Press Releases & Social Media Posts
Hello From the Friends of the Sun City Libraries:
You may have seen the RCSC release today on the positive progress made yesterday in talks between Maricopa County Library District (MCLD) and the RCSC Board and staff. This is the opening paragraph of the release:
"The RCSC Board would like to report that we are making progress defining the terms of a five-year lease agreement with Maricopa County Library District (MCLD), which would replace the current five-year lease (2019-2024) that expires on June 30."
Please see the entire release on our saveoursuncitylibraries.weebly.com site, or on the RCSC site here:
https://suncityaz.org/update-regarding-mcld-sun-city-libraries-from-the-rcsc-board-of-directors/
We share in the positivity expressed by both RCSC and MCLD and are extremely hopeful that an agreement for five-year leases for both the Fairway Branch Library and the Sun City Branch Library at Bell will be reached, and that further dialogue on maintaining and improving library services in Sun City will continue.
As always, the Friends are standing by, and look forward to being able to celebrate, with YOU (the community that made it happen), a signed 5 year lease agreement for both libraries very soon.
Sue Blechl
President, Friends of the Sun City Libraries, Inc.
You may have seen the RCSC release today on the positive progress made yesterday in talks between Maricopa County Library District (MCLD) and the RCSC Board and staff. This is the opening paragraph of the release:
"The RCSC Board would like to report that we are making progress defining the terms of a five-year lease agreement with Maricopa County Library District (MCLD), which would replace the current five-year lease (2019-2024) that expires on June 30."
Please see the entire release on our saveoursuncitylibraries.weebly.com site, or on the RCSC site here:
https://suncityaz.org/update-regarding-mcld-sun-city-libraries-from-the-rcsc-board-of-directors/
We share in the positivity expressed by both RCSC and MCLD and are extremely hopeful that an agreement for five-year leases for both the Fairway Branch Library and the Sun City Branch Library at Bell will be reached, and that further dialogue on maintaining and improving library services in Sun City will continue.
As always, the Friends are standing by, and look forward to being able to celebrate, with YOU (the community that made it happen), a signed 5 year lease agreement for both libraries very soon.
Sue Blechl
President, Friends of the Sun City Libraries, Inc.
April 17, 2024
April 11, 2024
April 8, 2024
Hello again from the Friends of the Sun City Libraries, inc.
WOW. You let your voice be heard at an unprecedented Exchange meeting which had more attendees than most folks at the meeting had ever seen before in Sun City. Both extension rooms had to be opened. They ran out of chairs. It was mostly respectful. And it started with an apology from the Board. A good meeting!
YOUR VOICES WERE HEARD!
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
Please know that we are not standing down, we are standing by for just a little while, to see how lease negotiations progress.
Don’t relax too much just yet, and keep your eyes on our website.
https://saveoursuncitylibraries.weebly.com/
If things don’t progress in a manner that ensures both our libraries are here for at least five years we will be back and we have more options up our sleeve. Stay tuned and thank you again. This was an epic grassroots movement. Be proud!
Sue Blechl
President, Friends of the Sun City Libraries, Inc.
WOW. You let your voice be heard at an unprecedented Exchange meeting which had more attendees than most folks at the meeting had ever seen before in Sun City. Both extension rooms had to be opened. They ran out of chairs. It was mostly respectful. And it started with an apology from the Board. A good meeting!
YOUR VOICES WERE HEARD!
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
Please know that we are not standing down, we are standing by for just a little while, to see how lease negotiations progress.
Don’t relax too much just yet, and keep your eyes on our website.
https://saveoursuncitylibraries.weebly.com/
If things don’t progress in a manner that ensures both our libraries are here for at least five years we will be back and we have more options up our sleeve. Stay tuned and thank you again. This was an epic grassroots movement. Be proud!
Sue Blechl
President, Friends of the Sun City Libraries, Inc.
April 7, 2024
Hello again from the Friends of the Sun City Libraries.
Just a note to say:
PLEASE SHOW UP TOMORROW - Monday April 8th
Member Exchange, Sundial, 9AM.
We have some libraries to save!!
Just a note to say:
PLEASE SHOW UP TOMORROW - Monday April 8th
Member Exchange, Sundial, 9AM.
We have some libraries to save!!
