Buckeye valley museum
Strength in
Community Your Buckeye History Series
This project is dedicated to the heart of Buckeye. To those who could dream of a bright future. To the residents, neighbors, and friends who came together to make sure the community had access to a library. To those individuals who stepped up to lead and to all who worked tirelessly to raise the necessary funds and to advocate for support. To the Buckeye Woman’s Club, Louise Heiden, Helen Heiden, Kay Blanton, the Buckeye Valley News and all the individuals and organizations who took the time to record the history of the journey. The story truly is the Strength in Community that is Buckeye.
This project is supported by the Arizona State Library, Archives & Public Records, a division of the Secretary of State, with federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Putting Down Roots 1925 - 1945 The year was 1925. Everybody was humming “Moonlight and Roses”, dancing the Charleston and sporting bobbed hair. Buckeye had neither sidewalks nor a sewer system and boasted some five hundred souls. Forty miles of dusty road was paved between Phoenix and Buckeye connecting an irrigated farming oasis in the desert with her larger neighbor to the east, a hint at the growth that was to come.
The Buckeye Valley was settled when the Homestead Act gave each pioneer family one hundred sixty acres of land. In 1886 the Buckeye Valley was sparsely settled. By the time the tender twenties began there was a small town which had been named Sidney, but was referred to as Buckeye because the Post Office was so named. As the town grew, the name of the canal and the post office became more famous than the town and by 1910 the property owners had signed a petition to officially change the name of the town to Buckeye.
1916 Downtown Buckeye - 4th Street & Monroe
THE WOMEN OF BUCKEYE ORGANIZE It was in this quiet little farming community located forty miles west of Phoenix, Arizona, a group of community-minded women organized. Enthusiasm was high because U.S. Highway 80 had been paved the previous year, replacing the dust, dirt, and a deteriorated cottonwood tree in the middle of the main intersection of town. Better avenues of transportation made them more aware of the need for self and community improvement that could be accomplished through united effort. In those days before air conditioning or swamp coolers, the people had to endure the hot summer heat. It was a luxury to own a telephone and have electricity, and entertainment came only from social functions they sponsored. So it was, in the year 1923, a group of nineteen dedicated women met in one of the homes in the Buckeye Valley and formed the Buckeye Woman’s Club.
FIRST LIBRARY SERVICE ESTABLISHED IN 1925 The need for cultural and educational advancement was felt by the members of the Buckeye Woman’s Club. With education, not only for themselves, but for the public, high on their priority list, and recognizing an opportunity for service to the community, the ladies established a home library service. With improved transportation, the Buckeye Woman’s Club decided to contact the Maricopa County Library for books and were successful in establishing a branch of the county library in Buckeye.
Club leaders would take turns going to Phoenix once a month to get new books from the County Library. These books could then be checked out from the homes of participating club members in Buckeye or from any corner they could find to host a bookshelf. In the early years, members of the Woman’s Club alternated as volunteer librarian for a few hours a week. Mrs. Lucy Sly is remembered as one of the outstanding volunteer librarians during the time the books were moved from one place to another.
The police and sheriff’s department were located at the town and county courthouse/jail building. Pictured (L-R) Policeman Shorty McFerrin, Highway Patrolman Harry Selchow, Policeman Lew Wharff, Constable Al Makin, County Sheriff Woody Killman and Justice of the Peace and Coroner Bill Meck. (Circa 1950).
Even in the Jail? Continuing their search for a permanent home for the library, at one time, the Woman’s Club even tried to use part of the jail. The prisoners however caused such an uproar by banging on the cell bars and causing other disturbances that the Women’s Club soon fled with their books in search of calmer corners.
“One of the biggest obstacles was the lack of a permanent location, necessitating a move for one reason or another, w ith exasperating regularity.” – Buckeye Woman’s Club
The jail, built in 1912, is still standing at 218 S. 4th Street.
The Buckeye Woman’s Club continued showing their determination and dedication in bringing library services to the community. Before air conditioning, the heat of the desert could be unbearable. It took every ounce of energy to perform not only the most necessary home tasks, but also continue to provide library services to the community. This sacrifice shows the true passion of these early library workers.
In 1930, the Buckeye Irrigation Company (located at 203 S. 4th Street) had lent the Buckeye Woman’s Club a corner of their office building for a library and allowed Lena Smith, the secretary of the irrigation company to serve as the librarian.
