Library birthday celebration a big hit

Almost one year ago, Maricopa’s first municipal building, the Maricopa Public Library, opened its doors to a crowd of more than 300 residents who were on hand for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

On Saturday, June 12, another big crowd passed through the library in celebration of the facility’s first birthday. The event, which was held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., featured free face painting, prize drawings for stuffed animals, special guest storytellers, guessing games, movies, popcorn, free bags filled with library goodies and refreshments.

The new children’s area also opened. “It has a lot more ambiance for the kids, featuring stuffed animals, fun rugs, kid chairs and tables, as well as a few other surprises,” said Joe Gunter, library manager.

Certainly, Maricopa’s public library is a popular place. During the last year, book circulation was more than 200,000 items — more than the total circulation for the last two years. The library’s collection increased by 30 percent, and library cardholders more than tripled in number — more than 10,000 new cards were issued in 2009-2010.

About 10,000 patrons visit the library each month, a number that equals the total number of visitors in the past three years. Storytime attendance and Internet usage is up, and interlibrary loans have more than doubled. Gunter said in the second year, he hopes to offer a downloadable movie service, begin pod-casting programs and increase the usage of electronic books.

Below is a slideshow of Saturday’s activities.

Photo by Michael K. Rich