History
Libraries, Ltd., a 501(c)(3) operating in perpetuity, was founded by Judy Goddard and a small group of dedicated women from Tucson and Phoenix, to provide literacy materials to underserved communities of children across the state of Arizona.
Mrs. Goddard loved books and children and spent a lifetime working to create opportunities to bring children and books together. When her husband, Sam Goddard, served as Arizona's Governor in the 1960's, she realized that many of the State's institutions dedicated to children were lacking in reading materials. Judy coordinated efforts to obtain and distribute books wherever children in the system needed them. To continue that work she founded Libraries, Ltd., which has continued for over 40 years to distribute books and magazines to children across Arizona who otherwise might not have any access to quality reading materials.
In 1983, Judy received the Arizona State Library Association's (AZLA) Rosenweig Award for outstanding service in promoting Arizona literacy. In 1993, Reading is Fundamental (RIF) recognized her as Arizona's First Lady of Literacy. In 1996, she received the Parnassas Award from the Arizona Center for the Book.
Judy Goddard passed away on August 7, 1999. All those within the Arizona library community who were privileged to work with Judy remember her clear-eyed dedication to bringing children and books together, her wonderful "morning calls" of inspiration and ideas, her delightful handwritten letters of encouragement and her gracious support and ability to focus on each individual's unique contribution.
Judy loved books and letters. At her memorial service her son, now Arizona Attorney General, Terry Goddard, shared this about his mother: "My mother's idea of the two most honored professions were Librarian and Mailman, in that order."
Organizations Served:
Arizona's Childrens' Association - Tucson
Arizona School for the Deaf and Blind - Tucson
Book Bridges - Phoenix
Boys and Girls Clubs - Santa Cruz, Tucson
Casa de Los Ninos - Tucson
Child Crisis Center - Mesa
Even Start Preschool at Santa Cruz Alternative High School
Girls Ranch - Tucson
Herrera Community Council, Sylvestre Herrera Elementary School, Phoenix
Holsclaw YMCA - Tucson
House of Neighborly Service - Tucson
Interfaith Cooperative Ministries - Phoenix
La Paloma/Amparo - Tucson
Las Familias - Tucson
Los Ninos de Valle Preschool Child Care Center/Casa de Esperanze - Green Valley
Merilac Lodge/Casa Crianza - Tucson
New Beginnings, formerly Shalom House - Tucson
Open Inns (five sites) - Tucson
P.A.C.E. Program, Manzo Elementary School, Tucson
Parent Connection - Tucson
Phoenix Children's Hospital, The Emily Center - Phoenix
Reach Out and Read (ROAR) - Tucson, Phoenix
Reading is Fundamental (RIF) - Tucson, Phoenix
San Xavier Mission School - Tucson
St. Elizabeth of Hungary - Tucson
Thomas J. Pappas School for the Homeless - Tempe
Tucson Center for Women and Children