What to Celebrate This Month... | | |
January Is National Braille Literacy Month
Each January, we celebrate National Braille Literacy Month, honoring the legacy of Louis Braille, born on January 4, 1809, and recognizing the essential role braille plays in literacy, independence, and empowerment for people who are blind or have low vision. Braille is more than a system of raised dots; it is a cornerstone of accessible reading and writing that provides meaningful access to information and opportunity.
While modern technology has expanded access in many ways, braille remains vital for building strong literacy skills and supporting true independence. Tactile reading allows individuals to fully engage with language, from education and employment to daily life, reinforcing the importance of inclusion in all spaces, including libraries.
The Pinal County Library District is proud to support accessible reading options for all patrons. Community members are encouraged to visit their local Pinal County Library or explore our online catalog for a wide selection of audiobooks and accessible materials. In addition, eligible patrons can take advantage of Arizona’s Talking Book Library, which offers free audio and braille resources for individuals with print disabilities.
Learn more at:
https://azlibrary.gov/tbl
National Braille Literacy Month is a reminder that accessibility benefits everyone and that libraries remain committed to ensuring all members of our community can Read, Learn, and Thrive.
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Happy 2026!
Happy New Year from the Pinal County Library District!
As we welcome the New Year, the Pinal County Library District would like to thank our community for another year of reading, learning, and connection. We look forward to continuing to serve you in the year ahead with engaging programs, helpful resources, and great books for all ages.
Please note that the Pinal County Library District Office will be closed on Wednesday, January 1, and will reopen on Thursday, January 2 at 8:00 a.m. While our office is closed, remember that our online catalog is always available.
Patrons can access books, digital materials, account services, and other library resources 24/7, 365 days a year by visiting our catalog online.
Here’s to a bright and book-filled New Year!
Happy Reading!
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We're Celebrating Joyce’s Years of Service at the Coolidge Public Library
After more than a decade of dedicated service, we celebrate Joyce Baker and her remarkable career with the Pinal County Library District and the City of Coolidge.
Joyce began working for the Pinal County Library District in 2009 and joined the Coolidge Public Library in 2012. Prior to becoming a librarian, she built a strong professional foundation through a variety of roles. Her experience includes eight years at Starbucks as a barista, shift supervisor, and assistant store manager; work in the accounting department of a credit union; serving as an office manager at a charter school; and training volunteers for a nonprofit organization. Each of these roles helped shape the skills she would later bring to library leadership and service.
Although Joyce did not initially plan to pursue librarianship, the path found her in a meaningful way. Encouraged by her husband, she decided to earn her Master’s Degree in Library Science once her daughters finished high school. Through a Starbucks literacy initiative, she volunteered at the Main Chandler Library, where she discovered a love for leading Story Times. With encouragement from a fellow librarian to “just go for it,” Joyce took the leap—and the rest is library history.
When asked to describe the Coolidge Public Library in three words, Joyce chose vibrant, innovative, and compassionate. Over her 13 years at Coolidge, she has seen the library grow tremendously. While the collection has always been strong thanks to previous leadership, the library expanded significantly in both programming and services. The addition of a new programming room in 2017 allowed for even more offerings, and the collection grew to include unique items such as hiking backpacks, seeds, culture and performance passes, and toys. Creating new ways for the community to learn and explore.
Joyce’s favorite part of library work has always been the people, especially the joyful sounds of children playing in the Imagination Station and welcoming every visitor who walks through the doors. She holds a special place in her heart for literacy services, including Story Times, Summer Learning Programs, and book clubs, which she considers the heart of the library.
Among many cherished memories, the Mini-Con Summer Learning Program Kick-Off Party stands out as a particularly memorable moment. When reflecting on what she will miss most, Joyce shared that she will miss guiding people to the resources they need, whether that’s a book, access to social services, or digital learning opportunities.
As Joyce looks ahead to retirement, she is most looking forward to leaving behind the daily commute along Highway 87. As for favorite books, she believes the best one is always the one she’s currently reading. She recommends that every child read Pete the Cat and recently enjoyed Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt.
When asked what makes the Coolidge Library so special, Joyce’s answer was simple and heartfelt: the staff. Their energy, creativity, and commitment, she says, are what truly set the library apart and something patrons mention every day.
Joyce will be deeply missed by her colleagues, patrons, and the entire Pinal County Library District. We are grateful for her years of service, leadership, and dedication, and we wish her all the best in this next chapter.
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Start the New Year at the Coolidge Public Library
The new year is off to an exciting start at the Coolidge Public Library, and January is packed with opportunities to connect, learn, and explore. From career resources and wellness programs to community events and family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone. Here are just a few highlights you won’t want to miss:
A New Career Resource Comes to the Library
We are proud to celebrate the expansion of ARIZONA@WORK Pinal County services to the Coolidge Public Library with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, January 13 at 9:30 AM. This partnership brings career planning and workforce development resources directly into the library, making it easier than ever for residents to access personalized job search assistance, training opportunities, and employment resources. This expansion reflects ARIZONA@WORK Pinal County’s ongoing commitment to supporting communities throughout Pinal County—right where people already gather and learn.
