Community Library celebrates Summer Reading Challenge and looks to future

-Caroline Grass, Scientist in Park Intern

As the Grand Canyon Community Librarycontinues to serve residents and visitors and as engagement in their programs increases, plans to better utilize their space in the Old Chase Bank building are underway.

The library offers programs like story time reading, game nights and craft nights, and in the summer, hosts a Summer Reading Challenge for kids and adults. This year, the theme “Unearth a Story” revolved around dinosaurs, paleontology, archaeology and history. The reading challenge, with prizes to win and raffles to enter, was a hit, with registration in the program more than doubling from last summer. To celebrate a summer of successful reading the library will be hosting a Teddy Bear Picnic & Storytime with crafts, snacks and games tomorrow, July 24 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Amy Zink, library supervisor, said that library projects on the horizon include improving the teen space, increasing the number of materials for adults and repurposing features of the building that used to be a bank.

“Long-term I want this to be a gathering space for everyone,” Zink said. “There aren’t many indoor spaces in the park where residents and visitors alike can just come and hang out read a book, play a game, do a puzzle, get out of the heat or rain, use the internet and computers, things like that.”

Chase Bank moved out of the building in 2022, but remnants of their business remain, including a vault room and an ATM room that is currently closed off from the main building. Future plans include repurposing the vault area for storage, making the ATM room a quiet study space, and transforming the back room of the building into a makerspace/meeting area. A main focus last year was expanding the children’s library area which doubled its number of materials. Now, the focus is expanding the materials for adults and making the teen space more defined. In just a few weeks one computer each will be installed the children’s and teen areas.

To help ensure the library is getting books and materials the community wants, Zink said feedback is always welcome. The biggest way to help is coming to the library, attending programs, and utilizing library materials, she added.

“Access to information and providing a third space for people is huge,” Zink said. “I see when folks come in here, whether they’re visitors or residents, the residents will run into friends and plan playdates or get- togethers. I love seeing people meeting each other … and kids getting to make friends.”

Museum Collection Employees Receive Grand Canyon Historical Society Pioneer Award

Congratulations to Grand Canyon National Park Museum Collection employees Kim Besom and Colleen Hyde, who were recently honored with the 2026 Pioneer Award from the Grand Canyon Historical Society.

Presented annually, the Pioneer Award recognizes individuals who have made lasting contributions to preserving and sharing the history of Grand Canyon. Together, Besom and Hyde have devoted nearly eight decades of service to the park, helping preserve its rich cultural and historical legacy while supporting generations of researchers, historians, authors, and park staff.

Besom has served Grand Canyon National Park for 41 years, and Hyde for 37 years, with most of their careers spent working in the Museum Collection. Their extensive knowledge of the park’s history and museum archives has made them invaluable resources for countless research projects. Their contributions are reflected in the acknowledgments of numerous books and publications about Grand Canyon, where authors frequently recognize their expertise and assistance.

The Grand Canyon Historical Society presented the awards during its annual picnic on July 18 at Shoshone Point. The recognition celebrates not only Kim and Colleen’s decades of dedicated service, but also the lasting impact they have had on preserving Grand Canyon’s history for future generations.

Congratulations, Kim and Colleen, and thank you for your outstanding service to Grand Canyon!

Cyanobacteria Identified in Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon National Park is monitoring the presence of benthic cyanobacteria in several park waterways and working to better understand what they may mean for visitors and park resources.

Cyanobacteria are naturally occurring microorganisms found in water around the world. At Grand Canyon, benthic types grow on rocks and sediment along the bottoms of streams and waterways, forming mats or mucousy balls that may appear dark green, brown, black, or blue-green. To date, park scientists have identified benthic cyanobacteria in several waterways and spring-fed areas, including locations along Bright Angel Creek and in the Phantom Ranch area. Laboratory testing has confirmed the presence of several cyanobacterial groups and detected four cyanotoxins at very low concentrations.

The greatest potential exposure risk for backcountry users is filtering water directly from or immediately adjacent to visible cyanobacterial mats. If these mats are disturbed, toxins can be released into the water. Standard backpacking water filters remove bacteria and sediment but do not remove dissolved cyanotoxins. To reduce potential exposure, backpackers should avoid collecting water directly from or immediately adjacent to visible cyanobacterial mats, avoid disturbing the mats while collecting water, and, whenever possible, collect water from areas where visible cyanobacterial growth is absent.

The park’s Geosciences Program is conducting monitoring at high-use locations, including Phantom Ranch, to better understand where cyanobacteria occur, when toxins may be produced, and whether additional management actions may be needed.

Additional resources, including a cyanobacteria fact sheet and a scientific review article, are also available for those interested in learning more. Information on water treatment and cyanobacteria can be found on the park’s Safe Water webpage here. As research continues, the park will share updates as new information becomes available.

Special Presentation with Deandra Jones — July 29

Employees and residents are invited to attend a special evening presentation featuring Deandra Jones (Diné/Navajo), a National Geographic Explorer and Ph.D. candidate at the University of Arizona, on Wednesday, July 29, at 8 p.m. at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center Plaza.

Jones will share how Diné knowledge and black bear research are shaping the future of Indigenous-led conservation and discuss the importance of the deep connection between people, wildlife, and the land. The presentation will explore how traditional knowledge and scientific research can work together to support wildlife protection and conservation efforts.

More information can be found in the attached flyer here.

Back-to-School Reminder for Grand Canyon Residents

The Grand Canyon Unified School District (GCUSD) returns to session on Wednesday, July 29. The school day runs from 7:50 a.m. to 4:02 p.m. and K-5 students are released at 3:52 p.m.