April 5, 2024
Hello Friends of the Sun City Libraries!
President, Friends of the Sun City Libraries, Inc.
- YOU HAVE ALREADY MADE A DIFFERENCE! Your voices have saved the Fairway Library from the chopping block, albeit perhaps temporarily. Your voices have resulted in the Board of Directors, for the first time, LEARNING how popular and utilized our libraries are and the many features, besides books, they offer to all residents. Your voices have also resulted in The Board and the GM learning how the MCLD business model works. Your voices have made the Board and GM realize how deeply you care.
- IMPORTANT: Please know - OUR MISSION HAS NOT CHANGED. Our goal of having your voices be heard at the Exchange meetings has not changed. We are still intent on saving our Sun City Libraries. And as considerate as the Board of Directors have been in meeting and communicating with us, at the end of the day they could not guarantee that Sun City will have our libraries after the studies and master plan have been completed, or that MCLD would indeed agree to one year lease extensions for the two libraries. We know what difficulties operating on a shortened lease with the future unknown would bring to MCLD staff and operations.
- At the exchange meeting, we'll have Sun City Libraries history and usage information to give anyone interested (click here and you can see/download our handout) and SAVE OUR SUN CITY LIBRARIES stickers to wear if you so desire.
- We appreciate the press release from the RCSC Board admitting the decision to close Fairway was made in haste, without the Board's knowledge or discussion, as they continue to fine tune Board/GM roles.
- We encourage EVERYONE to be direct, respectful, and to treat everyone on that stage and in the audience as you would want to be treated. Please don't bring signs, and please, speak from your heart. We have two libraries to save.
- The Friends thank you again for ALL your support. We thank the many volunteers who placed 100 signs throughout Sun City yesterday. We thank you for all of your comments, suggestions, and more. We thank the Facebook groups for allowing us to post information as we get it. Your many responses showed us that you LOVE your libraries with a passion! So do we.
President, Friends of the Sun City Libraries, Inc.
April 5, 2024
April 4, 2024
Hello from the Friends of the Sun City Libraries,
MEETING UPDATE
The Friends of the Sun City Libraries met with two RCSC Board members (Karen McAdams and Chris Nettesheim) and the General Manager (Matthew D'Luzansky) on Wednesday at 3 o'clock, April 3, 2024. It was a mutually respectful meeting. While we learned a lot that we'll share below, they could not guarantee that our libraries will stay. They specifically asked us to place our trust in them that they would do what's best for the community. They assured us they all loved libraries and wanted a library in Sun City. Here are the highlights:
THE TAKEAWAY
Sue Blechl
President, Friends of the Sun City Libraries, Inc.
MEETING UPDATE
The Friends of the Sun City Libraries met with two RCSC Board members (Karen McAdams and Chris Nettesheim) and the General Manager (Matthew D'Luzansky) on Wednesday at 3 o'clock, April 3, 2024. It was a mutually respectful meeting. While we learned a lot that we'll share below, they could not guarantee that our libraries will stay. They specifically asked us to place our trust in them that they would do what's best for the community. They assured us they all loved libraries and wanted a library in Sun City. Here are the highlights:
- We requested that they renew the five-year lease for both libraries. They said they want a one year lease to give them time to do a study on both libraries, and see where they fit into the master plan for Sun City. They said one of the reasons they want to complete a master plan and not be tied to a 5 year lease is that perhaps they would find a better, more central location for the library. They said they won't know until they study the plan and do a thorough cost/benefit analysis.
- They assured us there was never any intention to close the Bell library, despite the communication MCLD shared with us that indicated so. The General Manager (GM) assured us it was a miscommunication and that he and the Finance Director are in lease negotiations now for both libraries. However, they were clear that they could not make a promise that the Libraries will remain until they finish their study. Director McAdams was hopeful that that study might be complete within a few months. They also advised us that they are aware that Maricopa County Library District is under no obligation to do a one year lease extension instead of a standard five year contract.
- The Board told us that when they were made aware of the plans to close Fairway, the Board directed the General Manager to seek a one year lease extension instead so they could evaluate it further. The Board and the GM were up front in telling us that they are still fine-tuning the responsibilities and decisions that the GM can make with and without Board approval.
