Liz Sweeney, retired CPA, has volunteered at Sedona Public Library's annual AARP tax clinic for 17 years. This year, her 13th as coordinator, Liz will oversee 16 IRS-trained volunteers who will help hundreds of walk-in clients file their tax forms, for free. "Many clients are 'form-leery'," Liz explains. "But they love it here at the Library. While waiting, they check out a book, grab a magazine, or visit with other clients." Her volunteer team filed 480 federal returns in 2017, each form reviewed two times, once by a trained counselor, and then again by a more experienced volunteer. This year, the service is available from February 1 through April 17, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The clients are so grateful, Liz observes: "We receive a lot of smiles, hugs, and one time a daffodil plant! But the true test is when they return the next year. More than 60% come back." Offering programs like AARP Tax-Aide in collaboration with other organizations is one of the many ways that the Library serves as a community center. The Library donates the space, AARP donates the equipment, the IRS provides software and training materials, and, of course, Liz and her amazing team provide hundreds of hours of service. Thank you, Liz and AARP tax preparers!