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About the Library


Staff

Parker Public Library
  • Jeannie Smith, Adult Services
  • Position unfilled, Children & Teens Services
  • Tammy Brookbank, Library Aide

Bookmobile
  • Ruthie Davis, Bookmobile and Outlying Services Coordinator
Bouse Public Library
  • Heather Nolen, Library Manager

Centennial Public Library
  • Sharon Hillhouse, Library Manager

Policies

Parker Public Library

La Paz County Libraries
(Bouse Public Library, Centennial Public Library, and La Paz County Public Library)
 
 
The Founding of the Parker Public Library

Long a desire for many Parker people, the Junior Woman's Club of Parker took on the responsibility of beginning a Public Library on May 11, 1956. This began with a house to house campaign to collect books, and people wishing to donate, left their porch light on so the ladies would know to stop for collection. A Bake sale on May 5, 1956 was the first fundriaser for the Library and $16.70 was earned. At one time there was a donation of 2,000 volumes of books, that were donated by the Principal of the Valley School, Mr. Joseph Le Pera, he had received the books in 1952 from the Civic Women's Club and gave the books to the Junior's project. The Lions club came to the rescue when a building was needed to house the Library; they donated part of their youth center in the City Park (now Pop Harvey Park).

The Colorado River Indian School donated 500 books; $500 came from the Board of Supervisers thanks to Glen Strom. The Parker City Council voted to give $500.00 to the six new board members known as Trustees for the Libraries Benfit. The Board, named on September 14,1956, were William Hendrix, William Brennan, Mrs. Mary Carneal, Mrs. Ellen Dick, Mrs. Shirley Wilson and Mrs. Pat Gnau. Assisting with information on Libraies was the Yuma Public Library. The Yuma Jr. Chamber of Commerce donated 300 books. The Junior Womens' Club received the Citation Award from the Sears Roebuck Company thru the Arizona Frederation of Women's Clubs for their Community Improvment and Involvment. The Juniors than went on to sponor the Arizona Repretory Theater of Phoenix for two plays.The profits going to the Library fund. The final big fundraiser by the Juniors was the "Follies" a Variety show featuring the entire community in different talent acts to the delight of friends and neighbors. This continued thru 1962.

Federal aid was secured for a new building located just across the street on the corner of Agency Road and Navajo Ave across from the old building. Occupancy began in the new building on July 18, 1971. The Parker Junior Women's Club had the honor of serving as offical hostess for the opening. Were the building still stands today.