A library is so much more than a repository for books.

The Fountain Hills Branch Library is no exception. The 15,000-square-foot facility houses some 67,247 volumes including adult and children’s books, movies, music, audio books and magazines. The entire Library District collection totals more than 809,286 items that can be requested and then checked out at the Fountain Hills Branch.

The Maricopa County Library District has provided Fountain Hills with library services since 1973 when its Bookmobile began making biweekly stops. The facility had several locations before moving to its permanent location in September 2001.

The library is located at 12901 N. La Montana Drive. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Many of the library’s services can be accessed through the Maricopa County Library District’s Web site at www.mcldaz.org. Customers can search the library catalog, renew books, check the calendar and register for upcoming programs. They also may access the e-mail reference service called Ask A Librarian as well as more than 50 online databases. Databases have full text magazine articles and other information. A new database called TellMeMore provides a fun and interactive way to learn foreign languages.

The library features a self-check system, one-stop service desk, special programs and events, story times for toddlers and preschool children, Teen Council, computer classes for beginners, “Music in the Library” series, book clubs and film discussions.

For additional information, call the library at (602) 652-3000.

Best-Sellers - The New York Times best-seller program is a popular service offered by the Library District. The Fountain Hills Branch receives multiple copies of best-sellers and other high-demand books.

Digital Collection – The library offers downloadable eBooks (Adobe and Mobipocket formats), downloadable audio books, and downloadable music and videos that customers can search, borrow, read and return over the Internet 24 hours a day.

E-mail Book Club – Test drive a book. An easy and fun way to read -- especially for busy people. Customers receive a chapter of a recent book in their e-mail daily. It’s a great way to “sample” a variety of books. Visit the Library District Web site, www.mcldaz.org and select the Email Book Club.

Public Computers – More than 35 public computers are available with T-1 line Internet access at the library. Customers can access the library’s catalog in English or Spanish, surf the Internet, open an e-mail account and do word processing. The computers are equipped with Microsoft Office 2003 (Word, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint and Access) in addition to Internet Explorer. Wireless access also is available in the building to customers with a Maricopa County Library card.

Summer Reading Programs -- The library has summer reading programs for babies and toddlers (infants to three years); for children (ages three to 12); and for teens (ages 13 to 18). Kids read for fun and great prizes, including a free book. Even adults can win prizes in the Adult Winter Reading Program.

Calendar of Events -- Pick up a monthly Calendar of Events for a complete listing of programs, classes and events or check the library’s Web site calendar.

The Fred and Mary Jo Bryan Vocational Information Center -- The center was made possible by a bequest from Fred and Mary Jo Bryan to the Fountain Hills Rotary Club. The center's purpose is to provide all types of job-related resources in one location. The collection includes career guides, college and trade school information, study guides for standardized tests and resources for job hunting, resume writing and interviews.

Library Staff - Branch Manager Vicki Novak has been with the Maricopa County Library District for 17 years. The library has eight full-time staff members and seven part-time employees. Four staff members are librarians.

The Fountain Hills Library Association – This volunteer organization provides ongoing financial support to the library. This year, members provided funding for the “Music in the Library” program, the adult book club, the children’s science lab and additional equipment for the branch. The association also sponsors the Summer Reading Program kick-off with a variety of programs and refreshments. The association’s financial support over the summer covers ongoing children’s programming, and makes it possible for the kids and teens who complete the summer reading program to receive a free book. They also run the “Books for the Homebound” program, providing library materials to customers who cannot get to the library due to physical illness or disability.

Residents can support the Library Association through membership fees, or by visiting the resale bookstore located in the lobby of the library. The store is staffed by volunteers and is open Monday through Saturday. The bookstore phone number is (602) 652-3263. For additional information about the Library Association, visit www.fhla.net, e-mail info@fhla.net or write to the Library Association, P.O. Box 17581, Fountain Hills, AZ 85269.