We're Now Part of the Culture Pass Program

The Library is very excited to announce that we've partnered with cultural institutions and other Phoenix area public libraries to become a part of the Culture Pass™ program. Take advantage of this program to check out admission for two people to various locations around the Valley, including the Phoenix Zoo, the Superstition Mountain Museum, the Arizona Science Center and more.

For more information, instructions, and a list of participating institutions, click on the logo below! 

Veteran's Day Closure

This Saturday, November 9, through Monday, November 11, the library will be closed in recognition of Veteran's Day. We will reopen on Tuesday, November 12 at 9 AM.

Computer Classes This Month

Nov. 6 at 10am - Windows 7
Nov. 7 at 6pm - Excel
Nov. 13 at 10am - Internet
Nov. 14 at 6pm - Internet Safety
Nov. 20 at 10am - Email
Nov. 21 at 6pm - Email Attachments
Nov. 22 at 3pm - iPad
Nov 27 at 10am - Microsoft Word

To register, call (480) 474-8555. All classes are free!

A Trip to Oz With the AJ Library Staff

This year most of the Apache Junction Public Library staff dressed up in Wizard of Oz costumes! It was a great day and we enjoyed helping patrons with a little bit of fun added in!

Tricky Treat Halloween 2013

Click on the image above to see our post about the Tricky Treat Halloween event today at the library!

Two Great Upcoming Events in July

You and your children will want to join us for these two great events in July:

The Ronald McDonald Show

Wednesday, July 10 at 1:30 PM
 No registration required
Seating is limited

Potter Palooza

July 17th at 1:30 PM
Registration required (call 480-474-8555)
Age 5-13 years

Library Closure for the 4th of July

The library will be closed Thursday, July 4, for the Independence Day holiday. We will reopen at 9am on Friday, July 5.

Worm Drive: the Musical on June 12

Join us June 12 for Worm Drive: the Musical. Learn about worms and have fun too!

Storyteller Indiana Bones Tomorrow at 9:30

"Professor of Archaeology, expert on the occult, and how does one say it… obtainer of rare antiquities."

Join us tomorrow for an all ages event with storyteller Indiana Bones, first thing in the morning at 9:30 AM! No registration required.

Summer Reading Rundown

Summer Reading at Apache Junction Public Library starts today and runs through July 27, 2013. It's available for all ages, from infants on up.

In addition to Summer Reading, there are events going on all summer at AJPL! Click here for a list of events for children, tweens, and teens, including storytimes, movies, Harry Potter Palooza, water games, LEGO building and more.

Dig Into Reading is available for children aged 0-18. Stop by the library to pick up a reading log. Children can keep track of their reading (or books that are read to them) and mark off spaces on the log by each book read, each 20 minutes of reading or each 30 pages read. Prizes can be earned along the way and at the end children will be entered into a drawing for some really great prizes! Children can complete Dig Into Reading one time this summer.

Sponsors:

Apache Junction Parks & Recreation, Castles & Coasters, Friends of the Library of Apache Junction, Golfland Sunsplash, McDonald's, and Phoenix FC Soccer

Beneath the Surface is our Teen Summer Reading Program, for ages 12-18. (Teens can complete this program before or after Dig Into Reading if they wish.) Teens can log their reading on the website here or come to the library for a paper form that will then be entered into the computer. Teens earn prizes as they read and once they reach 1800 minutes (300 hours), teens will be entered to win even more prizes.

Teens can also join us at the library for Henna Tattooing with Purvi Galiya on June 18 from 5-7 PM and Water Games on July 16 from 5-7 PM!

Sponsors:

Burger King, Friends of the Library of Apache Junction, Papa Murphy's, Sonic, Subway, Superstition Harley-Davidson, Phoenix FC Soccer, and Walmart

Groundbreaking Reads is the Summer Reading Program for all adults (age 18 and up). It couldn't be simpler - for every 6 hours you read, fill out an entry (available at the library) and enter it for one of our weekly drawings. Keep reading for more entries. At the end of the program more drawings will be held.

Sponsors:

Friends of the Library of Apache Junction

Questions?

Call (480) 474-8555 or come to the Service Desk!

Zinio Magazine Service Launched in AJ via Pinal County Library District

(See this press release on the City of Apache Junction website here.)

The Apache Junction Public Library is pleased to announce the availability of Zinio for Libraries, an online newsstand offering access to thousands of magazines and news publications for library users.

“It is a wonderful new service,” said Spencer Paden, Apache Junction Library Director. “With Zinio, you can access 180 complete digital magazines that can be easily viewed on any internet-enabled device inside or outside the library.”

