History of the Oro Valley Public Library
Located at 1305 W. Naranja Drive, the Oro Valley Public Library officially opened its doors on August 17, 2002, after years of planning, advocacy, and community effort. It was created to serve the growing northwest Pima County population, which previously had to rely on libraries in Tucson or Catalina.
How It All Began
The push for a local library began in the late 1990s, when Oro Valley’s population was rapidly increasing with family neighborhoods and retirement communities like Sun City Vistoso and SaddleBrooke. Before the library was built, residents had to travel to branches like the Nanini Library for public library services.
In 1997, Pima County voters approved a bond issue that set aside $5.25 million for a new library to serve the northwest area. While the initial plan was for a joint-use facility with the Amphitheater School District, a final decision in 1999 led to building a standalone library on the Oro Valley municipal campus. The Town of Oro Valley provided the land—thanks in part to a local developer’s help—and collaborated with Pima County to bring the vision to life.
Community Support and Fundraising
The project received strong public funding, but it was the Oro Valley community that truly brought the library to life. The newly formed Friends of the Oro Valley Public Library began raising funds before construction even started. Their grassroots efforts brought in over $100,000 to furnish and enhance the facility beyond its base construction budget.
The Town Council gave a $7,400 seed grant, and locals organized book sales, raffles, and donation drives. Charter Lifetime Members donated $1,000 each, while companies like Comcast provided funding and promotional help. The first used book sale was held in October 2001 at James D. Kriegh Park, and support kept growing from there.
Grand Opening in 2002
The ribbon-cutting on August 17, 2002, was a major town event, with remarks from then-Mayor Paul Loomis and local dignitaries. The celebration included live music, refreshments, and special programs throughout the opening week to introduce the public to the new library and all it had to offer.
At launch, about 15,000 square feet of the building was in use, including the main collection, reference materials, a children’s room, and limited seating. Even with only part of the facility complete, the response was overwhelming. By the end of the library’s first year, thousands of area residents had signed up for library cards.
What began as an affiliate of the Tucson-Pima Public Library system—operated mainly by the Town of Oro Valley—soon became a vital and heavily used community space, serving families, retirees, and everyone in between.
To explore more about how the library continues to grow today, visit our Legacy of the Oro Valley Library feature article.
Community Advocacy and Key Contributors
The success of the Oro Valley Public Library didn’t just come from public funding—it came from passionate people. From early planners to everyday volunteers, the library’s development has been shaped by civic leaders, cultural advocates, and residents who simply cared enough to get involved.
Agnes Griffin
As Director of the Tucson-Pima Public Library in the late 1990s, Agnes Griffin was among the first to champion a new library in Oro Valley. She not only helped lay the groundwork for the project but also encouraged local resident Jayne Kuennemeier to form a Friends group to support the effort. Griffin later served on the library’s technical advisory committee, providing seasoned guidance during the planning stages.
Jayne Kuennemeier
Jayne Kuennemeier became the library’s most dedicated grassroots organizer. She assembled a founding board for the Friends of the Oro Valley Public Library, including early volunteers like Henry Suozzi, Mary Ann Schumacher, Alisdair Innes, Marjorie Gerdes, George Heine, and Jane Roether. Under her leadership, the Friends group grew to over 200 members in its first year and raised tens of thousands of dollars. Kuennemeier continued her advocacy in later years, including service on a 2008 Town task force studying library governance.
Dick Eggerding
Often called the “Muse of Oro Valley,” Dick Eggerding was instrumental in securing the library site at Naranja and La Cañada Drive. As a longtime arts advocate, Eggerding helped push for the land donation and made sure public art would be a part of the library’s identity. Thanks to Oro Valley’s 1997 “1% for Public Art” ordinance—which Eggerding co-authored—the iconic Tree of Knowledge sculpture was commissioned as a centerpiece of the new library campus. His work helped ensure the building was not just functional, but beautiful and inspiring as well.