LIBRARY SERVICE SLOWS During the Great Depression, the library fell by the wayside as the women of the community focused their efforts on feeding the poor. For now, there were more pressing duties to take care of. Later, during World War II, the women were busily engaged rolling bandages for the Red Cross, knitting socks and sweaters as well as helping the United Service Organization for servicemen. “No matter how bleak things may look, somehow women have a way of keeping hope alive. So it was during the 30’s and 40’s in Buckeye, Arizona” – Buckeye Woman’s Club
LIBRARY FINDS A NEW HOME By 1935, these industrious women had raised enough money to construct their own clubhouse. The Buckeye Woman’s Club took the opportunity to reactivate library services and by 1946 happily reserved a corner of the clubhouse for shelves full of books to be checked out by the community. With persistence, they once again embarked on a period of volunteer duty as librarian in their new clubhouse.
While no longer a library location, the clubhouse is still in use by the organization today and was successfully placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2021. As time marched on, the town was growing. The Roosevelt Irrigation District had developed, resulting in much more land being cultivated and more cattle ranching. This, of course, brought more people to the valley, and the need arose for longer hours of library service. The club raised funds by one means or another, enabling them to employ a paid librarian for part of two days a week.
The 1949 Coordinating Council included the following organizations:
Woman’s Club – Late 1960s: Annual Tea with the past presidents of the Buckeye Woman’s Club
Buckeye City Council Chamber of Commerce Sr. Woman’s Club Junior Woman’s Club American Legion and Auxiliary Veterans of Foreign Wars and Auxiliary Rebekahs International Order of Odd Fellows Farm Bureau Sportsman Club Lions Club Buckeye Homemakers Palo Verde Homemakers Spanish American Club Newman Club.
COORDINATING COUNCIL ORGANIZED Realizing they could accomplish more together, the Woman’s Club organized a Coordinating Council made up of club leaders from around the valley to assist with completing Community Improvement Projects. One such project was Town Park, started in 1946 and completed in 1950. The theme for the project was “Build a Better Community.” Farmers donated their equipment and labor to clear the land and various community groups planted grass and trees. In 1951, the Buckeye Woman’s Club received a certificate for giving the best service to community of any Woman’s Club in the Central District.
Laying the Groundwork 1946 - 1967 Having risen from the Great Depression and World War II, things were moving forward in positive ways. The women of Buckeye, many of whom belonged to the growing Buckeye Woman’s Club became ever more focused on their desire to expand library services to the community. There were many devoted women in the valley that would rise up as leaders, involved in many projects to enhance life in Buckeye.
KELL PARK BEFORE CONSTRUCTION In 1927, the local families of Ed Kell, Carl Towner, and Jack Shepard donated some of their land to encourage the building of a high school. The Ed Kell family also donated land for a children’s park that is today known as Kell Park. This property had been homesteaded by Herbert Edward and Cora J. Kell and it was their wish that it be used as a city park, especially for children’s use. By way of a quit claim deed filed in 1960, the estate of Cora J. Kell officially turned over a portion of the park to be used for the building of the library.
New Town/County building - Today this building is the Buckeye Valley Chamber of Commerce located at 508 E. Monroe
NEW BUILDING FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT In 1952, the local government moved from the old Town Hall and Jail into the new Town-County building. The town lent its support to the library project by giving the Woman’s Club use of the old jail with rent and utilities provided for free. Even better, this time there were no prisoners to disrupt their efforts. It was time to gather the volunteers because there was a lot of work that needed to be done.
1952 Town Hall/Jail became The Buckeye Public Library – 218 S. 4th Street
FINALLY A REAL LIBRARY Built in 1912, the old Town Hall and Jail was in pretty poor shape and needed repair, especially the floor. Community members rose to the challenge; lumber was donated, men from all organizations constructed shelves, sanded and did the heavy work while the women cleaned and painted. Different organizations gave funds to help buy materials needed in the rejuvenation and old desks and tables were begged or borrowed. The Y-Teens scrubbed and waxed the floors and the Junior Woman’s Club cleaned the back room for the storage of hobby supplies.
The librarian held apron-making classes for the seventh and eighth grade girls and they, in turn, washed the windows.
More books were solicited from the County Library and by private donation to make sure the shelves were full. The grounds were cleaned up, shrubs planted and a street light was installed in front of the building. This hard work was evidence of a community excited about the future of the new library. The Woman’s Club agreed to continue their support of the librarian’s salary as well as in their supervision of the maintenance and operation of the library. Then, for what they hoped would be the last time, the library books were moved; this was indeed a big step in the quest for permanency. Doris Huff was the first librarian in the old town/county building.
The new location would end the long 20-year stretch of moving books from place to place. The library remained here until 1972.
When Dessie Miller was hired in 1958 she was making $100 a month. When she retired in 1972, she was making $150 a month. Working in a building with no air conditioning, it was said, she had the job no one else wanted. What kept her there? Her passion for the community and the value she saw in the library.
Dessie Miller - Town librarian for 14 years.
