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News
Sun City book store under new leadership
McDonald will be missed
Posted
Books Around the Corner 16828 N. 99th Ave. Sun City, AZ
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By Friends of the Sun City Libraries
As the “City of Volunteers,” Sun City leads by example. Hundreds of residents give of their time and talents to benefit the area.
Some residents might not be aware of these giving people, but they have helped create the excellent quality of life residents enjoy here.
One nonprofit asset is Books Around the Corner, 16828 N. 99th Ave., a used book store that is operated totally by volunteers, with all proceeds supporting the two Sun City branch libraries. When Maricopa County Library District added these branches to its responsibilities in 2009, Mary Anne McDonald pursued the creation of a used bookstore in the Sun City Branch, within Bell Center and run by the Friends of the Sun City Libraries.
She had the vision and the dedication to make the project happen, and she continued to manage the store as a volunteer for 12 years. Almost $500,000 was provided to the Sun City branch libraries since the book store began, a tribute to McDonald and the many other volunteers, customers, and donors of materials.
McDonald passed away recently, leaving a deep void in the organization. However, with her foresight and planning, she identified key volunteers within the Friends who would carry on the operation and management of the store.
Now three book store managers cooperatively oversee Books Around the Corner. Pam Danneman, Cathy Weyers and Roberta Hawksworth share the responsibilities of carrying on the valuable project founded by Mary Anne McDonald. The Sun City libraries continue to receive financial and other support, and the community benefits from the low-cost availability of informational and entertainment materials.
“We cannot thank Mary Anne and volunteers like her enough for their generous spirit and lifelong efforts to make the world a better place,” said Sue Blechl, Friends board president. “We can, though, use their inspirational examples to appreciate the many blessings and assets around us, and to give our time, talents and funds to empower projects and agencies that serve us so well. Rest in peace, Mary Anne.”
