Friends volunteer to support Maricopa Community Library

The 30 or more Friends of the Library are focusing their efforts on fundraising for the Maricopa Community Library. In order to provide that support they are selling cookbooks, publishing the history of the city and holding their semi-annual book sale this weekend.

Parks, Recreation and Libraries Director Marty McDonald said, “The Friends of the Library are doing an admirable job of providing support for the Maricopa Community Library. All the hardworking volunteers should be commended for the hours they are putting into this effort.”

The Friends will be hosting their semi-annual used book sale once again Saturday, March 10, at the multi-purpose room at Santa Rosa Elementary School from 8 a.m. to noon. All proceeds from the sale support the local library, its programs and services.

The sale offers patrons a wide variety of genres including: romance, science fiction, biographies, cookbooks, reference and children’s books. The Friends provide paper grocery bags, and patrons can fill these sturdy sacks up with as many books as they would like for just one dollar. Many genres sell out quickly, and patrons are encouraged to arrive early.

Friends members Kathy Debevec (left) and Judy Figgins sort books by genre before last year’s November sale.

Saturday’s Friends of the Library book sale is certain to offer something for everyone’s reading pleasure. The sale, which lasts from 8 a.m. until noon, will take place in the multi-purpose room at Santa Rosa Elementary School.

“Our $1.00 per sack rate is one of the best deals around,” Friends Publicist Marisa McDonald said. “Our goal is to sell as many books as possible, and these events have been very popular in the past. It’s a great way for us to raise funds for the library.”

Children’s used books are always in demand, and any donations are greatly appreciated. The Friends of the Maricopa Community Library will graciously accept donations of all books and/or audiovisual materials at the Maricopa Community Library, located adjacent to Rotary Pool off the Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway. Donations can also be dropped off at Santa Rosa Elementary on Friday, March 9, from 6:30 – 7 p.m.

In addition to the many books on sale, the Friends’ cookbook, “Home Cookin’ from Maricopa, Arizona,” will also be available at $15 per copy. The three-ring, padded binder contains over 400 mouth-watering recipes from local residents.

Friends of the Library cookbook chair person Kathy Debevec will have “Home Cookin’ from Maricopa, Arizona” on sale Saturday during the book sale.

The Friends have undertaken another project–making certain that Maricopa’s past is preserved for the future. The group has been raising funds to re-publish local teacher and historian Pat Brock’s book, “Reflections on a Desert Town, Volume II.” The updated book, which will soon go to the printer, will be available for purchase at the city’s October Founders Day celebration.

Pat Brock and husband Harry were honored at last October’s Founders Day for their contribution to preserving the history of Maricopa for generations to come.

Proceeds will fund a history area in the city’s new library, which is presently in the planning stage. Many local residents, businesses and area developers have already generously contributed to the project. According to history book reprinting chair person, Mary Lou Smith, “Many people have asked for the book, but we needed to raise funds for its printing first.”

Brock will be doing readings from her book at selected times during Stagecoach Days, March 23-25. In addition, during that weekend, the Friends are sponsoring Eldon Eklund, Maricopa’s singing cowboy (see related story) for two free performances at Pacana Park.

For more information e-mail [email protected], or call (480) 231-3577.