September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month, and libraries across Maricopa County are celebrating by showcasing the ways its communities have been using local libraries.

Valleywide, more than one million people have a library card and have borrowed 27.2 million physical and digital items over the last fiscal year from the 65 libraries across the county. Residents of Maricopa County can get a library card at any of the systems in the county, according to release.

Among them, Mesa Public Library’s usage statistics paint a picture of a library system providing resources to residents:

• 1.6 million — number of times physical items, like books or DVDs, were borrowed.
• 924,000 — number of times digital items, like eBooks or audiobooks, were borrowed.
• 106,000 — number of library cardholders
• 645,000 — number of visits to a library
• 48,000 — number who attended events and programs.

“National Library Card Sign-Up Month is a time to celebrate the vital role libraries play in our communities,” said Polly Bonnett, director of Mesa Public Library. “Libraries are vibrant hubs of learning, creativity and connection. They enrich our lives and provide a world of opportunities. I encourage every resident to get a library card and explore the wealth of resources available at the exceptional libraries serving our county.”

At Mesa Public Libraries, residents can find shelves packed with books and movies, plus an extensive digital collection of eBooks, audiobooks, and streaming music, movies and TV shows, all accessible from personal devices. MPL also offers diverse programs for all ages, language learning resources, and support for businesses, job seekers, and entrepreneurs. Cardholders can access WiFi, computers, printers and other technology like 3D printers in the THINKspot makerspaces. There are also nontraditional items to check out like tickets to local arts institutions, seeds for gardens, sports equipment, citizen science kits and more, it states in the release.

Mesa Public Library has three full-service branches:

• Main Library, 64 E. First St.
• Dobson Ranch Library, 2425 S. Dobson Road
• Red Mountain Library, 635 N. Power Road

The newest Mesa Public Library branch is a small express location, the Mesa Express Library at Monterey Park, 7045 E. Monterey Ave., which offers a collection of popular books and various self-service options.

To sign up for a Mesa Public Library card or to learn more about the library’s resources and programs, go to www.mesalibrary.org.