Issue 43 | May 2021
Pinal County Library District
NEWSLETTER
Make the Most of Your Library: Summer Reading Program
The temperatures are rising, and that means the library's Summer Reading Program is about to get started! This year's theme is Tails & Tales.

If you haven't tried the Summer Reading Program before, it's easy: just sign up at your local library, and start keeping track of how many minutes you spend reading each day. The libraries offer programs and prizes along the way to keep you interested and going for more. It's a great way to help kids offset the summer learning gap!

The program is open to Children, Teens, and Adults, so grown-ups and older siblings can model good behavior. Each of the libraries in Pinal County runs its own Summer Reading Program with slightly different rules and requirements, so contact your local library for details.

This year, our Summer Reading Program is offering something new: Checkers Library TV!
Checkers the Inventor and his spunky sidekick, Snoozer the robot are traveling in their flying van to zoos, aquariums, wildlife rescues and meeting famous animals from across the world! Each 30 minute video episode will be packed with adventure, animal book reviews and recommendations, a craft completed during the show, and animated escapades! Checkers and Snoozer will meet animals, learn about them and most importantly, read about them!
Our Libraries Continue to Re-Open
More and more of our libraries around Pinal County have begun reopening to the public. Some are working with limited hours and many are still not doing in-person library programs, but things are slowly beginning to return to normal!
Here is a quick recap of the current status of libraries throughout the county:
Apache Junction Public Library
  • Open to the public
  • in-person library programs limited to 20 people

Arizona City Public Library
  • Open to the public

Casa Grande Public Library
  • Main Library and Vista Grande are both open to the public
  • Weekend and evening hours expected to return in June
  • In-person and hybrid events are starting to resume, most remain virtual

Coolidge Public Library
  • Open to the public
  • Most library programs remain virtual, limited access to in-person programs

Eloy Public Library
  • Currently open to the public
  • Summer Reading programs at the library will be in-person

Florence Public Library
  • Currently open to the public Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
  • Offering curbside pick-ups on Tuesday & Thursday
  • Expanded pick-up hours beginning May 10

Kearny Public Library
  • Currently open to the public

Mammoth Public Library
  • Currently open for short visits
  • 2-person limit

Maricopa Library and Cultural Center
  • Currently open to the public
  • Library programs taking place in-person

Oracle Public Library
  • Currently open to the public

San Manuel Public Library
  • Building remains closed
  • Walk-up window service is available
  • Expanded pick-up hours beginning May 10

Superior Public Library
  • Building remains closed
  • Curbside service has been suspended

San Tan Valley Library
  • We're expecting to open this new library in June
  • Watch for more details in next month's newsletter!
Hoopla Bonus Borrows Are Back!
Hoopla Bonus Borrows is a collection of hundreds of titles for library patrons to check out without counting against your monthly checkout limit (or the library's daily limit).

Since it is not a permanent collection, you won't find Bonus Borrows linked on our website homepage -- though you can still get to our regular Hoopla collection from there. Instead, to access Hoopla Bonus Borrows, click the link, or copy and paste the URL into your browser:
Featured Events This Month
Here are just some of the nearly 200 programs taking place at libraries throughout Pinal County this month. To view the complete list, please see our online calendar of events.
Wednesdays, 4:30 - 6:45 PM
Maricopa Library & Cultural Center
18160 N. Maya Angelou Drive
Maricopa, Maricopa, AZ, 85138
(520) 568-2926

Whether your a beginner or a master, come and play for fun!
Participants are encouraged to bring any equipment that they have or prefer to play with. This program is designed for 6th grade age-range and above.
Friday, May 14, 4:00 - 5:00 PM
Online program hosted by Coolidge Public Library

Are you crazy in love with your pet? Do you have a pet that has special talents or deserves to be shown off? Showcase your favorite furry (or scaly) friend at the library's first Virtual Pet Show & Tell event. This program is being hosted on Zoom.
Saturday, May 15, 1:00 - 2:00 PM
Apache Junction Public Library
1177 N. Idaho Rd.
Apache Junction, AZ 85119
(480) 474-8555

Come and enjoy a program about Arizona History, Myths & Legends. This is designed for families to enjoy.
Friday, May 28, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Casa Grande Public Library
449 N. Dry Lake
Casa Grande, AZ 85122

Did you know that someone needs blood every 2 seconds?  The need for blood and platelets never goes away and is often drastically increased when disaster strikes. Donating blood can help save lives! Join us in the Activity Room at Casa Grande Public Library to do your part.
Research Spotlight
This month's feature database:

NoveList Plus provides expert reading recommendations in both fiction and nonfiction, for all ages. Just type in the name of an author, title, or series you enjoy, and NoveList will help point you toward other authors, books, or series that you might also enjoy! It's that easy.

You can also just describe the kind of story you're in the mood for, and NoveList will find you titles that fit the bill. It's the perfect tool to help kick off Summer Reading 2021!

You can find NoveList Plus, NoveList K-8, and the rest of our online databases on our website, by clicking the Research tab.
Pinal County Library District
520-866-6457