The Surprise Public Library System (SPLS) is gearing up to celebrate its first anniversary on July 1, with plans to mark the occasion at all of its locations, announcing a party complete with cupcakes, party hats, and giveaways—as long as the supplies hold out, visitors can also jot down their favorite library memories on a "giant birthday card," reports the city of Surprise's official news page.
In the year since the SPLS assumed responsibility for local library services, it has achieved notable growth and expanded its community impact, as it has issued nearly 30,000 new library cards and attendance records show more than 290,000 visits to the system's libraries, the organization also hosted over a thousand programs including the Summer and Winter Reading programs and a unique Halloween event known as the Halloween Tale Trail, altogether attracting over 28,000 attendees according to the recent publication.
On the technological front, SPLS has launched both a revamped website and a mobile app to enhance user interactions, whether those interactions are on a desktop or a mobile device, the app even lets users scan book barcodes to quickly check the library's inventory from anywhere, furthermore, it is aimed at reducing the digital divide by lending out Chromebooks, Wi-Fi hotspots, and laptops as explained on their site.
The offerings at SPLS have broadened to include a "Library of Things," where the collection features diverse items beyond books, like binge boxes, video games, and turntable vinyl kits; the expansion is framed as addressing varied patron interests and fostering a dynamic educational environment, SPLS credits its success to its dedicated team, the Library Advisory Commission and the participation of community members who are evidently invested in the library's evolving role as a hub for learning and connection states the city news release.
For residents interested in joining the festivities or wanting to learn more about the library's services, officials urge them to visit the SPLS website or follow their social media channels such as Facebook at @SurprisePublicLibrary, Twitter at @surpriselibrary, and Instagram at @SurpriseLibrary as detailed by the organization's online platforms.
