New library hours, successful book sale, exhibits open

Maricopa Public Library has new hours, new exhibits and will be the recipient of the proceeds from the recent, successful Friends of the Library book sale.

About 12,000 individuals visited the library in August with 570 new library cards issued. Volunteers clocked 188 hours.

The library, which is getting a new, centralized reference desk, now has the following hours:

Monday and Wednesday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Closed Sundays and holidays)

The early bird got the book on Sept. 11th as the Friends of the Maricopa Public Library wrapped up another successful semi-annual used book sale at Santa Rosa Elementary School. Proceeds of the sale amounted to $1,252.30, plus another $94 from the sale of cookbooks, book bags and bookmarks. That sum will go to support programs and purchase materials for the public library.

Hundreds of books were offered for sale, including modern fiction, romance, reference, westerns and science fiction. Cooking, crafts and children’s books were also available.

March will be the next regularly scheduled Friends of the Maricopa Public Library used book sale. Anyone who has used books to donate should drop them off at the library. Members of the Friends group will pick them up, sort and store them for the next sale.

In addition, the Friends stock a used book shelf at the library where books can be purchased at bargain prices.

In the afternoon, following the book sale, the Maricopa Historical Society celebrated the opening of their latest exhibits at the library. A tribute to the Quadrille de Mujeres (a ladies’ equine drill team) and memorabilia and photos from Maricopa’s past Stagecoach Days are now on display and will be for the next few months in the library’s meeting room.

“Several members (both past and current) of the Quadrille precision drill team shared their stories, and it truly was a memorable event,” said Friend and historical society member Geri Ryan. “Everyone should take time and stop in to see the beautiful displays!” 

The next meeting of the Friends of the Maricopa Public Library will be Oct. 11 at 5:30 p.m. at the library. Everyone interested in the library is invited to attend.

The Maricopa Historical Society meets on the first Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at the library. They welcome anyone who is interested in history, especially the history of Maricopa, to join them. The Society would be pleased to hear from residents who may have artifacts they would be willing to lend or donate. Contact Pat Brock at 480-821-0604 or [email protected].

Photos by Joyce Hollis