FIRST PERMANENT LIBRARIAN IS HIRED The year 1958 showed such an increase in the use of the library that more hours were again needed; the use of the library had outpaced the scheduled operating hours and the financial support, so a meeting was held with the town council to discuss the problem and try to find a solution? The result was a resolution by the town to employ the librarian six half-days and one evening a week. The funds for salary would be included in the town’s budget and the town would continue to supply the building and utilities free of charge. In return, the Buckeye Woman’s Club members continued to volunteer and agreed to provide and maintain the shelves, equipment, cooling and heating systems, as well as improve the grounds. The town hired Dessie Miller as the first permanent librarian.
The response to the campaign was so enthusiastic, what began as a single meeting turned into multiple days involving almost every man, woman and child in the Buckeye and Harquahala Valleys.
The meeting that would begin uniting thousands; not once, but for decades.
A LEGACY WAS FORGED – NOW THE WORK REALLY BEGINS Realizing the inadequacies of the little library and the growing population that it served, the women of Buckeye envisioned a community building that included a library, community center and museum. A project of this magnitude would take a great deal of money and community support. On August 4, 1966 a group of four interested citizens consisting of Lola Johnson, Louis Joslin, Marshall Long, Jr., and Dorothy Marionneaux met to plan a Buckeye Valley Coordinating Council to spearhead the project with a representative from every organization and club in the area, and Lola Johnson would be their chairman. Little did they know at the time, this campaign that began in 1966 would develop into one of the Buckeye Valley’s most long-lasting annual events: Pioneer Days.
1965 – Seventy-three community minded women began moving forward at a fast pace, for most of their members had reached retirement age. Their motto: “To serve is our privilege; to find the way, our responsibility.”
Buckeye Valley Coordinating Council expanded to include representatives from 40 organizations and 18 youth groups.
THE LIBRARY BECOMES A TOWN SERVICE Under Dorothy Marionneaux’s leadership, the Buckeye Woman’s Club succeeded in reaching its goal of turning operations of the library over to the Town of Buckeye on March 1, 1966. This step marked the end of approximately 40 years of toil, sweat and tears for members of the club. From a small beginning, as a community service to a town of about 500, the Woman’s Club’s Library Project is complete. The current population numbered 3,000, not counting the outside areas of the valley. The library then had a collection of about 3,500 books and checked out an average of 900 books a month. It seemed the time had come; the Buckeye Woman’s Club had reached their goal and the library was a functioning reality with the town accepting full responsibility. The library had become a town service. This was a community achievement and the Woman’s Club marked it as the end of their project – MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.
SUPPORT CONTINUES TO GROW On December 5, 1967, recognizing the need for a community building, the Town Council appointed a Community Building Committee and granted permission for the building to be in the Town Park. The building committee was headed by Buckeye’s local Justice of the Peace, Bill Meck. Others appointed were Dorothy Marionneaux, Alberta Bales, Mance Kallenberger, Bill Flower, Clemie Arnold, Pete Narramore, and ex-officio members, Mayor Bob Bonnes and Buckeye Woman’s Club President, Arlene Roark. The committee would investigate funds and building possibilities for the project.
FIRST LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES It would be necessary to have a Library Board of Trustees as a requirement of application for matching federal funds through the Library Service and Construction Act. The request was made and on January 7, 1969 the Buckeye Town Council appointed the following to serve as the Library Board of Trustees: Roy Clark, Chairman Jean Myers Annette Napolitano Marilyn Porter Bill Flower Marjorie Schettino Sid Davis
FUNDRAISING AND HAVING FUN 1967 - 1970 Pioneer Days was established as a way to raise funds while promoting home-town co-operation and fun. Everyone in the entire valley would become involved in one way or another with this hometown tradition.
1967 – First Pioneer Days
THE BUCKEYE VALLEY PIONEER DAYS IS BORN This week-long event featured a country fair, a parade including a pioneer king and queen, an oldfashioned melodrama, pageants, dances, special church services, entertainment, pit barbecue cookouts and more. This tradition continues today as a three-day event called “Buckeye Days.”
Pioneer Days would help support the building of the new library and multiple community improvement projects. Year $ Raised Equivalent Today 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972
$ 3,700 $ 6,080 $ 4,546 $ 4,121 $ 5,725 $10,016
= = = = = =
$ 30,305 $ 47,796 $ 33,887 $ 29,056 $ 38,671 $ 65,551
That’s a lot of meat!
Lined up to shred the meat for the barbecue
THE PERFECTED ART OF PIT BARBECUE Living in a rural community with an abundance of cattle, Buckeye had perfected the art of pit barbecue. This became a means of raising funds and bringing people together at events. It required burning hundreds of pounds of wood in a huge pit over the preceding night, then lowering cloth wrapped meat into the resulting pit of coals and covering everything with earth. The beef was donated by generous community members.