The electronic magazine format is entirely faithful to its hard-copy format. Page 41 of the hard-copy edition of National Geographic should look exactly like the electronic version viewed through the library’s Zinio service.

Zinio digitally recreates each magazine page by page, including full color pictures and text, while adding keyword article search and interactive elements such as audio and video. Consumer Reports, Good Housekeeping, National Geographic, Car & Driver, Arizona Highways and Readers’ Digest are just some of the popular titles available.

A library card is the key to accessing Zinio through the Apache Junction Library website at www.ajpl.org. Patrons will need to create a free password-protected Zinio account and download the Zinio application to begin enjoying complete digital issues of popular magazines. The Zinio application works on Apple and Android devices as well as PC and Mac.

Described as “the world’s largest newsstand,” Zinio earned the Best New Database of 2012 Award by Library Journal.

Zinio is supported with funds granted by the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records, a division of the Arizona Secretary of State, with Library Services and Technology Act funds which are administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Please contact the library staff for more information on how to access this service. If you have difficulties accessing Zinio, call (480) 474-8555 or visit your AJ library at 1177 North Idaho Road, Apache Junction.

Star Wars Day - May the 4th Be With You!

On May 4th, the Apache Junction Public Library hosted Star Wars Day - May the 4th Be With You. Visitors of all ages could enjoy Yoda soda, create lightsabers, make Yoda origami, craft Yoda ears and Princess Leia headbands, and more. The highlight of the day was definitely visits from the 501st Dune Sea Garrison and the Mandalorian Mercs, who took time out of a very busy day to sign autographs and spend time with our patrons.

Check out a slideshow below of photos from the day. This was lots of fun and we can't wait to do it again!

Some Tiny Visitors at AJPL Today

Today we had some small visitors: baby quail!

Artwork Now on Display at AJPL

The library is proud to be able to host the work of various local artists. Artwork is on display in the library's cafe and North Wing.

Family Picnic and Stuffed Pet Show Extravaganza

Join us Thursday, April 11th at 11:30 for a
Family Picnic and Stuffed Pet Show Extravaganza!

Located in the Family Courtyard, this low-key event requires no registration.

Bring a sack lunch and stuffed pet, and enjoy lemonade and dessert provided by the library.

Hope to see you here!

May the 4th Be With You - Star Wars Celebration

Join us on Saturday, May 4th, 2013 from 1:30 - 4:30 for a celebration of all things Star Wars - with games, crafts, treats and no registration required! Feel free to come dressed up as your favorite Star Wars character.

Family Fun Game Day

Tomorrow from 10:30 - 12:30 join us for a Family Fun Game Day! This event is for the whole family - we'll have games and snacks.

Congressman Paul Gosar Staff Visits

Congressman Paul Gosar staff will be here at the library on the following dates from 3-6 PM to connect with local constituents:

March 19
April 16
May 21
June 18
July 16

Feel free to stop in and chat.

Questions? Call (480) 474-8555.

eReader Users Group

If you have an eReader and have questions about how to use it or about the Greater Phoenix Digital Library, look no further than the Apache Junction Public Library. Stop in on Thursdays at 3pm for our eReader Users Group. All devices and experience levels are welcome.

Stuffed Animal Sleepover 2013

Boy, the stuffed animals who took part in this year's Stuffed Animal Sleepover really got up to some funny antics! Watch the video below to see what they got up to.

Register to Vote at Apache Junction Public Library

Proposition 100 concerning Home Rule will appear on the March 12, 2013 election ballot. For more information on the facts about Home Rule, check out the official City of Apache Junction website. We have voter registration forms and information here at the library - the deadline to register to vote in this election is February 11, 2013.

Author Visits Today at 2pm

At 2pm today, come visit with local authors Walt Christophersen and J.L. Nebel in the Mountain View Room. We will continue our author visits in February as well - including a visit from J.A. Jance on the 9th!

Stuffed Animal Sleepover at the Library in February

We will be hosting our second Stuffed Animal Sleepover on Friday, February 8th at 4pm! Kids can listen to a storytime and then drop off their stuffed animal to spend the night in the library. Pick up animals anytime Saturday, February 9th. Check out the video below to see the mischief that last year's stuffed animals got up to! (To register for this year's event call 480-474-8555.)

Library Closure for Martin Luther King Jr. Day

The library will be closed this Saturday, January 19th through Monday, January 21st in recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. We will reopen at 9am on Tuesday, January 22nd.

Calling All Local Authors and Readers

On Saturdays in January and February (as well as March 2nd), we will be hosting author visits in the Mountain View Room at the library. Stop by and meet local authors, or call the library for more information on how to become a visiting author at (480) 474-8563.