As the community welcomes students back, please keep the following safety reminders in mind:

Drive Carefully

• Obey all posted speed limits, especially near school zones.
• On Center Road, there are two school crosswalk zones marked with flashing yellow lights. The speed limit in these areas is 15 MPH during school commuting hours. These crossings experience heavy foot and bike traffic before and after school.
• Another high-traffic crosswalk is located on Albright Street just north of Mohave Street, where the speed limit is also 15 MPH.
• The intersection of Albright and Mohave is another busy area for pedestrians and cyclists.
• Boulder Street, at the school’s main entrance, maintains a 15 MPH speed limit at all times (24/7/365).

Walk and Bike Safely

• If traveling by foot or bike, use crosswalks safely: stop, look both ways, and wait for vehicles to stop before crossing.
• A crossing guard may be present before and after school near Center Road and Albright Street to assist with safe crossing.

School Grounds Closed During the Day

Please remember school grounds are closed to the public during school hours (7:50 a.m. to 4:02 p.m.). This includes:

• The soccer field, track, playground, and basketball courts
• The softball field
• The former Fred Harvey Service Station on Center Road at Boulder Street
• Additionally, after-school athletics and activities may require fields and courts to remain closed beyond the school day.

Thank you for helping us keep our students and staff safe as we begin the new school year!

*New changes to operations are indicated in red.

South Rim

Xanterra

• Maswik Food Court, 6 a.m.-10 p.m.
• Maswik Pizza Pub, 12-11 p.m.
• Bright Angel Fountain, current hours are from 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Harvey House Café/Fred Harvey Burger Restaurant, Breakfast 6:30-10 a.m., Lunch 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Dinner 4-9 p.m.
• Fred Harvey Tavern, 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. (food until 8:30 p.m.)
• Arizona Steakhouse, Lunch: 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Dinner 4:30-9 p.m.
• El Tovar Dining Room and Lounge, Breakfast 6:30-10 a.m., Lunch 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Dinner 4:30-9:30 p.m., Lounge 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. (food until 9 p.m.), Outdoor patio from 12 p.m. until dusk (weather permitting)
• Food truck located at Grand Canyon Visitor Center shuttle bus bay: 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (weather permitting)
• Canyon Food Cart (Rim Trail between Bright Angel and El Tovar Lodges: 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (weather permitting)
• The Grand Canyon Kennel, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily

Delaware North

• Yavapai Dining Hall, breakfast 7-10:30 a.m., dinner 5-9 p.m.
• Yavapai Lodge Tavern and Patio, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
• Coffee Shop, 6 a.m.-3 p.m.
• The Canyon Village Market, 7 a.m.-9 p.m., Deli 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
• Camper Services: 7 a.m.- 10 p.m. daily., Camper Services Grab n Go: 7 a.m.-8 p.m.

Other

• Grand Canyon Rec Center, 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m. daily
• Grand Canyon Clinic: 7 days a week, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Pharmacy hours: Monday, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Canyon Adventures Cafe and bike rentals: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Grand Canyon Visitor Center (GCVC): 8 a.m.-4 p.m. daily
• Grand Canyon Conservancy stores: Kolb Studio, Visitor Center Plaza, Verkamp’s, and Yavapai Geology Museum: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily
• The Grand Canyon Community Library: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., CLOSED Saturday and Sunday
• Grand Canyon Food Pantry: Monday 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Wednesday 5:30-7:30 p.m., Saturday 2-4 p.m.
• Grand Canyon Yoga—view the class schedule and learn more here.
• Summer Shuttle Bus Schedule (May 23 – Sep. 11, 2026)
• Hermits Rest (Red) Route: 8 a.m. to one hour after sunset
• Village (Blue) Route: 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
• Kaibab Rim (Orange) Route: 5 a.m. to one hour after sunset
• Tusayan (Purple) Route: Every 45 minutes from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Hikers’ Express: Daily departures from Bright Angel Lodge at 4, 5, and 6 a.m.

Desert View

• Desert View Watchtower, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. with last stair access at 6 p.m.
• Desert View Trading Post, ice cream, and coffee shop, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
• The Desert View Deli and Market, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Desert View Gas Station & Service Station Retail, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. with 24-hour pay-at-the-pump access

North Rim

• General Store (adjacent to the campground), open through Oct. 15 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily
• Gas Station – 24- hour self-serve pay-at-the-pump; gas and diesel available. Open through Oct. 15.
• The North Rim Campground open through Oct. 15, 2026. Reservations are available for booking at rec.gov.
• The North Kaibab Trail from Redwall Bridge to Cottonwood Campground will close on Oct. 15 at 11:59 p.m. to support Transcanyon Waterline construction. Traditional “Rim-to-Rim” hiking will not be possible after this date.

Please visit the Grand Canyon National Park website for a complete list of closures and available amenities.

• Lightning spotted near Hopi House on July 21 (NPS Photo/S. Dumont)
• Children’s corner at the Grand Canyon Community Library (NPS Photo/C. Grass)
• Colleen Hyde and Kim Besom receive the Pioneer Award at a GCHS luncheon on July 18. Tom Sulpizio (left) and Wayne Ranney (right) from GCHS are also pictured. (NPS Photo/M. Quinn)
• Benthic cyanobacteria observed on a rock within a waterway at Grand Canyon (NPS Photo)
• Full rainbow overarching Mt. Hayden on the North Rim during the Guinn Search on July 22 (NPS Photo/S. Cebenko)
• A rare cloud inversion along the North Kaibab Trail on July 21 (NPS Photo/E. Shalla)

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