activities · 26
what they do
direct service · 19
- Community Enrichment Services Book Distribution & Reading Space DevelopmentOffers various community services such as flag and eyeglasses drop-off, a Books By Mail service, weekly tech tutoring for seniors, and hosts a Maricopa County Recorder’s Kiosk.
- Community Services and Partnerships Book Distribution & Reading Space DevelopmentProvides various community services such as a 24/7 self-service bookcase, flag and eyeglasses drop-off, a Maricopa County Recorder’s Kiosk, and sends unsold books to the Adobe Mountain School.
- Donation of Books to Juvenile School System Book Distribution & Reading Space DevelopmentSends paperback books, cookbooks, and PG-rated DVDs that cannot be sold to the Adobe Mountain School in the Juvenile School System.
- Homebound Services Volunteer Companion & Respite ServicesSupports homebound individuals who are unable to leave their homes due to illness, disability, age, or other limitations by providing a one-on-one reading service and aiming to keep them connected to their community.
- Interactive Reading and Engagement Programs for Seniors Memory Care Social & Cognitive EngagementConducts interactive presentations, including game show-style events and the "Share With Me" program (formerly "Read to Me"), for assisted living and memory care residents at facilities like The Gardens of Sun City and Woodmark Legacies, providing cognitive and emotional stimulation.
- Interactive Reading and Engagement Programs for Seniors Memory Care Social & Cognitive EngagementConducts interactive presentations and reading services, including the "Share With Me" program (formerly "Read to Me"), for memory care and assisted living residents at facilities like The Gardens of Sun City and Woodmark Legacies, providing cognitive and emotional stimulation.
- Interactive Reading and Engagement Programs for Seniors Memory Care Social & Cognitive EngagementConducts interactive presentations and reading services for assisted living and memory care residents, including the "Share With Me" program (formerly "Read to Me") which provides cognitive and emotional stimulation through interactive presentations and one-on-one reading services for homebound individuals.
- Library Collection Management and Circulation Residential Community Library ServicesMaintains a diverse collection of over 32,000 physical items, including books, DVDs, CDs, and puzzles, and circulated 272,725 items in 2024, while also providing 24/7 access to books through a self-service bookcase.
- Library Programs and EventsHosts numerous programs and events (186 in 2024 with 1700 attendees, averaging 6 programs and 78 attendees per month in 2025), including monthly e-resource training, take-and-make craft programs, and scavenger hunts for children.
- Library Programs and EventsHosts numerous programs and events, including monthly training on e-resources, take-and-make craft programs, scavenger hunts for children, and a seed library, with 186 programs and an estimated 1700 attendees in 2024.
- Memory Care Kits Program Caregiver Support and Education ServicesFunds and curates Memory Care Kits containing tactile items, memory books, puzzles, and other materials to support individuals with Alzheimer's, Dementia, and stroke survivors, which received a 2024 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Award.
- Operate a Used Bookstore Used Book Sales for Library FundingOperates "Books Around The Corner," a 100% volunteer-run used bookstore, with proceeds used to purchase equipment, sponsor programs, and provide materials for Sun City Libraries.
- Operating a Used Bookstore Used Book Sales for Library FundingOperates "Books Around The Corner," a 100% volunteer-run used bookstore, with proceeds used to purchase equipment, sponsor programs, and provide materials for Sun City Libraries' events and needs.
- Operation of Books Around The Corner Bookstore Used Book Sales for Library FundingOperates a volunteer-run used book store named "Books Around The Corner" which generates proceeds to support the Sun City Libraries. The bookstore also offers 24/7 access to books via a self-service bookcase.
- Provide Financial and Material Support to Sun City Libraries Book Distribution & Reading Space DevelopmentProvides financial support for Sun City Libraries' programs, equipment, media materials, computers, shelving, and furniture, including financing seed purchases for the Seed Library, a two-way book drop, and extra furnishings for the kids' section.
- Providing Financial and Material Support to Sun City Libraries Book Distribution & Reading Space DevelopmentProvides financial support for Sun City Libraries' programs, equipment, media materials, computers, shelving, and furniture for the Gathering Place reading/meeting room, and finances all seed purchases for the Seed Library.
- Provision of Library Resources and ProgramsSupports and enhances the Sun City Libraries' offerings, including maintaining diverse collections (over 32,000 physical items), hosting numerous programs and events (186 in 2024), providing tech tutoring, and offering specialized services like a seed library and Memory Care Kits.
