Ira H. Hayes Memorial Library Introduces Reading Challenge, Welcomes New Librarian
Joseph Morales
GRIN Intern
Introducing the new year, the Ira H. Hayes Memorial Library in collaboration with the Arizona State Library Archives and Public Records (ASLARP), begins a new online reading challenge for the month of January where readers need to log 600 minutes of reading, open to all members of Gila River Indian Community (GRIC).
The ASLARP has partnered with libraries throughout the state, providing resources like library workshops, grant opportunities, and support for reading programs. One these standout initiatives is the Beanstack Program and App which allows library card holders to log their reading minutes online for free.
“I have experience offering reading challenges from the previous library I worked at,” said Melanie Toledo-Matteson, librarian for the Ira H. Hayes Memorial Library, located in Sacaton. “I contacted ASLAPR to ask if we can climb on board to begin offering reading challenges to the Gila River Indian Community.”
Beanstack makes it easy for users to log on and track minutes, while providing a fun engaging way to track their progress.
The Ira Hayes Memorial Library is making changes to give members more chances to read. They’re also excited to introduce the Libby App, a free virtual library service that gives library cardholders access to thousands of eBooks, magazines, and audiobooks. You will be able to browse and borrow titles anytime from anywhere, making it easier to expand your reading minutes.
Looking ahead, the library is dedicated to supporting reading skills and learning in the Community. The new reading challenge is just one of many other expansions. Through the new partnerships and tools like the Libby app, the library is aiming to make reading easier and more accessible for all members.
For anyone interested to learning more about the Ira H. Hays has to offer or to obtain a library card, please contact the Ira H. Hayes Memorial Library at (520) 562-3225 or email them at: irahayeslibrary@gmail.com. The staff will also help anyone set up and obtain a PIN to access the Libby app.
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The Ira H. Hayes Memorial Library is pleased to announce Melanie Toledo- Matteson as its new librarian. With her background in library sciences, community service, and connection to her Navajo roots, Toledo- Matteson is excited to contribute to the library’s growth.
Before joining the Ira H. Hayes Memorial Library, she has served as a library manager for the Ak-Chin Indian Community for over 15 years. Other areas of work include the Labriola American India data center at ASU Hayden library and teaching for two years at an elementary school on the Navajo Nation.
She is a member of the Navajo Nation and hails from Low Mountain, Ariz. Toledo- Matteson belongs to the the Táchii’níí clan, born of the Tánéészahníí clan. She has grown up on and off the Navajo reservation, sharing unique perspectives with her experiences in the public-school systems of New Mexican and Arizona.
She then attended the University of Arizona (U of A)where Toledo-Matteson earned a Master’s degree in Information Resources and Library Science, following her Bachelor’s degree in History with a Minor in Ethnic Studies from Arizona State University (ASU). She has been part of the inaugural Knowledge River program at the U of A, designed to recruit Native American and Hispanic librarians.
Outside of her professional life, Toledo- Matteson enjoys reading, traveling, watching movies, and attending concerts. She cherishes spending time with her grandsons, especially when they play board games together.
The Ira H. Memorial Library is thrilled to welcome such an experienced and dedicated professional.