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.

    30Sep, 2013
    Arizona Architect and Historian Illuminates Unique History of Paradise Valley

    For Immediate Release

    Douglas B. Sydnor will discuss his new book at Scottsdale’s Appaloosa Library

    Scottsdale, Ariz. (September 30, 2013) – The Friends of the Scottsdale Public Library is proud to announce that Douglas B. Sydnor will be hosting a public discussion and book signing for his latest book, Images of America: Paradise Valley Architecture. The event will take place on October 15th at the Appaloosa Library (7377 E. Silverstone Drive) from 6pm – 8pm. The event is free, and books will be available for purchase.

    Sydnor is a local architect, Scottsdale Historic Preservation Chairman, Scottsdale Library Board Chairman, and author. His previous works include “Images of America: Scottsdale Architecture,” and “Plugger: The Architecture of Reginald Sydnor.”

    In Images of America: Paradise Valley Architecture, Sydnor features the evolving architecture of the Arizona town from the late 1890s to 2012. The story begins with three surveyors in the late 19th century who were so attracted to the area’s desert beauty that they named the town Paradise Valley. The book then details the adobe homes of the 1920s, the construction of the Camelback Inn resort in 1936, the town’s potential annexation, municipal ordinances and other events that have helped shape the town.

    The book also presents an appreciation of the architects who have made a positive impact, including Frank Lloyd Wright, Paolo Soleri, Bennie Gonzales, Ralph Haver, and Blaine Drake. “Images of America: Paradise Valley” is the first architectural publication of its type to document the Paradise Valley community. For more information about this event, please call 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.