Countywide Book Sharing Service Launches at 14 Public Library Systems

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, March 25, 2024
Samantha Mears
(602) 577-3497

Countywide Book Sharing Service Launches at 14 Public Library Systems

MARICOPA COUNTY, Ariz. – March 25 – Finding your next favorite read just got a little easier, thanks to Maricopa County’s new book sharing service, MAX. The service, which is operated and funded by Maricopa County Library District (MCLD), creates a book borrowing and lending partnership between 14 public library systems across the County.

With MAX, a customer can borrow a book from a different library system using their current library card account. Using a courier service, the book will be shipped to the customer’s desired pickup library at no cost to them. The service was dubbed MAX, alluding to its goal of providing maximum library access to all of Maricopa County regardless of where they live.

“MAX is an innovative way leaders from across the county are coming together to ensure our libraries are best serving our communities’ needs.” said Chairman Jack Sellers, who represents District 1 on the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors. “All Maricopa County residents deserve access to these great public library systems and their vast collection of materials.”

MAX partner libraries include Avondale Public Library, Buckeye Public Library, Chandler Public Library, Desert Foothills Library, Glendale Public Library, Maricopa County Library District, Mesa Public Library, Peoria Public Library, Scottsdale Public Library, Surprise Public Library System, Tempe Public Library, Tolleson Public Library, Wickenburg Public Library, and Youngtown Public Library.

In order to get this new service off the ground, partner libraries have been joining MAX in waves since December 2023. The final library system has joined the program today, March 25, officially launching this program countywide. Since the first system joined, nearly 2,500 books have been shared.

“The fact that we had 14 library systems agree to partner and share materials is a true testament to the dedication to access of every one of these library systems,” said Jeremy Reeder, Maricopa County Library District Director and County Librarian. “Improving access to the books, resources, and services our communities need is and will always remain the most important mission of a public library.”

MCLD is a special taxing district that operates 15 library branches located throughout Maricopa County. Since many communities across the County operate their own library systems separate from MCLD, the Library District allocates funds from the countywide tax to support access, literacy, and education at these libraries. This support includes infrastructure of the countywide Summer Reading program, access to a package of online databases, funding to increase materials access, and the hosting of an integrated library software. MAX is a new, additional service included in this countywide support.

A library card is free for any Maricopa County resident or business owner at all participating libraries. More information about MAX, including access to search the shared catalog, can be found at mcldaz.org/about/max/.

About Maricopa County Library District:

Maricopa County Library District (MCLD) is a special taxing district that operates 15 libraries countywide. MCLD’s mission is to provide access and services so residents experience an improved quality of life. Each year, the Library District welcomes nearly 2 million visitors, holds thousands of free events and programs for all ages, and hosts Maricopa County Reads, the award-winning Summer Reading Program. In 2023, the Library District held nearly 4,000 library events, 500 online events, and circulated 7.2 million physical and digital checkouts. For Maricopa County and Town of Queen Creek residents and property owners, a library card is free. For more information, visit https://mcldaz.org.