Ira H. Hayes Memorial Library
🏢 Gila River Indian Community · Sacaton, Arizona
Ira H. Hayes Memorial Library
Named for Ira H. Hayes — the Pima Marine from Sacaton who helped raise the flag on Iwo Jima on February 23, 1945 — this library serves the Gila River Indian Community from the capital of the reservation that Hayes called home.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 8am–5pm |
| Wednesday | 8am–5pm |
| Thursday | 8am–5pm |
| Friday | 8am–5pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 94 N Church St, SACATON, AZ 85147
Phone: +1520-562-3225
Website: mygilariver.com
Plus Code: 855C37H4+2V (SACATON, AZ)
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📖 About Ira H. Hayes Memorial Library
Sacaton is the capital of the Gila River Indian Community, a predominantly Akimel O'odham (Pima) and Pee-Posh (Maricopa) reservation in Pinal County, Arizona. The community's most celebrated figure is Ira Hamilton Hayes, born in Sacaton on January 12, 1923. Hayes enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1942, became the first Pima to earn his paratrooper wings, and was among the six Marines photographed by Joe Rosenthal raising the second flag over Mount Suribachi at Iwo Jima on February 23, 1945 — one of the most iconic images of the Second World War. Hayes was honorably discharged in 1945 and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery; he is memorialized on the Marine Corps War Memorial. The public library that bears his name, at 94 N Church Street in Sacaton, is part of the Gila River Indian Community's education and community services and is open Tuesday through Friday for community members and researchers.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Named for Ira H. Hayes, the Pima Marine born in Sacaton who raised the flag on Iwo Jima on Feb 23, 1945
- Located in Sacaton, capital of the Gila River Indian Community, a reservation of 3,254+ residents in Pinal County
- Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars on Google by community members
- Open Tuesday–Friday for community members and the public
- Operated by the Gila River Indian Community as part of its education and community services
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Cardholders can access Arizona's statewide digital resources free:
📚 Services
- Circulating book and media collection
- Reference and community services
- Public computers and internet access
- Gila River Indian Community educational resources
🎸 Programs
- Children's and youth programming
- Community events coordinated with Gila River Indian Community services
📍 Nearby Libraries in Pinal & Maricopa Counties
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Ira H. Hayes, and why is the library named for him?
Ira Hamilton Hayes was born in Sacaton, Arizona, on January 12, 1923, and was an enrolled member of the Gila River Indian Community (Pima/Akimel O'odham). He enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve in 1942, became the first Pima to earn paratrooper wings, and was one of six Marines captured in Joe Rosenthal's iconic photograph of the second flag-raising on Mount Suribachi at Iwo Jima on February 23, 1945. Hayes died in 1955 and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery; he is depicted on the Marine Corps War Memorial in Virginia.
Where is Sacaton, and what is the Gila River Indian Community?
Sacaton is a census-designated place in Pinal County, Arizona, approximately 35 miles south of Phoenix, serving as the capital of the Gila River Indian Community (GRIC). The GRIC is a federally recognised tribal nation of primarily Akimel O'odham (Pima) and Pee-Posh (Maricopa) people, with a reservation population of over 3,200 residents. The community name derives from the O'odham 'Geʼe Ki:', meaning 'Big House.'
What are the library's hours?
The Ira H. Hayes Memorial Library is open Tuesday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The library is closed on Monday, Saturday and Sunday. For the most current schedule, call (520) 562-3225.
✓ Hours & details last verified from official sources in September 2026.
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