Spencer Paden, the long-time director of the Apache Junction Public Library, retired on March 26 after 33 years with the City of Apache Junction.

Mr. Paden oversaw the creation of the library, from a small space to a stand-alone building where a grocery store now stands to building that has evolved over 15 years, according to a release.

On Nov. 10, 2016 he gave a tour of the library, 1177 N. Idaho Road, to members of the public and the library board of directors, including: entering the castle at the Apache Junction Public Library; more on the castle; the library has a dragon, dragon's cave and dragon's egg, as Library Director Paden explains; the library has a multimedia room, as Library Director Paden explains; a mysterious entrance/exit in one room housing mysteries (the big reveal is at 1:15); and Apache Junction Public Library board members and Library Director Paden further tour the facility. (Videos by Richard H. Dyer, Independent Newsmedia.)

“Spencer has taken us from humble beginnings to a respected library during his storied career,” Apache Junction Mayor Jeff Serdy said in the release. “He started with a handful of books to a facility that includes state-of-the-art multi-media, superior programs and an excellent staff.”

Mr. Paden led the library from the modulars at the young City Hall to a classic brick building that became part of a land swap for the new Fry’s supermarket.

Mr. Paden was hired in 1986 and became library director in 2010. He was instrumental in the expansion and renovations of 2008 and again in 2017 when the North Wing Program room was added. He also brought various technologies to the library, the release states.

In 2005, the city built the current library, which has since expanded and renovated.

Mr. Paden loves to travel and plans to head out again after the virus outbreak subsides, the release states.