Friends hoping to see library’s programs grow

The Friends of the Library began last April as an advisory committee to Maricopa’s Parks, Recreation and Libraries (PRL) Department. Following the donation of the library to the City of Maricopa, their first official meeting as The Friends of the Maricopa Cultural Activity Center and Library was March 14 of this year.

Maricopa’s library is located adjacent to the community pool off the Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway.

The Friends are a non-profit fundraising group for the city’s PRL Department. They plan to sponsor and organize a used book sale as one of their first fundraisers. The group’s focus is on increasing public awareness about the programs, facilities and services offered by our local library.

According to chairperson Marisa McDonald, “We would love to see the library grow with the community, offering exciting new programs for patrons of all ages. Our goal is to support the library and its staff in reaching their goals.”

The Friends of the Library (left to right) Lee Pierce, Shelley Gillespie, Marisa McDonald, Pat Lacey, Hermina Anderson, Jane Henig and Kathleen Lacey.

The group, which meets every other Monday evening at 6 p.m. at the library, is still in its infancy. Currently there are nine members. Officers are Chairperson Marisa McDonald, Vice Chairperson Shelley Gillespie, Secretary Lee Pierce and Finance Officer Jane Henig. Mary Lou Smith, Kathleen Lacey, Pat Lacey, Hermina Anderson and Lisa Baker serve as members of the board.

McDonald noted, “I would like to welcome anyone in the community, who might be interested in joining our group, to visit the library and fill out a membership form.” For more information, email Marisa McDonald.

The increased success of Maricopa’s library depends on its “friends”.