The Litchfield Park City Council has authorized a placement of a memorial plaque dedicating the city’s new public library to the memory of Max Wilson, a former city councilmember and Maricopa County supervisor whose influence helped shape the West Valley.
The plaque will be installed at the Rancho La Loma hilltop library, a 10,000-square-foot facility currently under development near Litchfield Road. The project, funded through Maricopa County and managed by the county library district, is expected to open in fall 2026.
Wilson, who died July 30, 2024, served on the Litchfield Park City Council before representing District 4 on the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors from 2002 to 2013. City officials said the dedication reflects his long-standing commitment to the region.
“Max Wilson was Mr. West Valley, and his influence can be felt across the growing and vibrant district we were both fortunate to represent,” said former Maricopa County Supervisor Clint Hickman, who succeeded him in the role.
Hickman said Wilson was a strong advocate for Luke Air Force Base, local business growth and housing development for military families, helping drive economic expansion across the West Valley.
The new library has been a focal point of community discussion in recent years. City leaders approved the project after a series of public meetings in which residents raised concerns about relocating the library from its longtime site on Wigwam Boulevard.
Despite the opposition, officials said the new facility will better serve residents with expanded space, updated technology and enhanced programming. The building will be about 40% larger than the existing library, which opened in 1979.
The project will also anchor a broader cultural campus that includes the P.W. Litchfield Heritage Center and Hilltop Park.
The current library is named after Florence Brinton Litchfield, wife of town founder Paul Litchfield and a Red Cross volunteer during both world wars. Officials have not announced final plans for the existing building once the new library opens.
City leaders said the plaque will ensure Wilson’s legacy is recognized as part of the city’s future.
“He understood this position is not about the person holding it,” Hickman said. “This is the people’s seat, and it always will be the people’s seat.”
Mayor Thomas Schoaf said the project represents a long-term investment in the city’s future.
“We’re excited to work with Maricopa County on a new library that will better serve our residents for generations to come,” Schoaf said. “This investment will strengthen our community and enhance the library experience for families here.”
James Goldmeer Reporter | Goodyear & Litchfield Park
Meet James James Goldmeer joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in July 2024, starting their career as a reporter in Goodyear and Litchfield Park.
Community: James grew up in the West Valley, calling Avondale home and going to school in Glendale and Peoria. Returning to the community after university, James plans to get involved in everything arts and culture, and civil rights.
Education: Northern Arizona University a bachelor's degree in Journalism, a certificate in Professional Communications, with a minor in English.
Random Fact: James spent half a year as an intern for the Arizona House of Representatives communication team, working with legislators to inform the public through press releases and social media.
Hobbies: James collects postcards and old books, reads memoirs and attends local jazz shows.
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