Friends of Clark Memorial Library

Supporting the operations of Clark Memorial Library, located in Clarkdale, Arizona, through donations, activities, education and volunteer opportunities and operating Clarkdale's only bookstore to support this mission.

Friends of Clark Memorial Library
On June 30, 2017, due to budget constraints, the Town of Clarkdale closed the town's historic Clark Memorial Library (CML).
Outspoken advocates for retaining the library were disappointed but not deterred. On June 1, 2017, a group of ten Clarkdale residents met to discuss a way forward. They selected a board of directors to form a non-profit library friends group which was incorporated as "Friends of Clark Memorial Library" with the Arizona Corporation Commission. Shortly thereafter they filed for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status with the IRS. Incorporation was effective June 16, 2017and planning began for a book drive and donation booths at town events.
Meanwhile, the Director of the Yavapai County Free Library District (YCFLD) met with the Clarkdale Town Manager to propose having YCFLD take over the operation of CML. YCFLD would reopen CML as a branch library if the Town of Clarkdale would make the building available. The Friends of CML would be expected to raise approximately $12,000 annually for library materials and programs.
Library lovers though out the Verde Valley responded with generous donations of books and cash. An Inter-Governmental Agreement was approved by the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors and the Clarkdale Town Council in time for YCFLD to facilitate a Grand Reopening Celebration and Book Sale on October 19, 2017, CML's 90th Anniversary. In addition to book sale proceeds and private donations, a $3,500 donation, arranged by Dave Andrews, was made by the Clarkdale-Jerome Lions Club which put FCML well on the way to reaching its first fundraising goal.
You can make a lasting difference for Clark Memorial Library by supporting Friends of CML! To offer your time and/or suggestions, please email us at Friends@friendsofcml.org.
To make a financial contribution by check or money order please send your donation to:
Friends of Clark Memorial Library, PO Box 301, Clarkdale, AZ 86324.