ABOUT THE FRIENDS...
Check Us Out On Facebook!
CLICK HERE
The Friends work hard to do their part,
Funding programs, events to start.
Buying equipment, they show they care,
Supporting the library everywhere.
Join the Board to lend a hand,
Help improve and guide the plan
Together we can enhance and see
A stronger, thriving community.
Funding programs, events to start.
Buying equipment, they show they care,
Supporting the library everywhere.
Join the Board to lend a hand,
Help improve and guide the plan
Together we can enhance and see
A stronger, thriving community.
2025 FOTL OFFICER ELECTIONS
At the February 13th Friends Board of Directors meeting, the following officers were elected for 2025:
SUE BLECHL - President
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TOM HAUGSBY - Vice President
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JOYCE VOSS - Secretary
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 JESSICA POTTER-SLIDER Treasurer
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People ask how they can become a Friend.
Our organization is not based on membership... There are no dues!
--We encourage support of our outstanding used bookstore - Books Around the Corner - located in the Sun City Branch at Bell.
--If you donate books and other materials, shop for your reading, viewing, and listening favorites, or tell someone about us, you are a Friend!
--If you volunteer in the bookstore, in our Share with Me program (with memory care residents),
or serve on the Board of Directors, you are a Friend!
--If you request a presentation about our group or about the library, you are a Friend!
--If you donate to our 501(c)(3) group, or include us in your will or trust, you are a Friend!
Our organization is not based on membership... There are no dues!
--We encourage support of our outstanding used bookstore - Books Around the Corner - located in the Sun City Branch at Bell.
--If you donate books and other materials, shop for your reading, viewing, and listening favorites, or tell someone about us, you are a Friend!
--If you volunteer in the bookstore, in our Share with Me program (with memory care residents),
or serve on the Board of Directors, you are a Friend!
--If you request a presentation about our group or about the library, you are a Friend!
--If you donate to our 501(c)(3) group, or include us in your will or trust, you are a Friend!
Gifts have several meanings for the Friends of the Sun City Libraries...
#1 Libraries are a gift to the community, and should never be taken for granted!
#2 The Friends provide financial gifts to our two libraries each year. Between 2015 and 2024, book sales from Books Around The Corner generated more than $366,224 to fund new library equipment and furnishings, pay for physical improvements, and sponsor special programs.
- In 2024 we have committed $40,000 for our two branches.
- We paid for electrical improvements and charging tables to allow more technology users at the Sun City branch (at Bell) to plug in easily.
- We funded the purchase of a portable projector for programs.
- We pay for program speakers and for room rentals. In 2024, Friends helped underwrite 38 public programs.
- Memory kits and the seed libraries are other services that benefit from the Friends.
- Digital Conversion equipment and training is available.
A 3-D printer is available.
SOME OF THE OTHER LIBRARY PROGRAMS / EQUIPMENT THE FRIENDS HAVE PURCHASED
Memory Kits 3-D Printer Furniture
Seed Library/Catalog Upgraded Hallway Lighting Sponsor Classes and Seminars
Drive-Up Drop Box Computer Charging Table Supplies for Workshops
Drinking Fountain w/Bottle Filler Educational Computer Application & Videos
Seed Library/Catalog Upgraded Hallway Lighting Sponsor Classes and Seminars
Drive-Up Drop Box Computer Charging Table Supplies for Workshops
Drinking Fountain w/Bottle Filler Educational Computer Application & Videos
WHY ARE THE FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY ORGANIZATIONS IMPORTANT?
The Friends of the Library movement began in the early 20th century as a response to the growing need for library support beyond government funding.
The first Friends group was founded in 1922 in Los Angeles, California, with the aim of providing volunteer assistance, fundraising, and advocacy for local libraries. The idea quickly spread across the United States, particularly as libraries became vital community hubs during the Civil Rights Movement and beyond. The American Library Association began encouraging the formation of Friends groups, which took on the roles of organizing events, lobbying for funding, and assisting with library operations.
Today, Friends of the Library organizations play an essential role in supporting libraries of all sizes.
These groups not only raise funds but also organize educational programs, host community events, and advocate for policies that benefit libraries. The movement has expanded globally, with similar groups now found in countries like Canada, the UK, and Australia.
Through their volunteer efforts and financial contributions, Friends of the Library help libraries thrive, ensuring they remain accessible and relevant resources for the public. Their lasting impact highlights the power of community involvement in fostering lifelong learning and literacy.
The movement's influence has indeed been profound, fostering both community engagement and the continued success of libraries.
The first Friends group was founded in 1922 in Los Angeles, California, with the aim of providing volunteer assistance, fundraising, and advocacy for local libraries. The idea quickly spread across the United States, particularly as libraries became vital community hubs during the Civil Rights Movement and beyond. The American Library Association began encouraging the formation of Friends groups, which took on the roles of organizing events, lobbying for funding, and assisting with library operations.
