Save the Gila Bend Library
Save the Gila Bend Library
The Issue
For over 30 years, the Gila Bend Library has been a key part of our community. More than just a place for books, it's been a safe, welcoming space where people of all ages, especially our kids, can learn and connect. Shutting it down isn’t just about losing a building-it means losing access to knowledge, opportunity, and support that so many rely on.
Right now, there are plans to close the library by May 22, 2025, after the Gila Bend Unified School District school board asked for the space to be vacated by June 2025.
Located on the school district’s campus, the library has helped countless students, families, and individuals with things like internet access, job opportunities, free tax services, educational programs, and community events. For many years, the library has also partnered with St. Mary’s Food Bank to provide free meals to children 18 and under, a vital service in our community. If the library closes, all of this disappears at a time when resources like these are more important than ever.
An extension of the current Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA), could give Maricopa County the time it needs to secure a new, permanent location and ensure library services continue without interruption.
So we’re asking the superintendent and school board to officially let the library operate in its current location until a new location is secured. At the same time, we urge Maricopa County to prioritize finding a new home for this essential institution.
Gila Bend Unified School District Governing Board:
Patricia Riggs, Governing Board President: PatriciaR@gbusd.org
Joanne Carpenter, Governing Board Clerk: JoanneC@gbusd.org
Everette Montana-Lopez, Board Member: everettemontanalopez@gmail.com
Colby Turner, Board Member: ColbyT@yahoo.com
Robert Varner, Superintendent: RobertV@gbusd.org (928) 683-2225 ext. 114
Rosalie Soviero, Administrative Assistant to Superintendent: RosalieS@gbusd.org (928) 683-2225 ext. 152
Maricopa County
Steven Gallardo, Maricopa County District 5 Supervisor: district5@maricopa.gov
State of Arizona
Katie Hobbs, Arizona State Governor: engage@az.gov, azgovernor.gov (602) 542- 4331
832
The Issue
For over 30 years, the Gila Bend Library has been a key part of our community. More than just a place for books, it's been a safe, welcoming space where people of all ages, especially our kids, can learn and connect. Shutting it down isn’t just about losing a building-it means losing access to knowledge, opportunity, and support that so many rely on.
Right now, there are plans to close the library by May 22, 2025, after the Gila Bend Unified School District school board asked for the space to be vacated by June 2025.
Located on the school district’s campus, the library has helped countless students, families, and individuals with things like internet access, job opportunities, free tax services, educational programs, and community events. For many years, the library has also partnered with St. Mary’s Food Bank to provide free meals to children 18 and under, a vital service in our community. If the library closes, all of this disappears at a time when resources like these are more important than ever.
An extension of the current Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA), could give Maricopa County the time it needs to secure a new, permanent location and ensure library services continue without interruption.
So we’re asking the superintendent and school board to officially let the library operate in its current location until a new location is secured. At the same time, we urge Maricopa County to prioritize finding a new home for this essential institution.
Gila Bend Unified School District Governing Board:
Patricia Riggs, Governing Board President: PatriciaR@gbusd.org
Joanne Carpenter, Governing Board Clerk: JoanneC@gbusd.org
Everette Montana-Lopez, Board Member: everettemontanalopez@gmail.com
Colby Turner, Board Member: ColbyT@yahoo.com
Robert Varner, Superintendent: RobertV@gbusd.org (928) 683-2225 ext. 114
Rosalie Soviero, Administrative Assistant to Superintendent: RosalieS@gbusd.org (928) 683-2225 ext. 152
Maricopa County
Steven Gallardo, Maricopa County District 5 Supervisor: district5@maricopa.gov
State of Arizona
Katie Hobbs, Arizona State Governor: engage@az.gov, azgovernor.gov (602) 542- 4331
832
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Petition created on April 29, 2025