Sun City Library shows off fresh look with rededication celebration

The community is invited Saturday to attend the rededication celebration of the Sun City Branch Library.

The library, 16828 N. 99th Ave., Sun City, reopened to the public over the summer as a part of the Maricopa County Library District.

However, library officials delayed the rededication until most part-time residents were back from summers spent elsewhere.

The library district took the reins of Sun City Branch Library in May. It is one of 17 libraries in the district that welcomed more than 3.4 million customers in fiscal year 2008-09.

“We’ve done quite a bit to upgrade the facilities and bring additional resources to our customers,” said Max Wilson, Maricopa County Board of Supervisors chairman. “From new layout to new carpet to new books to new computers, we have created a space that honors the needs of the Sun City community.”

At 10 a.m. Saturday, library patrons will meet Wilson, as well as Harry Courtright, Maricopa County Library District director, and Mary Goitia, Sun City branch manager.

Customers also will be introduced to the services and resources the library provides, including children and teen programs. There will be cookies and other refreshments, a prize wheel and entertainment. Customers can sign up for library cards, free to any Maricopa County resident.

To obtain a card, applicants must show identification that includes a picture and proof of current Maricopa County residency. Acceptable proofs of identification include driver’s license or state-issued identification card, military identification, personalized checks, lease agreement, passport or utility bill.

A post office box number alone is not acceptable as confirmation of residential address.

Library cards allow users access to the Internet via public computers, computer classes, participation in book discussions and talks with authors.

LIBRARY EVENTS
Here is a sampling of library events for November:
• DIABETES AWARENESS: Tuesday, 10 a.m. In honor of American Diabetes Month, a representative from the American Diabetes Association will conduct a presentation on the signs of and the prevention of diabetes.
• GENEALOGY: Nov. 18, 1 p.m. Susan Smith, librarian at the Maricopa County Library District Northwest Regional Library, will present a program on how to start documenting your family history. Register by Friday. Call 602-652-3000.
• FICTION BOOK DISCUSSION: Nov. 19, 1:30 p.m. Join a group of people interested in reading and discussing great fiction and nonfiction. The selection this month is “Three Cups of Tea” by Greg Mortenson. Anyone is welcome, even if you haven’t read the book.
• THANKSGIVING STORY HOUR: Nov. 28, 10 a.m. Story hour in the Program Room with crafts for children ages 3-12. Space is limited. Register by Nov. 23. Call 602-652-3000.