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Friends group expands little free libraries and fundraising; Safeway unit sees heavy turnover
Summary
The Friends of the Library reported growth in neighborhood little free libraries, strong use at a Safeway kit and pursuit of funding and 501(c)(3) status to support additional units and professional magazine subscriptions for staff.
A Friends of the Library representative told trustees that neighborhood little free libraries and small “library kits” are in active use and that the group is pursuing funding to build and maintain more units.
The speaker said the Safeway kit requires book replacement about three times a week because of high turnover and noted there are five neighborhood units in Nogales with additional units in Tubac and Sonoita. The group said some little libraries (former newspaper boxes) were difficult to use and will be replaced.
Friends representatives said they are seeking additional funding from local foundations including Southern Area Community Foundation (South32 funding channel) and the Humberto Lopez Foundation; they also said the organization recently secured 501(c)(3) status. The Friends plan to meet after the board meeting to work on funding details.
The Friends also discussed purchasing professional library magazines for staff (Library Journal, School Library Journal, Horn Book) and solicited staff interest to guide purchases. Board members invited a public commenter, Renee Curran, to consider volunteering with Friends activities and offered to speak with her after the meeting about involvement and a potential library-board opening she mentioned during public comment.
