What: [The Desert Foothills Library has been voted to receive the distinction of a Cave Creek Local Landmark to be presented by the Mayor of Cave Creek]
Where: [Desert Foothills Library is located at 38443 N School House Road nestled in the foothills of Cave Creek, AZ]
When: [Cave Creek Local Landmark Plaque Presentation by Major of Cave Creek will be held on Thursday, May 18 at 4pm on the Waterfall Terrace of the Desert Foothills Library]
The Desert Foothills Library has been awarded the distinction of being recognized as a Cave Creek Local Landmark by the Town of Cave Creek! The Local Landmark award celebrates destinations that are an iconic part of our town’s culture and heritage. The Desert Foothills Library will join the list as one of sixteen destinations to receive this honor. “We are honored to receive the Cave Creek Local Landmark, and we invite you to visit Desert Foothills Library whether you’re a frequent patron, haven’t been to the library in years, or are new to the area. A gem within a community of treasurers, there’s something for everyone here. Desert Foothills Library is a truly unique Cave Creek Landmark and we welcome everyone”, announced Dr. Debra Lay, Executive Director of Desert Foothills Library.
In 1954, a contract was signed with Maricopa County to start a new Library in Cave Creek. Dorothy E. Smith was named as the Library’s first Director, circulating materials mostly out the trunk of her car! The current, permanent location of the Library, on top of Saguaro Hill on Schoolhouse Rd., had its grand opening exactly twenty-three years after the first signed contract with Maricopa County on February 14th, 1977 and was renamed the Desert Foothills Library. In 1987, the Desert Foothills Library also became Maricopa County’s only Independent Public Library that is privately funded, offering free library cards to ALL Maricopa County residents!
Starting with a mere 2,000 square feet, the Library has since undergone several major expansions and is now currently 20,000 square feet! The Library boasts designated youth and teen sections, a full demonstration kitchen, multipurpose rooms, computer lab, Southwest Special Collections Room, and private study rooms. The Library also houses the Chapter2 Bookstore, which is the largest, used bookstore in the North Valley with over 25,000 items at fantastic prices.
The mission of the Desert Foothills Library is to enrich the Desert Foothills community by promoting literacy and advancing knowledge through library resources and programs that inspire and support lifelong learning. This commitment has led to the evolution of the Library offering more than just your average book; it truly is a place where the community can engage and come together. With an offering of over one hundred programs a month for adults and youth, there is something for everyone to get involved with at the Desert Foothills Library: from book clubs, movie showings, fitness classes, seminars, cooking classes, and storytimes to card games, lectures, seminars, pet adoptions, and more! And if you’re looking to host your own special event, from showers and meetings, to memorials and weddings, the Library has the perfect space for a unique gathering!
Following the Landmark Dedication on the evening of Thursday, May 18th, a private gathering will be held for those who contributed to the creation and development of our newly constructed pergola. You can relax on the Library’s Waterfall Terrace, listening to the tranquil sounds of the waterfall under the shade of this new pergola while enjoying a seat on one of their environmentally friendly furniture; supported financially by Kiwanis. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a walk on the adjoining Desert Foothills Land Trust Trail with the trailhead located right in Library’s parking lot to get some of the best views of downtown Cave Creek and Carefree as well as the entire Valley!
The vision of the Desert Foothills Library has always been to continually evolve as a widely recognized and valued community resource. For sixty-nine years the Library has served the community as a hub for not only resources and library services, but as a place to come together and highlight all the things that make this community exceptional.
For more information, explore the following links:
Website: https://dfla.org/
History: https://dfla.org/our-history/
Programs & Events Calendar: https://desertfoothills.librarycalendar.com/events/month
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DesertFoothillsLibrary
