Once again, Sedona Public Library is participating in the national summer reading  program, and this year, the program will be offered for all ages! The 2016 program themes are “On Your Mark, Get Set …. Read!” for kids, “Get in the Game, Read” for teens, and “Exercise Your Mind, Read!” for adults.
  
These themes share an emphasis on health, fitness, and sports for everyone.  And the starting signal for Sedona’s summer reading program will sound in less than a month, so it’s not too early to be planning your summer break activities and learning opportunities. 

The reading program for children, teens, and adults begins May 31 and ends July 23.  You can sign up either in person or online as early as May 23.  Special programs and ongoing incentives for each age group will reinforce a mind-body connection and entice everyone to read more.

According to the American Library Association, summer reading programs began in the 1890s as a way to encourage schoolchildren to read during their summer vacation. Over time, research has proven the value of these programs by demonstrating that reading during the school break helps young people keep their skills up and prevents the “summer slide” in reading abilities that occurs when kids do not engage in educational activities during the summer.  “If students retain their reading level over summer break,” explains Arizona Secretary of State Michele Reagan, “teachers may spend less time reviewing skills and more time teaching.” 

Last year a grandparent wrote this response to our summer reading survey:  “My granddaughter was more motivated to read books because of the summer reading program.  She loved books as a toddler but leaned toward the computer and movies as she got older.  She is so proud now that she knows the letters and reads words.” 

As believers in the positive power of reading, we will do our best to encourage not only elementary school–aged children but people of all ages, from newborn to adult, to get in the reading game this summer.  Participants will earn points for every minute that is spent reading, listening to a book, or engaging in a literacy-building activity. As readers accumulate points and record them in their log, they will earn incentives and increase their chance of winning something special in a final drawing for each age group. 

If the summer reading program is new to you, then be sure to drop in the Children’s Room and chat with one of the library staff.  We will gladly answer your questions about the reading program for kids and teens and give you a calendar of events for June and July.  Adult participants can get more information at the Reference Desk.

Sedona Public Library is an inviting learning space for our community, and thanks to the Friends of the Library, we are able to bring you a summer reading program where families can access free educational and cultural enrichment activities and programs and leave the Library with a pile of good books, too.

Sedona Public Library is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, partially supported by the City of Sedona and Yavapai and Coconino Counties. We also require donations and grants to fund our operations. Your tax-deductible donation may be sent to: Sedona Public Library, 3250 White Bear Road, Sedona, AZ 86336.

Sedona Public Library
Column for April 29, 2016
Written by Karen Mack, Youth Services Librarian

Sedona Public Library is well into this fiscal year budget, and now plans must start for the next budget year, which begins in June.  If you were planning your own budget, how much would you allocate for the purchase of books, DVDs, newspapers, and magazines?  If you visit the Library on a regular basis, you can skip that exercise and leave it to us.
 
There’s an easy way to calculate what it would cost you, though, if you had to budget for the services that the Library provides for you. Visit the American Library Association website at www.ala.org and put the word “calculator” in the search box.  Then go to the Library Value Calculator. 
 
If you borrow just a single book at an estimated amount of $17, a magazine at $5, a movie at $4, an audiobook at $9.95 and also use a library computer for just an hour ($12), the calculator tells you that the Library has a value to you of $47.95.  A typical library patron might check out five movies during a visit and is back the next week to do the same.  If it’s a weekly habit, that’s a $1,040 value.
 
In fiscal year 2015–16, the Library is allocating $114,500 for the purchase of books, newspapers, magazines, DVDs, CDs, and electronic resources. Combine that purchasing power with the quality donations that arrive each day and are added to the collection, and residents and visitors have a big and varied group of new items from which to choose.
 
Don’t forget to calculate the value of library programs, Culture Passes, and other services. Each program you attend is worth $15, according to the Library Calculator—a value of $780 if you attend just one program a week for a year. Check out a Desert Botanical Garden Culture Pass to view the Sonoran Light special exhibit, and you can save nearly $100 on admission for two.   
 
From these few examples, it’s clear how valuable Sedona Library can be to you—and the more you use the Library, the more money you save. But did you know how valuable community support is to the Library? Local residents and visitors are often surprised to learn that Sedona Public Library is a private library that contracts for services with the City of Sedona and the two counties within which the town resides. The Library receives basic operating funding from these entities, as well as support from the Friends of the Library, but we depend on the support of donors to enhance our services, maintain our facility, and keep up with rapidly changing technology.
 
Balancing a budget can be challenging. The Library is here to help you balance your budget by providing free services throughout the year, and we thank our donors for making these services possible.


