Surprise is looking for seven volunteers to serve on its new Library Advisory Commission.
Library Advisory Commission members will advise policy relating to the operation of the Surprise Public Library System.
The commission, which the Surprise City Council created in April. will also make recommendations regarding city library operations and programing, help support and promote city library services and serve as a liaison to the community.
The city plans on naming the commission members in July before holding monthly meetings at the Surprise Regional Library, 16089 N. Bullard Ave.
The commission will be an offshot of the city’s Arts, Culture and Library Department, which also works with the existing Arts and Cultural Advisory Commission on the city’s arts and cultural programs.
The Arts, Culture and Library Department was formed last September and began managing the city’s libraries in February under the new Surprise Public Library System.
The system is comprised of three libraries: the Surprise Regional Library, Hollyhock Library, 15844 N. Hollyhock St., and Asante Library, 16755 W. Vereda Solana Drive.
Interested residents can pick up an applications for the Library Advisory Commission from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays at the City Clerk’s Office at Surprise City Hall, 16000 N Civic Center Plaza. Online applications are also available at surpriseaz.gov/Boards.
When finished, email the completed applications to the City Clerk’s Office at clerk@surpriseaz.gov or submit them in person. The city always keeps applications for all boards and commissions on file for future vacancies.
For information about the Library Advisory Commission, email Kathryn Smithyman at kathryn.smithyman@surpriseaz.gov, or call at 623-222-1036. Visit surpriseaz.gov/Library.
Jason Stone can be reached at jstone@iniusa.org. We’d like to invite our readers to submit their civil comments, pro or con, on this issue. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org.
Jason Stone
Senior News Editor | Surprise
@thestonecave
jstone@iniusa.com
Meet Jason
Jason Stone joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in 2019, after a distinguished three decade media career that included stops at the Arizona Republic, iHeart Media/Clear Channel and Beckett Sports Card magazine. He remembers when airports sold newspapers.
Community: He is a big supporter of the Valley's original sports team: The Phoenix Suns.
Education: Northern Arizona University with a BS in broadcast journalism and a minor in sports coaching.
Random Fact: The capital of Nebraska is Lincoln.
Hobbies: Surfing, backgammon and men who aren't afraid to cry.
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