- Specialized Collections and ResourcesMaintains diverse collections including over 32,000 physical items, a seed library, Memory Care Kits (which received a NACo Achievement Award), Honor Books and Puzzles, and offers ukuleles for check-out.
- Support for Homebound Individuals Volunteer Companion & Respite ServicesProvides support to homebound individuals through the Community Enrichment Committee (formerly Homebound Committee), offering one-on-one reading services and aiming to keep them connected to the community.
advocacy · 3
- Library Advocacy Campaigns Library System Advocacy CampaignsOrganizes campaigns, such as "Save The Library," to alert residents about potential library closures and advocate for continued library services, which resulted in new five-year leases for the libraries.
- Library Advocacy and Awareness Campaigns Library System Advocacy CampaignsOrganizes advocacy campaigns, such as the "Save The Library" initiative, to alert residents about potential library closures and advocate for policies that benefit libraries, resulting in new lease agreements.
- Library Advocacy and Community Engagement Library System Advocacy CampaignsOrganizes campaigns to advocate for libraries, such as the "Save The Library" campaign which resulted in new five-year leases, and participates in community events like the Lifestyle Senior Expo to share information about library activities.
capacity building · 4
- Financial Support for Sun City Libraries Book Distribution & Reading Space DevelopmentProvides financial support to Sun City Libraries for programs, equipment, media materials, computers, shelving, furniture, and other operational needs, utilizing proceeds from its bookstore and other fundraising efforts.
- Volunteer Engagement and Management Volunteer Mobilization & ManagementEngages a large volunteer base (90 volunteers in various roles, contributing 9,520 hours in 2024) for bookstore operations, library assistance, and community outreach, and organizes appreciation events and training for volunteers.
- Volunteer Management and Appreciation Volunteer Mobilization & ManagementEngages a large volunteer base (90 volunteers contributing 9,520 hours in 2024) for various roles including bookstore operations, library assistance, and community programs, and hosts an annual volunteer appreciation dinner.
- Volunteer Management and Engagement Volunteer Mobilization & ManagementRecruits, manages, and appreciates a large volunteer base (90+ volunteers contributing over 9,500 hours annually) who assist with bookstore operations, library support, and community programs, including organizing appreciation events and training.
strategies · 13
how they think
Theories of action extracted from this org's own source material. Click any to see the full field of orgs running the same approach.
- Community Building and Connection community_buildingThe organization fosters a welcoming, small-town atmosphere to build strong community bonds and aims to keep homebound individuals connected to their community to maintain their quality of life.
- Community Building through Welcoming Atmosphere community_buildingThe organization fosters a welcoming, small-town atmosphere to build strong community bonds and camaraderie between staff and patrons.
- Community Connection for Homebound Individuals community_connectionThe organization aims to ensure homebound individuals remain connected to their community and maintain a quality of life despite physical restrictions.
- Community-Based Library Support community-based_support_modelThe organization supports local libraries and enhances community services through volunteer assistance, fundraising, and advocacy, aiming to promote literacy, lifelong learning, and equitable access to knowledge.
- Enhancing Library Services and Resources library_support_modelThe organization supports the community by directly enhancing the services and resources available through the Sun City libraries, aiming to promote literacy, lifelong learning, and equitable access to knowledge.
- Enhancing Library Services and Resources library_support_modelThe organization supports the community by enhancing library services and resources through fundraising, advocacy, and volunteer assistance, aiming to promote literacy, lifelong learning, and equitable access to knowledge.
- Fostering Community Connection and Building community_buildingThe organization aims to build strong community bonds and ensure individuals, including the homebound, remain connected to their community by fostering a welcoming, small-town atmosphere and combining service, education, and community building.
- Fundraising through Volunteer-Operated Bookstore bookstore_fundraising_modelThe organization generates revenue to support library services and resources by operating a used bookstore staffed entirely by volunteers, with all proceeds directed towards equipment, programs, and event materials for the library.
- Fundraising through Volunteer-Operated Bookstore bookstore_fundraising_modelThe organization operates a used bookstore, staffed entirely by volunteers, to generate revenue. All proceeds from book sales are directed towards supporting the local libraries by funding equipment, programs, and event materials.
- Fundraising through Volunteer-Operated Bookstore bookstore_fundraising_modelThe organization generates revenue to support library services and resources by operating a used bookstore entirely with volunteer labor, directing all proceeds towards equipment, programs, and event materials. This model relies on community donations for inventory.
