Apache Junction Public Library - Frequently Asked Questions

LIBRARY SERVICES

Question: What type of computer classes do you have?
Answer: Computer classes offered include: Basic Internet I & II, Microsoft Word, Basic E-mail, Library Catalog and Library Databases. Click here for more information on our computer classes.

Question: Do your computers have Internet access?
Answer: Yes. Internet access is available to Pinal County residents for one hour per day. Out of county patrons will need to purchase a computer use only card in order to access the Internet at the library.

Question: Does the Library have a photocopy machine? Cost?
Answer: The self-service photocopy machine is available for use. Black and white copies are 10 cents for 8 ½ by 11 sheets and 15 cents for 11 by 17 sheets. The machine has enlarging and reducing capability. $1.00 for color 8 1/2 x 11 sheets and $1.50 for 11x17 sheets.

Question: Are there library services for the blind and low vision users?
Answer: Large print books, descriptive videos and audio books are available.

Question: Are there library services for deaf users?
Answer: A TDY is located at the service desk for use by patrons and library staff.

Question: Do you have genealogy/family history materials at the Library?
Answer: We have limited materials and two online databases on genealogy.

Question: Does the Library have any computers or typewriters for public use?
Answer: There are computers available to the public in the Mt. View Room, Laptop Room and the Quiet Computer Room. A typewriter is available in the North Wing.

Question: What do I need to do to use a computer?

Answer: You need an Apache Junction Library card. Please apply at the service desk. If you are a visitor, see below.

Question: I am a visitor and need Internet access. How can I get a card?

Answer: Temporary computer user cards are available for short term visitors. They are valid for one week from the date of issue. Please bring your identification and $1 to the Service Desk to get a card.

Question: I need to study. Are there any quiet study areas in the Library?
Answer: The library has private study rooms available on a first come, first serve basis.

Question: What kind of Library information can I access from home?
Answer: Databases and internet links can be accessed using your home computer.

Question: Does the Library have a Lost and Found?
Answer: Yes. Please contact a staff member at the Service Desk for lost and found items.

Question: Does the library have a meeting room available?
Answer: Library meeting rooms are available on a very limited basis to other city departments, government agencies, and public educational institutions for a fee. Requests should be made no later than 10 days prior to the requested time. Signed responsibility forms should be completed and returned to the Library one week before the meeting.

Question: Can you page someone in the library?
Answer:The Library does not have a paging system but will make an attempt to contact a customer in the event of a medical or life-threatening emergency. Please call 480-474-8555 or ask staff member for assistance.

Question: Do you have tax forms?
Answer: Click here for more information.

LIBRARY MATERIALS

Question: What do I need to get a Library Card?
Answer: A picture I.D. and proof of mailing and residential addresses (postmarked mail, utility bill, voter's registration card, or printed checks) for applicants age 14 and older currently residing in Pinal County. Parents or guardians may apply for cards for children age 13 and under. Library cards are available to out of county patrons for a $40 annual fee.

Question: Is there a residency requirement to get a card?

Answer: Cards are free to residents of Pinal County and those who work within the City of Apache Junction or attend school within the Apache Junction Unified School District . There is an annual fee for those not meeting this requirement. Please inquire at the Service Desk.

Question: How many items may I check out?
Answer: You may check out 3 items the first time, after that you may have up to 15 items.

Question: What is the replacement fee for lost or damaged materials?
Answer: If you lose or damage an item borrowed from the Library, please contact the Library at 480-474-8555. Staff will tell you what the replacement fee for the item is and let you know what to do next.

Question: I have overdue materials. How much do I owe?
Answer: Books and audiocassettes are 10 cents per day, per item. Seven day reference items, games, DVD's, videos and backpack late fees are $1.00 per day.

Question: Can I reserve library materials?
Answer: You can reserve any library materials excluding games, entertainment DVD's and videos.

Question: Do you have best sellers at the Library?
Answer: Current and recent best sellers are located on displays near the service desk.

Question: How do I borrow a book not owned by the Apache Junction Public Library, but owned by another Library?
Answer: Materials not owned by the Apache Junction Public Library may be borrowed from other libraries. A staff member at the Service Desk can fill out an interlibrary loan request.

Question: Can I donate a book?
Answer: The Library gratefully accepts donations of books, magazines, journals, DVDs, and music CDs. Library staff will review the materials for possible inclusion in the various Library collections. Those materials not incorporated into the Library collections are sold at the Friends of the Library Sales Desk. The money raised by the Friends of the Library Sales Desk supports the annual Summer Reading Program, Fall and Spring Youth Programming, and new Library equipment. The Library also accepts funds for memorials. The memorial funds should be given to the Library Director. The family will receive an acknowledgement.

