Recent suggestions were so well received that I decided to continue to offer reading recommendations.  I asked several patrons who frequently visit the Village library to suggest titles and authors. These titles were not necessarily published recently.
 
Tom R.: Everyone should read “The Blue Death: The Intriguing Past and Present Danger of the Water You Drink,” by Robert Morris. This was such a good book about the cholera epidemic in the 19th century and the history of waterborne diseases. Scientists are researching ways to keep our water safe.
 
Gary: I really enjoyed David Baldacci’s latest novel, “Long Road to Mercy.” He introduced a new female character in Atlee Pine, and the setting was Arizona and the Grand Canyon.  Baldacci never leaves you disappointed.
 
Tom W.: I am a huge fan of James Lee Burke. I lived in the New Orleans area for twelve years, so I can relate to the culture, the music, the food, and the setting of Burke’s novels. I collect all of James Lee Burke’s books. I just finished “The New Iberia Blues, the latest book in the Dave Robicheaux series. I think it is one of his best.
 
Paul: I recently read James Lee Burke’s latest book, “The New Iberia Blues,” and would have to agree that it was one of his best.  The author’s use of language turns the prose into a mosaic. He gives you just enough information along the way to make a good guess at the villain. I recommend reading earlier books in the Dave Robicheaux series to get background information and to gain a better understanding of character development.
 
John:  I am recommending “Red Notice: A True Story of High Finance, Murder, and One Man’s Fight for Justice.” The author is Bill Browder. This is a real-life political thriller about an American financier in Russia, the murder of his Russian attorney, and Browder’s dangerous mission to expose the Kremlin’s corruption.
 
Kevin: I like the Walt Longmire series by Craig Johnson.  I can’t think of any specific titles, but I can recommend authors. Clive Cussler, John Sandford, C.J. Box, Lee Child, and Randy Wayne White are among my favorites.
 
Tom G.: I recently read John Grisham’s “The Reckoning.”  I have read all of his novels and enjoyed them all.  What I liked most about “The Reckoning” was that although it was built around a court case, it was different from previous Grisham novels and totally unpredictable.
 
Rod:  I enjoyed and recommend “Gale Force,” by Owen Laukkanen. Action-loving readers should be thrilled with this one. This book is filled with bravery, betrayal, sudden twists, and pure excitement. From the author of the acclaimed Stevens and Windermere novels, a new heroine emerges.
 
These titles are available in various formats from the Yavapai Library Network.
 
Do you enjoy reading? If so, please share your reading recommendations the next time you visit the Library.  Please contact Cheryl Yeatts at 928.284.1603 or email voc@sedonalibrary.org for more information.
 
Sedona Public Library is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We are grateful for all of our volunteers, and for the support we receive from the City of Sedona, the property tax dollars we receive from Yavapai and Coconino Counties, and the gifts we receive from businesses, foundations, and individuals like you. Please support your library at www.sedonalibrary.org.

Sedona Public Library
Column for February 22, 2019
Written by Cheryl Yeatts, Manager of Sedona Public Library in the Village

February is a perfect time to remember the value of libraries and to support the one you love the most: Sedona Public Library. “Show your love" by using, promoting and contributing to the Library. Here are 28 tips, one for each day of the month.
 
Use Our Services: We have many, but there are several you might not know.
1. Going on vacation? Lighten your suitcase and download a book.
2. Need a room for a club meeting? We’ve got you covered at the best rates in town.
3. Take a walk down memory lane with easy access to microfilm copies of Sedona Red Rock News going way back.
4. Do you commute? Ease the headache of heavy traffic while listening to a favorite novel or author.
5. Borrow a romantic comedy, and watch it with your honey, in Spanish or English.
6. Speaking of romance, plan an affordable date with that special someone. Stroll through local artist Mike Medow’s “Whimsical Village,” then enjoy Northern Arizona Watercolor Society’s art show. Next, take a selfie with T-Rex and finally, watch a movie like Bohemian Rhapsody or The Wife. All for free!
7. Need to chill? Sit at our community jigsaw puzzle--how many pieces can you find?
8. When the kids are driving you crazy, plan a family afternoon. Begin at Sunset Park and follow the StoryWalk path, then head to the Library where the kids can play games and you can catch up on your reading.
9. Behind on your New Year’s resolution? Remember, you can learn a new language with our online software.
10. Enjoy reading national newspapers in print? Consider getting comfy with the New York Times or Wall Street Journal.
Promote: We’re a small town, and word of mouth is vital to spreading good news.
11. Come in and get to know us, take a tour, ask a hard question, then tell your friends what you learned.
12. Make our day! When you’re here, tell us why you love the Library or how we’ve helped you out.
13. We like you! Like us back on Facebook, and share posts about our programs, and then share again. What’s not to like?
14. Talk is cheap! Tell friends and new neighbors about the free services you’ve used, and what programs you attended.
15. Write a letter to the editor about the many ways our services made a difference in your life.
16. Visit sedonalibrary.org and sign up for our e-newsletter, it’s mobile friendly!
Contribute: We’re unusual amongst libraries as we’re a 501c3, dependent on your support, and there are many ways to show your love.
17. It’s easy to donate at sedonalibrary.org/donate.
18. Love our magazine section? Why not donate the subscription cost for your favorites?
19. Honor your loved ones by donating leaves for our Grandchildren’s Tree.
20. Want to love us forever? You can. Remember us in your estate plan.
21. Buy baguettes at Wildflower of Sedona because a portion of proceeds come to the Library.
22. Are you a local business that would like to offer a portion of your proceeds to the Library? Give me a call.
23. Love us monthly! Recurring gifts are a sustainable way to support our free services and programs.
24. Put your name on it! Join the donors listed outside our entryway.
25. Ask your employer about matching charitable gifts and make us the recipient.
26. Shop at the Friends Used Book Store - their mission is to support us, so buy a book or two.
27. Drop a fiver in one of our donation boxes.
28. Oh, and librarians and volunteers? They love chocolate.

