Have you been to the library lately? The teachers and staff here at Liberty have been focused lately on the importance of preparing for AIMS testing as well as honing students’ skills in math and reading. This can extend to non-school hours, too! Local libraries are a great resource for parents and students in both regards.

According to a new study from the Pew Research Internet Project, 30% of Americans aged 16 and older often go to the public library and nearly 40% go to the library on a regular basis.

The study goes on to say that those who go the library most often tend to be more active in their community, know their neighbors and participate in cultural activities. Frequent library visits are also associated with key life changes such as job hunting, having a child and researching for a school project.

At the opposite end, about 4% of Americans are disconnected not only from libraries, but from their neighbors and communities, technology and other information sources. They don’t read books on a regular basis or stay current with the news. While about a third of people in this group say a library’s closing would have a major impact on their community, one-quarter say it would have no impact at all.

In the metro Phoenix area, you’re never too far from a library. Even if you are a frequent library-goer (and pat yourself on the back if you are!), there might be some different collections or attractions in other libraries around town that might surprise you. If it’s been a while since you’ve gone to the library, here’s some quick information:

Phoenix Public Library

• Burton Barr Central Library, 1221 N. Central Ave., south of McDowell Road; this library has the largest collection of books, DVDs, CDs and other materials in the Phoenix Public Library system
• Acacia Library, 750 E. Townley Ave., east of 7th Street and south of Dunlap Avenue
• Agave Library, 23550 N. 36th Ave., north of Pinnacle Peak Road
• Century Library, 1750 E. Highland Ave., east of State Route 51 and south of Camelback Road
• Cesar Chavez Library, 3635 W. Baseline Road, west of 35th Avenue next to Cesar Chavez Park; the winglike roof is a reminder of the historical importance of the flowering fields in nearby Laveen.
• Cholla Library, 10050 Metro Parkway E., south of Peoria Avenue and west of I-17; a yellow brick road in the lobby directs customers to self-check stations and the Customer Service Desk.
• Desert Broom Library, 29710 N. Cave Creek Road, south of Tatum Blvd. Conceptually borrowing from the symbiotic relationship between a young Saguaro and a nurse tree, the building’s large roof creates a nurturing microclimate for growth, providing shelter and protection from the weather.
• Desert Sage Library, 7602 W. Encanto Blvd., west of 75th Avenue and south of the Desert Sky Mall. This library offers special collections of large print and Spanish-language materials.
• Harmon Library, 1325 S. 5th Ave., south of Buckeye Road. Taking inspiration from the play of light and color in a kaleidoscope, Harmon Library shines throughout the day as sunlight ranges across the colored glass in numerous skylights and gunslot windows.
• Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd., west of 44th Street. This library has a collection of Mexican folk art, pieces of which are frequently on display.
• Juniper Library, 1825 W. Union Hills Drive, east of 19th Avenue. This library’s collection includes Spanish-language and large-type materials.
• Mesquite Library, 4525 E. Paradise Village Parkway N., on the south side of Paradise Village Parkway north of the
• Paradise Valley mall and west of Tatum Boulevard.
• Ocotillo Library & Workforce Literacy Center, 102 W. Southern Ave., west of Central Avenue. The library’s Workforce Literacy Center assists job seekers by offering classes in résumé writing, interviewing skills and computer use.  It also offers PhoenixWorks – a collection of materials to support workforce needs including résumé writing, occupational testing, language learning and computer skills.
• Palo Verde Library, 4402 N. 51st Ave., north of Indian School Road. Sharing the Maryvale Community Complex with the Maryvale Community Center and Maryvale Pool, Palo Verde Library is helping west Phoenix residents engage in a “mind/body dialogue.”
• Saguaro Library, 2808 N. 46th St., south of Thomas Road. The library’s collection includes Spanish-language materials and English as a Second Language audiotapes as well as a variety of newspapers and magazines, books, DVDs and CDs.
• South Mountain Community Library, 7050 S. 24th St., on the campus of South Mountain Community College on 24th Street north of Baseline Road. Features a children’s story room, group study rooms, quiet study area, a teen space, public access computers, Wi-Fi, patio spaces and a collection of DVDs, CDs, books, newspapers and magazines.
• Yucca Library, 5648 N. 15th Ave., south of Montebello Avenue (south of Spectrum Mall). This library’s collection includes Spanish-language and English as a Second Language materials, as well as a variety of newspapers and magazines, books, DVDs and CDs.