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Preparing for Summer Reading
Now that our Summer Reading Program has officially kicked off, each library is finally able to see the results of months of hard work and preparation. What many people may not realize is just how much planning goes into creating a successful summer for our communities.
The process often begins with choosing a theme. Many libraries across the country use the annual theme created by the Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP), a nonprofit organization that has helped develop themed summer programs since 1987. While libraries are free to create their own themes, using the CSLP theme allows staff to begin planning well in advance, as themes are chosen years ahead of time. Yes, that means we already know next year’s theme, but we will keep that a mystery for now.
Once a theme is selected, planning truly begins. Library staff brainstorm programs, activities, decorations, displays, and events that fit the summer’s theme while also meeting the interests of their local communities. During this time, libraries also reach out to community partners, vendors, performers, and organizations that may help support programs throughout the summer.
Preparation also includes compiling prize lists, organizing reading challenges through Beanstack or physical gameboards, ordering supplies, preparing crafts, and making sure libraries have everything needed before summer begins. Even details such as room setup, event scheduling, marketing materials, and volunteer coordination are carefully planned ahead of time.
At its heart, Summer Reading is about more than prizes or programs. It is an opportunity to encourage literacy, learning, creativity, and community engagement during the summer months. Seeing families attend events, children stay excited about reading, and communities come together makes all the preparation worthwhile.
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Anime, Manga and Cosplay!
We are officially entering the heart of convention, or con, season, the time of year when comic, anime, gaming, and pop-culture conventions begin taking place across the country. Major events such as San Diego Comic-Con, Dragon Con in Atlanta, Fan Expo Chicago, and FanX in Salt Lake City are all coming up. Closer to home, Phoenix Fan Fusion is happening this weekend, with Saboten Con right around the corner. If you have never attended a convention before, you may be wondering what to expect.
While every convention is different, many celebrate pop culture in a wide variety of ways. Some focus more heavily on specific hobbies, such as Gen Con in Indianapolis, which is centered around tabletop gaming like Dungeons & Dragons. Others, such as Fan Fusion, offer a little bit of everything. Attendees can learn to draw characters, analyze scenes from popular anime, dance to iconic anime songs, or attend panels about comics and the entertainment industry. There are opportunities to meet comic artists, voice actors, and special guests, as well as explore Artist Alley, where creators display and sell their work.
Gaming is also a major part of many conventions. Visitors can learn how to play tabletop, board, or trading card games, often alongside experienced players eager to teach newcomers.
And of course, no convention experience would be complete without cosplay. Cosplay, the art of dressing up as fictional characters, has become incredibly popular. Walking through a convention hall, you are bound to see characters from video games, anime, comics, movies, television, and cartoons brought to life by talented and passionate fans. You may even decide to try cosplay yourself.
Personally, I tried cosplay for the first time last year and immediately fell in love with it. This year, I plan on taking on a more intricate costume that includes armor. If you are interested in getting started with cosplay, learning more about anime and comics, or simply finding your next favorite series, our libraries have plenty of books, manga, and resources to help you dive in.
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Meet Adrian
What I Do:
As a Library Page, I mostly do a little of everything. Shelving books, running programs. I have a Mahjong program every single week. It's really fun. Recently I started a young adult book club.
In My Own Words:
"It's so pleasant. It's nice to be able to talk to people and to help people. It's nice to be surrounded by books. I get to work with very lovely people. I feel like I'm helping out my community."
Background:
I have been volunteering since February of 2022. After high school I started working here.
Fun Fact:
I like making music. I make electronic Chiptunes.
Favorite Motto or Saying:
“Nimi li kana li weka” -Toki Pona proverb meaning Words come and go.
-Adrian Edgar
| Summer Reading Block Party | | Just last week Coolidge launched their summer reading program with a block party! Several different partners attended, including us, Open Space, Trails and Regional Parks, as well as the Voter Registration folks! Here are a couple of images of the fun: | | We hope everyone who went enjoyed the Block Party! We know we did. We'd like to thank Coolidge Public Library for inviting us. We also would like to thank Coolidge Public Library and Open Space, Trails, and Regional Parks for providing the photos of the event. | | |
Our Summer Reading Programs have officially kicked off! From now through July, libraries across the district will be hosting a variety of special events, activities, and programs for all ages. Whether you enjoy crafts, games, story times, or community events, there is something for everyone to enjoy this summer.
Some upcoming highlights include the Touch-a-Truck events at the San Tan and Arizona City libraries on June 5 and June 11, where visitors will have the opportunity to explore a variety of vehicles and meet the people who operate them. Throughout the summer, libraries will also be offering themed crafts, interactive activities, reading challenges, and special programs designed to encourage creativity, learning, and fun.
While participating in programs and reading throughout the summer, do not forget to track your progress using Beanstack or the physical gameboards available at your local library. If you are curious about upcoming events, be sure to check our online calendar and filter results using the “Summer Reading Program” category.
We look forward to spending the summer reading, learning, and creating memories with our community!
