Library loans books, e-books, audio books, large print materials, CDs, and DVDs. Offers public internet access. Services include reference and readers advisory assistance, storytime programs for children, adult book discussion groups. Special collections and services include large print books, Braille materials, and Optelec video enlargers for the visually impaired, homebound delivery service for qualified Tempe residents, assistance with federal Talking Books program for the blind and physically disabled. Special interest educational programs including computer instruction classes on eBooks, information on starting a new business, English as a Second Language (ESL), and support groups for caregivers.

Tempe Public Library | Tempe Public Library

Programs that provide instruction for individuals of all ages who want to learn about or perfect their skills in using computers, computer-related hardware and specific home and business applications including word processing, spreadsheet development, presentation development, database management, electronic publishing and image processing. Included are both introductory classes for people unfamiliar with computers and the Internet and more advanced courses, as well as programs that provide instruction in the use of related technology such as smartphones and social media. Instruction may focus on publishing tools such as blogs, video logs (vlogs), photo sharing, podcasting or wikis.  

Computer Literacy Training Programs

Libraries that maintain collections of fiction and nonfiction reading materials that can be checked out by community residents who have library privileges.

Book Loan

Mutual support groups whose members are family, friends, significant others, non-familial caregivers or attendants who are caring for someone who has a temporary, chronic, life-threatening or terminal illness or disability or who is elderly and increasingly unable to provide for his or her own care. The groups meet in-person, by telephone or via the Internet; and provide emotional support, information and resources to help participants ensure their own well-being while remaining involved in the intense care of a loved one. Also included are care receiver support groups that help people who have a caregiver cope with the fact that they require care. Care receiver support groups are often offered in conjunction with caregiver support groups and are structured to allow care receivers to participate in their own group while their caregiver attends another.

Caregiver/Care Receiver Support Groups

Libraries that are actively seeking individuals with the requisite skills and experience who are willing to compile records, sort and shelve books, issue library cards, help patrons find the materials they need and provide other supportive assistance for library staff on a voluntary basis without remuneration.

Library Assistant Volunteer Opportunities

Programs, often offered by libraries, cyber cafes, and a variety of other government, nonprofit or proprietary organizations, that provide on-site Internet-enabled computers for public access.

Public Internet Access Sites

Locations at which users of electronic equipment (PCs, tablets, smart phones) with Wi-Fi receivers can wirelessly connect to the Internet. This service is often provided as a convenience to customers at restaurants, hotels, bookstores and coffee shops as well as libraries; and the wireless connection can be either secure (which encrypts transmissions based on a password provided by the host) or unsecured. The Wi-Fi service may be provided at no cost or could involve a registration fee.

Public Wi-Fi Sites

Libraries supported by public and/or private funds which provide general library services without charge to all residents of a given community, district or region.

Public Libraries

Libraries or other organizations that offer opportunities, usually during the summer when children are not in school, for children who have some reading skills to enhance their appreciation of books by participating in weekly reading activities that often relate to a special theme.

Children's Reading Clubs

Libraries or other organizations that offer storytelling sessions for groups of children who do not yet know how to read in order to promote their interest in books.

Story Hour

Facilities, often located in academic libraries, school districts or other environments, that maintain collections of print and media materials, art supplies and other resources that are used for instructional purposes which teachers, scout leaders, child care providers and others can review and check out for use in their own classrooms. Also included are programs that circulate instructional modules on specific issues that can be incorporated in an educational curriculum.

Instructional Materials Centers

Libraries or other organizations that maintain collections of books, magazines and other reading material on cassettes, CDs or in digital file formats and make them available on a loan basis to residents of the community who are blind or have visual impairments, dyslexia or other related disabilities. Also included are organizations that distribute cassettes, CDs, or digital files of this type that people can keep.

Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic

Libraries or other organizations that maintain collections of movies, documentaries and other subjects in videotape and/or DVD format that can be used with library equipment or checked out for viewing at home or shown to community groups.

Videotape/DVD Collections

Libraries or other organizations that provide online resources and/or search services for people who want to access a  wide range of digital information, materials, and services. A physical location such as a library may offer access to digitized content locally at a facility or remotely from any location online. Digital materials may include e-books, multimedia, digitized versions of articles and information from print sources such as magazines, newspapers, journals and reference books as well as music and other content.  Examples of digital service platforms and vendors include OCLC's (Online Computer Library Center) FirstSearch collection of databases, the National Library of Medicine's MEDLINE, the U.S. Department of Education's ERIC, LexisNexis, ProQuest, Ebsco and Gale/Cengage.

Online Databases

Libraries or other organizations that maintain collections of audiotapes, records, cassettes or compact discs (CDs) which can be played using library equipment or checked out for listening at home.

Recording/Tape/CD Collections

Libraries that maintain reference desks in adult and/or children's sections or telephone reference services to help users to find the information or leisure reading material they need. Reference librarians provide assistance in locating information on a wide variety of topics such as business, current events, statistics and research findings, and civil service exams. Also included are readers advisory services.