in low-light areas and navigating the road during difficult weather conditions. Librarian Gabriella Norton (pictured below) introduced the idea of bringing a driving simulator to AACPL to empower and support people by building their driving confidence. “It offers members of the community an opportunity to experience challenging situations in a safe and welcoming setting,” Norton said. “I’m hoping it will help the community be able to conquer driving fears… and give them the confidence to explore the real world after practicing in the virtual one.” Customers of all ages have been trying it out, including one individual who suffered a stroke last year. He’s using the simulator to refresh his driving skills as he prepares to take his driving test again. Funded by a $13,000 grant from the Anne Arundel County Public Library Foundation, the simulator is free to use anytime the library is open. No library card is required. We invite you to test your reaction times, improve your driving skills and enjoy a safe, educational experience behind the wheel.

ADULTS Arnold Senior Center Book Club Valiant Women by Lena S. Andrews

PRESCHOOL ⚛ Toddler Tinker Time Wednesdays, December 18, January 15 and February 19 at 10:30 am Explore imaginative fun with hands-on exploration of different materials and manipulatives. Winter Solstice Storytime Saturday, December 21 at 10:30 am Enjoy a fun and warm storytime about all things wintery and cold!

Estate Planning Essentials Monday, January 13 at 2 pm

Discover the differences between wills and trusts, powers of attorney, medical directives and more. Presenter: Nicole Livingston USNA Museum Ship Model Collection Thursday, January 30 at 6:30 pm Learn about the Naval Academy Museum’s Rogers Collection of antique ship models. Presenter: Grant Walker How to Avoid Fraud, Scams and Identity Theft Monday, February 17 at 2 pm An expert will share information to help you protect yourself and your assets. Presenter: Steven Migdal TEENS

Monday, December 2 at 2 pm

ALL R Everyone Eats Cookbook Club 6th Annual Cookie Exchange Saturday, December 14 at 12:30 pm Join the cookie exchange! Choose a library cookie recipe, bake with a friend at home and bring four dozen cookies to exchange. Details in your registration email! Holiday Concert with The Annapolis Blend Tuesday, December 17 at 6 pm Join us for a fun holiday concert.

KIDS R ⚛ Snow and Ice Painting Monday, January 6 at 4:30 pm

First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston Monday, January 6 at 2 pm

Kindergarten Readiness (Not held December 23 - 31) Babies in Bloom Thursdays at 10:15 am Toddler Time Tuesdays at 10:15 am Preschool Storytime Wednesdays at 10:15 am Family Storytime Fridays at 10:15 am and Saturdays, December 21 and February 1 at 10:15 am Monday, December 2 at 6 pm : Celebrate Winter! Tuesday, December 31 at 11:30 am : Noon Year’s Eve Celebration Monday, January 6 at 10:30 am : Cruz the Traffic Safety Car Saturday, January 18 at 10:30 am : Preschool LEGO® Build and Play Tuesday, January 21 at 6 pm : Preschool Craft Saturday, February 22 at 10:30 am : Warm Up With Saturday Fun! Create snowmen and snowflakes using various snow and ice painting techniques. Wear mess- friendly clothes. R If I Fits, I Sits: DIY Cat House Tuesday, January 21 at 2 pm Design a cozy cat house! Feel free to bring a photo of your favorite kitty to share. Supplies provided. PRESCHOOL Musical Ensembles and Petting Zoo with the U.S. Naval Academy Band Mondays, February 3,10 and 24 at 10:30 am Join U.S. Naval Academy musicians for a multi- week series! Start with an instrument petting zoo, then explore ensembles like brass quintets, jazz combos and more!

Kindergarten Readiness (Not held December 23 - 31) Babies in Bloom

The Secret Life of Sunflowers by Marta Molnar Monday, February 3 at 2 pm

Mondays at 10:30 am Toddler Time Mondays at 11:30 am Preschool Storytime Tuesdays at 10:30 and 11:30 am Wednesdays at 5:30 pm

Introduction to Mindfulness Tuesday, January 7 at 6 pm Explore mindfulness and learn easy-to-implement techniques from a licensed mental health therapist. Presenter: Maria Winters

R After Hours Teen Party Friday, February 21 at 6 pm

ADULTS Silent Book Club

Teens take over the library in this after-hours party with activities, games, prizes and more! Registration and signed permission slip required.

Thursdays, January 30 and February 27 at 6:30 pm Bring your current read and enjoy tea or coffee in a peaceful setting. Feel free to bring your own pillow or blanket to get extra cozy!

Introduction to Finding Grants Wednesday, February 19 at 2 pm

Learn what funders seek in nonprofits and how to identify potential grant opportunities. Discover the top ten essentials for successful grant-seeking in this class. TEENS R Sublime Slimes Thursday, December 5 at 6 pm Create and customize your own jar of slime! Add scents, dyes and glitter to a clear or white base for a gooey masterpiece. R Winter Teen Lock-In Friday, January 10 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm Celebrate the winter season at this after-hours party! Enjoy sweet treats, hot chocolate, games, crafts and more. R Make BFF Keychains Saturday, February 1 at 3 pm Create and customize your own matching set of keychains using our GlowForge!

4 R Registration is required and begins two weeks before the program at aacpl.net/events . ⚛ STEM Program. See page 2 for details.

December 2024, January and February 2025 

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