Jon Johnson File Photo/Gila Herald: The Pima Public Library has had a busy summer.
Contributed Article/Courtesy Rane Jones
PIMA – As the Pima Public Library celebrates the close to another summer season, we would like to take a second to look back at our summer of learning and fun.
We recently received 30 Wonderbooks (read-along audiobooks) for our children’s room. This project is supported by the Arizona State Library, Archives & Public Records, a division of the Secretary of State, with federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Titles are in English, Spanish, and bilingual.
The Pima Library Board helped purchase more than 200 WHO/WHAT/WHERE “Big Head” books. These are junior non-fiction books that tell the incredible stories of trailblazers, legends, innovators, cool places, and important events. Everyone from U.S. presidents to Stan Lee, King Tut, Harry Houdini, Sacagawea, and more are featured in this collection. Children can learn about the Boston Tea Party, NASA, the Great Pyramids, and the stories behind Scooby-Doo, Dracula, or the Super-Bowl. These illustrated books make learning fun and children are loving them!
However, our most exciting news is the addition of two outdoor reading spaces which were part of a grant received from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, which awarded the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The Pima Public Library was awarded $18,571.88 to help libraries reach residents with digital inclusion efforts, and support library services. Two outdoor reading spaces have been completed on the corner of Main Street and 200 West; the future site of the new Pima Public Library. This site will share a corner lot with the new Memorial Park.
Each reading area features ramada-style coverings, ADA tables with benches, and four additional park benches. USB charging stations, lighting, and 24-hour video surveillance will also be included on each ramada. Additional funding for the project was provided by the Pima Public Library Board and all labor was done by the town of Pima employees and DOC inmates.
As a launch for our weekly Storytime sessions, the Arizona State Library, Archives & Public Records, a division of the Secretary of State, with federal funds from the Institute of Museum & Library Services, will be hosting an Early Literacy Workshop for family, friend, and neighbor caregivers on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2022, starting at 10 a.m. If you care for young children newborns to 5 years old, this fun-filled workshop is for you. The workshop will explore how to make daily routines more exciting and educational by simply talking, singing, and playing. Participants will receive a free activity kit and books to take home. Space is limited so call (928) 485-2822 to reserve your spot.
We gladly accept book, audiobook, and DVD donations. If we can’t use it in our collection, it’s added to our saleroom, where proceeds help purchase other new items.
We are open Monday -Thursday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., and are open to all Graham County residents. Cards are free with proof of residency and a picture ID. We are currently located at 50 S. 200 West in Pima behind the Taylor Freeze. Come “Check us out”!