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Later this summer, Apache Junction Public Library will unveil its new community garden! Designed as both a learning and gathering space, the garden will support a variety of programs throughout the year while also providing a peaceful outdoor area for reading and relaxation. Visitors will be able to plant seeds from the library's seed collection in raised garden beds and watch them grow over time.
The space will feature a greenhouse, amphitheater, water features, and shaded seating areas, creating opportunities for education, community events, and quiet enjoyment alike. If you'd like to learn more about the project, be sure to check out Pamela Harris's interview with ABC15 using the link above.
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Here are just a handful of the more than 300 free library programs taking place this month.
Please visit our online calendar to view a complete list.
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SRP Mini Makers: Succulent Suncatchers
Tuesday, June 16th | 2 pm - 3 pm
Maricopa Library and Cultural Center
18160 N Maya Angelou Drive
Coolidge, AZ 85
(520) 568-2926
Join us for a bright and creative “Unearth a Story” adventure! Kids will decorate and assemble their own mini succulent suncatchers, using colorful pieces that shine beautifully in the light. This hands?on craft encourages imagination and is perfect for little makers who love plants and sunshine.
Please arrive early as registration spots are only held for five minutes after the published start time of the program. After that point, the registration is considered a "no show", and waitlist/walk-in participants will be seated.
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Anime Your Way
Friday, June 19th | 1 pm - 2:30 pm
Arizona City Community Library
13254 Sunland Gin Road
Arizona City, AZ 85123
(520) 866-7740
Anime Your Way is a comprehensive step by step drawing process that breaks down the walls of self doubt through techniques that can be applied in real time that give the artist the confidence to create unique original characters!
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SR Paleo Projects
Every Wednesday in June | 10 am - 11 am, 2 pm - 3 pm
San Tan Valley Library
31505 N Schnepf Road
San Tan Valley, AZ 85143
(520) 866-8035
Dino-themed mini science projects for our friends aged 4 and up! Our morning session is 10 - 11 AM and the afternoon session is 2 - 3 PM. The same activity will be done in both sessions, so please select only one. Equal amounts of supplies are provided for each session, and each session will run while supplies last.
This is for those ages 4 and up. We will provide some coloring sheets for younger siblings. Parental supervision is required.
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Tea-Rex Party
Monday, June 8th | 10 am - 11 am
Apache Junction Public Library
1177 N Idaho Rd
Apache Junction, AZ 85119
(480) 474-8555
Have you ever had a tea party with dinosaurs? Join us for tea and learn about dinosaurs too!
For ages 6-12, register only the child. Registration will open 30 days prior to event.
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Pokémon Fossil Day
Thursday, June 18th | 2 pm - 3 pm
Vista Grande Public Library
1556 N Arizola Rd, Casa Grande, AZ 85122
(520) 421-8652
Bring the kids down to the Vista Grande Public Library for a fun Pokemon themed event for kids. Pokemon fossil digs, games, prizes and more. Program is intended for kids ages 5-12.
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STEAM Genius: Discover, Dig, & Design!
Every Wednesday in June| 2 pm - 3 pm
Viney Jones Library & Community Center
778 N Main St,
Florence, AZ 85132
(520) 868-8311
Discover, dig, and design all summer long with STEAM Genius! This hands-on library program invites kids ages 7–12 to explore Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math through fun, engaging activities inspired by our Summer Reading theme, Discover, Dig, & Design. Each session features interactive projects that spark creativity, encourage problem-solving, and inspire curiosity as participants dive into a variety of STEAM concepts. STEAM Genius takes place every Wednesday from 2:00–3:00 PM, and children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver.
| | Digital Resources You Should Check Out! | | |
Chilton Library is a must-bookmark resource for anyone looking for automotive help. This powerful tool allows users to search for vehicle manuals and access detailed repair and maintenance information. The site is easy to navigate, offering both keyword search options and clickable categories such as transmission, cooling systems, and exterior components.
In addition to manuals, Chilton Library provides maintenance and specification tables tailored to each vehicle, step-by-step service and repair procedures, and even a labor estimating tool to help you plan your next steps with confidence. Users can also take advantage of vacuum and wiring diagrams for troubleshooting, along with close-up photographs and illustrations that offer clear visual guidance. For those pursuing certification, the resource also includes ASE test preparation quizzes for some of the most popular exams.
Chilton Library also includes helpful features like the ability to print specific pages or listen to content using a built-in reader. Whether you’re an experienced mechanic or a new car owner, this resource makes it easy to find the information you need. Best of all, like all of our digital resources, it is completely free with your library card.
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The Pinal County Library District website provides a catalog of all of our library materials. Patrons can download e-books, e-audiobooks, and access a suite of research databases.
But what if you can't find what you're looking for, or something doesn't seem to work right?
Just like at your local library, you can ask a Librarian! Just click the "Ask A Question" button in the center of the screen on our homepage and fill out the online form. Send us a description of what you need or what went wrong, and staff at Pinal County Library District will get back to you by phone or email (your choice) to help troubleshoot and resolve the issue.
Please note that staff are only available during regular office hours, Monday-Friday, 8am to 5pm. Questions submitted after hours or on weekends will be answered the following business day.
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Need help finding your local library?
View all Pinal County Library Locations
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