Gila Bend Library Shuts Its Doors After Decades of Community Service

County officials have confirmed the permanent closure of the Gila Bend Library, marking the end of over 30 years of service to the community. This decision follows the termination of an agreement between the Maricopa County Library District and the Gila Bend Unified School District.

The library, which has served as the only public library in Gila Bend, will cease operations on May 22. The Maricopa County Library District announced this closure on Monday, underlining the impact on local residents.

For several years, the county managed library services from a building owned by the school district. However, officials from the county reported that the Gila Bend Unified School District decided to end this arrangement, citing “ongoing and increasing costs” as the primary reason.

“We would have loved to continue supporting the community for another 30 years, but unfortunately, the Gila Bend Unified School District made a unilateral decision to end library service,” stated County Board of Supervisors Chairman Thomas Galvin. He added that the district plans to repurpose the building, although the specifics remain unclear.

County Supervisor Steve Gallardo expressed deep concern about the closure, emphasizing the library’s significance. “This is a terrible result for students and families. The Gila Bend Library is a pillar of this community and has been for 34 years. Why would anyone want to take that resource away?”