- Reminiscence Therapy and Interactive Engagement for Seniors reminiscence_therapyThe organization uses personalized reminiscence activities, familiar narratives, interactive presentations, and tailored topics incorporating visuals, hands-on elements, music, poetry, and props to promote mental engagement, memory recall, and emotional well-being among seniors and memory care patients.
- Reminiscence Therapy and Interactive Engagement for Seniors reminiscence_therapyThe organization uses personalized reminiscence activities, familiar narratives, interactive presentations, and diverse sensory aids (music, poetry, pictures, props, games) to stimulate mental engagement, memory recall, and foster well-being and connection among seniors and memory care patients.
- Reminiscence Therapy for Memory Care reminiscence_therapyThe organization utilizes personalized reminiscence activities, familiar narratives, and interactive presentation sessions, incorporating aids like maps, props, hats, music, poetry, and pictures, to help memory care patients reconnect with their past, spark joy, improve well-being, and foster stronger relationships.
named programs · 5
what they call their work
Book Donations to Juvenile Corrections
Donates paperback books and DVDs appropriate for third-grade to high school reading levels to the Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections, including materials supporting culinary education
Books Around the Corner Bookstore
Volunteer-operated used bookstore that sells donated books, DVDs, CDs, and puzzles; proceeds support Sun City Library programs, equipment, and materials
Library Support and Enhancements
Funds library improvements such as automated check-in machines, seed libraries, children's section furnishings, book drops, and facility upgrades at Sun City branch libraries
Memory Care Kits
Provides take-home kits containing adult picture books, puzzles, crossword puzzles, and fidget spinners to seniors living with Alzheimer's, dementia, or recovering from stroke; funded by the Friends and recognized by Maricopa County Library District
Share With Me
Volunteer-led interactive presentation program for memory care and assisted living residents, evolving from the former "Read To Me" program; includes storytelling, music, props, and reminiscence activities to stimulate engagement and emotional connection
relationships · 24
who they work with
- Adobe Mountain School Partner — Sends books and DVDs to the school within the Juvenile School System.
- Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections (ADJC) Partner — Recognized as an "Outstanding Community Partner" by the ADJC for contributions that promote the department's mission.
- Bell Branch Library Partner — Hosted a meeting for one-on-one readers in its Gathering Place.
- Facebook Partner — Uses Facebook for public outreach and engagement.
- Fairway Branch Library Partner — Supported by the organization through funding for equipment, programs, and materials.
- Independent Newsmedia Partner — Participated in the 2023 Lifestyle Senior Expo hosted by Independent Newsmedia.
- MCLD system Partner — Provides access to additional physical items through the MCLD system.
- Maricopa County Library Partner — Supplied the initial inventory of 2,500 books for the first Sun City library.
- Maricopa County Library District Partner — The Maricopa County Library District won a 2024 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Award for the Memory Care Boxes, which were funded by the Friends of the Library.
- Maricopa County Library District (MCLD) Partner — The Sun City Libraries became part of MCLD in 2009, and MCLD signed new five-year leases with RCSC in 2024.
- Maricopa County Recorder Partner — Hosts a Maricopa County Recorder’s Kiosk.
- RCSC Partner — Coordinates with RCSC on library-related initiatives and operations.
- Recreation Centers of Sun City (RCSC) Partner — Signed new five-year leases with MCLD for the libraries in 2024.
- Sun City Bell Branch Library Partner — Supported by the organization through funding for equipment, programs, and materials.
- Sun City Country Club Partner — Hosted the annual volunteer appreciation dinner.
- Sun City Libraries Partner — Primary beneficiary of bookstore proceeds, with funds supporting library programs, equipment, and materials.
- The Gardens Partner — One-on-one readers visit residents at this care facility.
- The Gardens Care Center Partner — Participates in the Read-To-Me program and received assistance reorganizing their library and large print books.
- The Gardens of Sun City Partner — Hosts the "Share With Me" program.
- The Gardens of Sun City Partner — Site for the Read to Me program expansion to memory care residents.
- The Webb Corporation Partner — Made space available for the library at the Lakeview Recreation Center and Fairway Center, and included space for a new library in the Bell Recreation Center plans.
- Volunteer Coordinator Partner — Coordinates volunteer efforts and serves as a point of contact for volunteer duties.
- Woodmark Legacies Memory Care Facility Partner — Host site for the Read to Me program and interactive presentations.
- Woodmark at Sun City Partner — Collaborated to create an interactive reading program for their memory care residents.