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Grand Canyon Library improves web presence, wifi accessibility

Grand Canyon Community Library continues to offer curbside services at its location in Grand Canyon Village. The library also offers improved wifi access, which can be accessed from the library parking lot. (Photo/Adobe Stock)

Grand Canyon Community Library continues to offer curbside services at its location in Grand Canyon Village. The library also offers improved wifi access, which can be accessed from the library parking lot. (Photo/Adobe Stock)

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Although the building is still closed to the public, Grand Canyon Community Library is hard at work.

The library is excited to offer a new catalog website for patrons along with expanded wifi that allows visitors to access a stronger internet connection.

With the recent completion of the wifi expansion project, visitors not only have access to a more reliable internet signal but can also access the wifi in the library parking lot, according to Library Supervisor Daniel Bell.

Additionally, the library rolled out its new catalog website and is currently refreshing the library’s collection.

Bell said he is optimistic about the progress of the cataloging work, which has been ongoing since last spring. He said the idea behind the project is to get the library and its collection in as good a place as possible for the time when they can reopen the doors.

While they would prefer to be able to safely open, the closure has been a rare opportunity to get caught up on work, so they want to take advantage of it, Bell said.

“It’s an opportunity to get things like (this) done because we have the time to really do them. I think all the libraries across the system are doing these kinds of things,” he said.

The library was able to open its doors for the last few weeks of October, before local coronavirus cases rose and the county returned to phase one of coronavirus restrictions.

While the library limited the number of people in the building, Bell said it was nice to have the public able to access the library in person.

“People were coming in every day,” he said. “They were smiling, they were happy. It was nice.”

Being able to provide access is central to the library’s mission, according to Bell, who said he is confident that when they are able to reopen, people will want to visit.

Despite the building remaining closed, Bell is doing his best to ensure that the library’s resources remain available.

GCCL is continuing its curbside hold services during normal operating hours. Community members can call ahead, or use the new catalog website to request items.

“We’re registering quite a lot of new users actually,” Bell said.

Online resources are also still available through apps like Libby and Overdrive.

Bell especially encouraged people to explore the new website.

“If you haven’t yet, check out the new library catalog.” he said. “We’ve got a lot of electronic resources for them to check out.”

Those who don’t have a library card can call the library to get one set up. While the library continues preparations for its eventual reopening, it is also trying to best serve its patrons.

The library is open from 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday.

More information is available by calling the library at (928) 638-2718, or visiting the website at catalog.grandcanyoncommunitylibrary.com.


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