Issue 100 | February 2026 | | What to Celebrate This Month... | | |
This Black History Month Celebrate African American Writers!
This Black History Month, we celebrate the powerful voices, stories, and lasting impact of African American writers who have shaped literature, culture, and history. Through poetry, fiction, essays, and memoirs, these authors have shared truths, challenged injustice, and given voice to lived experiences that continue to inspire generations.
As James Baldwin, writer and civil rights activist, so beautifully reminds us:
“You think your pain and your heartbreak are unprecedented in the history of the world, but then you read.”
This month, we invite you to explore works by African American authors in our collection and discover stories of resilience, creativity, and courage. Whether you are revisiting a classic or finding a new favorite, reading is a powerful way to honor Black History Month and connect with the voices that have helped shape our world.
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February Is National Library Lovers Month
February is National Library Lovers Month, a time to celebrate everything we love about our libraries and the important role they play in our communities. Libraries are more than shelves of books, they are welcoming spaces for learning, creativity, and connection for all ages.
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to fall in love with a great book. Whether you’re drawn to a heartfelt romance, an edge-of-your-seat mystery, an inspiring biography, or a cozy read for the whole family, your library has a story waiting just for you.
This month, show your library some love by visiting in person, exploring our digital collections, or joining one of our programs. No matter how you use the library, we’re grateful to be part of your reading journey. Happy National Library Lovers Month!
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Meet Shawn Flecken
What I Do:
As the Deputy Director, I oversee the library's ILS, which is the technology that runs our libraries. We use the ILS to check books in and out, to store records for all our library card holders, and to keep up the catalog of all the materials we have on our shelves. I keep it all running and keep our libraries connected.
In My Words:
“Public libraries empower people to ask their own questions about whatever they want -- and to find their answers.”
Background:
Not many people realize that most librarians have Master's degrees. I got mine at Simmons College, in Boston, before I moved to Arizona. I have worked at libraries in Pima, Maricopa and Pinal Counties.
Fun Fact:
I can play blues harmonica! These days, I like to play while doing karaoke.
Favorite Motto or Saying:
“Be who you are.”
-Shawn Flecken
| | Honoring Viney Jones During Black History Month | | |
This Black History Month, we proudly celebrate the legacy of Viney Jones, a beloved Black librarian who served the Florence community from 1978 to 1997. Viney Jones dedicated nearly two decades to fostering a love of reading, championing literacy, and creating meaningful programs for children and families while working from the building that is now the Dorothy Nolan Senior Center.
Known for her passion for education and her commitment to celebrating Black history, Viney Jones empowered generations of young people and cultivated a welcoming, inclusive space for learning. Her impact was so profound that in 2023, the Florence Town Council officially renamed the library the Viney Jones Library & Community Center, honoring her lasting contributions to the town.
Today, the Viney Jones Library continues her mission by serving as a vibrant community hub. The library offers diverse collections, public computer access, and engaging programs for all ages, along with a Maker Space featuring tools such as 3D printers and Cricut machines. Each program and resource reflects Viney Jones’s belief in lifelong learning, creativity, and the power of community connection.
As we celebrate Black History Month, we honor Viney Jones’s enduring legacy and her vision of a library that uplifts, inspires, and welcomes everyone.
Quote:
"If you cut yourself...there's only one color that comes out and that's red."
-Viney Jones (as recalled by her son)
| This February Visit the Viney Jones Library & Community Center | | |
From engaging adult programs and immersive experiences to hands-on STEAM fun and after-hours events for teens, February is filled with opportunities to connect, explore, and discover. Here are just a few highlights you won’t want to miss:
Adult Programs
Genealogy Series
February’s Genealogy Series offers a beginner-friendly introduction to family history research. Learn how to explore your ancestry and locate records using free resources available through the library.
Speaker Series
This month’s Speaker Series complements the Genealogy Series with a fascinating look at DNA and its role in family history research. Discover how DNA testing has helped uncover family connections and led to exciting and heartwarming reunions.
Mystery Experience
Step back into the Roaring ’20s for this month’s immersive Mystery Experience! This interactive, role-playing event invites participants to take on unique characters, any of whom could be the killer. Registration is required. Contact the library for details and sign-up information.
Youth Programs
STEAM Explorers
STEAM Explorers is a weekly program designed for children ages 5 and under. Through hands-on activities, little learners explore STEAM concepts, build vocabulary, discover how things work, and practice collaboration. February activities include building candy boxes, learning about weight and balance, exploring the importance of animals in our ecosystem, and celebrating Arizona’s Birthday in a big way.
