The Rotary Club of Goodyear PebbleCreek celebrated another milestone in its literacy mission on Sept. 24 with the opening of its 13th Little Lending Library.

Financial support for the new library was provided by Goodyear Councilwoman Vicki Gillis. According to the club, Gillis has now sponsored three of its lending libraries and has committed to sponsoring a fourth location that will open soon. She has also been a consistent supporter of the club’s work with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.

Arizona State Representative Mariana Sandoval joined Rotarians and community members for the dedication. Sandoval previously served on the Agua Fria Union High School District Governing Board and has remained actively involved in supporting West Valley students and public education.

Also participating was Jim Frey, past president of the Rotary Club of Goodyear PebbleCreek and coordinator of the club’s Dolly Parton Imagination Library program. Frey has been a driving force behind the club’s early-literacy efforts. The club currently pays for approximately 1,700 West Valley children to receive a new, age-appropriate book in the mail every month through the Imagination Library.

The new lending library was made possible in part by local business owner Oscar Gomez who provided space in front of Hovak Fine Jewelers for its installation. His support gives nearby children and families a convenient place to find free books close to home.

Alex Morales, a supporter of West Valley students and the arts, also attended the dedication. Rotarian Bill Stipp, a former Goodyear City Council member, has volunteered to serve as the steward of the new library. He will make sure it remains filled with books and that its selections are regularly rotated.

The dedication brought together representatives from education, city government, local business and community service—all united by the belief that access to books can change lives.

The Rotary Club places its lending libraries in areas where families may have limited access to books. By bringing free reading materials directly into neighborhoods, the club hopes to encourage children and adults alike to discover the enjoyment and lifelong benefits of reading.

With 13 libraries now open and the Rotary Club of Goodyear PebbleCreek continues working toward a simple but important goal: placing more books into the hands of West Valley readers.