The Oro Valley Library has gained increasing prominence over the years as a vital resource to the local community. The library provides engaging services to visitors of all age groups, from toddlers to seniors, whether for programming or utilizing state-of-the-art facilities which now span 25,000 square feet. Moreover, Oro Valley Library remains constantly up-to-date on modern technology, thanks to a specialized technical librarian and a computer classroom available to the public.
The Oro Valley Library has been an integral part of the community since its construction in 2002. In the past decade since then, it has grown to be one of the most beloved facilities in the region, offering programs and services to people from all age groups – from toddlers to seniors. Mayor Satish Hiremath, who was personally involved in the establishment of the library’s children’s room, commented on its importance in the lives of the residents of Oro Valley.
Technology at the Library
The Oro Valley Library has become a cultural center of the community, despite the absence of a true community center. The library has expanded from 15,000 square feet to 25,000 square feet making it more accommodating for patrons. Since its doors opened in July 2002, the library has continuously improved both its facilities and technology, such as smart boards and surround sounds. The library’s Technology Librarian, Catherine Strong, ensures that all staff members stay up to date with the latest technology by offering them two computer classes a month. The library management puts great effort into providing customers with the best services possible.
Public Use Computers
The library is proud to showcase public-use computers, which include Internet-access desktop computers, catalog-only desktop computers, and library laptops. Additionally, a special computer classroom has recently been updated due to a generous donation and includes 10 computers, wireless keyboards,s, and mice, as well as special artwork. This designated space is reserved for computer classes only and is open to all members of the community to participate in lecture-based learning classes and hands-on training on various computer topics.
Mary Kim Dodson: A True Asset to the Community
Mary Kim Dodson, the Adult Services Librarian at Oro Valley Library, is a true asset to the community. She is in charge of organizing the rotation of artwork every six weeks, which not only allows artists the opportunity to showcase their work to the public but can also result in sales.
Teen Advisory Board (TAB)
The Oro Valley Library is proud to have a Teen Zone that was designed and created with the help of its Teen Advisory Board. This room includes amenities such as flat-screen televisions, beanbags for lounging, a snack machine,ine and gaming systems. The Friends of Oro Valley were generous enough to purchase this room in 2005 and allowed the TAB members to take part in the process of designing it. The TAB members can be seen meeting monthly on the third Saturday of every month, planning activities, hanging out in the library, and being active in the community.
Volunteer Opportunities at the Oro Valley Public Library
The Oro Valley Public Library is a place of many hidden charms. With its nooks and crannies dedicated to reading, rotating from the Oro Valley Historical Society, and art displays throughout, it’s an ideal place for many to study and relax. It is also kept quiet due to the friendly library staff. But the charm of this library goes beyond its walls; it is sustained by the hundreds of volunteers who dedicate their time each week to help shelve books and run the Friends of the Oro Valley Public Library Book Shoppe.
Established in 2001, the Friends of the Library is a non-profit organization that works to promote the library’s value in the community and to raise money for its general budget. With their two book stores, one within the library and the other located at Book Shoppe Too, they consistently raise anywhere from $3,500 to $4,000 per month. Through their dedicated fundraising efforts, they have been able to raise upwards of $100,000 annually and are now looking to expand their stores with more class Western literature, as well as collectible books.
Joanna Dumis, manager of the Book Shoppe, proudly stated that volunteers are integral in their success and participate in a variety of activities such as sorting, pricing books, making signs and displays, and assisting with volunteer training. She went on to add that everyone involved feels a sense of accomplishment from their efforts being part of an organization that truly serves the community.
Great Literature of All Times Club
The Oro Valley Library offers a variety of popular programs that draw enthusiastic crowds each month. Dr. Bill Fry leads the Great Literature of All Times Club, which meets on the third Thursday of every month and explores great works of literature. Attendees at this forum have been known to leave with a newfound appreciation for authors they were previously unfamiliar with. Furthermore, former executive Beth Cole hosts a Job Search and Career Building Help program on Fridays, where job seekers can receive guidance on how to access library and online resources related to employment. For those needing help with schoolwork, retired teachers Bev and Dan Dutz are available every Tuesday and Thursday night for assistance in various subjects.
Most notably, however, the Oro Valley Library hosts Storytime four times a week, where children gather for some of the most attended events in town. To find out more about these and other events, please visit orovalleyaz.gov for the weekly schedule.
The Oro Valley Library has provided educational opportunities as well as amenities geared towards improving quality of life. From its beginning in 2002, the library grew from a 15,000 square feet facility to 25,000 square feet and is now able to provide patrons with up-to-date technology such as smart boards and surround sound systems. Its popular 41 public computer units and recently updated special computer classroom give members of the community access to hands-on learning experiences that they otherwise wouldn’t have had at their disposaThethe Oro Valley Library has transformed to become a warm educational hub of culture and knowledge for the residents of Oro Valley.