The 1967 open pit barbecue was attended by approximately 1,000 people who enjoyed the entertainment, contests, delicious food and friendship.
In January 1967, seven leaders of local homemaker groups met at the Woman’s Club to make sunbonnets. Representatives went back to their groups with patterns and materials. Fortytwo ladies made eighty-four bonnets, donating roughly 206 hours of labor as their contribution. Everyone found their way to participate in the fun: Painting business store front windows, building floats for the parade, learning lines for the play, sewing pioneer dresses and bonnets, making crafts for the country fair, and baking homemade pies to sell.
Valley National Bank Employees participate in Buckeye Pioneer Days
HOW WOULD YOU HAVE BEEN INVOLVED? This was a time to gather with friends for a common goal. The women of Buckeye recognized the strength in community and welcomed everyone to participate.
First Pioneer Day Play – “Tales of Buckeye Valley”
TALES OF BUCKEYE VALLEY At a planning meeting, Lola Johnson announced a new addition to the 1967 Pioneer Days celebration. It would be a historical pageant that she was writing about the local history. She agreed to direct the production that would involve several hundred people from the community. By 1969, this part of Pioneer Days was known as the Melodrama & Olio.
Community Choir performed at first Pioneer Day play
A Parade of Fun!
Waiting for the parade to roll by – Pioneer Royalty: Pat Coker, Flora Davis, Bruce Heiden & Helen Heiden
Don Kepler, from the Buckeye Union High School, volunteered to organize and direct a Community Chorus for the historical pageant. Accompanied by Joan Meredith, the group of volunteers lent their time and talents to the production.
Some remember paying $1.00 to attend the Wallace & Ladmo Show at the high school auditorium. Complete with Ladmo Bags, it was an exciting event, a chance to see the popular Phoenix T.V. entertainers in person.
1967 Poster Contest Winners
INVOLVING THE YOUTH It was important to involve the youth organizations from the community, churches and all of the valley schools. They jumped on board in a variety of ways: building floats and country fair booths, designing and printing programs, providing entertainment, a farm animal show, running game booths, and art shows. Children participated in costume parades as well as poster and essay contests focused on local history. A record 555 teenagers attended a youth dance sponsored by the local churches.
THE VISION - A COMMUNITY BUILDING The response to fundraising through a Pioneer Day Celebration was overwhelming! Every organization and many individuals wanted to participate. The Buckeye Woman’s Club and Community Improvement Project Committee had no idea how contagious the enthusiasm would be to the whole community. As they talked to club members, citizens, and merchants, they began to realize there was a need for a community building to include a library, community room and a museum. U.S. Congressman, Sam Steiger and State Librarian, Marguerite Cooley were instrumental in helping to get the federal funds for the library. Their guidance through the application processes and exploring the possibilities was invaluable. At one point, the Buckeye Woman’s Club was considering the sale of their own clubhouse to add to the financing of the Community Center Fund.
A PERMANENT HOME 1971 Buckeye is now abundantly aware of the power of women. At the outset, the town’s business men thought the idea of building a combined Library-Community Center complex too immense a project for the fairer sex. However, the Buckeye Woman’s Club soon reversed this skepticism as the new Buckeye Public Library would soon be a reality.
A very exciting day in Buckeye
LIBRARY BREAKS GROUND AT 310 N. 6TH STREET Ground breaking ceremonies were held May 10, 1971 at the site that would soon be the location of the Buckeye Public Library in Kell Park. Present at the ceremony were, left to right, Roy Clark, Clemie Arnold, Mayor Robert Bonnes, Bill Flower, Dorothy Marionneaux and Jeanne Butler. Construction of the new library started that same afternoon with the building expected to be completed in August.
This gives a hint as to how happy they must have been that the day was finally here. “…the tired, weary, worn-out, despondent, depressed, exhausted, C.I.P. Chairman cried ‘Help’. There never was a cry for help that the Club members did not respond. They always came through when they were needed.” -entry by the Woman’s Club recording secretary
Sketch of Buckeye Public Library
Let’s get started
LET THE CONSTRUCTION BEGIN Clemie Arnold Construction Company of Buckeye, Arizona, won the bid to construct the library. His bid was far under the other five companies, which allowed all of the extra options to be included. The people in the Buckeye Valley were very grateful to Clemie as they recognized this was his own generous contribution to the town and posterity. NEW LIBRARY COSTS - $62,000 $31,000 federal funds - Library Services and Construction Act $31,000 matching funds - raised by five-year community effort
Children’s Story Hour at the Construction Site
JUST CAN’T WAIT FOR THE LIBRARY
June 10, 1971, the new Buckeye Public Library was used for the first time as the children gathered among the growing walls for a story hour. The Buckeye Woman’s Club began the story book hour in 1963 as part of an effort to encourage children to read during their summer school break. Storytime has been, and continues to be a major part of the library services that continues to prepare the youngest users for school success. As construction neared completion, volunteers eagerly began preparing a plan to move the books one last time from the old library on South Fourth Street to the new library. A task done so many times, yet this time seemed different.
