A New Library in the Making: Land, Donations, and a Legacy
Before the incorporation of Apache Junction, it was clear that the East Valley community was in need of community-oriented resources. The unincorporated area during the post-war period experienced issues with schooling and a general lack of resources to match the rising populations moving to Arizona. But the resolve of the area’s residents was demonstrably strong. As the city of Mesa turned away students due to overcrowding, it was Apache Junction resident Paul Mozley who provided school grounds for students and teacher Sally Lindsay who taught them.[1] The Apache Junction Woman’s Club continued this grassroots tradition of do it yourself.
By 1965-1966 the community’s old library was in disrepair and according to the Apache Sentinel it “had been allowed to deteriorate until it amounted to literally nothing”[2] , and Mrs. Opal Hansen spearheaded efforts to relocate and rebuild a community library. Mrs. Hansen however not alone in her endeavor to have the library rebuilt, she founded the Apache Junction Civic Council, which according to the Sentinel, “composed of all clubs that come together to discuss community affairs.”[3] With the help of the Lions Club, Lionesses Club, Rotary Club, to name a few, fundraising to get the library built would become the next hurdle.
Two donors offered land to the Apache Junction Public Library Board, but the decision was made to go with the land offered by wintering residents, Mr. and Mrs. Norton. For the project to move forward, however, breaking ground on the site would require $6,0000. By February 4, 1966 the project had just over two-thirds of the goal met. And as the Apache Sentinel describes, The Apache Junction Library Building Fund, headed by chairman William Haysman, helped to orchestrate door to door neighborhood canvasing during the funds closing weeks.[4]
In closing, the Apache Junction Library Board, with the help of the Woman’s Club, was able to raise the $6,0000.000 required to build the new structure formerly located at 122 E. 2nd The library was a unique opportunity for the community to come together, and with Mrs. Opal Hansen this project is a shining exampled of early place history. The project spanning nearly two years is just one aspect of the Woman’s Club Organization’s involvement in the area.
[1] Swanson, James A., and Thomas J. Kollenborn. In the Shadow of the Superstitions–: The History of Apache Junction, Arizona. Apache Junction, AZ: Goldfield Press, 1990.
[2] “A Junction Library, Mrs. Hansen’s Goal.” Apache Sentinel (Apache Junction), August 5, 1965. Accessed April 7, 2018. Apache Junction Library.
[3] “A Junction Library, Mrs. Hansen’s Goal.”
[4] “Library Building Fund Total Continues to Grow.” Apache Sentinel (Apache Junction), February 4, 1966.
Apache Junction Women's Club Scrapbooks 