Today, Friends of the Library organizations play an essential role in supporting libraries of all sizes.
These groups not only raise funds but also organize educational programs, host community events, and advocate for policies that benefit libraries. The movement has expanded globally, with similar groups now found in countries like Canada, the UK, and Australia.
Through their volunteer efforts and financial contributions, Friends of the Library help libraries thrive, ensuring they remain accessible and relevant resources for the public. Their lasting impact highlights the power of community involvement in fostering lifelong learning and literacy.
The movement's influence has indeed been profound, fostering both community engagement and the continued success of libraries.
There's no time like the present to start fresh, get involved and make a positive difference in your or someone else's life. Click on the "Contact Us" tab above to reach out to the Friends of the Library for information about the many opportunities and outlets for your participation.
What You Can Do
- Donate your gently used hard cover and paperback books, DVDs, CDs, magazines, puzzles, and audio books to the Books Around the Corner Bookstore.
- Stop and shop at our Bookstore! Enjoy our clean, organized atmosphere, our unbeatable prices, and friendly volunteers.
- Volunteer with the Sun City Friends of the Library... at the Bookstore or on the Board of Directors. Call the Bookstore at 602-651-2014 for more information.
- Remember the Friends in your will. CLICK HERE TO LEARN HOW
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CHECK IT OUT!! At the Bell branch library, besides books and other items, check out the Friend's information board. You'll see it in the library lobby, to the left of the main entry doors. |
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NANDE MARIN
Sun City Libraries Manager
Nande is thrilled to be back with MCLD at the Sun City libraries! Her library career started in her home state of Louisiana after completing undergrad, and she went on to earn her MLS from Louisiana State University.
She moved to Arizona in 2016 and currently resides in the West Valley with one of her closest friends, along with their combined four children, three dogs and one kitty. Outside of work, she enjoy hiking, camping, painting, cross-stitch, trivia, mastering kitchen skills, and trying new restaurants.
She strongly believes that libraries are essential in fostering lively and connected communities, and she looks forward to getting to know and working with the residents of the Sun Cities, and community partners.
She moved to Arizona in 2016 and currently resides in the West Valley with one of her closest friends, along with their combined four children, three dogs and one kitty. Outside of work, she enjoy hiking, camping, painting, cross-stitch, trivia, mastering kitchen skills, and trying new restaurants.
She strongly believes that libraries are essential in fostering lively and connected communities, and she looks forward to getting to know and working with the residents of the Sun Cities, and community partners.
RENADA AUNG KHIN
Fairway Library Branch Supervisor
Renada brings 17 years of library experience to her role, with over a year at Fairway Library. Renada has spent most of her life in Arizona and is passionate about serving her local community.
When not at the library, she enjoys indulging her creative side through crafting, particularly cross-stitching, and cherishes moments spent with her beloved cat and family. An avid reader of mysteries and fantasy, Renada believes deeply in the power of libraries to foster community engagement and offer vital resources to all.
When not at the library, she enjoys indulging her creative side through crafting, particularly cross-stitching, and cherishes moments spent with her beloved cat and family. An avid reader of mysteries and fantasy, Renada believes deeply in the power of libraries to foster community engagement and offer vital resources to all.
Check out what's NEW for YOU!
Next time you visit the Sun City Bell Branch Library, check out current announcements and Friends information now posted inside the lobby.
If there is some information you would like to see posted on this board, that would be beneficial to our Library community, please feel free to leave a note in the Bookstore for Irene, Ruth or Joyce with your suggestion. You can also use the contact form on the 'Contact Us' tab at the top of this page.
Friend's Finance Fantastic Book Drop at
Sun City Library!
It's taken more than a year of planning, but the Sun City Library now has a convenient two-way book drop, located North of the building. You are most welcome!
Lots of Fun at the Sun City Library Ten Year Anniversary Celebration!
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Some Of What The Friends Do...
Speakers Bureau
The Sun City branches of the Maricopa County Library District and the Friends of the Sun City Libraries work together to provide presentations on the library's resources and services available in our area. For more information or to book a program, CLICK HERE |
Books Around the Corner Bookstore
This hidden gem of a bookstore contains thousands of gently used hard cover and paperback books, DVDS, CDS, audio books and more, all at bargain prices! Open 9:30AM to 3:30PM, Monday through Saturday. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR BOOKSTORE |
The Libraries We Support
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Sun City Library - Bell Branch
(also home to the Friend's "Books Around the Corner Bookstore") Bell Recreation Center 16828 N. 99th Ave. (SW Corner of Bell & 99th.) Sun City, AZ 85351 602-652-3000 (Library) 602-651-2014 (Bookstore) |
