Friends of SaddleBrooke Libraries

Bucks 4 Books Raffle Helps Fund SaddleBrooke Libraries

Barry Swartzberg

Many SaddleBrooke residents assume that because the three SaddleBrooke community libraries are housed in the SaddleBrooke and MountainView clubhouses and DesertView, the libraries are funded through our homeowners’ dues. In reality, the HOAs provide space, shelving, and computers for the libraries, but the books, large-print books, audio books, and DVDs are paid for with funds raised by the Friends of SaddleBrooke Libraries (FSL).

Although some books are generously donated by SaddleBrooke residents, the money raised through FSL-sponsored trips, lectures, and author luncheons is what allows our librarians to purchase new, in-demand materials for all SaddleBrooke residents to enjoy.

This year, FSL launched the Bucks 4 Books Raffle. There were two reasons for starting the raffle. First, the pandemic forced FSL to cancel all fundraising events planned for 2020. Despite this, FSL continued to grant funds to the libraries, albeit a slightly reduced amount. The raffle offered a way to replenish FSL’s “rainy day” funds because, during the pandemic, it was pouring!

Secondly, FSL has long relied on bus trips as a source of income. Unfortunately, our tour guides have decided to retire. The Bucks 4 Books Raffle offered a means of replacing funds previously generated by the bus trips.

If you value our libraries, you can help support them by either buying some Bucks 4 Books Raffle tickets online at https://sbfsl.org/raffle, and/or by becoming a new member, or renewing your Friends of SaddleBrooke Libraries membership. It’s easy to pay for membership online at https://sbfsl.org/become-a-member.

Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has already purchased raffle tickets or is currently a member of Friends of SaddleBrooke Libraries. All raffle ticket holders are entered into the final cash drawing on Dec. 31. The prize, which is now more than $3,000 and growing, will be split among three lucky winners. Don’t miss out!

Save the Date! FSL Spring Author Luncheon

Rolly Prager

Friends of SaddleBrooke Libraries (FSL) is excited to announce that Jan Clere will be the guest author at our luncheon on March 14, 2022. She has written extensively about Arizona women and their place in the history of the state. Her latest book looks at the role of military wives and their role in the shaping of the frontier.

More information about this exciting event will be available in the coming weeks.

FSL Needs Your Expertise

Looking for something new to do? The Friends of SaddleBrooke Libraries (FSL) needs your expertise! Be a key part of helping FSL ensure that the libraries have the funds to buy the books, audio books, and DVDs our community wants.

The FSL Board is seeking a secretary and directors (as well as committee volunteers) for communications, development, and programs.

The FSL Board secretary is responsible for attending all meetings, recording minutes, and maintaining custody of the minutes and supporting documentation. Your careful listening and concise writing skills will be a big help.

The FSL communications director is responsible for communicating with FSL supporters and the SaddleBrooke community. This role is essential to assuring the SaddleBrooke community knows FSL raises money for our libraries. Your communication and marketing expertise are critical to FSL’s success.

The FSL development director is responsible for generating income from SaddleBrooke residents and other supporters. This role is essential to assure we raise money for grants to our libraries. Teams concentrating on membership, special events, and constituent relationships are part of development. Your sales, marketing, and fundraising talents are the winning combination FSL needs.

The FSL programs director is responsible for offering interesting programs, such as author luncheons and lectures, for FSL supporters and the SaddleBrooke community to enjoy. This role is essential to maintaining SaddleBrooke’s interest in literary pursuits relevant to the missions of FSL and the libraries. Your interest in authors, speakers, and other community enrichment possibilities is key to successful FSL programs.

If you have questions, or would like to discuss any of these opportunities, contact Laura Pauli at 520-818-1742 or [email protected], Barry Swartzberg at 520-825-0463 or [email protected], or any FSL board member you know.