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As published in the Red Rock News
Good day, Red Rock News readers! There is one part of my job that I truly relish—curating the films we’ll show, especially for Monday Movie Nights and the new Teen/Tween Movie Night. As the youngest self-proclaimed assistant store manager in video rental history, back in Jersey City, I wish my younger self could see me now and all the fun I have choosing films for the Library. Here's a list of what’s coming in May, but first, a weird fact about movie licensing: The Library cannot list the movie titles in publicity like this. So, I'll provide a description, and then the onus is on you to guess the title! You can, of course, visit the events calendar on our website, where we are allowed to list titles. Or just give me a call . . . I love to talk film with our patrons! On first and third Mondays we show first-run films that have played recently at local commercial theaters. We begin promptly at 6 p.m. since these films often run for two and a half hours. On May 5, if you can separate his recent actions from his body of work as an actor, join us for musician-turned-leading-man Will Smith in his Oscar-winning role as the determined father of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams. This will make for interesting viewing considering recent events! On second Mondays we show films that I consider “classic.” Whether it’s the 1994 classic crime-drama adaptation of one of Stephen King’s short stories like Shawshank Redemption from the author’s 1982 collection of short stories Different Seasons or the 1988 action classic that launched Bruce Willis to movie stardom, Die Hard, based on the 1979 Roderick Thorp novel, Nothing Lasts Forever, I promise to choose exciting classics. A cinematic fun fact: before Willis took that role, it was offered to old Blue Eyes himself, Frank Sinatra. As he was in his later years and recently retired, he denied the opportunity. Imagine if he had gone for it! So, since we’re using our imaginations, join us on May 9 for 1985 science fiction comedy classic starring Michael J. Fox that asks the question: “If you met your parents when they were teens, would you befriend them?” On May 16, for our third Monday first-run film, we welcome cinephiles to see actress Jessica Chastain’s Oscar-winning portrayal of television personality and televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker. Look at those eyes! Every fourth Monday, we show a documentary film. Whether an Oscar-nominated film, or a gem that I found while searching our movie license database, the fourth Monday documentary will be interesting. For May 23, our documentary film will look behind the scenes at the making of that memorable 1996 horror flick with a cast of bank robbers and vampires by none other than Robert Rodriguez. Sound captivating? It will be! As you can see, our Monday Movie Nights are packed full of interesting. And thus we ask: Why show movies only on Mondays? We won’t! The month of May might bring flowers after April showers – well in other parts of the country, this is Arizona after all – it also brings extra movies at Sedona Public Library! Read on. Join us on Tuesday, May 3 as we celebrate National Paranormal Day. According to dictionary.com, National Paranormal Day, is an unofficial holiday meant to celebrate and encourage paranormal phenomenon from ghosts, ESP, and UFOs to the Lochness Monster and Big Foot! Fittingly enough, the origins of National Paranormal Day are a mystery. Join us, nonetheless, for a paranormal double-feature. At 3 p.m., view a 2003 feature-length film on UFOs produced by American filmmaker James Fox. At 6 p.m. we’ll show a 1993 movie biopic based on the abduction of local Arizona logger, Travis Walton. May the 4th be with you! Join us Wednesday, May 4 for a film that investigates what happened before the princess from the planet Alderaan stole the plans for, as Obi-Wan Kenobi famously said, “That’s no moon, it’s a space station!” On Saturday, May 14, the Library will feature our first Teen/Tween Movie Night. We’ll host teens from Sedona, Cottonwood, and Camp Verde libraries for an evening of pizza, popcorn, and their favorite multi-versal, friendly neighborhood web-slinger! We’re not talking about the internet! Oh, and sorry, but we won’t have a movie on Monday, May 30 as we’ll be closed for the Memorial Day holiday. So, do you think you know the titles of May movies? Send me your guesses and the first person to get them all right gets a free movie poster! We’ll have complimentary popcorn, and refreshments for purchase at each showing. See you at the movies! More information is available on our Facebook and Instagram pages, on the events calendar at sedonalibrary.org, or give me a call to talk about all the new and upcoming programs and events at the Library, (928) 282-7714, x8122. Monday Movie Nights are free and open to the public, but your donations are always appreciated. Audience contributions help cover the costs of the program, the movie licensing, and will enable us to show a larger selection of films. We’re always looking for movie sponsors, so give me a call if you’re interested. Thank you for your support of this and other programs at Sedona Public Library. Sedona Public Library is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Sedona Public Library Column for April 29 2022 Written by Jan Marc Quisumbing, Program & Marketing Coordinator As published in the Red Rock News
