TUCSON, Ariz.–Hughes Federal Credit Union has now surpassed $2 million in total donations to Friends of the Library organizations across Southern Arizona, helping strengthen literacy and education programs since the partnership began in 1999.
According to Hughes FCU, the partnership supports Friends groups at the Oro Valley, Pima County, and Kirk-Bear Canyon public libraries, funding initiatives such as Books for Teachers, which provides books for classrooms and reading labs across five districts. The funds have also helped launch Pima County’s first sensory program for neurodiverse and autistic children, offering inclusive play experiences.
During the 2024–25 school year, the Friends of the Kirk-Bear Canyon Library distributed nearly $30,000 in grants to 14 Tucson Unified schools—part of more than $100,000 donated that year. To date, Hughes and the Friends have supported 28 schools and provided 6,500 books to local students.
“This milestone reflects our shared belief that strong communities start with strong readers,” Elisa Ross, vice president of marketing and sales, said in a statement. “We’re proud that both Hughes and our members are helping to build brighter futures across Southern Arizona.”
