One of Pima County Public Library’s (PCPL) oldest branches, Himmel Park Library, at 1035 N. Treat Ave., will undergo renovations from April 29 to July 30.

The library will remain open during regular hours throughout the project, which involves installing four new public computers and additional checkout stations, adding more comfortable seating in the quiet area and the children’s area, and installing a new customer service desk. In addition, upgrades will be completed to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and staff workspace in the rear of the building will be reconfigured to improve efficiency and security.

During the renovation work, the library’s large meeting room will not be available to the public. Organizations interested in reserving meeting space may contact other library locations which offer  meeting rooms to the public free of charge. Please call PCPL’s Infoline at 791-4010 for more information.

Summer Reading programs will be held at Himmel Park Library beginning in late May. For a list of current events, patrons are encouraged to check the PCPL online calendar at www.library.pima.gov or pick up a copy of the Himmel Park Library monthly newsletter.

Himmel Park Library opened in 1961 and was the first library branch in the city of Tucson.

About Pima County Public Library

The Pima County Public Library (PCPL), which is headquartered in Tucson, Arizona, enriches lives and builds community through opportunities to learn, know, interact and grow. With 27 public libraries serving Tucson and the surrounding communities of Arivaca, Green Valley, Sahuarita, South Tucson, Ajo, Marana, Oro Valley and Catalina, PCPL provides a wide range of free services that contribute to the economic development of the community. For more information, visit www.library.pima.gov.

Looking for ways to get creative, try something new or find “cool” activities to keep busy during the hot summer days? From May 24 to July 21, the Pima County Public Library (PCPL) annual summer reading program has something for everyone. The statewide theme for this year’s program – “Our State, Our Story: Celebrating 100 Years of Arizona“ – honors Arizona’s centennial and is woven throughout many of the programs, workshops and events that will be offered throughout the summer.

PCPL is excited about the new focus of this year’s program: reading for pleasure, instilling a love of reading for all ages and encouraging people to participate in activities that they get to choose. Adults can explore and experiment with native plants, learn about being a better photographer, or paint a desert landscape. Teens can create their own anime superhero when they’re not busy getting fit with Cardio Kung Fu. Families and children can discover the art of juggling, enjoy storytimes and learn how to build and launch a rocket.

Starting May 24, here’s how you can participate:

• Visit any Pima County Public Library to sign up and receive your Summer Reading Passport, Arizona Adventure Pass and summer events calendar newspaper.
• Decide what your personal reading goal will be, and write it in your passport.
• Take a look at our list of 100 activities inside the summer events calendar or at www.library.pima.gov. Choose any six activities from the list.
• Log the completed activities in your passport all summer long.
• Get your passport stamped at your library as you complete your reading goal and activities.

Summer Program Special Events

Teens Unite & Write – Teens ages 13-18 are invited to collaborate in writing an online story that will be posted on the library’s website as it unfolds. A local author writes the first part; teen writers create what happens next!

Summer Reading Night – Saturday, June 23, 6–10 p.m., Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Free for readers 2 -14 with their Adventure Pass and one paid adult admission. Come hear the tales of coyotes, cats, beavers, bats, owls, tarantulas and other nocturnal creatures!

Harry and the Potters – Thursday, July 19, 5 p.m., Hotel Congress. Free for all ages. Wizard rockers Harry and the Potters return for a night of magic and book-ish hard rock!

Summer Reading Finale Celebration – Saturday, July 21, 8–11 a.m., Reid Park Zoo. Free for readers ages 2-14 who complete their six activities. Say “hi” to the animals, make crafts and celebrate reading!

Rock ‘n’ Roll Concert – Saturday, July 21, 8–10 p.m., Joel D. Valdez Main Library. Free for all ages. Join us for a truly rockin’ concert featuring three local teen bands!