MOST IMPORTANT RIGHT NOW:
UPDATE 4/17/24
RCSC released an announcement that a meeting took place yesterday with MCLD, and both parties were pleased with the outcome, and pending a few lease adjustments, are confident that a 5 year lease is forthcoming.
Click here to view release
UPDATE 4/11/2024
RCSC released an announcement that they are meeting in the very near future to with Maricopa County Library District Director Jeremy Reeder to discuss getting county assistance with any safety issues.
Click here to view release
UPDATE 4/8/2024
WOW! You showed up to the Exchange Meeting in droves this morning.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
The crowd (well over 1,000) was standing room only. The testimonies were heartfelt. Again, it was UNPRECEDENTED!
Please know, that we are NOT standing down. We are STANDING BY while we see how the lease negotiations progress. If we don't see our libraries secure, we will not stop, and we have more options up our sleeve.
WATCH THIS SPACE
And thank you again for showing the world your support for our libraries.
WATCH THIS SPACE
And thank you again for showing the world your support for our libraries.
This temporary website was created by the Friends of the Sun City Libraries Inc. as a central communication point where we can post updates and plans relating to our goal of Saving Our Sun City Libraries. We just added new pages - Press Releases and Public Response. Scroll down and you'll find:
What Happened?
What Do We Know So Far?
What Do We Think About It?
What We Don't Know So Far
What Are We Doing About it?
What YOU Can Do To Help
Important Links and Contacts
FAQS
Idea Submission Form
What Happened?
What Do We Know So Far?
What Do We Think About It?
What We Don't Know So Far
What Are We Doing About it?
What YOU Can Do To Help
Important Links and Contacts
FAQS
Idea Submission Form
What Happened?
Leadership from Maricopa County Library District shared with the Friends of the Sun City Libraries that RCSC management has informed the County that they are re-evaluating the use of the Fairway and Sun City (Bell) locations. RCSC has communicated that they do not plan to renew the same agreement with the Library District. Instead, they have informed the County that they plan to move the Fairway location to a month-to-month lease starting July 1 in order to allow the library time to vacate the premises completely. The Sun City (Bell) location will be renewed for one year, but they will not renew after that. (3/26/24)
What Do We Know So Far?
We only know what the County shared with us above. In an effort to learn MORE, FRIENDS attended the RCSC Board meeting on 3/28/24. After the meeting we met briefly with Kevin McCurdy, RCSC Finance Director and the person who communicated the above information to the county.
When we talked to Finance Director Kevin McCurdy, he first said that was a rumor. But he confirmed his lease communication to MCLD above, and said it wasn’t his decision, but the decision of RCSC General Manager Matthew D’Luzansky (who was not in attendance today).
He also stated that nothing was decided yet, despite the tone of the communication from RCSC to MCLD. Kevin was not sure if the RCSC Board of Directors would be involved with the final decision, or even if the public would be informed. He expressed a desire that all be informed but was not sure how and when that might happen. He did not state that the Board Members knew about this but implied they've known for two months. We truly do not know when/if they knew.
When asked WHY, McCurdy said RCSC needs the space, but he did not know for what exactly. He also stated that he felt the Fairway location was unsafe due to homeless nearby, and then mentioned his disdain that MCLD did not pay rent for the library facilities. Board member, Richtmyre, who was nearby, echoed her disdain as well. Had either done their homework, they would have discovered that this is the MCLD business model – the municipality provides the space and basic maintenance and MCLD funds all library operations (including staff, materials, technology, programming, etc.) Their annual report (Link below under IMPORTANT LINKS) explains how this works.
When we talked to Finance Director Kevin McCurdy, he first said that was a rumor. But he confirmed his lease communication to MCLD above, and said it wasn’t his decision, but the decision of RCSC General Manager Matthew D’Luzansky (who was not in attendance today).
He also stated that nothing was decided yet, despite the tone of the communication from RCSC to MCLD. Kevin was not sure if the RCSC Board of Directors would be involved with the final decision, or even if the public would be informed. He expressed a desire that all be informed but was not sure how and when that might happen. He did not state that the Board Members knew about this but implied they've known for two months. We truly do not know when/if they knew.
When asked WHY, McCurdy said RCSC needs the space, but he did not know for what exactly. He also stated that he felt the Fairway location was unsafe due to homeless nearby, and then mentioned his disdain that MCLD did not pay rent for the library facilities. Board member, Richtmyre, who was nearby, echoed her disdain as well. Had either done their homework, they would have discovered that this is the MCLD business model – the municipality provides the space and basic maintenance and MCLD funds all library operations (including staff, materials, technology, programming, etc.) Their annual report (Link below under IMPORTANT LINKS) explains how this works.
What Do We Think About It?
