December 2019

Libraries have always been important to me. I have fond memories of my early childhood visits to the library. I would snuggle up next to my dad in the window seat of the old Victorian building, as he read picture books to me and instilled the love of reading. In college, my favorite place to study was in the stacks of the Wertz Art and Architecture Library at Miami University. I met my future husband while I was working in the library at Fairfield High School in Ohio. I eventually became a school librarian. Now, I am privileged to be the manager of Sedona Public Library in the Village.

In this month’s article, I’m paying tribute to libraries by sharing a list of works that highlight their contributions. If you’re also interested in libraries, I recommend you check out the following:

• “The Library Book,” by Susan Orlean:  In this work of nonfiction, Orlean begins by recounting the events of a disastrous fire at the Los Angeles Public Library on April 28, 1986. While a great deal of the book is about the author’s investigation of the fire, many chapters focus on telling library stories and emphasizing the importance of libraries.  
  
  

• “The Librarian of Basra: A True Story from Iraq,” written and illustrated by Jeanette Winter:  Alia Muhammad Baker was the librarian of Basra for 14 years, when war in Iraq threatened to demolish the library building and all the books. This brave librarian found a way to survive and devised a plan to save 30,000 books from being destroyed.
  
  

• “This Is What a Librarian Looks Like:  A Celebration of Libraries, Communities, and Access to Information,” by Kyle Cassidy:  One of my favorite books about libraries, this work includes 220 photos of librarians from all 50 states and Canada. Cassidy, the author and photographer, captures thoughts and feelings of librarians from all walks of life.  The passion that librarians feel for their work is evident in this book. 
  
  

• “The Public,” a film written and directed by Emilio Estevez:  This drama takes place at the downtown Cincinnati Public Library. When a brutal winter storm closes all the homeless shelters in the city, a group of homeless men refuse to leave the library.  These men want nothing more than a warm meal and shelter from the bitter cold. When the police are called to intervene, the peaceful demonstration turns into a standoff. Two librarians, played by Emilio Estevez and Jena Malone, are forced to make difficult decisions about their careers, their friends, and their lives.  While this film is not based on a true story, it could be. “The Public” sends a powerful message about the critical role that libraries play in today’s society. The film is rated PG-13.  
  
  

The books listed above are available in various formats from the Yavapai Library Network. “The Public” is available as a Blu-ray or widescreen DVD.  If you need assistance placing a hold, please contact the Library.

Sedona Public Library is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Please support your library by making a gift at www.sedonalibrary.org