10Jun, 2017
    Mustang Library Turns 30 in 2017

    The Mustang Library branch officially turns 30 years old on June 13.

    While it may not have the visual recognition of the Arabian branch or the Old Town history of Civic Center, it’s the second oldest branch in Scottsdale and also the second biggest at over 31,000 square feet.

    It also provided new innovations to Library patrons like drive-up window service for check-outs and returns.

    If you haven’t been to Mustang in awhile, stop by to celebrate its 30 years as a mainstay in the Scottsdale community.

    5May, 2017
    Scottsdale Heritage Connection Campaign Kicks Off May 10

    The Friends of the Scottsdale Public Library is excited to be supporting a $1 million capital campaign for the Scottsdale Heritage Connection, which officially launches on May 10.

    SHC Logo

    The new permanent exhibition, which is scheduled to open in spring 2019, will celebrate the history of Scottsdale through photographs and images, phone books, year books and other media, and interviews with Scottsdale residents.

    The space will encompass 2,300 square feet in the Civic Center Library as well as kiosks in each of the other Scottsdale Library branches.

    The Friends will be the official 501(c)(3) partner of this campaign, ensuring that all donations are tax deductible. The Friends also made the first donation to the campaign of $5,000. The campaign is being headed by Carol Damaso, former Director of the Scottsdale Public Library.

    “Scottsdale’s ‘heritage’ will move front and center at the Library to provide visitors the best place for local research, audio/video presentations from citizens and historical perspective for the City’s present and future,” said Damaso. Added current Library Director Kathleen Wade, “It will become another way for visitors to ‘experience Scottsdale.'”

    The Friends’ previous capital campaigns include raising $500,000 in funding for Knowasis: The Thunderbirds Charities Teen Learning Center, allowing teenagers an activity space in the Civic Center Library branch.

    Here is a brochure to learn more about the Scottsdale Heritage Connection, and if you’d like to donate, please visit our Scottsdale Heritage Connection page.

    2Mar, 2017
    First Books2Go Micro-Library Launches April 11

    The newest way to access books in the City of Scottsdale will become a reality next month, as the first Books2Go structure will be unveiled April 11 at 11am at Chaparral Dog Park.

    Books2Go micro-library for Chaparral Dog Park

    Books2Go micro-libraries will be installed in City of Scottsdale parks and other convenient locations to provide a “take one, leave one” opportunity for those seeking books to read. The first installation will take the shape of a dog house to reflect its location in the dog park.

    Each Books2Go installation is being designed by Jim Nance as part of the Library’s partnership with Intel and Experience Matters.

    The Friends of the Scottsdale Public Library provided funding for the construction and supplies of the Books2Go structures, while the initial books were funded through a donation by the Scottsdale Area Association of Realtors. The project is a collaboration between the Library, the Scottsdale Parks Department and the Scottsdale Facilities Department.

    Please join us on April 11 for a ribbon cutting ceremony at Chaparral Dog Park, and stay tuned for more Books2Go installations in 2017 currently planned at Mountain View Park and Indian School Park.

    20Feb, 2017
    Eat Good & Do Good at Portillo’s on March 7

    Support the Friends of the Scottsdale Public Library by grabbing some delicious food at the Scottsdale Portillo’s on Tuesday, March 7 (4 p.m. – 9 p.m.).

    Portillo’s brings a taste of Chicago to the desert. Serving up delicious burgers, hot dogs, salads and more—it’s no wonder this Scottsdale restaurant has become a local favorite.

    Mark your calendar for March 7, so you can enjoy dinner at Portillo’s while giving back to the community.

    Then, just go to Portillo’s on that Tuesday. Let your server know that you are with the Scottsdale Library fundraiser. You don’t need to go into a detailed explanation… if you say Scottsdale Library, they’ll know exactly what you’re talking about!

    Why is it important that you mention the Scottsdale Library? For each customer who mentions us, we’ll receive 20% of the proceeds from that order. We hope to see you at Portillo’s on March 7. Tell your family and friends, too!

    Details at a Glance

    Who:
    The Friends of the Scottsdale Public Library & Portillo’s in Scottsdale.

    What:
    A fundraiser to support library programs and services.

    Why:
    The Friends of the Scottsdale Public Library fund important library programs and services.

    Where:
    Portillo’s
    10574 N 90th St
    Scottsdale, AZ

    When: Tuesday, March 7, 2017 from 4pm to 9pm. Please remember to tell your server you’re here with the Scottsdale Library!

    15Feb, 2017
    Spring is Busy Time for Scottsdale Public Library

    With winter visitors and beautiful weather already started, the Scottsdale Public Library has plenty of fun events on tap for spring 2017.

    On March 4, the Civic Center branch will feature the 4th Ultimate Play Date from 9am to 2pm. This event is catered to children ages 0-8, and will include Play Zones specializing in everything from music & dance to science & technology. There will also be a grilled cheese food truck. All activities are free of charge.