We are disappointed that the new RCSC Management team have not followed through with their promises of Communication and Transparency. If you want to keep public, free Libraries in Sun City, we urge you to let the staff and board know. If you DON’T want a library in Sun City, feel free to communicate that as well. Given the excellent usage we see in both libraries (146,000 visitors in 2023 checked out 364,000 items, the 22 computers with free internet are fully utilized daily, the 364 programs that were given to residents in 2023 were highly utilized, to mention just a few) we feel confident that the libraries, should they be removed by RCSC, will be sorely missed. It’s hard for us to imagine any replacement in that space that would offer as much value to every resident of Sun City.
What We Don't Know So Far
- Where this communication originated (update 4/6 - we now know it was the GM)
- If RCSC Board Members knew about this (Three said they did, one is adamant that they did not.) We HAVE NOT talked to all Board Members yet. As of 3/30/24 AM, two board members have reached out to the Friends and indicated that the Board has never formally discussed this, and that any knowledge any other Board members they had was anecdotal. We'd love to hear from other board members and get their public support. (update 4/6 we now know that there was never a board meeting about the library until we raised the issue. But some board members had heard some talk of the libraries, but not officially.)
- Why this was communicated to MCLD before all Board Members and Sun City residents had any input (update 4/6 we now know from the Board's release that this was a case of the Board and GM still working out what the GM can and can't do without Board approval. We understand, from the recent press release from the Board. that any library closure or move will require board and member feedback. At least that is how we are interpreting the release.)
- What process will be used to make a final decision (update 4/6 - still unknown)
- If Sun City Residents and the Friends of the Sun City Libraries will have a voice in this decision (update 4/6 - still unknown exactly how)
- What plans RCSC has for the vacated space and if it will be of greater value to Sun City residents than the libraries there currently (update 4/6 - still unknown)
What Are We Doing About It?
- Posted in Four Sun City Facebook Groups (3/28/24) Another 3/30 and another 3/31.
- Sent an EMAIL blast to all Bookstore NEWSFLASH recipients (500+) (3/28/24)
- Sent an email blast to all Sun City Library and Bookstore Volunteers (3/28/24)
- Worked with Scott Tyne with the Sun City Independent to help spread the news (3/28/24)
- MCLD staff are also spreading the news and printing up posters and handouts for the libraries (ongoing)
- We have also researched the RCSC Requirements for formal petitions in Sun City that can bring an issue to VOTE by ALL Sun City Residents. (To Be Determined)
- We are also looking at an informal petition to show the public support (To Be Determined)
- Have Encouraged MASS attendance at the April 8, 2024 RCSC Member Exchange at 9AM at the Sundial Recreation Center (ongoing)
- Contacted Maricopa Sheriff's Department to learn the legal requirements for picketing, displaying signs and handing out flyers (3/28/2024)
- Created a stand-alone web page www.saveoursuncitylibraries.weebly.com as a central communication resource (3/29/2024) Note: As of 11:17AM April 1, we've had 1,894 visitors to the web page. As of 4/4/24 noon WE'VE HAD 3,658 PAGE VIEWS
- Wrote a letter to the editor (several publications) 3/30/24. Click here to see a copy. Feel free to share!
- Created a volunteer portal to make it easy to sign up. 3/30/24
- 100 Yard Signs will arrive before noon on 4/5/24. Will contact volunteers to put in critical public areas.
- 4/1/24 10AM - Petition process started! Eight volunteers are out with more to come. Several pages full already.
- 4/3/24 Friends met with RCSC Management and two Board Directors. See our recap here.
- 4/4/24 Created a new PRESS RELEASE page where all social media posts and letters to the editor can now be found and a PUBLIC RESPONSE page where we will post s few outstanding public letters, etc.
- 4/5/24 14 volunteers distributed 100 sign in public places that urged attendance at the April 8 Exchange meeting.
- 4/5/24 Created a one page document with all the library statistics we could get our hands on. Click HERE for a copy. We will have copies for anyone interested at Monday's Exchange. But we urge you to look at it know. This was news to our Board, so it may be news to you too. We really use our libraries!
What YOU Can Do to Help
Here’s how to make your thoughts known:
EMAIL RCSC General Manager Mathew D’Luzansky at:
[email protected] or
call and leave a message
623-561-4600 (press 0)
EMAIL all RCSC Board Members (convenient links below) or
call and leave a message at
623-561-4600 (press 0)
President: Kat Fimmel – [email protected]
Vice President: Karen McAdam – [email protected]
Secretary: Connie Jo Richtmyre – [email protected]
Treasurer: Anita Borski – [email protected]
Director: Steve Collins – [email protected]
Director: Tom Foster – [email protected]
Director: Preston Kise – [email protected]
Director: Chris Nettesheim – [email protected]
Director: Jim Rough – [email protected]
SHOW UP at the next Member’s Exchange meeting on April 8, 2024 at 9AM at Sundial. Let your opinion be known.