Question: How do I renew a book online?
Answer: To renew a book online, go to the AJPL online catalog. Click on the My Account Tab at the top of the page. Enter your library card barcode number (without any spaces) as your User ID and the last four digits of your phone number as your PIN and then click on Login. Click on Items Out. This will bring up a list of all of the items you currently have checked out. Click on the box beside each item that you want to renew. When you have all of the items selected Click on the Renew button.

Question: How do I place a hold on a book?
Answer: To place a hold use the AJPL online catalog to find the book you want. Click on the Place Hold button. Enter your library card barcode number (without any spaces) as your User ID and the last four digits of your phone number as your PIN and then click on the Login button. This will bring up a page that shows the title of the book and your place on the wait list. Click on the Request button to place the hold. If you have other items that you wish to place on hold, click on the Return to Searching button. If you are done placing holds, click on the Logout and Return button.

PROGRAMS FOR ALL AGES

Question: Are there any programs I can bring my children to?
Answer: The library offers several programs for children from birth through 6th grade. All programs for children are free and are made possible by the Library's Friends of the Library group.

Babytime - Every Thursday at 9:30-9:50a.m. This program includes adults and children between the ages of Birth to 24 months.

Toddler Storytime- Thursdays 10:15-10:45 a.m. For children ages 2-3 accompanied by an adult. This program includes stories, fingerplays, music, and movement. Call the Library at 480-474-8555 for dates.

Preschool Storytime - Thursdays 11:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. For children ages 4 - 5. Children will experience stories, fingerplays, music, and movement, and an art project. Call the Library at 480-474-8555 for dates.

Play & Learn- Parent/Child Workshop for parents/caregivers and children, ages 1-3. Spend time with your child. Play together, create a craft, and meet new people in an educational and creative environment. Community resource professionals will be on hand to discuss library services, child development, speech and language, child nutrition, and physical fitness. Call the Library at 480-474-8555 for time and dates.

Summer Reading Program - Is offered each summer for children from birth to 18 years. This incentive program includes earning prizes. Call the Library at 480-474-8555 for dates.

Please call the Library at 480-474-8555 for information.

Question: Do you offer adult programs?
Answer: Yes, we have a monthly calendar on which they are listed, located at the Service Desk.

Question: Do you offer teen programs?
Answer: The Teen Advisory Board (TAB) meets once a month and advises the librarian about teen issues, recommends materials for purchase, and puts together programs for teens and children. A person must be at least 12 years old and be entering the 7th grade or above to join TAB. TAB membership is through invitation. For more information call the library at 480-474-8555.

Teen programs include:

Teen Game Nights- Free program where teens play the latest games like, Rock Band and Wii. We also throw in the ever popular board games like Taboo. Check out the website or call the library for dates and times of these events. Call the Libray at 480-474-8555 for dates.

Teen Chat Cafe's- Free program where teens can get together and have a good time coordinated by the Teen Advisory Board. Call the Library at 480-474-8555 for dates.

Teen Summer Reading Program - A reading incentive program co-sponsored by Harkins Theatres. Teens read to earn movie related prizes. Call the Library at 480-474-8555 for dates.

Programs offered for teens are free and made possible by the Library's Friends of the Library.

WORKING AT THE LIBRARY

Question: How do I volunteer at the Library?
Answer: Fill out a volunteer application. The application is then reviewed and passed on to the person who can best utilize your talents. Download the application here.

Question: How can I get a job at the Library?
Answer: Please visit the City of Apache Junction's Human Resources dept to check current job postings or call the job hotline at 480-671-5100.

E-MAIL REFERENCE - Patron Information

Question: What types of questions can be asked by e-mail reference?
Answer: You may ask questions you would normally ask our Service Desk. Questions submitted should be specific, short, factual questions. Interpretations of information will not be given. Generally, answers will be referrals to appropriate Internet sites or will direct you to resources available within the Library.

The Library does not create or check lists (e.g. bibliographies), or answer questions about medical or legal advice, citations, forms, statistics, or class assignments. Questions which require intensive research or extensive answers cannot be answered using electronic reference service. E-mail reference provides neither research nor document delivery.

Question: Is there a limit to the number of questions that can be asked?
Answer: The number of questions answered will only be limited by the availability of Library staff.

Question: Who may use this service?
Answer: We are happy to serve the Apache Junction area. If you reside elsewhere, please contact your local library for assistance.

Reference assistance to customers outside of the Apache Junction area is limited to local information.

Question: How long will it take before I receive an answer?
Answer : It may take up to three working days for you to receive a response to your questions or to receive a date by which you can expect an answer. It may take longer over holidays or for obituary searches.

Question: Does the Library do obituary searches?
Answer: We are willing to search for obituaries in the local Apache Junction Newspapers. Newspaper holdings are available from 1960 to present.

Chances of success are much greater if you provide a date of death (at least the month and year) and the first and last name of the deceased. Please be as specific and complete as possible. Due to high demand for this service, a response to an obituary request may take up to one week.