Jane Peterson
As the first Library Manager, Jane Peterson guided the Oro Valley Public Library through critical growth years. Hired by the Town, she coordinated daily operations, worked closely with the Friends group, and led the library through its 2004–2005 expansion. That project added dedicated spaces for children and teens. Peterson was also at the helm when the library transitioned from a town-operated affiliate to a full branch of the Pima County Public Library system. She retired in late 2012, having shaped the library during its most formative decade.
Friends of the Oro Valley Public Library
Beyond their founders, the Friends of the Oro Valley Public Library have been a constant force for good. Longtime volunteer JoAnn Dumas, who was later honored as “Volunteer of the Decade,” helped professionalize the group’s book sale operations. In 2011, Joyce and John Nichols II donated funds to upgrade the public computer lab, earning them Lifetime Member status on the library’s donor mural.
Each year, the Friends host used book and jewelry sales to fund library programs, technology upgrades (like 3D printers and projectors), and special events. Their efforts continue to make a meaningful difference in library services and programming for the entire Oro Valley community.
A Collective Achievement
The Oro Valley Public Library is the product of collaboration between the Town of Oro Valley, Pima County library leadership, and everyday residents. Leaders like Kuennemeier, Eggerding, and Peterson brought unique strengths—organizing community support, securing public art and land, and managing operations—to build not just a building, but a lasting institution that serves and reflects the people of Oro Valley.
Learn more about the library’s early history and community-driven development in our Legacy of the Oro Valley Library article.
Community Advocacy and Key Contributors
The success of the Oro Valley Public Library is no accident. From the very beginning, it was shaped by passionate residents, civic leaders, and library professionals who shared a common goal: to build a library that would truly serve its community. Below are just a few of the individuals and organizations who played key roles in bringing that vision to life.
Agnes Griffin
As Director of the Tucson-Pima Public Library system in the late 1990s, Agnes Griffin was one of the first to recognize the growing need for a local library in Oro Valley. She asked Oro Valley resident Jayne Kuennemeier to organize a Friends group to support the new branch, and later served on the library’s technical advisory committee. Her professional insight helped ensure the project was guided by experienced library leadership from the start.
Jayne Kuennemeier
A driving force behind the library’s creation, Jayne Kuennemeier founded the Friends of the Oro Valley Public Library and led it through its first critical years. With a board that included local residents like Henry Suozzi, Mary Ann Schumacher, and George Heine, Kuennemeier led fundraising and outreach efforts that helped raise tens of thousands of dollars. Under her leadership, the Friends grew to over 200 members in their first year and helped furnish the library before it even opened. She continued advocating for the library for years, even serving on a 2008 town task force to evaluate its governance.
Dick Eggerding
Known locally as the “Muse of Oro Valley,” Dick Eggerding was instrumental in securing the library’s physical location and its cultural value. He helped secure the donated land near Naranja and La Cañada Drive and co-authored Oro Valley’s “1% for Public Art” ordinance. Thanks to that ordinance, the library received its now-iconic Tree of Knowledge sculpture as part of the original construction. Eggerding’s efforts helped ensure the library would be a space for both learning and art.
Jane Peterson
As the library’s first manager, Jane Peterson guided it through its early growth, oversaw key expansion projects in 2004–2005, and played a pivotal role in transitioning the library from town-run operations to integration into the Pima County system. Known for her thoughtful leadership and deep care for the community, she was closely involved with the Friends group, even serving as an ex officio board member. She retired in 2012, leaving behind a strong legacy during the library’s formative decade.
Friends of the Oro Valley Public Library
Beyond its founding board, the Friends group has remained the backbone of ongoing community support. Volunteers like JoAnn Dumas—later honored as “Volunteer of the Decade”—transformed used book sales into a major funding source. In 2011, Joyce and John Nichols II made a major donation to upgrade the public computer lab, earning a permanent spot on the library’s donor mural.
A Look Inside the Library: Rainy Day Tour with Brent Hayworth (2016)
Step inside the Oro Valley Public Library as Brent Hayworth takes us on a guided tour during a rare rainy day in 2016. This walk-through captures the building’s unique architecture, welcoming spaces, and the peaceful atmosphere that locals have come to love.
If you’ve never visited or it’s been a while, this short tour is a great reminder of why the library remains one of Oro Valley’s most treasured public spaces.
