Mary Ann Waldron
Just 10 miles from SaddleBrooke Ranch is the oldest library in Pinal County—the Oracle Public Library at 565 E. American Ave.—which was founded in 1903 as a reading room. Today it is a full service community resource with a community bulletin board, fax and copy service, free use of desktop computers, and free wi-fi. It opens Monday through Saturday at 9 a.m. In addition to the desktop computers are two computers reserved for children with age appropriate content.
Nestled among its thousands of books are 76 Agatha Christie mysteries, more than 350 large print books, as well as audio books and DVDs. And in case you’re fond of cheesecake there’s even a book with more than 300 cheesecake recipes! For times when your grandchildren visit, there are two child computers and nearly 2,000 young children’s books to amuse them. Patrons can request books online to be transferred from other Pinal libraries if not on the shelves in Oracle. About 50 books weekly are sent from Oracle to the other libraries in the district.
The 2,000-square-foot building boasts a comprehensive Southwest collection and an archaeological archive. Twice yearly it hosts a book sale. The next sale is on Saturday, Oct. 24 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.—what a great opportunity to add to your own collection from the thousands of books, large print books, CDs, DVDs, audio books, paperbacks, and hardbacks that will be available and all sorted by genre to facilitate your choosing.
The library is serviced entirely by volunteers. If you have interest in sharing some of your time and talent with the library, please stop by to learn more about how you can participate.
It’s well worth a visit.