Dedication Ceremony
OCTOBER 24, 1971 – LIBRARY DEDICATION
Threatening weather and a brisk fall wind didn’t keep 100 people from attending the dedication of the new library. Mayor Bob Bonnes welcomed guests and introduced library board members at the Sunday morning dedication. Standing to the left of the Mayor are board members; Bill Flower, Marilyn Porter, Annette Napolitano, Sid Davis and Marjorie Schettino. Funds were raised mainly by five annual “Pioneer Days” celebrations and matching federal funds. If everyone who worked on our Community Improvement Project had been paid an hourly wage, we could have built the “Taj Mahal.” - Buckeye Woman’s Club
Women wore pioneer dresses in recognition of Pioneer Days fundraising efforts.
TRULY A PROJECT OF THE PEOPLE “We cannot possibly introduce the people and organizations who were responsible for the success of Pioneer Days, which was the source of revenue for this building from our local citizens. We realize it was the working together of all combined citizens that has made the beginning of our Community Center, The Buckeye Library, a reality.” - Buckeye Woman’s Club “We dedicate this library to the people of Buckeye and Harquahala Valleys who have given their time and efforts to preserve the American Way of Life and have made this community a better place to live.” - dedication address
A flag for the library The new Buckeye Public Library was donated a flag pole by the Valley National Bank. A letter was written to U.S. Senator Paul Fannin requesting a flag for the new library. He responded by sending a flag which had been flown over the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. Pictured raising the flag are, left to right: Dorothy Marionneaux, a member of the Community Building Committee; Jeanne Butler, President of the Buckeye Woman’s Club; and Bill Flower, a member of the Library Board and the Building Committee.
Stars & Stripes flown for the first time over the new library February 17, 1972
GROWING SERVICES 1972 - 1996 By 1980, the library served an area encompassing 20,000 people and yet only 4,200 resided within the town of Buckeye. As the only library in the area, library supporters came from all of the surrounding areas to access library services. The amount of money raised and the continued support shows the value placed on the library by the community.
A peek inside the new library
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED
How did the Woman’s Club summarize the benefits of their new library project? • Furthered enjoyment and education through library use for present and future generations • Developed leadership in all ages • Preserved local history • Encouraged patriotism as citizens saw democracy in action • Created and renewed friendships by working together to create an old-fashioned home town atmosphere
New Reading Room
So many books
The new library needed landscaping, so a memorial fund was initiated. Donations received were used to plant shrubbery and trees around the library and small park as a living memorial.
Woman’s Club members discuss plans
FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY ORGANIZED In 1972, the Buckeye Woman’s Club members created an organization called “Friends of the Library” to guide volunteer librarians, coordinate fundraising efforts, conduct books sales, formulate a plan for landscaping the new building, and to further develop library services.
In 1991, The Friends of the Buckeye Public Library incorporated, becoming a special fundraising non-profit which supports the Buckeye Public Library’s mission and programs. With the support of the community, they would continue the legacy started by the Buckeye Woman’s Club in 1925. Edith Mae Christian would serve as the first President of the Friends of the Buckeye Library.
CHARTER MEMBERS OF THE FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY Alberta Bales, Jeanne Butler, Alice Charman, Edith Mae Christian, Marie Clark, Roy Clark, Pat Coker, Flora Davis, Sidney Davis, Jane Ewoldt, Don Gordon, Audrey Grijalva, Hilda Harder, W.R. Hegi, Jane Hunt, Dorothy Huntsman, Lorene Hyer, Lola Johnson, Louis Joslin, Mrs. Martin Jury, Myrtle Kemp, Dorothy Marionneaux, Dessie Miller, Belle Myers, Elaine Nesbitt, Marilyn Porter, Betty Yatron, Marjorie Schettino, Mark Shepard, Nicholas Yatron.
Two years after the dedication of the library building, the librarian, Dorothy Huntsman reported that the library had a paid librarian, 20 volunteers, 728 library card holders, a storytime on Saturday mornings, and 18,587 library materials were circulated.
Floor plan to include a community room
LIBRARY USE IS OUTPACING ITS SPACE Originally the Woman’s Club envisioned building a community complex that included a library, community room and museum, but at the time federal funding only supported the building of the library portion. The community room and a museum would have to wait. By 1985, Librarian Kay Blanton was so successful in attracting new library users, it became increasingly difficult to hold programs at the library, particularly during summer months when children were out of school.