    From March 27 to April 1, Mustang Library will be hosting Garden Week. Every day will have free special events, including a flower show, presentations from the Butterfly Wonderland and the Maricopa Audubon Society and tips on landscaping, urban farming and Xeriscape. It will culminate on April 1 with a book sale.

    From April 9 to April 15, celebrate National Library Week. This annual national celebration has been promoting appreciation of our local libraries since 1958. The theme for 2017 will once again be “Libraries Transform,” and two-time World Cup champion Julie Foudy will serve as honorary chair.

    Lastly, be on the lookout for the first Books2Go installation at Chaparral Park in March. Shaped like a doghouse to match the dog park where it’s located, it will be a micro-library supporting the “take a book, leave a book” system. No library card is required to use this program.

    15Nov, 2016
    Friends Relaunches Membership Program

    Are you looking to support programming at the Scottsdale Public Library? Well for as low as $35, you can join the Friends of Scottsdale Public Library and provide invaluable funding to our programs.

    All donations are tax-deductible and support important Library programs like author visits, children’s educational events and our external projects like Books2Go and Story Stroll. Memberships last for one year, and we’ll even highlight you on our website.

    If your company offers employee matching, make sure you mention your donation or even your volunteer hours if you help out at a Library branch. It’s possible your employer will match your donation.

    Thank you so much to our Friends, as we couldn’t provide great programming at the Library without their support.

    15Oct, 2016
    Friends Sponsors Four Library Fellowships

    The Friends of the Scottsdale Public Library helped make four key Library programs a reality by facilitating four fellowships through the Experience Matters program.

    Each of the Fellows will work on special Library programming through financial support of Intel. Since 2011, Intel has placed and funded 60 former employees yearly in positions with non-profit groups that may utilize their experience in fields like engineering and project management.

    For the Library, here are the four programs funded for 2016-2017:

    • Justin Bingham will serve as Project Developer for Story Stroll. Story Stroll is an opportunity for families to read a children’s book, page by page, as they walk through parks and other outdoor areas. This is a year-long fellowship.
    • Arnie Dominguez will serve as Project Developer for the Ultimate Play Date. This annual event in March brings together children ages 0-8 to experience learning at different Play Zones like adventure, music & dance and science & technology. The 2017 Ultimate Play Date will take place March 4. This is a six-month fellowship.
    • Jim Nance will serve as Builder for the Books2Go Program. Books2Go is a series of micro-libraries in City of Scottsdale parks filled with free books for the public in a “take one, leave one” style system. This is a year-long fellowship.
    • Jim Willittes will serve as Coordinator for the STEAM Program. Short for science, technology, engineering, art and math, the STEAM Program will be a series of events designed to educate children in these important fields. This is a year-long fellowship.

    The Friends coordinated all the paperwork for these fellowships and is serving as the operations agency on behalf of the Library.

    1Oct, 2016
    Friends Contributes to Scottsdale Children’s Learning & Play Festival

    The Friends of the Scottsdale Public Library donated $12,500 toward the Scottsdale Children’s Learning & Play Festival, held October 1 at WestWorld.

    Marc Brown drawing
    Author Marc Brown draws Arthur the Aardvark for a Festival attendee

    The event welcomed over 12,000 children and their families to enjoy author presentations, kids activities and musical performances. The headliner was Marc Brown, author of the Arthur the Aardvark book series that was adapted into a PBS children’s show. Brown held two presentations for the children, then signed autographs.

    The Friends paid the speaker fees and travel expenses for the authors in attendance, contributing thousands of additional dollars to the event. While this was the first time the Festival was put on, it was considered a success and will hopefully become a yearly tradition.

    30Jul, 2016
    Arabian Library Named Most Beautiful in Arizona

    In TechInsider’s recent ranking of the most beautiful library in all 50 states, Scottsdale’s Arabian Library was ranked #1 in Arizona.

    Arabian Library courtyard
    Patrons enjoy the Arabian Library branch

    According to the article, criteria for the judging was awards by the American Institute of Architects and the American Library Association awards. Arabian won the 2009 Library Building Award from these organizations.

    The Arabian branch originally opened in September 2007, and among its features is LEED® Silver Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. Designed by Phoenix-based Richärd + Bauer, its signature look includes bronze-colored steel and giant windows to optimize natural light.

    If you haven’t visited Arabian Library recently, come check out the most beautiful library in Arizona.

    5Apr, 2016
    Help Transform Libraries with National Library Week 2016

    Next week is National Library Week from April 10-16, and the theme for 2016 is Libraries Transform.

    The annual campaign began in 1958, and is nationally observed in libraries across the country every April. Several national events will take place this year, including:

    Next week, take the opportunity to celebrate all the great resources provided by the Scottsdale Public Library.