Leisure World News

Leisure World News • Community • April 2022 A9 By Charlene Ingerson Though the poet, T. S. Eliot, opined that “April is the cruelest month”, in our area, April is a glorious delight. I’m always thankful for the joys of April in Mesa. Giving Thanks This month’s article is all about thanking others, specifically for all the plentiful contributions made to the Leisure World Library. Our library is a huge draw for the residents. Since its inception in 1974 as a corner table of donated books, our library has grown to its present state through the efforts and contributions of many. We’re thankful that the Leisure World Administration provides us with a wonderful, comfortable space, and gives us housekeeping, copier, internet, and telephone services. However, we don’t receive any funds from them. What enables us to grow and thrive are private donations, primarily from residents. Except for the computers in the carrels, everything that you see in the library was either purchased by the library or donated to us — the furniture, the shelving and, of course, the books. We’re profoundly grateful for the donation years ago of the low-vision reader from the Lions and for the fabulous shelving units made over the years by members of the Woodworking Club. When you’re browsing the stacks, please give a thought to the exceptional efforts these heroes put into building them just for us. If you’re interested in knowing specifically who contributed to this project, the library has plaques on display to honor these men who rose to the occasion when we needed them. Fund Drive Donors The library’s annual fund drive has been ongoing over the last two months. Of note, the Leisure World Foundation offered to match up to $2000 of donations given to the library during February. When many of you became aware of this generous offer, you didn’t wait to contribute! A very thankful shout out not only to the Leisure World Foundation, but also to these contributors (in alphabetical order): Lela & Bill Ayers, Duane & Jean Blomenkamp, Richard & Barbara Blum, Tom Byttynen, Geraldine (Gerri) Cousineau, Pat Cuban, Nancy DeWitt, District 1, District 7, Sandra Hunter, Charlene Ingerson, Patricia Jenkins, Sharon Kaye, Barbara Larson, Sandy & Richard Mack, Janet McMaster, John & Verna Mullen, William & Suzanne Palmer, Kathy Pardee-Jones, Jens & Jennifer Pedersen, Mark & Belinda Pettay, Helen Price, June Rauschmier, Ginny & Frank Soltys, Rod & Betty Spooner, SueTurtur, and FrancesVandenberg. In addition, we received many, many anonymous donations. Thanks to all of you, we were able to double your contributions. These donations will enable us to purchase more books throughout the coming months to add to our collection. Book Donors Did you come to our Spring Book Sale on March 19th? We want to thank you for your purchases. Aside from our fund drives and memorial donations, our book sales are a major way for us to raise money. But we couldn’t have such splendid book sales without the numerous book donations from residents. We’re grateful for any and all books that are donated — new or old, paperback or hardback. A few will end up on the shelves (especially the paperbacks!), some will be contributed to Sunshine Acres, but many of them end up in our book sales. Another shout out to all those who donated books this year. Thank you so much for your contributions! Volunteers Did you know that the Leisure World Library is entirely run by volunteers? Our team of 50+ volunteer residents do all the work associated with maintaining the collection, buying and cataloging new books and keeping the books in circulation. These are not only the friendly people on the desk from 8-4, but multiple others who do the behind-the-scenes work to keep our library an inviting oasis for readers. If you love the library, thank a volunteer. Some of our volunteers are seasonal residents which means we will be short-staffed during the summer. Nevertheless, the library will remain open and books can continue to be checked out at the circulation desk. Instructions for doing so are always on display. Books in Circulation Thanks in advance to all seasonal residents or renters for bringing back your borrowed library books before leaving the area. Many books in our collection are highly popular and circulate all year — if they’re not languishing in an empty house. Thanks for being kind to all our library users and bringing back your borrowed books before you leave. Memorials Lastly, our profoundest thanks to the following people below who have donated in memory of others. Be safe, be kind, and see you in the library! -Charlene Ingerson is the Publicity Chair for the Leisure World Library. A DOSE OF PROSE Thank You for Your Kindness February 2022 Memorial Donations Donor In Memory Of Jean Pettit Lee Weber Marion & Dianne Mitchell Pat Braford Kathy Pardee-Jones Debbie Cicerchia Books Checked Out February 2022 Regular print hardbacks: 985 Large print hardbacks: 738 Paperbacks: 149 Volunteer hours: 475 Powered by with Care Now GARAGE DOOR SERVICE Senior/Military Discounts 480-641-2301 Your BEST CHOICE for Garage Door Repair and Spring Replacement ontrackgd.com Licensed | Bonded | Insured ROC #324227 Photo Credit: Charlene Ingerson