​Sedona Public Library
Column for February 15, 2019
Written by Anne Marie Mackler, Development Director

With thousands of books being published every year, how do you choose which books to read? If you don’t have time to browse the shelves at the Library, the staff and library volunteers are always eager to share their book recommendations. I asked a number of these dedicated readers to reflect on books they read in 2018.  (These titles were not necessarily published in 2018.)
 
Suggestions from Library Staff: 
 
Kay:  Because of The Great American Read, I read “A Prayer for Owen Meany,” by John Irving. I found it very thought-provoking.
 
Elizabeth:  I enjoyed reading “My Brilliant Friend,” by Elena Ferrante, and look forward to seeing the HBO adaptation when it comes out on DVD.
 
Anne Marie: My book for last year would be "Beloved," by Toni Morrison. I love all things Toni Morrison.
 
Cheryl:  I can’t stop thinking about “Educated: A Memoir,” by Tara Westover. If you are a fan of “Under the Tuscan Sun,” then pick up Frances Mayes’s latest book, “Women in Sunlight.”
 
Stacie: I am recommending “Before We Were Yours,” by Lisa Wingate.  I read this book for my book club.
 
Suggestions from Library Volunteers:
 
Carol:  “The House of Scorta,” by Laurent Gaudé is a well-written story that recounts the saga of the Scorta family, “one of infamous crimes, forsaken loves, and lifelong secrets.”
 
Deb: “Enlightenment Now:  The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism and Progress,” by Steven Pinker, will make you think. For a laugh, read “The Road to Little Dribbling: Adventures of an American in Britain,” by Bill Bryson.
 
Holly: I feel everyone should read “Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End” by Atul Gawande.  As a nurse, I often observed medical care prolonging life but also prolonging suffering. This book would be helpful to families in making choices about what they want toward the end of life.
 
Ilana:  I have two suggestions. The first is "The Dalai Lama's Cat,” by David Michie. The second is "A Gentleman In Moscow," by Amor Towles. Both were wonderful for very different reasons. 
 
Janice:  “The Long Haul: A Trucker’s Tales of Life on the Road,” by Finn Murphy, is one of my favorite books.  I liked reading about the author’s experiences with the moving industry.
 
Mary:  I am recommending two nonfiction books:  “The Line Becomes a River,” by Francisco Cantú, and “Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors, and the Company That Addicted America,” by Beth Macy.
 
Valerie: In “Exit West,” by Mohsin Hamid, I found the combination of magical realism set in the modern world fascinating.  The love story, coupled with the possibility of escape through doorways to different unpredictable areas of the world, made it possible for me to read a narrative of civil war in a country in the Middle East.
 
These titles are available in various formats from the Yavapai Library Network. If you need assistance placing a hold, please contact the Library.
 
For more information please call Cheryl Yeatts, Manager of Sedona Public Library in the Village, at 928-284-1603, or email voc@sedonalibrary.org.
 
Sedona Public Library is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. Your gifts supplement our funding from the City of Sedona, Coconino and Yavapai County property taxes, and Friends of the Sedona Library.  Your donation may be sent to 3250 White Bear Road, Sedona, AZ 86336 or you may contribute online at sedonalibrary.org.  Thank you for your support!

​Sedona Public Library
Column for February 8, 2019
Written by Cheryl Yeatts, Manager of Sedona Public Library in the Village