With library use outpacing the space of the building, it was time to advocate for expanding the library to align more with the original vision. Efforts to pass a special bond for the library failed, which meant more fundraising and advocating for the community room addition.
Kay was deeply devoted to the library and was a part of the community in every way that counts! The tragic loss of Librarian Kay Blanton in 1992 was felt by everyone and united the valley in pursuit of her vision to expand the library. She had worked tirelessly to improve library services in Buckeye, making a difference in the lives of all who came in contact with her.
Librarian Kay Blanton
BUCKEYE VALLEY RALLIES TO ACHIEVE LIBRARIAN’S DREAM
Kay Blanton, who was the librarian for more than 10 years, dreamed of seeing the library expand to provide more programming for children and the community. However, the small town, operating on a tight budget, lacked the funds to see her dream carried out while she was alive.
The Friends Book Sales are an enduring means of raising funds thanks to generous donations from the community.
LET THE FUNDRAISING BEGIN AGAIN Spearheaded by the Friends of the Library, raising money for construction would take three and a half years and require every type of fundraiser imaginable. Between 1992-1996 the community raised $115,000. The community funds, added to an $85,000 grant, helped pay for 22,000 new books and completion of the new wing. The Kay Blanton Memorial Wing was dedicated October 19, 1996. The expansion would more than double the size of the library. This was made possible by a community that took hold of her dream and made it happen.
Former Library Director, Jeanine Guy recalls of this time: “The support was incredible. We had our fundraising events, but the money just poured in. I would open envelopes and checks would fall out, donations from corporations and individual community members. Children brought in money they had raised on their own. Business owners organized their own fundraisers and donated to the cause. People from all over came out to support our efforts. It was amazing!”
STRENGTH CONTINUES 1996 - 2021 Today Buckeye is booming, growing faster than most could have imagined and yet there is something special deep in the heart of the community. It is the strength that comes when we unite and realize we can do so much good together.
BUCKEYE FINDS TOWN IS FULL OF LIBRARY FRIENDS The years have brought an awareness that there is great support for the Buckeye Public Library. The Friends of the Library continue to support special projects and programming at the library through their volunteering and fundraising efforts. The Friends have brought in celebrities, organized monthly yard sales, craft boutiques and silent auctions. They have devoted time to sell books, cinnamon rolls, hamburgers, raffle tickets and host fundraising galas at the Nardini Manor, all of which has been met with tremendous support from the community. From sold out fundraising galas at the Nardini Manor to flipping burgers at the Halloween Carnival, the Friends of the Library know how to engage the community in support of the library. Buckeye Public Library makes the news
For decades the Friends of the Buckeye Public Library have offered thousands of dollars in financial support for the Library’s Summer Reading Program which encourages children to keep reading during their summer school break.
Linda Hardison and Sally Benson at 1997 Friends Luncheon.
1997 Annual Spring Luncheon – Log on @ the Library
The Friends Annual Luncheon has always been an opportunity for members to gather and share their support. In 1997 the event had to be held at the Buckeye Community Center because 200 people attending would not be able to fit in the Library.
ABUNDANTANTLY BLESSED BY VOLUNTEERS One thing is clear, there has always been an abundance of volunteer spirit at the heart of Buckeye. They show up in the wee hours of the morning to set up for fundraisers and events, then stay late into the evening to clean up. They give of their time and talents recognizing it is the strength that comes when we unite and realize we can do so much good together to build upon the legacy that has been left by those who came before us.
Today, the Friends of the Buckeye Public Library encourage those who have a desire to give back to the community to come and join them as they carry on their support of library services and early literacy programs offered through the Buckeye Public Library System.
Alice Charman at the 1997 Friends Luncheon
Follow the Yellow Brick Road to the Buckeye Public Library
There are fond memories of Alice Charman, the lady with the cash box at every fundraiser. She was there with a smile, ready to take the money for books, yard sale items, tickets or whatever the occasion. Alice was an incredible example of volunteering in the Town of Buckeye.
Many will recall the Yellow Brick Road which was used as a fundraiser for the library expansion. Supporters of the library purchased the opportunity to have a yellow brick and their name painted on the sidewalk entrance to the library. For years people enjoyed walking the path and reading the names until there were so many library users and the Yellow Brick Road was just not able to withstand the wear and tear and had to be removed.
Downtown Library 2021
FINAL ADDITION – A PROGRAM ROOM In 2005, the library would once again break ground for construction – this time to add a program room to the Downtown Library. The Friends of the Library would donate $65,000 toward the cost of the expansion. Leading the way, each year the Friends of the Buckeye Public Library work tirelessly in support of library services because they recognize the value of the library in the community.
