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FRIENDS OF THE SUN CITY LIBRARIES INC

SUN CITY, AZ · EIN 237112072 · Form 990 · FY2022 · Micro (<$100K) · www.suncitylibraryfriends.org
revenue
$49K
expenses
$79K
net assets
$4.6M
employees
0
volunteers
80
program ratio
31%
mission · from form 990

TO ENHANCE THE SUN CITY, AZ AREA COMMUNITY THROUGH SUPPORT FOR SUN CITY LIBRARIES.

profile · synthesized from sources

FRIENDS OF THE SUN CITY LIBRARIES INC supports the Sun City Library system in Arizona through funding, volunteer programs, and community outreach. The organization funds library resources and innovative programs such as Memory Care Kits for seniors with cognitive challenges and the "Share With Me" program, which provides interactive presentations to memory care and assisted living residents. It also operates a volunteer-run bookstore that generates proceeds to support library services.

irs program accomplishments · form 990 part iii · fy2022

what they reported doing

Program narrative the organization filed with the IRS. Ordered by program spending.

  1. #1 primary $10K
    OPERATION OF A BOOKSTORE SELLING BOOKS THAT ARE DONATED BY MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY AS WELL AS THOSE NOT NEEDED BY THE LIBRARIES.
named programs · 5 · from sources