The Library has done it again! We’ve taken the ‘d’ out of fundraising, and we’re having a ton of fun for Library Giving Day on April 27. It’s easy when it’s National Poetry Month and poets will join us for a full day of philanthropy and poetry. Come by and listen to local poets Roger Blakiston and Mary Heyborne, and Tucson poet Jefferson Carter, as well as an array of authors, poets, students, staff, and volunteers, all participating in our pop-up poetry extravaganza. When you arrive on the 27th, grab a cup of coffee or tea, a donut or cookie, then stop by the poetry book display in our lobby. Pick up a collection by American Poet Laureates Joy Harjo or Billy Collins, a children’s great like Shel Silverstein, or American hero Walt Whitman. Then visit the “Poet-Tree!” A perfect opportunity to take a poem, write a poem, and leave a poem; it’s interactive fun! Next, mosey on over to the gorgeous Silent Waterfall, our stained-glass treasure by Thomas Aderhold. This desert garden corner will serve as our pop-up poetry stage where readers will read their own poems or selections from favorite poets. You can gaze at the ten-foot high Madagascar Palm Tree, two African Milk trees, the ancient Cholla with a hidden owl, and of course, the huge Pencil Cactus! How perfect for a poetry corner! The morning features a reading by local poet and magician Roger Blakiston at 10:30 a.m. Blakiston has published five books, including his recent book of poems, River & Rhyme. He says, “Since moving to Arizona from the U.K. thirty years ago, I have performed my Magic Show at almost every library in the state. It’s great to give something back to libraries, and the perfect opportunity to present my second love: poetry.” This is a reading you don’t want to miss. Special guest Mayor Sandy Moriarty will join us at 11 a.m. to read some of her favorite poems. What a treat to hear our Mayor speaking publicly with rhyme, rhythm, and nary a mention of Robert’s Rules of Order. The fun continues when Tucson poet Jefferson Carter takes the stage at noon, but as we’re expecting a crowd, we’ll move into the Community Room. As you head over, grab another refreshment, and stop by the “Giving Book Display.” You’ll find a curated selection of books about charity, philanthropy, and popular philanthropists like Melinda Gates and George Soros. From The Giving Tree to Charity & Philanthropy for Dummies, there is sure to be a book for the philanthropist in you! Jefferson Carter, a native Arizonan, has published numerous books of poetry including his most recent, Birkenstock Blues. He’s read across the southwest, and when reflecting on his lifetime of work, he says, “I'm an opportunist, not a poet with a plan. Whatever catches my fancy, I write about: an engaging image, a political or environmental issue, a bit of zoology, an overheard conversation, and, of course, love, love, love.” Carter will sell and sign books and donate proceeds for Library Giving Day. What do you get when you cross fun with philanthropy? Fun-anthropy! The fun continues for the afternoon back at the Silent Waterfall for poetry from the little ones! Miss Marcia will guide children in the annual “pocket poetry” activity, and several kids will read the poetry they’ve tucked into their pretty paper crafts. This is a not-to-be missed part of the day, so parents, be sure to bring your kids by at 2 p.m. for the fun! Harta Dunia, a member of our Library Giving Day family, and a regular at the Library, will read at 2:45 p.m. As a drummer and educator, we’re sure to both hear and feel the rhythm, soul, and beat of Harta’s poetry reading. Hang on to your seats for this one! At 3 p.m., Sedona poet Mary Heyborne will read for us. Author of “On the Dedication of Sedona Library,” from her 2001 collection Who’ll Pick the Morning Rose?, we look forward to hearing that poem and other selections from her vast work. Mary is an artist, writer, traveler, and definitely excited to again get active in the community, especially at the Library. Finally, as the day of poetry and philanthropy ends, we’ll hear from local author Robert DeMayo, who reads at 5 p.m. DeMayo will read some favorite poems, and maybe a section or two from his newest novel coming out in June: The King of the Coral Sea. What a way to end this wonderful day! Library Giving Day, which began in 2019, is a celebration of libraries that now includes 438 American and Canadian participants, including your library! Libraries reach out to their communities for support during April, but only a few have matching gifts like we do . . . $20,000! Make a gift and it will be doubled through April 27. Please visit sedonalibrary.org/donate to show your support. Remember, there’s only one library where you’ll get a day of Fun-anthropy! That’s right here at the Main Library in west Sedona . . . see you on the 27th! As published in the Red Rock News
Good day, Red Rock News readers! What is technology? The Oxford Dictionary defines technology as “the application of scientific knowledge to the practical aims of human life or, as it is sometimes phrased, to the change and manipulation of the human environment.” In other words, don’t click links or answer texts from people you don’t know. Starting this month, on Friday, April 22 at 3 p.m. in the Si Birch Community Room, the Library will be offering free technology classes on a wide variety of topics. We hope that these “Fourth Friday Tech Time” classes will be a great benefit to all our patrons. The first class will be on computer safety basics. The computer safety basics class will discuss 1) how to keep your computer and electronic devices safe; 2) create strong passwords and keep them safe (hint: 12345 is not a good password and only works for your luggage lock); 3) how to properly use a flash drive; and 4) most importantly, how to avoid being