Stay Steady, Stay Active: Matter of Balance
Concerned about falling or feeling unsteady? The library is hosting A Matter of Balance: Fall Prevention, an award-winning program designed to help older adults manage fall risks and stay active with confidence. Classes will be held Fridays from January 16 through March 6 at 9:00 AM. Registration is required. To sign up, contact Leticia Hamilton at Leticia.hamilton@pinal.gov or call the library at (520) 723-6034.
Find Your Next Great Read, At a Great Price
The much-anticipated Friends of the Library Annual Book Sale returns this January, and it’s bigger than ever. Join us on Friday, January 23 from 8:00 AM–2:00 PM and Saturday, January 24 from 8:00 AM–12:00 PM at the Coolidge Women’s Club, 240 W. Pinkley Ave. Browse thousands of gently used books, audiobooks, and DVDs for all ages and interests—at prices you won’t believe. This is a can’t-miss event for book lovers and bargain hunters alike.
Explore the Outdoors with Nature Detectives
Curious about the wildlife that surrounds us? Pinal County Open Space & Trails will present Nature Detectives on Thursday, January 29 at 4:30 PM. This engaging program invites participants of all ages to investigate the outdoors, spot environmental clues, and learn how local wildlife thrives in the shared spaces around us.
To stay up to date on these programs and more, visit the City of Coolidge website and click on Library Calendar & Newsletter. This is the same place to view our newsletter and full calendar online anytime.
The library is more than books, it’s a hub for opportunity, wellness, discovery, and community. We look forward to welcoming you this January and throughout the new year.
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Virtual Story Time with Ms. Jasmine is back with a New Episode!
New Virtual Story Time on YouTube!
Virtual Story Time Book Information:
"The Day the Crayons Quit"
By | Drew Daywalt
Pictures by | Oliver Jeffers
Published by | PHILOMEL BOOKS An Imprint of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.
Read by | Ms. Jasmine - Outreach Librarian for PCLD Arizona
Videographer | Kevin Johnson - Video Content Creator PCCD
Location | Viney Jones Library & Community Center
You can watch now on YouTube by visiting @PCLDArizona.
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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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ARIZONA@WORK
Tuesday, January 13th | 9 am - 11:30 am
Coolidge Public Library
160 W. Central Ave.
Coolidge, AZ 85
(520) 723-6030
A New Career Resource Comes to the Library
We are proud to celebrate the expansion of ARIZONA@WORK Pinal County services to the Coolidge Public Library with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, January 13 at 9:30 AM. This partnership brings career planning and workforce development resources directly into the library, making it easier than ever for residents to access personalized job search assistance, training opportunities, and employment resources. This expansion reflects ARIZONA@WORK Pinal County’s ongoing commitment to supporting communities throughout Pinal County—right where people already gather and learn.
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Build It!
Wednesday, January 21st | 3 pm - 4:15 pm
San Tan Valley Library
31505 N Schnepf Road
San Tan Valley, AZ 85143
(520) 866-8035
Put your engineering skills to work! Each week we will have some building sets and some challenges to complete...you bring your creativity and love of building! While this program is aimed at those 8 - 14 years old, we welcome younger siblings who attend with their age-appropriate siblings.
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Artemis II Launch
Tuesday, January 27th | 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Apache Junction Public Library
1177 N Idaho Rd
Apache Junction, AZ 85119
(480) 474-8555
Presented by Vaughn Hunter, NASA Ambassador.
About every 60 years, the US has taken a major step forward in transportation technology. Our first trip to the moon was about 60 years ago; the Artemis program is about going to the moon to stay. Come learn about he SLS launch vehicle, the Orion Crew Capsule, the Lunar gateway space station, and how the giant SpaceX Starship will support the program.
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D&D Adventurers League
Saturday, January 17th | 12 pm - 5 pm
Maricopa City Library & Cultural Center
18160 N. Maya Angelou Drive
Maricopa, AZ 85139
(520) 568-2926
D&D Adventurers League is a drop-in tabletop gaming program using the Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition (2025) rules. Players can attend as often or as few sessions as they choose with minimal impact on the storyline for other players. The Library will provide the space and materials for the Dungeon Master (DM) running the gaming sessions as well as character sheets, pencils, and tokens for attendees. It is strongly recommended that attendees bring their own dice set(s), although some dice sets will be available for use during a session.
This program participates in Wizards of the Coast’s national program. General details about how D&D Adventurers League works can be found at: https://www.dndbeyond.com/posts/1676-what-is-adventurers-league
*** Please be sure to read the Code of Conduct for DDAL @ the MLCC and accept during registration. ***
| | | Digital Resources You Should Check Out! | | Accessing your library’s digital collection has never been Easier | | |
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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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