​Sedona Public Library
Column for April 22, 2016
Written by Virginia Volkman, Library Director

During the week of April 10-16, Sedona Public Library joins libraries in schools, on campuses, and in communities nationwide in celebrating National Library Week. This year’s theme is “Libraries Transform.”  First celebrated in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) each April.
 
Libraries transform lives every day.  Sedona Public Library is a place where you can connect to a world of possibilities, and by taking advantage of the dozens of free services we provide, you and your family can enjoy a higher quality of life, save thousands of dollars every year, harness the power of information, and build lifelong friendships.
 
Visit your library for free computer access to help with your job search or find resources to plan a dream vacation.  Attend an Arizona Humanities program, take advantage of free health screenings, discover a new author, participate in a lively book discussion, or learn how to download e-books. Access library databases online to gain knowledge about car repair, learn a language, or research your family history.
 
Here are two upcoming programs to put on your calendar:
The Oak Creek Apples, in partnership with the Library, is offering the next session in a series of workshops focused on Apple’s iPad and iPhone, on Sunday, April 17, at 1:30 p.m.  Participants need to bring their own iPad/iPhone. Pre-registration for this free program is required by e-mailing oakcreekapples@gmail.com.
 
The Monday night movie on April 18, at 6 p.m., is the story of a young Irish immigrant navigating her way through 1950s Brooklyn.  Based on the novel by Colm Toibin, the movie received three Oscar nominations, including best picture.
 
These programs and many more are offered completely free of charge to our community. While the Sedona Library receives funding from the City of Sedona and from Coconino and Yavapai Counties, the Library is not a department of the City or a county agency.
 
The Library is a non-profit corporation and depends on funding from grants, corporate supporters, and individual donors. In honor of National Library Week, and to assist the Library in providing innovative and responsive programming for our community, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to the Library. You can donate safely and securely on our website at www.sedonalibrary.org,or mail your donation to Sedona Public Library, 3250 White Bear Road, Sedona, Arizona 86336. Thank you for your continued support.

​Sedona Public Library
Column for April 15, 2016
Written by Virginia Volkman, Library Director

Each year, volunteers donate their time and energy at Sedona Public Library in service to our community. These volunteers are among the millions across the country who are celebrated during National Volunteer Appreciation Week, observed this year from April 10 through 16.  This is a time when the Library celebrates services provided by volunteers and we also encourage other individuals to take action in our community.
 
The Library was founded by a group of volunteers in 1958, in donated space with three shelves of books and magazines, which also were donated. Since then, the Library has relied on the dedication of our amazing volunteers.
 
On Sunday, April 3, we recognized our volunteers for their contributions to Sedona Public Library and the Sedona community. Volunteer coordinator Marisol Molina planned the luncheon with a puzzle theme, the volunteers being an essential piece of the puzzle. Volunteers received certificates and pins to thank them for their service.
 
The monetary value of donated time from volunteers is an important consideration in our budget.  As a nonprofit organization we recognize the vital contribution of our volunteers to our everyday operation: they make it possible for our library services to be available for the community in a cost-effective way.
 
I am so impressed by the work provided by our volunteers. Staff members over the years have agreed that Sedona Library’s volunteers are the most dedicated, involved, and experienced volunteers we’ve ever encountered. They provide legendary service to our library patrons and staff on a daily basis. Many of our volunteers also donate time at other organizations throughout Sedona and the Verde Valley, and their commitment is outstanding.
 
Being a volunteer at the Library is a way to not only help your community, but also to learn new skills and make new friends.  If you would like to be a volunteer with the Library, you can apply online at http://sedonalibrary.org/volunteer.php, or come into the Library and get an application.
We currently have opportunities in the following areas:

• Checking items in and out
• Shelving
• Assisting computer users

Most volunteers work two to four hours per week. Many work a regular schedule; other volunteers prefer to be on-call only and substitute for volunteers who must be away from their shift. Some volunteers work for more than one department.
 
Time is precious and is a valuable gift to give. It is the tireless efforts and personal involvement of the many individuals who volunteer their time and expertise that makes Sedona Public Library a community-driven venue. Our volunteers have created a family, and we invite you to join us.
 
Volunteering is ultimately about seeking out imaginative ways to engage in one’s community. What better way is there to connect with your community and give back than to volunteer?
 
Thank you volunteers for all you do!  Here is our 2016 Volunteer Appreciation message to you:
 
You’re an Essential Piece. Isn’t a wonderful thing that we’re all different? Each of us has strengths and skills to share. And when we link our individual strengths together, we’re invincible. Can’t imagine us without you.

​Sedona Public Library
Column for April 8, 2016
Written by Virginia Volkman