Hello Prescott Public Library Patrons -

I seem to have written much more about COVID than I care to, but we are now stuck in a “high” transmission rate in our area--a rate at which the Center for Disease Control suggests wearing masks indoors, regardless of vaccination status. The staff at Prescott Public Library wear masks throughout shared areas of the building. We do this to follow the science laid out by the CDC and to try to keep both staff and patrons safe. With the continued high rate of COVID transmission, hundreds of people entering the building each day, and the coming of holidays and winter, when COVID has a chance to make another rebound, we ask you to “stand with us” and wear a mask when visiting the library. We would especially appreciate this if you will be spending a substantial amount of time in the library or need to work closely with a staff member. Together we can all make a difference. I’ll see you in the library.

Roger Saft

Library Director

Thanks to all of you who are providing valuable feedback about the new catalog, which is still in "beta" mode. One of the most frequent questions we get is about what will happen to your lists in the old catalog. The Yavapai Library Network is working closely with the new catalog vendor to make sure your lists will be transferred over. We will publicize this when it happens, but you can also check our catalog page for updates.

One of the features of the new catalog that patrons are most enjoying is the ability to check out, read, listen to, and place holds on eBooks and eAudiobooks directly from the catalog.

The new catalog and the retiring catalog will both be available for you to use through December. In January, the new catalog will completely replace the existing catalog. Library staff will keep you informed about progress and we are available to assist in this transition time with training by appointment, at the Ask a Librarian Desk, calling

928.777.1526, or emailing us at ask.librarian@prescott-az.gov. Happy searching!

Technology is a wonderful tool for connection, education, and entertainment. But it can also be frustrating when it becomes a hindrance to completing the necessary tasks of modern life. We hope we can provide some technology support in your moment of technology need. We now have a tech-savvy staff member who regularly works near the computers to offer tech help. He is also available Mondays, 10 am – 12 pm, for you to drop-in and get help with your device. And if you have a technology need that requires an extended amount of time and attention, you can “Book-A-Librarian” for one-on-one help. To schedule an appointment, fill out the online form here: https://www.prescottlibrary.info/book-a-librarian/.

The library also has public computers, all connected to a printer, along with copy machines, scanners, and a fax machine. Want to take a computer home with you? Check out one of our Chromebooks or iPads. We even have Wi-Fi hotspots available for checkout if you’re requiring a portable Internet connection. Please visit the Ask a Librarian desk on the 2^nd floor of the library or call 928.777.1526 with any questions.

Each month, the library offers hands-on learning opportunities for kids and teens!

Art Days for Kids introduces children (ages 6-10) to renowned artists and styles and provides them with the materials and support to create a masterpiece of their very own. Presented by the Prescott Art Docents, a volunteer organization dedicated to sharing a love of art.

Outdoor Explorers is an interactive, nature-based program for children (ages 8-12). Each month introduces a new topic or experience and incorporates principles of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) to help children learn more about the natural world.

The Write Spot: Teen Writing Club presents teens (grades 9-12) with writing tips, outside-of-the-box writing exercises, and the opportunity to share works in progress and talk about writing with other like-minded teens. 

With so many books out there, sometimes it can be hard to decide what to read next. Luckily, we’ve got you covered with our Genre Spotlights and Monthly Displays. In the middle of our Library’s second floor you will find three octagonal shelves featuring our newly acquired audiobooks, and four different genres of books – Mystery, True Crime, Romance, and Western. Also, every month we have three unique displays featured at the beginning of our Fiction and Nonfiction collections and also on the top of a shelf in Nonfiction. Our Librarians will be creating new displays as you receive this email, so visit Prescott Public Library to find out what new displays we have.