MARICOPA COUNTY, Ariz. – March 25 – The Gila Bend community will soon regain access to vital library services as the Town of Gila Bend and the Maricopa County Library District (MCLD) launch a new partnership to reopen the public library.
On Wednesday, March 25, 2026, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors approved an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the Town of Gila Bend, paving the way for MCLD to once again operate a library in this rural community.
The agreement marks a significant step forward following the closure of the Gila Bend Library on May 22, 2025, after the Gila Bend Unified School District (GBUSD) ended its partnership with the County. MCLD had operated the library in a GBUSD-owned facility since 2021, after more than 30 years in the Town-owned building that will now once again serve as its home.
“This is a major milestone for the Gila Bend community,” said Supervisor Steve Gallardo, who represents Gila Bend and the rest of District 5. “From access to reliable internet and workforce resources to early literacy programs and summer meal support for children, restoring library services will have an immediate and lasting impact. The Gila Bend Library has been a pillar of this community for decades, and we are proud to bring it back.”
For decades, the Gila Bend Library has served as more than just a place to borrow books. It has been a hub for learning, connection, and essential services. In its last fiscal year of operation, the library welcomed more than 53,000 visitors, hosted 657 programs, circulated nearly 15,000 items, and provided workforce development assistance to dozens of residents.
The library will reopen in its previous location at 202 N. Euclid Street, a 2,665-square-foot facility connected to the Town’s Community Center. Before opening to the public, the building will undergo minor renovations including new carpet, fresh paint, and upgraded lighting. Under the IGA, MCLD will fund and manage all library operations, including staffing, materials, and technology. The Town of Gila Bend will be responsible for the facility.
“I’m thrilled that we will soon continue the work of serving the Gila Bend community,” said Jeremy Reeder, Director of the Maricopa County Library District. “For more than 30 years, this library has made a meaningful difference in people’s lives, and we’re excited to build on that legacy in partnership with the Town.”
Renovations and the move into the facility are expected to take approximately six months, with the library anticipated to reopen in fall 2026. The agreement between the Town and MCLD has an initial term of five years.
