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Library reports steady program turnout and says reading garden design is nearly complete

Apache Junction Public Library Board · January 16, 2026

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Summary

Apache Junction library reported strong program participation, a newly wrapped mobile library, a west-side book drop nearing installation, and said the long-planned reading garden is close to final design with permitting and a job order contract expected to speed construction.

Pam Harrison, the library director, told the board on Jan. 15 that program attendance dipped with the season but that outreach and program numbers remain strong. "Our program numbers are still really, really strong," she said, citing about 1,400 outreach contacts in October and November and lower attendance in December as expected for the season.

Harrison highlighted recent programs including BiblioBytes (staff plan to shift toward demonstrations to welcome more participants), Culinary Kids (about 32 attendees), and a longtime "Countdown to Noon" event that drew about 50 children. She also said the mobile library has a new vehicle wrap and that staff decorated it for the city's Christmas light parade, which increased community awareness.

On facilities, Harrison said the reading garden project is nearly through design and staff met with the contractor; she said the team is pursuing permitting and a Job Order Contract (JOC) that could allow construction to proceed more quickly. "They're pretty sure that we can get it done in 3 months," Harrison said, and staff are hoping work could begin in late February or very early March if administrative steps fall into place.

Harrison also reported the west-side book drop cover arrived this week and expected installation within one to two weeks, and noted the Friends of the Library plan a book sale in the Oval Room immediately before the Lost Dutchman Days weekend (the meeting record discusses the sale as occurring on the Thursday and Friday before that event). Board members asked about staffing, outreach partnerships (including a regional volunteer substitute-teacher model and read-to-shelter opportunities), and whether the library should take on adult literacy programs; members generally recommended exploring partnerships and assessing community need rather than launching a sustained new program without clear local demand.

The board requested continued updates on the garden project and suggested planning a community opening once construction completes.