by Julie Andersen, Outreach Librarian, Vista Grande Library
The Casa Grande Public Library serves as a destination and an asset for the community’s enrichment, enjoyment and educational needs. As we approach the new school year, our hope is that families, educators and individuals searching for educational opportunities, check out their local libraries for valuable resources.
Casa Grande has two brick and mortar public libraries and one mobile library serving our community. We have a plethora of physical items that you can check out to enhance your educational experience.
For example, did you know that the Vista Grande Library has telescopes, microscopes and musical instruments that you can check out? Or that the Casa Grande Public Library has Storytime Kits that come with seven to 10 themed books with activities that correspond to the books? We also have numerous book club kits for young adults and adults to get a group gathered and discuss what they learned together.
The Casa Grande Public Library also had access to amazing online resources that can enhance any public, private or homeschool curriculum. Universal Class is offered through the library for free and gives individuals access to over 600 online classes from math to language arts, science and social studies topics along with various “elective” and “hobby” type classes.
You can access Universal Class with your library card by going to www.cglibrary.org and clicking on the Universal Class icon.
Another great resource for adults 21 and older to earn their GED is the Excel Adult High School presented by Gale and Arizona Workforce. This is a no-cost program offered through Arizona Libraries. The program is completely online.
Each library has computers available to the public that can be used for programs such as this in case you do not have a computer. We also have free Wi-Fi available at each library, and you can access it all day! To enroll in this great resource, go to www.excelhighschool.org/library/az and sign up today.
So, if you have not been to the library for a while, or even if you have, check out all the educational opportunities waiting for you. Come sign up for a free library card so you can access all the physical and digitals collections.
Both libraries are open Monday through Saturday, and the Bookmobile’s schedule can be found at casagrandeaz.gov/520/Bookmobile.
We want to help our entire community meet their educational goals.
