Maricopa public library sets records in June

June at the Maricopa Public Library proved a record-setting month for both the number of patron visits and the number of items checked out.

According to Library Manager Joe Gunter, 23,306 items, including books, DVDs, CDs and video games, were circulated—the highest number for one month in the library’s history. In addition, a monthly record was set when 12,092 people utilized the library.

Patrons counted are only those individuals who are over 42 inches tall. New machines have the capability of counting persons shorter than 42 inches, but they are not proposed for Maricopa’s library at this time.

There were 605 new library cards issued in June and 853 intra-library loans. Volunteers logged 201 hours at the library last month.

Many individuals are taking advantage of the library’s Internet access for a variety of reasons, especially job hunting. By utilizing the library’s computer access, patrons have filled out countless applications and worked on their résumés on a daily basis.

On June 12, as part of the library’s one-year anniversary celebration, the new children’s area officially opened. Story time attendance was 206 in June, and parents are showing up every day to see their library in action.

In addition, the library has increased the total number of books one can check out from 15 to 20 and the number of DVDs a patron can check out from three to four.

Maricopa Public Library has a staff of seven; two individuals are part-time.

The library continues to grow with the community with plans underway to continue improving and providing its services.

Photo by Joyce Hollis