As time goes on, the older generation looks to the younger to learn the ropes and take the reins so the work of making a positive difference in the community can continue.
IS IT TIME TO THINK ABOUT HOW YOU CAN BE INVOLVED?
Buckeye Public Library - Roadrunner Bookmobile
BOOKMOBILE TAKES THE LIBRARY ON THE ROAD In September 2008, the Buckeye Public Library’s Bookmobile was unveiled to better provide services to our growing community. Today, as it travels the roads of Buckeye, it is easily recognized as the Roadrunner Bookmobile thanks to the amazing wrap provided by the Friends of the Buckeye Public Library. The Roadrunner Bookmobile allows the library to reach the farthest parts of our vast community.
Buckeye Public Library - Coyote Branch
THE BUCKEYE PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM IS BORN On February 28, 2015, the Buckeye Public Library celebrated the grand opening of the Coyote Branch, at 21699 W. Yuma Road, with 2,000 community members attending. The Coyote and Downtown Libraries, along with the Bookmobile now form the Buckeye Public Library System. Before the new Coyote Branch opened, the Friends of the Buckeye Public Library helped remodel the interior of the Downtown Library with upgrades to the furniture and technology, making sure users had access to the same new technology available at the Coyote Branch.
Friends of the Buckeye Public Library Bookstore – located at 21699 W. Yuma Road
Today, the Friends of the Buckeye Public Library oversee all operations of the Friends Book Store at the Coyote Branch, made possible thanks to generous donations of books from the community and volunteers who staff the bookstore.
Friends of the Buckeye Public Library recognized by the Arizona Library Association as 2018 Volunteer of the Year.
THIS COMMUNITY IS PRICELESS The passion to bring a library to Buckeye began in 1925 with nineteen women who wanted to make a difference in their community. These early women made great sacrifices for the community, not for personal gain, but for the betterment of those around them. The sense of community is felt in the dedication and support of the library over the years. The community continually donated their time and materials simply because they wanted to help. They wanted to be a part of something bigger than themselves.
It didn’t happen just once, it happened over and over and still continues today. The story of the library in Buckeye is just a small portion of the Strength in Community that is Buckeye, Arizona.
Memories Shared October 23, 2021, the Buckeye Public Library’s Downtown Branch celebrated its 50th Anniversary. Here are some of the memories shared. Our thanks to the community of the Buckeye Valley for their continued support of the library and giving us the opportunity to be a part of your lives in a positive way.
Sheree Napolitano: “Back in the good old days, I would drop my elementary age kids off at this wonderful library to explore books, enjoy quiet time and read. Today, all these kids, now adults still love reading! Thank you!” Margy Davis: “I used to bring my grandson when he was 4 years old. He’s 18 now. My favorite memory was when they had an event for the children and they actually brought a live horse in. My dad always told me, and it’s so true, ‘Books are our best friends!’”
Nikki: “Music in the Stacks.” Kamila: “50th Anniversary Event.” Barbara LaGrow: “Volunteering with a great group of kids for Read to Succeed.” E.H. (Volunteer): “Drawing the constellations on the wall for the summer reading program.” Joel Wright: “Getting to be a part of YEON year six, and presenting to Mayor Orsborn.”
Linda Armstrong Davis: “Mrs. Patterson required that her two daughters, my sister and I go to the library before going to the swimming pool. We had to get two books.”
Janene Van Leeuwen: “Lakewood, Colorado, Children’s area had beanbags which I loved running in and jumping on it to then read.” “Learning computers the 1st time, Rt 90 Turtle.”
Francisco Garcia: “My favorite memory is closing the place when I was little.” (Francisco’s mother worked for the library)
Mayor Eric Orsborn: “Storytime! My Favorite memory at the Buckeye Library is talking/videoing, virtual storytime. They actually made me sing & dance.”
Sharon Melton: “Loved riding my bike to the library over the years and bringing my grandkids for fun activities.”
Jo Abels: “My mom, Rita Jean, taking us to the library after she came home from work. This library was located at 216 S. 4th Street. The family library card number was 101. When you ask members of the family what their favorite number is all say 101!”
Nicole: “I liked reading all the names on the bricks out front on the way to the front door.” Ian: “I love the computers because I love to play Roblox and games.” Rachel Babcock: “Like to visit the library during Halloween & Christmas time to get new DVDs and Christmas books.” Spencer: “The Parachute at Storytime.” Krista Cornish: “Swimmy Jimmy outside my window playing with the young patrons.”
Aaliyah Funez: “My favorite library memory would be volunteering for the summer reading program. Seeing all of the kiddos having fun and seeing the community come together.” Alvin Hernandez: “My favorite memory was meeting all the wonderful people from the community of Buckeye and surrounding area and how we all can make a difference by volunteering and Buckeye Library creates an avenue for everyone to help.”
