By Rusty Bradshaw
Independent Newsmedia

Dropping off a book at the Sun City libraries could get easier if the Friends of the Library are successful in an attempt to have book drops installed.

The group, consisting of volunteer residents, proposes installing a book drop at the Bell branch that would allow patrons to return books without getting out of their vehicles. Maricopa County Library officials would also like to see a book drop at the Fairway branch, although this one most likely would not be a drive-up.

“Jan Ek (RCSC general manager) said RCSC has no issues with it (book drop proposal),” said Jerry Walczak, Friends and RCSC board member. “There is also a small projects permit that could be used.”

The proposal is to install a book drop slot on the north wall of the library and building a drive-thru lane alongside the access road. Inside the library, the book drop would be in the reading area for periodicals, according to Mr. Walczak.

“There would be a need to move some shelves, but that would be the extent of it,” said Tom Everitt, Friends board member.

The Bell book drop proposal originated from Friends board member Tim Geiger.

Library staff in Sun City have also wanted to improve the book drop options at Fairway, according to Frank Patterson, library staff member.

“We are also checking on a wall slot for Fairway,” he said.

The Fairway branch does have a book drop outside the building that must be emptied by a staff member from time to time.

“At this time of year it fills up very fast,” Mr. Patterson said.

In addition, the drop box is located in a small alcove on the southeast end of the building, away from the library entrance. Library staff had talked about getting a second drop box to handle the overflow, but switched to researching the wall slot option when the Friends idea for Bell was forwarded, according to Mr. Patterson.