Year after year, the Friends continue to raise funds through book and jewelry sales, supporting library programming, technology upgrades, and even helping offset operating costs. Their consistent presence ensures the library doesn’t just function—it thrives.
A True Partnership
The Oro Valley Public Library stands today because of a powerful partnership: civic leaders who allocated land and funding, library professionals who brought technical knowledge, and volunteers who raised money and built community support. People like Kuennemeier, Eggerding, Peterson, and many others gave their time, talent, and passion to make the library what it is today.
To learn more about the history and people behind the library, visit the Oro Valley Voice library feature or the official Friends of the Library site.
Public Art and Notable Exhibits at the Oro Valley Public Library
The Oro Valley Public Library isn’t just a center for learning—it’s also a place where public art enriches the experience for every visitor. From large-scale sculpture to hand-painted murals and rotating exhibits, the library reflects Oro Valley’s strong commitment to culture, creativity, and community pride.
The Tree of Knowledge Sculpture
Standing proudly at the library’s entrance is the iconic “Tree of Knowledge”, a towering bronze sculpture created by Tucson-born artist Joe A. Tyler. This eye-catching piece features a sprawling tree sprouting from the pages of an open book. Etched into those pages is a playful yet powerful message:
“The more you read, the more you know. The more you know, the more you grow. The smarter you grow, the stronger your voice, when speaking your mind or making your choice.”
The sculpture, approximately 15 to 17 feet tall, includes metal leaves and whimsical hidden figures of children reading among its branches. It was commissioned through the Town’s 1% for Public Art ordinance, which ensures that a portion of every major public construction project is set aside for art. Installed in 2002, this was the first large-scale public art piece in Oro Valley, unveiled in tandem with the library’s grand opening.
Today, the sculpture is more than a landmark—it’s a symbol of the library itself. Children tug their parents over to see the “tree book,” and photographers frequently capture its silhouette with the Catalina Mountains as a backdrop. Thanks to routine maintenance funded through the Town’s art program, the sculpture remains in excellent condition, inspiring visitors year after year.
Donor Recognition Mural by Gail Munden
Inside the library, visitors are greeted by a unique mural created by local artist Gail Munden. Commissioned in 2010 by the Friends of the Oro Valley Public Library, this artwork features a wall of colorful, hand-painted book spines—each one bearing the name of a Lifetime Member who contributed $1,000 or more during the library’s founding years. The mural was part of the Friends’ 10th anniversary celebrations and continues to serve as both a donor tribute and a visual reminder of the community’s deep investment in the library.
Designed to complement the outdoor tree sculpture, the mural carries the same theme of growth, knowledge, and community spirit. New names are added as more donors join the ranks, making this living artwork a growing symbol of generosity and support.
Rotating Exhibits and Local History Displays
The library also regularly features rotating exhibits curated by the Oro Valley Historical Society and library staff. These displays spotlight aspects of local heritage—from ranching and early settlement to the town’s modern development. Seasonal art displays and thematic book exhibits also line the library walls, adding a dynamic, ever-changing visual element to the space.
These installations turn the library into a mini-gallery, celebrating both the written word and the visual arts. As longtime arts advocate Dick Eggerding once said, public art in the library helps create “a connection” that reflects Oro Valley’s character and enhances everyday life.
A Library That Celebrates More Than Books
From the bronze sculpture outside to the vibrant mural inside, every artistic touch at the Oro Valley Public Library tells a story—of vision, generosity, and civic pride. These works aren’t just decorative—they’re part of what makes the library a place where learning and inspiration go hand in hand.
Learn more about the library’s full history and cultural impact by visiting our feature article: The Legacy of the Oro Valley Library.
Community Spaces, Services, and Collections
From the beginning, the Oro Valley Public Library was designed to be more than just a place for books. It serves as a true community hub—offering dynamic spaces, modern technology, and collections that reflect the unique culture and character of Oro Valley.
Children’s Room
A cornerstone of the library is its vibrant Children’s Area, significantly expanded in 2005. Brightly decorated with child-friendly designs, this space features low bookshelves, interactive toys, and cozy seating made just for little readers. The Friends of the Oro Valley Public Library funded early enhancements like sound systems and a playful corner for storytime. Regular programs are held here throughout the week, supporting early literacy and giving families a welcoming, engaging place to learn and explore together.
