31Oct, 2013
    Scottsdale’s Bond Election and Your Public Library

    The Friends of the Scottsdale Public Library would like to ask for your support in the upcoming Special Election on November 5.

    Bond Question 1 asks for the authorization of $50.4 million to go towards parks, libraries and other community facilities. Voting “yes” to this question would provide the library with some of the funding it needs to begin the planning and construction of The Discovery Zone, a high-tech learning center at the Civic Center Library for children 12 and under.

    This will be an important community resource because nearly four out of every 10 children in Arizona do not have a computer at home. Furthermore, within five miles of the Civic Center Library, there are seven elementary schools noted as Title 1 (free and reduced lunch). Studies continue to show that low-income children have less access to the Internet, computers and other digital devices than those from higher income homes. These children may have access to some digital content through their schools, but in a classroom environment there is not always time for children to “play” with the technology, get comfortable with it, and develop new skills.

    The National Institute of Museum and Library Services’ recent task force on 21st century skills reported, “Success in today’s society requires information literacy, a spirit of self-reliance, and a strong ability to collaborate, communicate effectively, and solve problems. Combining strengths in traditional learning with robust investment in modern communication infrastructures, libraries and museums are well-equipped to build the skills Americans need in the 21st century.”

    The Discovery Zone will promote this extended definition of literacy through the provision of child-friendly computer environments complete with the software needed to view and create digital content. Areas for quiet reading, study, computer use, multi-media use and production, tutoring, gaming and fun are all essential parts of The Discovery Zone.

    Again, we ask for your support to make this vision a reality. To learn more about the items on the ballot, please visit http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/elections.

    30Oct, 2013
    Awesome Prizes Up for Grabs at Authors & Appetizers

    This year’s Authors & Appetizers is fast approaching, and the November 1 event is getting more exciting by the minute! In addition to meeting renowned mystery authors J.A. Jance and Susan Cummins Miller, attendees will have the chance to win some amazing prize packages in our raffle.

    Raffle tickets will be available at the event. You can purchase tickets for $20 each or you can buy a package of 8 tickets for $100. Once you have your tickets, you can choose which raffle you’d like to enter.

    Take a peek at some of the goodies that are up for grabs!

    The Shopping Basket (valued at $800+)

    Gift cards for major retailers, med spa gift certificates, designer jewelry and more are all a part of this prize package.

    Dinner & Golf (valued at $1,000+)

    The winner of this prize package will enjoy dinner at one of the area’s finest steakhouses and a round of golf for four. Plus, you’ll receive a something from a former U.S. Vice President (come to our event to find out more about what’s in that frame!).

    Family Fun (valued at $700+)

    This family fun pack comes with movie tickets, books, ice cream and more for your family to enjoy.

    The Sports Enthusiast (valued at $800+)

    Cardinals tickets, a round of golf, a Suns prize pack and more are part of this sports-themed basket.

    These are just a few of the baskets that will be part of our raffle. Be sure to come by and check out all of our prizes! Luckily, it’s not too late to buy tickets —  you can purchase them online right now by clicking here.

    16Oct, 2013
    Local Residents Enjoy Discussion of Paradise Valley Architecture

    From the early settlements of the late 19th century to the homes, clubs and resorts that followed, Paradise Valley has a unique and rich architectural history. Last night, local architect and historian Douglas B. Sydnor visited the Appaloosa Library to share the facts, photos and individual stories he collected for his latest book, Images of America: Paradise Valley Architecture.

    Guests of all ages attended the event, where they learned about Paradise Valley’s original homes, municipal buildings, churches and schools — and how they’ve helped shape the city we see today. As a longtime Paradise Valley resident (Sydnor’s father, architect Reginald Sydnor, designed the family’s PV home and others), Sydnor was also able to share his personal insights and memories.

    After the presentation, guests were able to ask questions, purchase books and meet the author. The proceeds of the book sales at the event benefited the Friends of the Scottsdale Library and will be used to fund the Discovery Zone project. We’d like to thank Douglas for hosting this wonderful event!

    To learn about our upcoming events, click here.

    9Oct, 2013
    Scottsdale Library Friends Host an Intimate Evening with J.A. Jance and Susan Cummins Miller

    For Immediate Release

    Jance and Miller will speak about their new books and chat with fans at the annual fundraiser

    Scottsdale, Ariz. (October 09, 2013) – The Friends of the Scottsdale Public Library is excited to announce that celebrated authors J.A. Jance and Susan Cummins Miller will be the guests of honor at the annual “Authors & Appetizers” event on November 1. The organization’s signature fundraiser, “Authors & Appetizers” gives attendees the chance to hear well-known authors discuss their work, as well as the opportunity to ask questions and have their books signed – all in a cocktail party atmosphere.

    J.A. Jance, who grew up in Bisbee, Ariz., is the New York Times best-selling author of the J.P. Beaumont series, the Joanna Brady series, the Ali Reynolds series, four interrelated thrillers about the Walker Family, and her poetry collection “After the Fire.” Her latest novel “Second Watch,” the 21st novel in the J.P. Beaumont series, was released in September.

    Susan Cummins Miller is a mystery writer who is best known for the Frankie MacFarlane series. Before becoming an author, Miller worked as a field geologist and geology and oceanography professor in Arizona. She currently resides in Tucson, where in addition to writing, she is a research affiliate and SIROW Scholar with the University of Arizona’s Southwest Institute for Research on Women.

    “Authors & Appetizers” will take place on November 1, from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at the Civic Center Library (3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd.) in Scottsdale, Ariz. The event will also feature live music, hors d’oeuvres and several raffle items. Books by both authors will be available for purchase from The Poisoned Pen at the event.

    Tickets can be purchased for $50 per person or $90 per couple ($40 per person/$70 per couple for Friends members) by visiting our website, or calling 480-382-5817.

    About the Friends of the Scottsdale Public Library

    An all-volunteer non-profit organization, the Friends of the Scottsdale Library is a group dedicated to garnering community support for enhanced and expanded Scottsdale Public Library services, programs and materials. Currently, Friends is raising money to build The Discovery Zone, an early literacy and technological learning area for young children.