- The Board also assured us that they have never met on the library lease issue prior, and only a few board members had anecdotal knowledge of the lease negotiations that MCLD shared with us. Their first Board meeting on the library was on Tuesday at a special three hour executive session.
- Lastly, they said several times how impressed they were on how quickly and passionately the community organized behind the libraries.
THE TAKEAWAY
- While we appreciate the Board and GM taking the time to meet with the Friends and we appreciate their respect for libraries and the need for a master plan for Sun City, because they could not guarantee that the either library will stay open, we are NOT stopping our Save Our Sun City Libraries campaign until we see our libraries are safe and secure for at least five years.
- You will see 100 yard signs in major traffic areas on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, encouraging attendance at the exchange meeting on Monday. Show up and stand tall and share your thoughts. The Board plans to make an opening statement about the libraries to let you know that they heard you.
Sue Blechl
President, Friends of the Sun City Libraries, Inc.
April 2,2024
Hello again from the Friends of the Sun City Libraries.
STAND BY
Sue Blechl
President,
Friends of the Sun City libraries, Inc.
STAND BY
- You may have seen today’s communication indicating the Board ordered RCSC Management to extend both libraries leases by one year while they “evaluate” the leases.
- While we appreciate the RCSC Board of Directors acknowledging the public outcry, and agreeing to a meeting with the Friends, this will not solve the problem. RCSC has not been in contact with the Maricopa County Library District (MCLD) at all since the original communication and have no way of knowing if Maricopa County Library District would even accept a highly unusual one year lease. MCLD invests over 1.1 million dollars in Sun City libraries every year. That is why their business model is a five-year lease. Does it make good business sense to invest millions of dollars in a location that has indicated they want you out in a year?
- In other words, OUR LIBRARIES ARE STILL IN DANGER. We have two meetings tomorrow; one at 10 and one at 3. Watch for an update either late Wednesday night or Thursday morning.
- So one more time, our libraries are still in danger. Do not stand down.
Sue Blechl
President,
Friends of the Sun City libraries, Inc.
April 1, 2024
A quick update on the Sun City library issue:
- National Support Your Library Week starts April 7. Oh the irony.
- A whole team of petitioners are out and about this AM gathering signatures on an informal petition to keep our libraries. If you have signed up to volunteer but haven't heard from us yet, you will. We received 30 volunteer submissions overnight, so THANK YOU!
- Yard signs promoting meeting attendance are set to be distributed in high traffic areas on Friday.
- We're keeping the www.saveoursuncitylibraries.weebly.com updated as we get news.
- We did clarify with RCSC Board Coordinator Marcia Johnson that all can come to the exchange, but only members can speak. No sign up is necessary.
- We were also assured that we can speak on this topic, even though it is not on their agenda that just came out.
- We are the front page of the Independent and other media outlets have been in touch.
- Please do not bring signs to the Exchange meeting. Buttons, stickers, tee-shirts are OK, but no signs. A member with a sign resulted in the meeting to be cancelled 7 minutes after it started two years ago.
- We thank you again for all the support
March 31, 2024
Hello again from the Friends of the Sun City Libraries,
Once again, THANK YOU for your enthusiastic response to our previous postings. We are thrilled to see how many people value and want to keep our libraries in Sun City. To further our efforts of getting the word out to Sun City residents about the potential closure of both Sun City libraries by RCSC Management, and to encourage attendance at the April 8 Member Exchange, we are soliciting volunteers for yard sign placement (April 4-7), petition gathering, and possibly, peaceful, legal demonstrations. We've created a quick and easy way to let us know if you would like to help. Just click on the link below. It will take you to a volunteer interest form on our web site.
Again, thank you for your support.
Friends of the Sun City Libraries, Inc. Board President
Sue Blechl
620-803-22140
[email protected] 3/31/2024
Once again, THANK YOU for your enthusiastic response to our previous postings. We are thrilled to see how many people value and want to keep our libraries in Sun City. To further our efforts of getting the word out to Sun City residents about the potential closure of both Sun City libraries by RCSC Management, and to encourage attendance at the April 8 Member Exchange, we are soliciting volunteers for yard sign placement (April 4-7), petition gathering, and possibly, peaceful, legal demonstrations. We've created a quick and easy way to let us know if you would like to help. Just click on the link below. It will take you to a volunteer interest form on our web site.