EMAIL RCSC General Manager Mathew D’Luzansky at:
[email protected] or
call and leave a message
623-561-4600 (press 0)
EMAIL all RCSC Board Members (convenient links below) or
call and leave a message at
623-561-4600 (press 0)
President: Kat Fimmel – [email protected]
Vice President: Karen McAdam – [email protected]
Secretary: Connie Jo Richtmyre – [email protected]
Treasurer: Anita Borski – [email protected]
Director: Steve Collins – [email protected]
Director: Tom Foster – [email protected]
Director: Preston Kise – [email protected]
Director: Chris Nettesheim – [email protected]
Director: Jim Rough – [email protected]
SHOW UP at the next Member’s Exchange meeting on April 8, 2024 at 9AM at Sundial. Let your opinion be known.
Important Links & Contacts:
Click Here to View the MCLD 2022 Annual Report. This shows the MCLD business model in place for over 10 years, Municipalities provide the space and maintenance, and MCLD funds all library operations (including staff, materials, technology, programming, etc.)
Click Here to see the latest information in the Sun City Independent. Please note that this article requires a Sun City Daily Independent subscription. We hope this article will soon be in the free edition that comes out next week. In an email to the FRIENDS, reporter Scott Tynes advised us that RCSC has OFFICIALLY declined to comment on this article.
Political Links: (please note that as far as we know, NO politicians have been involved with these decisions whatsoever, or up to now, are even aware of the issue. We are publishing these links as a convenience, should you like to let them know.
Congressional Representative, the honorable Debbie Lesko: https://lesko.house.govlesko.house.gov
Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, District 4, the honorable Clink Hickman: [email protected]
FAQS
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Q: Who are we?
A: We are the Friends of the Sun City Libraries, Inc. Learn all about us on our website:
www.suncitylibraryfriends.org
Q: Are the Libraries well utilized?
A: Yes! 146,000 visitors in 2023 checked out 364,000 items, the 22 computers with free internet are fully utilized daily, The 364 programs that were given to residents in 2023 were highly utilized, often with a wait list, just to mention just a few. Click here to see all the stats on one handy page.
Q: I saw a post on the RCSC Web Site entitled Library Lease Negotiations Continue. CLICK HERE FOR LINK. Does it relate to this issue?
A: No. This post was from 2014. Fortunately , the RCSC, the Friends, and MCLD came to a good resolution back then.
Q: What does MCLD stand for?
A: Maricopa County Library District
Q: I know the MCLD libraries are for all Maricopa County Residents. How many Sun City Residents use these libraries?
A: MCLD advised us that right now, 79% of Sun City Library users are residents of Sun City. these are i ndeed Our Sun City Libraries!
Q: Does that mean that if the libraries are removed, our beloved used bookstore, Books Around the Corner would also be evicted?
A: Yes. The 40k plus they earn every year for library programs would also go away, as would the wonderful volunteers that run the bookstore.
Q: Can library users who don't live in Sun City attend the Exchange.
A: Yes, according to the Board Organizer, anyone can attend, but only resident with rec cards may speak.
Q: Can I bring signs to the exchange meeting?
A: No, please do not bring signs. Two years ago, a group brought signs, and the board adjourned the meeting within 7 minutes of the start. We want this to be a respectful discussion that in no way disrespects any attendees. You may wear stickers or buttons or t-shirts that promote the libraries.
Q: Who are we?
A: We are the Friends of the Sun City Libraries, Inc. Learn all about us on our website:
www.suncitylibraryfriends.org
Q: Are the Libraries well utilized?
A: Yes! 146,000 visitors in 2023 checked out 364,000 items, the 22 computers with free internet are fully utilized daily, The 364 programs that were given to residents in 2023 were highly utilized, often with a wait list, just to mention just a few. Click here to see all the stats on one handy page.
Q: I saw a post on the RCSC Web Site entitled Library Lease Negotiations Continue. CLICK HERE FOR LINK. Does it relate to this issue?
A: No. This post was from 2014. Fortunately , the RCSC, the Friends, and MCLD came to a good resolution back then.
Q: What does MCLD stand for?
A: Maricopa County Library District
Q: I know the MCLD libraries are for all Maricopa County Residents. How many Sun City Residents use these libraries?
A: MCLD advised us that right now, 79% of Sun City Library users are residents of Sun City. these are i ndeed Our Sun City Libraries!
Q: Does that mean that if the libraries are removed, our beloved used bookstore, Books Around the Corner would also be evicted?
A: Yes. The 40k plus they earn every year for library programs would also go away, as would the wonderful volunteers that run the bookstore.
Q: Can library users who don't live in Sun City attend the Exchange.
A: Yes, according to the Board Organizer, anyone can attend, but only resident with rec cards may speak.
Q: Can I bring signs to the exchange meeting?
A: No, please do not bring signs. Two years ago, a group brought signs, and the board adjourned the meeting within 7 minutes of the start. We want this to be a respectful discussion that in no way disrespects any attendees. You may wear stickers or buttons or t-shirts that promote the libraries.