On Saturday, January 31st, Bookmans and the Sahuaro Girl Scout Council invite you to the grand opening of the Bookmans Low Lounge at the Council's Resource Center, 4300 E. Broadway Blvd. in Tucson, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Enjoy food, drinks, demos, and giveaways as you learn about this unique space created especially for girls seeking access to books, computers, and support in a safe, welcoming environment.

The Bookmans Low Lounge is the brainchild of the Sahuaro Girl Scout Council's Community Development Manager, Kristen G. Culliney, and Recruitment and Retention Specialist, Katie Gorenflo. Though the Girl Scouts had a space called the Library in their Broadway facility, "in reality it was a large storage room," explains Culliney. With the creation of a new book club, the idea of a space to hold book club meetings took hold.

The facility features comfy seating and lounging furniture, books (fiction and non-fiction) for girls as little as five years old, young adult literature for girls up to 18, resources and references for adults, as well as two computers with internet, free wi-fi access, and a telephone.

"Never did we think the lounge would be this awesome and have so much potential to serve girls in our community," says Culliney. "The Bookmans Low Lounge is an open, safe place for all girls, so it is our hope that lots and lots of girls use the space and tell others about it. Girl Scouts alone serves approximately 13,000 girls in Southern Arizona but you don't have to be a Girl Scout to use the Lounge. All girls are welcome."

"Bookmans is a long-time supporter of literacy programs and organizations in Arizona, and we are honored to have the opportunity to share our passion for reading with the girls and young women of our community," says Tamara Jones, Bookmans' Community Relations Coordinator in Tucson. "Through the innovation and commitment of the Sahuaro Girl Scout Council, we are confident that the Bookmans Low Lounge will thrive as a modern gathering place that offers empowering and affirming activities that our children vitally need."

Culliney hopes the Grand Opening will be a huge celebration. "We want the Tucson and surrounding community to know what we have to offer. There will be food, awesome giveaways, demonstrations, a puppet show that promotes literacy by a local non-profit, a Vy & Elle kick off in our retail shop, and an introduction to the new Book Club for Girls. It will be a great time! Anyone and everyone should come!"

The Bookmans Low Lounge Grand Opening Party
at the Sahuaro Girl Scout Council Resource Center
4300 E. Broadway Blvd., Tucson
January 31st, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.