Maricopa celebrates National Library Week

National Library Week, from Sunday, April 10, through Saturday, April 16, is part of the fifth year of The Campaign for America’s Libraries. A multi-year, educational campaign focusing on the value of libraries and librarians, it not only celebrates their contributions but also promotes library use and support.

“Just in time for National Library Week, the ten smaller libraries in Pinal County will be making a move into a new circulation system. The new system is Horizon/Dynex. We have been using the current system since 1998, and we’ve just outgrown it,” explained Maricopa librarian Linda Wilmeth.

Linda Wilmeth, Maricopa’s own librarian.

According to Wilmeth, patrons who have library cards from any of the 10 smaller libraries, which include Maricopa, Florence, Eloy, Coolidge, San Manuel, Oracle, Kearny, Superior, Arizona City or Mammoth, will be able to log-on and access their accounts, place holds on books and re-new books from their home computers.

Persons not having a library card may set up a temporary account to place books on hold. They will have three days to pick up their books and will be given the procedures for obtaining a library card.

“These are very exciting times for all 12 public libraries in Pinal County,” noted Wilmeth.

Locally, a recent, generous donation from Kinder Morgan will provide $6,500 for the purchase of two new computers. According to Parks, Recreation and Libraries Director Martin McDonald, a storage room at the library will be converted into a computer room. Wait times for computer use should be reduced with the addition of these new computers.

The community library is eagerly anticipating the addition of more computer stations.

In addition, the Pinal County Library District will soon make electronic research facilities available on-line to card holders. FirstSearch and EPSCO are the research systems currently in use.

“We have moved forward with our technology,” explained Library District Director Denise Keller. “People can do so much at our libraries other than just check out a book.”

Wilmeth also shared some information regarding this summer’s reading program at our local library. Titled “Dragons and Dreams and Daring Deeds”, it will provide exciting stories and fun-filled activities for all age groups, with a special something for teens who love to read. Look for all the specifics in the library’s May announcement.

Maricopa’s library is open according to the following schedule:

Monday – 2 to 7 p.m.
Tuesday and Thursday — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wednesday — 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday – 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Saturday – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For information, contact Linda Wilmeth by email or at 568-2926.