Free Community Pantry at Discoveries Library: Baby and Hygiene Supplies for Anne Arundel Families

October 29, 2024 by Stacey Coles

Discoveries: the Library at the Mall, a branch of Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL), uniquely offers a Community Pantry that provides local families with essential items. These supplies include everything from nutritious foods to hygiene products, in a safe and accessible space. Available twice a month, the pantry meets a critical need, especially for families facing food insecurity and financial challenges.

If you’re seeking supplies from the pantry, visit Discoveries: the Library at the Mall on the first Saturday of the month between 10:00 am and 12:00 pm or the first Tuesdays between 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm.

With the convenience of being located within the library, families can pick up items without the formality of registration, fostering a welcoming and judgment-free experience. The Library offers and accepts the following items as donations:

diapers and pull-ups of any size
wipes
unopened, unexpired formula
diaper cream and baby lotion
nursing supplies like nursing pads and nipple cream
new bottles and pacifiers
toothbrushes and toothpaste
children’s shampoo and soap
pads and tampons
incontinence supplies

Each visit to the Community Pantry also provides a meaningful opportunity for families to engage with library services, from borrowing books to participating in storytime programs. For families visiting the pantry, this experience can also be an educational moment, teaching children the importance of community support and resource-sharing. Many visitors also choose to give back, either through donations or by spreading the word about the pantry’s impact. It’s an environment where families not only receive support but can contribute to a community-driven effort to care for one another.

Photo by Anne Arundel County Public Library Staff

In July, the library also debuted a lactation pod in the branch. The resource offers breastfeeding and pumping caregivers a quiet and secure spot without having to leave the branch.

To stay informed about upcoming pantry dates and ways to support, visit AACPL’s website or check local listings through Annapolis Moms Media’s events page.