Teen & Tween Zones
Young people in Oro Valley have their own dedicated spaces too. The original Teen Zone opened in 2006 and was transformed in 2017 into the modern 101Space, part of Pima County’s youth digital learning initiative. With a 3D printer, gaming consoles, multimedia computers, and graffiti-style art selected by teens themselves, it’s a space that encourages creativity, independence, and informal learning. Adjacent to the teen area, a Tween corner offers graphic novels, age-appropriate fiction, and cozy seating—bridging the gap between children’s and teen spaces.
Meeting and Study Rooms
The library includes two community meeting rooms—often used for HOA meetings, public forums, educational workshops, and civic events. These rooms are equipped with audiovisual setups and can be reserved online due to high demand. In fact, events like the 2010 mayoral candidate forum were hosted right in the library, underscoring its civic role. For smaller gatherings, three study rooms are available on a first-come basis, offering quiet, comfortable space for tutoring, reading, or solo work.
Technology and Digital Services
Keeping pace with tech has always been part of the library’s mission. A public computer lab, in-library laptops, and strong Wi-Fi access serve patrons’ digital needs. Workshops on topics like email basics, genealogy, and coding are regularly hosted in the larger meeting room, which doubles as a digital classroom. The Friends have helped fund upgrades including SMART Boards, sound systems, projectors, and more. An outdoor automated pickup locker offers after-hours access to held materials, and patrons also benefit from the full suite of Pima County’s eLibrary services—from eBooks and audiobooks to streaming video and PCPL Connect tech help sessions.
Special Collections
Two standout collections set the Oro Valley Library apart:
- The Heritage Collection – Created in partnership with the Oro Valley Historical Society in 2012, this circulating collection focuses on Arizona history, Native American cultures, Sonoran Desert ecology, and local heritage. It was launched with an $8,300 federal grant and continues to grow annually.
- The Local Authors Collection – Showcasing works by writers from Oro Valley and greater Tucson, this collection celebrates regional literary talent and fosters community pride. The Friends were instrumental in launching and maintaining this initiative.
Community Programs and Outreach
The library’s calendar is packed with events for all ages—storytimes, coding clubs, teen game nights, adult book discussions, local history lectures, author talks, and even live music. Past highlights include a local Book Festival where authors like J.A. Jance spoke, and ongoing events like gardening workshops tied to the Seed Library. As a member of the county library system, Oro Valley also participates in system-wide offerings such as the Library Nurse Program and Career Online High School.
Outreach efforts extend the library’s reach even further. Staff stock a book cart at Oro Valley Hospital and visit local schools and events, ensuring library services are available throughout the community—not just within the building’s walls.
A Library Designed for Community Life
With sweeping views of the Catalina Mountains, artful public spaces, and welcoming corners for every age group, the Oro Valley Public Library is a space built for connection. Whether you’re here for a book club, coding class, quiet reading, or just to admire the art, the library brings people together and reflects the town’s values: education, creativity, and community support.
For more history, programs, and ongoing initiatives, explore the full Legacy of the Oro Valley Public Library.
Sources and Citations
The historical and factual information presented throughout this article is supported by official archives, local documentation, and first-hand organizational records. Below are the primary sources used to verify and document the history, development, and impact of the Oro Valley Public Library:
- Oro Valley Public Library History – Pima County Public Library
- Pima County Public Library System – General Historical Overview
- PCPL – Special Collections Information
- Friends of the Oro Valley Public Library – Historical Overview and Newsletters
- Arizona Heroes Memorial – Portrait of Dick Eggerding
- Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce – Facility Listing
- Oro Valley Historical Society – Venue Exhibits at the Library
- Heather’s Corner – Tree of Knowledge Sculpture Feature
Each of the individuals, events, and milestones described in this article is grounded in verifiable documentation, as referenced above. These sources provide a comprehensive and factual foundation for understanding the library’s evolution, public support, and cultural significance in the Oro Valley community.