Denise Napolitano Reed: “I was on the library board, during meetings my daughter, Jeana, about 5-6 years old, would play on the stage and teach her imaginary students. She grew up loving books and is a special education teacher. Our library is a blessing to Buckeye.” Kathy Beamis: “When they sold ‘Bricks’ for the walkway, I bought one for my son and it was there for years. It was really fun to show it to his kids (my grandkids) when I brought them to the library to check out books or for the programs. My granddaughters enjoyed the programs so much. Also, I remember Kay Blanton. She was such a sweet, caring person. Thank you for all you all do for our kids and grandkids. You created warm memories. Three generations have come to the library.” Jennie: “Storytime at the library and sensory day!” Jacquelin: “I was happy getting a library card.” Christine Larson: “One of my favorite memories was when the library staff dressed up in pioneer clothes, turned our book carts into horses and we marched in the Buckeye Days Parade promoting the library and doing a choreographed routine to All About the Bass Books. We had a great time!” Darren Babcock: “Being able to use multiple media resources and mediums to collect many memories and joys with an appreciation of world building.” Taela & Julie: “The first time we came to babytime! We had so much fun singing songs!” Jason: “My dad took me to the library once a week when I was young. We would then read each night.”
Stephanie Quinton: “I would bring my client that I had as a caregiver, she read a lot, so we would come get books a lot.” Sara Wyatt: “My favorite memory at the library is finding my first favorite book, The Secret Garden, and spending all day reading it!” Carolyn Quinton: “I remember bringing my grandchildren here to get a book every 2 weeks and they were also involved in the summer reading program.” Deb: “Love and miss the card catalog.” Jim Grosbach: “I remember driving by and seeing a group of people standing in the grassy area with shovels ready to ‘break ground’ for the library here. One was Roy Clark a Buckeye Union High School Ag teacher.” Megan K.: “Storytime! We love Jo. Summer reading program is so fun.” Marcie Fields: “Daughter won the Name the Butterfly contest in 1986.” Ishan Perera: “My favorite memory was the opening of the Coyote Branch, I thought it was a great addition to the city because it made it more accessible for Buckeye resident in the North.” Debby: “Storytime and activities with my daughter 18 years ago.” Carrie Farnsworth: “I enjoyed our first time at the library celebrating the 50th anniversary. Thanks for the warm welcome and great family fun.”
Meckenzie Larson: “My favorite memory of the library is coming after school and waiting for my brother or mom. I would sit in the big bean bag and watch movies. I also remember Swimmy Jimmy would follow me around in his tank.” Jen Hutchins: “The best place to work – Love the Library!” Sharon Van Gorder: “I loved coming to the library’s yard sale with Alice Charman.” Jeanine Guy: Remembers the library getting the first public computers and people from the city coming to the library to use them. The City later developed its IT Department. The Rempel Family: “We love attending storytime and having fun as a family on our weekly trips for new books to read.” Jeanne Driessen: “The 50th Anniversary! Had lots of fun talking to all the people at the finger puppet station.” Chris Haske: “Volunteering in the Coyote Branch, Friends of the Library used book store on Tuesday mornings as the storyhour children and parents would come into the store. Fun to see their craft work. I love to watch children pick out books.” Sharon Melton: “From 1996-2004 this library was a treasure for me to bring my special needs son, Dale. We checked out lots of books and VCR movies! Thank you for all your love and support.” Greyson Melton: “My favorite memory at the library is a couple years ago we were building rockets and I learned how to use a hot glue gun.”
Annette Napolitano: “Two days after Kay Blanton died, I was in charge of a downtown parade. We arranged for a horse with backward stirrups to be led by the Police Chief, followed behind by children. Terri LeFever made a flowered nosegay and made arrangements for the children.” Joan Meredith: “Favorite Librarian is our daughter, Chris Larson. The memories of Buckeye Public Library are seeing the wonderful advancements that have been made over the years. The staff of the public library have always been so helpful.” Logan Melton: “When I was little I was scared of the ferret.” Lincoln Grundy: “Summer Reading Program.” Bonnie Agol: “I watched the puppet show, The Little Red Hen with my grandchildren, got my book bag. This was my 1st time in this library.” Unknown: “Bringing students from the School to Work program in Buckeye Union High School District to tour the library and helping many get their first library card.” Spencer Bell: “Parachute at Storytime!” SJ Bell: “Code Club” Sadie Bell: “Parachute at Babytime with my baby sister Skyla.” Erica Partida: “My baby was asleep in the car while I came to pick up a summer reading program kit, so a librarian was nice enough to bring one out to the car for me.”
To experience more or to share with family and friends, visit www.buckeyeaz.gov/library