The San Manuel Community has seen a lot of loss and closures in the past few years, BUT the local library is here to stay and continues to seek ways to serve our community. We continue to be a source for entertainment (through books, DVDs, video games, programs), information (computers, free WiFi connection, and state supplied research databases), and services (copier, fax, digitalization station, tech-support class, Inter-library loans). We continue to search for ways to help our community with things like introducing Accelerated Reader section to children’s books and purchasing more historically based novels and Arizona history materials. We will soon be starting a notary public service.
So, how can you as a community member help sustain the San Manuel Library? Here are some ways we need your support:
• USE THE LIBRARY AND ITS RESOURCES. Part of our funding comes from grants from the county and state. Our usage numbers must be reported to receive those monies and materials.
• DONATE MONEY TO THE LIBRARY. Even though we own the building, we must pay for upkeep, utilities, insurance, and programs. Since we do not have a city government or a local industry to support us, this is difficult for us to do without your financial support. The grants from the county/state meet only a small portion of our operating budget. Your donations make up most of our budget. A donation jar is available whenever you are in the library and an annual fund drive will start February 1st. “KEEP THE LIBRARY ROCKIN’” is our fund drive theme this year. Celebrate our library by donating. Financial contributions may be dropped off at the library or mailed to San Manuel Library, 108 W. 5th Avenue, San Manuel, AZ 85631.
• VOLUNTEER 2-3 HOURS A WEEK. The library is always seeking volunteers who are willing to work 2-3 hours a week. Inquire at the front desk about doing this.
• VOTE FOR MEMBERS OF LIBRARY BOARD. Our library is a volunteer-run organization and is overseen by our board as required by the Arizona Corporation Commission for non-profit status. This 5 member board oversees the day-to-day operations, maintaining the library and providing volunteers to work. Three positions are open to election this year for a two year term. Election will take place January 17th-26th at the library and you must have a library card to vote. The profiles of those running for the three positions are below.
Chaille McGrew:
Chaille is a long time resident of the community and taught for over 20 years in the San Manuel School District. She has been a volunteer at the library since her retirement and has served on the Board of Trustees for 10 years. While working and raising her children, Chaille made good use of the library and appreciated all those that volunteered to keep the library running and now wants to do her share to keep the library in good shape for the present and future patrons.
Linda Lee:
Linda has lived in San Manuel since 1971 and has volunteered at the library for several years during the 70s and has presently worked in the library since 2010. She is currently serving her third term as the Chairman of the Board. Linda enjoys volunteering in the library because of the people that visit the library and helping maintain a serviceable library for the community
Louise Krouse:
Louise has lived in San Manuel for 43 years and worked for the San Manuel School District for 31 ½ years. She dearly loves volunteering at the library here in San Manuel helping people and learning new skills. She is currently the Board Secretary and would love to continue serving our library by once again being elected to the Board of Trustees.
Wanda Greenshields:
Wanda recently moved to San Manuel, where she and her daughter have a home cleaning business. One of the first places Wanda visited in the community was the library because she is an avid reader. She quickly signed up to become a library volunteer. Being a member of the library board of directors would enable Wanda to help the library to remain a vital part of life in the San Manuel community.
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE LIBRARY AND ALLOWING US TO CONTINUE TO SERVE OUR COMMUNITY.