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
activities · 8 groups

what they do

  • Library Friends Group Support 12 activities
    • Advocacy for Libraries
      Organizes campaigns and advocates for policies that benefit libraries, such as the "Save The Library" campaign which resulted in new five-year leases for the Sun City libraries.
    • Financial Support for Sun City Libraries
      Provides 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.
    • Financial Support for Sun City Libraries
      Provides 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.
    • Financial Support for Sun City Libraries
      Provides 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.
    • Library Advocacy
      Advocates for the Sun City Libraries, including organizing campaigns to prevent library closures and promoting policies that benefit libraries, which resulted in new five-year leases for the libraries.
    • Library Advocacy Campaigns
      Organizes 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
      Organizes 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 Awareness Campaigns
      Organizes campaigns and advocates for policies that benefit libraries, such as the "Save The Library" campaign which resulted in new five-year leases for the Sun City Libraries.
    • Library Advocacy and Community Engagement
      Organizes 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.
    • Provide Financial and Material Support to Sun City Libraries
      Provides 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
      Provides 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.
    • Support for Other Institutions and Services
      Provides books to the Adobe Mountain School in the Juvenile School System, reorganizes and supplies other care center libraries, and hosts a Maricopa County Recorder’s Kiosk.
  • Cognitive and Emotional Stimulation Programs 6 activities
    • Interactive Reading and Engagement Programs for Seniors
      Conducts 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
      Conducts 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
      Conducts interactive presentations and reading services, including the "Share With Me" program (formerly "Read to Me"), for memory care residents and homebound individuals in assisted living facilities to provide cognitive and emotional stimulation.
    • Interactive Reading and Engagement Programs for Seniors
      Conducts interactive presentations and reading services for memory care and assisted living residents, including the "Share With Me" program (formerly "Read to Me"), to provide cognitive and emotional stimulation.
    • Interactive Reading and Engagement Programs for Seniors
      Conducts 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.
    • Interactive Reading and Engagement Programs for Seniors
      Conducts interactive presentations and reading services, including the "Share With Me" program (formerly "Read to Me"), for memory care residents and assisted living residents at facilities like The Gardens of Sun City and Woodmark Legacies, providing cognitive and emotional stimulation.
  • Used Book and Media Sales 6 activities
    • Operate a Used Bookstore
      Operates "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
      Operates "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
      Operates a volunteer-run used book store named Books Around The Corner, which generates proceeds to support the Sun City Libraries.
    • Operation of Books Around The Corner Bookstore
      Operates 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.
    • Operation of Books Around The Corner Bookstore
      Operates a volunteer-run used book store named Books Around The Corner, which generates proceeds to support the Sun City Libraries.
    • Operation of Books Around The Corner Bookstore
      Operates a volunteer-run used book store named Books Around The Corner, which generates proceeds to support the Sun City Libraries.
  • Library and Donated Goods Volunteer Coordination 6 activities
    • Volunteer Engagement and Management
      Engages 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
      Engages 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 Coordination
      Engages and coordinates a large volunteer base (90+ individuals contributing over 9,500 hours annually) to support library operations, bookstore activities, and community programs, including a dedicated Volunteer Coordinator.
    • Volunteer Management and Engagement
      Recruits, 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.
    • Volunteer Management and Engagement
      Engages and coordinates a large volunteer base (90 volunteers in various roles, with 9,520 hours contributed in 2024) to support library operations, programs, and community outreach, including an annual appreciation dinner and regular meetings.
    • Volunteer Management and Engagement
      Engages a large volunteer base (90 volunteers in various roles, contributing 9,520 hours in 2024) to support bookstore operations, library assistance, and community outreach programs, and organizes appreciation events for them.
  • Community Book Clubs & Literary Engagement 5 activities
    • Library Program and Event Hosting
      Hosts various programs and events at the library, including educational programs, craft programs, scavenger hunts for children, and tech tutoring for seniors, with an average of 6 programs and 78 attendees per month in 2025.
    • Library Program and Event Hosting
      Hosts a variety of programs and events for the community, including educational programs, take-and-make craft programs, scavenger hunts for children, and monthly tech tutoring for seniors, with an average of 6 programs and 78 attendees per month in 2025.
    • Library Programs and Events
      Hosts 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.
    • Library Programs and Events
      Hosts 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 Events
      Hosts numerous programs and events for the community, including educational programs, craft activities, scavenger hunts, and tech tutoring, with an average of 6 programs and 78 attendees per month in 2025.
  • Community and School Library Operations 2 activities
    • General Library Operations and Collection Management
      Manages and circulates a diverse collection of over 32,000 physical items including books, DVDs, CDs, and puzzles, serving over 50,000 visitors annually and circulating over 270,000 items in 2024.
    • Library Collection Management and Circulation
      Maintains 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.
  • Dementia Caregiver Support & Navigation 2 activities
    • Memory Care Kit Provision
      Provides and curates Memory Care Kits, including adult picture books, puzzles, and tactile items, for seniors living with Alzheimer's, Dementia, and stroke survivors, with volunteers assisting in assembly.
    • Memory Care Kits Program
      Funds 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.
  • Uncategorized 14 activities
    • Community Enrichment Services
      Offers 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 Enrichment Services
      Provides various community services including a Homebound Committee (now Community Enrichment Committee) to support individuals unable to leave their homes, and offers a 24/7 self-service bookcase.
    • Community Resource Provision
      Offers various community resources such as a seed library, ukulele instruments for check-out, Honor Books and Puzzles, flag and eyeglasses drop-off services, a Maricopa County Recorder’s Kiosk, and a Books By Mail service.
    • Community Services and Partnerships
      Provides 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
      Sends paperback books, cookbooks, and PG-rated DVDs that cannot be sold to the Adobe Mountain School in the Juvenile School System.
    • Homebound Services
      Supports 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.
    • Homebound Support Services
      Supports homebound individuals who are unable to leave their homes due to illness, disability, or age by providing one-on-one reading services and other community connections through the Community Enrichment Committee.
    • Library Collection Management and Circulation
      Maintains and circulates a diverse collection of over 32,000 physical items, including books, magazines, DVDs, CDs, puzzles, and kits, and provides access to additional materials through the Maricopa County Library District system, circulating 272,725 items in 2024.
    • Provision of Library Resources and Programs
      Supports 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 Resources
      Maintains 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.
    • Specialized Library Collections and Resources
      Maintains and funds specialized collections and resources such as Memory Care Kits, a seed library, Honor Books and Puzzles, and offers unique items for checkout like ukuleles and book club kits.
    • Specialized Library Collections and Services
      Maintains diverse collections including books, DVDs, CDs, puzzles, and kits, offers specialized items like Memory Care Kits, a seed library, and ukuleles for check-out, and provides services such as Books By Mail and a Maricopa County Recorder’s Kiosk.
    • Support for Homebound Individuals
      Provides 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.
    • Support for Homebound Individuals
      Provides support and one-on-one reading services to homebound individuals who are unable to leave their homes due to illness, disability, or age, aiming to keep them connected to their community.
financials · form 990 · fy2022
revenue
Total revenue$49K
Contributions & grants$43K87%
Program service revenue$00%
Investment income$6K13%
Other revenue$0
expenses
Total expenses$79K
Program expenses31%
Admin / overhead61%
Fundraising8%
Salaries & benefits$0
Grants paid out$14K
Largest expense lineFacilities
balance sheet
Total assets$4.58M
Cash$316K
Investments$4.23M
Liabilities$0
Net assets$4.58M
Liquid reserves692.7 mo
2 years on record · 2020–2022 · YoY revenue +44.6%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2022

who runs it

board members · 12
  • CATHY WEYERS — VICE-PRESIDENT
  • DIANE KHOLES WYSOCKI — BOARD MEMBER UNTIL JAN-2022
  • DIANE LATHROP — BOARD MEMBER AS OF FEB-2022
  • IRENE NATHANSON — BOARD MEMBER
  • JENNIE O'LEARY — BOARD MEMBER
  • JESSICA POTTER-SLIDER — TREASURER
  • JOYCE VOSS — SECRETARY
  • MARIA LAFAYETTE — BOARD MEMBER AS OF DEC-2022
  • ROBERTA HAWKSWORTH — BOARD MEMBER UNTIL JAN-2022
  • RUTH POLANSKY — BOARD MEMBER
  • SHERI SHARP — BOARD MEMBER AS OF OCT-2022
  • SUE BLECHL — PRESIDENT
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.