Library After Hours
Library After Hours is a special evening just for tweens and teens, after the library closes! February’s theme is love, chocolate, and sappy rom-coms. Enjoy a Valentine-themed scavenger hunt in a dimly lit library, then relax with a romantic movie and a delicious chocolate fountain with all the dippers.
For more information visit our home page!
| | Goodbyes and Hellos are the Same... | |
As one chapter comes to a close, another begins, and I am excited to share that I will be transitioning from my role as Outreach Librarian with the Pinal County Library District to Youth Programming Librarian at the Viney Jones Library & Community Center in Florence.
Serving the children and families of San Tan Valley, Arizona City, San Manuel, and Kearny has been an absolute joy and one of the most meaningful parts of my career. I will deeply miss visiting schools, libraries, and community spaces all around Pinal County, and I am so grateful for the relationships built along the way.
While my role is changing, my passion for serving the youth of Pinal County remains the same. I am thrilled to continue supporting young readers and learners, now from the Viney Jones Library in Florence. All families are welcome to visit, attend programs, and be part of our growing library community.
Thank you for allowing me to be part of your stories. I look forward to continuing this journey and welcoming you at the Viney Jones Library & Community Center.
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Virtual Story Time with Ms. Jasmine - New Episode!
Virtual Story Time Book Information:
"This book is RED: Seriously? Books that drive kids crazy!"
By | Beck & Matt Stanton
Illustrations for this book were drawn and colored digitally. The text was set in Sentinel.
Published by | Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Hachette Book Group.
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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Story Time with The Smile Zone
Wednesday, February 4th | 10:15 am
Coolidge Public Library
160 W. Central Ave.
Coolidge, AZ 85
(520) 723-6030
Story Time just got extra smiley! Join us for It’s Story Time with The Smile Zone on Wednesday, February 4 at 10:15 AM as we celebrate National Children’s Dental Health Month with stories, giggles, and healthy habits for happy teeth!
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In A World
Tuesday, February 3rd | 5 pm - 5:45 pm
Arizona City Community Library
13254 Sunland Gin Road
Arizona City, AZ 85123
(520) 866-7740
This fall join Mr. Anthony and his quest to create a book club that's not just about how cool the book was but creatively coming up with cool games and epic book trailers...JUST LIKE THE MOVIES!!!
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Read Better Be Better
Tuesday, February 10th | 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
San Tan Valley Library
31505 N Schnepf Road
San Tan Valley, AZ 85143
(520) 866-8035
Read Better Be Better is a 10-week reading comprehension program for 2nd - 4th graders. Young readers are paired with a teenaged "buddy" for partner reading. Registration is required and attendance at all sessions is expected.
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Cricut Drop-In
Wednesday, February 4th | 3 pm - 5 pm
Apache Junction Public Library
1177 N Idaho Rd
Apache Junction, AZ 85119
(480) 474-8555
Stop by to learn about the Library's Cricut machine, talk about your ideas, or get help with any issues. Drop in anytime between 3-5 on the first Wednesday of every month.
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Inside The Creative Mind
Saturday, February 7th & 28th | 3 pm - 4:45 pm
Maricopa City Library & Cultural Center
18160 N. Maya Angelou Drive
Maricopa, AZ 85139
(520) 568-2926
Up close and in-person presentations by four imaginative and talented local professionals illustrating Creativity in Life At Large.
*Terry Oldfield is a stained glass specialist and bagpiper extraordinaire 2/7
*Steven Portrey is a specialist creating unique wood-turned items 2/28
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Red Hot Chili Steppers
Every Wednesday in February | 8 am - 9:30 am
Viney Jones Library & Community Center
778 N Main St,
Florence, AZ 85132
(520) 868-8311
Join our step challenge and turn every stride into progress! Set your weekly step goals, walk alongside a supportive community , and cheer each other on as we explore the town and its surroundings. It's more than just walking, it's about motivation, connection, and building a healthier lifestyle together. Don't miss this chance to move with purpose and have fun along the way!
Take the first step and walk, move, and transform your lifestyle with energy, strength, and confidence!
To register for this event please click here
| | Digital Resources You Should Check Out! | | February is Black History Month! | | |
February is Black History Month and Comics Plus offers a variety of titles spotlighting key figures and moments in Black History for educational use, as well as entertaining stories from Black creators in our curated Black History, Black Voices list.
From award-winning fiction and nonfiction to superheroes, fantasy, and humor, Comics Plus has recommendations for every age level that are great for reading any time of the year!
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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
| | Issue 100 | February 2026 | | | | |
