New library making positive impact

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The Maricopa Library and Cultural Center is nearly a year old, and in just a few short months MLCC has made a positive impact on Maricopa.

The newest addition to the City Center project, the state-of-the-art, 27,000 square foot facility opened in March 2021. The library provides programs and materials to support lifelong learning, community engagement and educational growth while the cultural center offers space for community events, public and private meetings and educational activities. In addition, a United States Postal Unit was added in December 2021 to enhance amenities just in time to provide a second post office during the holidays.

Since relocating to its new address at 18160 N. Maya Angelou Dr., the library’s collections have expanded to include over 55,000 print and digital items. But the expansion doesn’t end with just books – nearly every resource of the library has tripled as well, with annual circulation exceeding 322,000 items, customer counts at 175,000 visitors and active library card holders surpassing 26,000.

Larger gathering areas, more study and conference room space and areas dedicated to children, teens and adults help the city accommodate Maricopa’s growing population.

Patrons of all ages benefit from the library’s programs, services and resources. Early literacy programs and story times are offered weekly for children 0-8, and programs for teens and tweens include art, STEM, robotics, literacy and adventure activities. Adults can enjoy an array of programs from book clubs, gardening and crafts to E-Sports and computer fluency.

If a customer somehow can’t find what they are looking at MLCC, a reciprocal agreement with the Pinal County Library District allows card holders to borrow materials from any of its 12 branch libraries, even having them sent to MLCC for convenient pickup. Home delivery services are also available.

Library cards are free to Maricopa and Pinal County residents and available for an annual fee to non-county residents.

Those looking for additional information can visit the facility or call 520-568-2926 or log on to their website at: https://www.maricopa-az.gov/departments/community-services/library