Library Board of Trustees Annual Report 25-26FINAL.pdf

City of Apache Junction — Regular Meeting (2026-07-07)

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LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
JUNE 1, 2025 - MAY 31, 2026
ANNUAL
REPORT
Growing Access,
Cultivating Community

LIBRARY
DIRECTOR
L E T T E R  F R O M  T H E
L i b r a r y  D i r e c t o r
This year was one of vision, planning, and laying
the foundation for the future of our library
system and our city. From completing the
design, and soon the construction, of our
Library Garden, to taking the first exciting steps
in the design process for a future branch library,
this year has represented the kind of growth
and opportunity library leaders dream of for the
people they serve. These projects reflect a
shared vision for creating spaces where people
can gather, connect, read, and grow together.
Although much of this work is just beginning, its
impact will be lasting and far-reaching. I am
deeply grateful to the City of Apache Junction
for recognizing the vital role libraries play in
enriching community life, fostering lifelong
learning, and creating meaningful public
spaces.

GROWING
A DREAM
What began as a dream to create an outdoor reading and
gathering space for the community is now becoming a
reality. Inspired by the Library’s Seed Library program, the
Library Garden will bring learning to life through hands-on
demonstrations in desert-friendly gardening, seed saving,
water-wise landscaping, and sustainable growing
practices.
This year marked a major milestone as the project moved
from concept and planning into design completion and
construction. Once finished, the nearly 20,000-square-foot
garden will feature shaded seating areas, walking paths,
reading spaces, native landscaping, a greenhouse, seed
storage shed, and amphitheater for programs and
community events.
The Library Garden reflects the City’s continued
investment in meaningful public spaces that enrich quality
of life and create opportunities for connection, discovery,
and lifelong learning for all ages.
Comfortable reading
nooks and gathering
spaces for all ages
Hands-on learning and
demonstrations in sustainable
gardening and seed saving
Welcoming spaces to meet,
share ideas, and build
community
Native plants and water-wise
design that nurture our
environment
Rooted in our community.
Growing for generations to come.
READ
LEARN
CONNECT
RELAX
Peaceful places to unwind,
reflect, and enjoy nature
GROW

GARDEN
CONSTRUCTION 
“If you have a garden and a library, 
you have everything you need.”
Cicero
-

LOOKING AHEAD
THE FUTURE
OF OUR LIBRARY
More Space
for Learning
More Resources
for All
More Opportunities
to Connect
More Access
for Our Future
As Apache Junction continues to grow, the Library
is taking important first steps toward expanding
library services to meet the evolving needs of our
community. This year, work began on the early
planning and programming process for a future
branch library that will extend access to library
resources, technology, gathering spaces, and
lifelong learning opportunities for residents across
the city.
The planning process represents an exciting
investment in the future of library services in
Apache Junction. Initial discussions and
programming concepts are focused on creating a
flexible, welcoming community space designed to
support learning, connection, creativity, and
access for all ages.

ADULT
PROGRAMS
Adult programs enhance quality of life by
offering experiences that inspire participation
and personal growth. From educational
workshops to creative activities, the library
provides welcoming opportunities for adults
to engage and discover new interests.
Chess Tournament
Chess Tournament
Paint & Punch
Paint & Punch
Book Crafts
Book Crafts
Fun Van by First Things First 
Fun Van by First Things First 
Flute Festival
Flute Festival
Seed  Up Meet Up
Seed  Up Meet Up
Biblio Bites
Biblio Bites

TEEN
PROGRAMS
LibraryCON teen volunteers
TAB VFW volunteering
Teen programs provide a welcoming
space for creativity, self-expression,
and creating friendships. Through
gaming, art, workshops, and social
activities, teens have opportunities
to try new things and make the
library a place of their own.
Teen Camping
Event
Teen Advisory Board
Teen New Year’s Event
Teen Green Event

Biblio Bites Kids
Every child
has a story.
We’re here to
help them write it.
PROGRAMS
Kids programs fill the library with imagination,
discovery, and hands-on fun. From storytimes and
crafts to interactive learning activities and family
events, children explore new ideas, build
confidence, and create lasting memories at the
library.
Play.
Learn.
Grow.
Santa Stories
Storytime
Resolution Copper 
Morsel Mining
Preschool Egg Hunt
Color Scavenger Hunt
Culinary Kids

Programs and resources that
support our seniors
HOMEBOUND SERVICES
AJPL
APACHE JUNCTION
PUBLIC LIBRARY
MOBILE LIBRARY
AJPL
Pop-up libraries, storytimes, and
fun for all ages
SENIOR SERVICES
OUTREACH
PROGRAMS
We bring the Library to you—meeting
our community where they are.
MOBILE LIBRARY
Books, resources, and smiles on
the go
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Delivering books and connection to
those who can’t visit us
Taking the Library beyond our walls.
SUPERSTITION VISTAS/RADIANCE
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB
STORYTIME AT RADIANCE
THE LEARNING CENTER

CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION PUBLIC LIBRARY 
Fiscal Year: 2025-2026 
STATEMENT OF PROPERTY 
Location: 
1177 North Idaho Road
Apache Junction, AZ 85119
The building resides on the
Apache Junction Municipal
Government 20-acre complex. 
Legal Description: 
W 1/2 SW 1/4 of Section 16
Township 1 North Range 8 East
Gila and Salt River Base and
Meridian, Pinal County,
Arizona. 
Money: 
Received, where derived, how 
used and expended. See the attached
financial statement.