Again, thank you for your support.
Friends of the Sun City Libraries, Inc. Board President
Sue Blechl
620-803-22140
[email protected] 3/31/2024
March 30, 2024
URGENT UPDATE II ON SUN CITY LIBRARIES
The Friends of the Sun City Libraries, Inc. would like to give a HUGE thank you to all of the Sun City residents who have indicated their support for our two libraries! The response has been overwhelming and 100% positive. We want to give you two important updates.
1. We have created a temporary stand-alone web site as a central repository of all the information we have, links to media, and more, as we gather it. Please refer to this website ANYTIME you have questions. Share the web site with everyone you know. Use it to separate facts from fiction. Use the submission form to give us more ideas! This web site includes the following:
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
Go to www.saveoursuncitylibraries.weebly.com
2. We’ve heard from two board members so far, who wanted us to know that this issue has never been discussed formally with the Board, and that any board member who was aware of these lease notices found out only anecdotally. If so, we hope Board members come forward with their support.
Thank you so much!
Sue Blechl
Board President, Friends of the Sun City Libraries, Inc.
620-803-2140
[email protected]
The Friends of the Sun City Libraries, Inc. would like to give a HUGE thank you to all of the Sun City residents who have indicated their support for our two libraries! The response has been overwhelming and 100% positive. We want to give you two important updates.
1. We have created a temporary stand-alone web site as a central repository of all the information we have, links to media, and more, as we gather it. Please refer to this website ANYTIME you have questions. Share the web site with everyone you know. Use it to separate facts from fiction. Use the submission form to give us more ideas! This web site includes the following:
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
Go to www.saveoursuncitylibraries.weebly.com
2. We’ve heard from two board members so far, who wanted us to know that this issue has never been discussed formally with the Board, and that any board member who was aware of these lease notices found out only anecdotally. If so, we hope Board members come forward with their support.
Thank you so much!
Sue Blechl
Board President, Friends of the Sun City Libraries, Inc.
620-803-2140
[email protected]
March 30, 2024 - Letter to Editor from Friends President, Sue Blechl
CLICK HERE TO READ THE LETTER. THIS PDF FILE MAY BE DOWN-LOADED AND SHARED
March 28, 2024
URGENT UPDATE ON SUN CITY LIBRARIES
This post is to inform Sun City citizens that RCSC Management and the Board of Directors are discussing the imminent closure of both the Fairway and Sun City (Bell) Libraries. We were shocked to learn just yesterday that discussions have been occurring on this issue for the past two months, yet they have NOT informed the Friends of the Sun City Libraries or the residents of Sun City.
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.
When we talked to Finance Director Kevin McCurdy after the RCSC Board meeting today, he confirmed the contents of the letter, 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 thought it was a good idea for us to post about this and encourage attendance at the member exchange meeting April 8.
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. New Board member, Richtmyre, 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 explains how this works. Https://mcldaz.org/assets.
We are disappointed that the new RCSC Management team and Board have not followed through with their promises of Communication and Transparency, so we are letting you know what we know. 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.
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 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.
We’ll keep information posted on our website:
Thank you,
Friends of the Sun City Libraries Board of Directors President
Sue Blechl
620-803-2140
[email protected]
3/28/24
This post is to inform Sun City citizens that RCSC Management and the Board of Directors are discussing the imminent closure of both the Fairway and Sun City (Bell) Libraries. We were shocked to learn just yesterday that discussions have been occurring on this issue for the past two months, yet they have NOT informed the Friends of the Sun City Libraries or the residents of Sun City.
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.
When we talked to Finance Director Kevin McCurdy after the RCSC Board meeting today, he confirmed the contents of the letter, 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 thought it was a good idea for us to post about this and encourage attendance at the member exchange meeting April 8.
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. New Board member, Richtmyre, 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 explains how this works. Https://mcldaz.org/assets.
We are disappointed that the new RCSC Management team and Board have not followed through with their promises of Communication and Transparency, so we are letting you know what we know. 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.
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 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.
We’ll keep information posted on our website:
Thank you,
Friends of the Sun City Libraries Board of Directors President
Sue Blechl
620-803-2140
[email protected]
3/28/24