Scottsdale Public Library

Intro Library Tour, A-Z for FREE!

Saddle up, Loan Rangers, for a gallop through Scottsdale Public Library. Let’s go ‘Hi-Yo Silver Away’ to four (4) horse-named libraries for a tour.  Here’s a quick Locations Table from North to South, to point you on your way.

Library and Horsey Art Barn

First, let’s talk about horse trading at the library.  OK, there isn’t any, but what’s with the horse shhh . . . stuff here? The horse-themed libraries honor the noble beast’s heritage in Scottsdale’s Western past and present.  Branches are adorned with the city’s collection of equine art works. You can’t miss them, corralled among the stacks and tech stations to serve patrons.

Let’s race off to the library!

Next, what’s so special about Scottsdale’s libraries? With a loyal posse of librarians and staff to guide us? Scottsdale’s library system is our gateway to knowledge and culture. They provide free resources and services to patrons. This spurs learning, creativity and pathways to achievement.  And that’s how our lives and communities are enriched. 

Again, here’s a table of our library facilities, from North to South. The four (4) horse libraries in Scottsdale are Appaloosa, Arabian, and Mustang — all branch locations. And, Pegasus, is a virtual library. It has 24/7/365 online access to books and media. Lastly, there’s the Civic Center branch Downtown.  Follow the links in the table to find your Scottsdale library hours.

Scottsdale’s libraries serve up a giant repository of books and other media. You can view or borrow, in physical and digital formats.

There are also four (4) Books2Go mini-libraries around town. And, three (3) book drop-off locations, in addition to those at the ‘real’ libraries. Appaloosa Library has a Pony Express self-service model.

Get a Library Card – Your Ticket to Ride

Here’s how to get your library card either online or in person. Then, access a world of info and entertainment. Let your senses guide you, or use other accessible services — keep scrolling down.

Your library card is free, including a visitor library card! You can also purchase a non-resident card — see Library Policies.

Fine-FREE Policy

Speaking of free, Scottsdale Public Library is fine-free! It’s one of the few places in Scottsdale where you can be a scofflaw and not have to pay — unless you damage or lose a book or other media.

Accessibility Services

Scottsdale Public Library offers Accessibility Services like large print books, books by mail and home delivery of books. They pledge to make their services, facilities and programs accessible to all patrons — read on for more freedom to access these riches of knowledge, entertainment and community!

Media at the Library Branches

Treat yourself to visiting Scottsdale’s libraries in person. You’ll find helpful staff and volunteers to guide your searches. They’ll also show you how to use state-of-the-art tech tools to help you check stuff out.

A wealth of hands-on books, magazines, newspapers, music CDs, movie DVDs and BlueRay discs are yours to peruse and borrow. Interlibrary loans allow you to borrow items Scottsdale’s libraries don’t have.

Scottsdale’s Huge Library of Digital Downloadables

In my book, Libby is the go-to app for downloading e-books and audiobooks. It also features eMagazines and Streaming Movies for all ages.

For Overdrive users, the app will be discontinued in early 2023. I don’t like change either, but I love my free e-books. Here’s how to use Libby — or you can hack around and cuss in the late hours trying to figure it out.

How about a handy table of apps and streaming services for downloading, viewing and streaming books, music, movies, newspapers and magazines?

Education, Research and Learning Resources – 2 Tables

The digital Learning and Research section of Scottsdale Public Library will make your head spin. Discover a new passion. Learn about things you never imagined. Expand your mind and horizons!

And you’ll only find them here, in smart collections. Learn a language. Take lots of classes. Find a new career path and get job help. Homework help is here too.

Do you have a ken to know your kin? Several resources are here to learn about your roots. Improve your health and wellness. Take up a new craft. Learn DIY projects, or how to write a book.

Consumer help is here too — biz and money tool kits, law and government info. History, cars, transport and so much more are here for you! Check out the tables of possibilities.

More Resources at your Scottsdale Library

There are endless resources for learning and connecting at our libraries!

Scottsdale’s History and Community Historian-Author, Joan Fudala

The West’s Most Western Town’s roots can be found online via the Scottsdale Heritage Collection and in-person at the Scottsdale Connection Room at the Civic Center Library Downtown.

If you’re looking to learn about the history of Scottsdale, our resident historian and author, Joan Fudala’s your go-to gal. Watch her informative videos on YouTube, where she appears to spend a lot of time in the stacks at Civic Center Library.

How to Support Scottsdale Public Libraries

Scottsdale Public Library Events – Virtual and Live – for all Ages

Scottsdale’s Libraries host a robust series of events, both virtual and in-person at the branches, for adults, youths and teens. Check out the quarterly schedule at Scottsdale Reads and in their email newsletter. You can even host your own event!

Mrs. Anne McCormick’s — of McCormick Ranch fame and Arabian horse lover — stunning silver and turquoise-adorned Spanish saddle is stabled at the Mustang branch.

Until we meet again – Farewell!

In closing, get connected to Scottsdale Library and your community. A lifetime of good reading, viewing, listening, learning and enrichment awaits patrons at Scottsdale Public Library. 

Sign up for their email newsletter and subscribe to Scottsdale Library on YouTube. Let’s say a quiet ‘Howdy’ circulating at the Branches, at an event, and on their Facebook page. I’ll see you there!

Source: Scottsdale Public Library