Phyllis L. Carr
Sun Lakes started with a clubhouse and 500 mobile home lots in 1972. Over the past 54 years, much has changed, as you know being members of this vibrant and welcoming community.
At the heart of every community, even a golf-focused one, is the desire for places where books are available, and libraries have always filled this role. In 1983 the Cottonwood clubhouse complex was completed and included a dining room, crafts room, exercise room, and a small library with a courtyard setting. This space served the community well for many years.
In 2015 the library underwent an extensive renovation, updating the facility and continuing the work by advocate Anne Montgomery, a member of the board of directors’ Communications Committee, who worked tirelessly to develop the facility, including managing the volunteers. Part of that renovation included Heather Carnes’ efforts to arrange for new display cases. Of course, COVID-19 created many challenges for the library, but the board members found ways to keep the library as available as possible for patrons.
Thanks to the Library Board, the library now houses an amazing number of volumes. The board’s funding has provided free access to top-selling books, adding to the existing collection. Pat Weitzel currently does the purchasing, selecting the most popular books available. The current library collection includes mysteries, historical fiction, “cozies” (mysteries for the faint of heart), romance, biographies, inspirational, and several series. There are large-print books, as well as audiobooks, a collection that is currently being expanded thanks to Bette Hargrave’s suggestion.
Currently, a very popular series, suggested by Doreen Taylor, retired head librarian, is the truly engaging Civil War saga The Bregdan Chronicles, by Ginny Dye. The first four books were originally released as the Richmond Chronicles. This series has become much sought after by many patrons. Like a number of the most current purchases for the library, The Bregdan Chronicles needs to be checked out when volunteers are available.
The library is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is run entirely by volunteers, each taking two-hour shifts for sorting and shelving, as well as making suggestions based on their own favorite titles. Ev Rainwater, volunteer coordinator, ensures coverage for every shift and training for every volunteer.
There is no time like the present to make the quick trip to one of the finest gems in Sun Lakes. Grab a book, a coffee, and a roll from the dining room and get comfortable in one of the reading areas, or take those books with you to enjoy in the comfort of your own home.
Next month: Who’s Who at Sun Lakes Library