Anne Arundel County Public Library workers ratify first union contract in a unanimous vote
Agreement includes more than 12% in raises, expanded workplace rights, and protections against discrimination for over 400 library system workers
Annapolis — On Wednesday, July 23, workers across the Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL) system ratified their first union contract in a unanimous vote. After nearly one year of negotiations with the AACPL Board of Library Trustees, Anne Arundel Library Workers United, AFSCME Maryland Council 3 reached a tentative agreement in late June.
Wednesday’s vote represents a final step towards securing a historic first contract that contains pay increases, increased workplace rights, and stronger protections against workplace discrimination for AACPL workers. The new contract runs from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027.
Highlights of the new contract include:
- Over 12% in raises,
- Stronger protections against discrimination,
- Expanded workplace rights, including the establishment of a fair process for discipline
- And the establishment of two oversight committees dedicated to addressing workplace concerns.
This new contract covers over 400 library workers, consisting of full-time and part-time staff, as well as non-supervisory and supervisory staff, from all sixteen branches and the headquarters of the Anne Arundel County Public Library system.
Anne Arundel Library Workers United is part of a national movement of workers that have unionized with AFSCME Maryland in recent years as part of AFSCME’s Cultural Workers United program, including workers at the Baltimore Museum of Art, Enoch Pratt Free Library, Howard County Library System, and the Walters Art Museum.
"I’m so proud of this contract and to be a part of a union that fought to the very end to ensure we have strong protections against discrimination. Especially in today’s climate, where so many people are under attack simply because of their identity, having written protections is more important than ever. I know how important it is for my coworkers and me to have representation and someone to fight for us, and that’s exactly what this contract gives us,” said Ryan Morris, a Part-Time Hourly Information worker at the Severn library branch of the system.
"The ratification process is the culmination of almost a year of work designing a contract that all parties agreed to. It is very exciting and a chance to build a library system that supports our amazing staff so we can support the communities we serve," said Lisa Shore a Part-Time Hourly Information worker at the Odenton library branch of the system.
“I’m excited to have our first union contract that will contribute to a more secure and just work environment for everyone. This is the power of having a collective voice — so we can advocate for the best library system possible that meets the needs of our library patrons,” said Sabrina Razvi, a Library Associate at the Severn library branch of the system.
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About AFSCME Maryland Council 3
AFSCME Maryland Council 3 represents nearly 50,000 public service workers in local, city, county and state government as well as in higher education and the private sector who provide the valuable public services that our communities rely on. From Western Maryland to the Eastern Shore, we make Maryland happen.