tricked into downloading or following links to unknown and possibly harmful sites. I’ll be the first to admit I haven’t always been the most tech savvy individual. If you asked me what the “Cloud” was I would have told you it’s a big fluffy white thing I see in the sky and not external data storage that is not on your computer. We should embrace technology in all its forms, however, in this ever-changing, fast-paced world, technology, and for that matter safely using technology, should be of utmost importance. Marcy Young, our Technology Librarian, will be facilitating these classes. Her bona fides in technology speak for themselves. Starting in 1999 as a Media Aide at West Sedona School Library all the way through earning her B.A. in Career and Technology Education from Northern Arizona University, Marcy has dedicated her career to helping others understand technology. At NAU she joined the Education Technology Consortium and focused on software support and training for students. We are so glad that she is now here at Sedona Public Library. Registration is required for all our Fourth Friday Tech Time classes at the Main Library. In May, Marcy’s sessions will focus on Google apps, Google Drive, and managing Google accounts and security. We hope to see you there! Sedona Public Library is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization grateful for community support. From April 6 through April 27, your gifts will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $20,000 in celebration of Library Giving Day! Visit sedonalibrary.org/donate to make an online gift! Thank you! As published in the Red Rock News
Good day, Red Rock News readers! Our Sedona Public Library is truly the ‘heart of Sedona’ with residents, visitors, and every group in town finding what they need there. From the most current information, meeting spaces, book clubs, tax assistance, and updated collection, to the variety of programs and exhibits we offer, the list goes on and on. We work hard to live up to our reputation as the heart of the community. We are the place where people of different viewpoints and personalities can come and be welcomed as equals. Speaking of lists, Sedona Public Library has recently taken the reigns of the Sedona Wish List. You may be asking yourselves, what is the Sedona Wish List? Appearing every Wednesday in this newspaper, the Sedona Wish List was created to match Sedona community service organizations and their need for goods, services, funding or volunteers with individuals or other organizations who can help fulfill their needs. “We were thrilled to learn that the Wish List has found a new home here,” said Jawn McKinley, SedonaKind Board member and a co-founder. “The Wish List has been a gift to every non-profit in Sedona, pulling together community needs and volunteers. We’re so grateful to our library for adding yet another layer of community connection to the services it offers to us all.” Often we may wonder how can we help or give back to the community. The Sedona Wish List is a perfect place to start. For example, the Verde Valley Caregivers needs clean-burning firewood for one of their clients to help keep their house warm. Also, the Benefactors of Red Rock State Park are looking for volunteers to assist with basic operations at the Park. There is no greater feeling than opening the Wednesday Red Rock News and going to the Sedona Wish List’s section to see all the wishes that were fulfilled. The Sedona Community Food Bank is thankful for the recent outpouring of generous donations that helped them prepare gift bags for homebound and senior clients. And the Sedona Chapter of Dress A Girl Around the World thanks the community for the donated fabrics they can use for dressmaking kits. Let’s all do our part to help our community and give back, whether it’s our time as volunteers or with any other assistance that the many community service organizations in our beautiful Sedona need. Helping to maintain the Sedona Wish List is one of the many duties the Library now proudly offers to the community. It is both a worthwhile and important endeavor. If your community service group is in need, contact us. Librarian Andrea Lhotka is the Sedona Wish List’s liaison. She can be reached at alhotka@sedonalibrary.org or by calling the Library at 928-282-7714. Sedona Public Library is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization grateful for community support. From April 6 through April 27, your gifts will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $20,000 in celebration of Library Giving Day! Visit sedonalibrary.org/donate to make an online gift! Thank you! Sedona Public Library Column for April 8 2022 Written by Jan Marc Quisumbing, Program & Marketing Coordinator  As published in the Red Rock News
Sedona Public Library is celebrating Library Giving Day on April 27 as we again participate in this national event that highlights the importance of libraries across the U.S. We’re also celebrating Poetry Month, so please join us for festivities including all-day refreshments and pop-up poetry by local greats Mary Heyborn and Harta Dunia, and special guests of all ages including Library staff and Board Members. This day gives us the opportunity to spread the word about how we’re connecting community, and it gives you the opportunity to invest in your Library while doubling your gift. Beginning on April 6, through April 27, gifts will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $20,000! This year, the Polansky family, regulars at Sedona Public Library, shared their library story with us to help celebrate Library Giving Day. They think libraries truly do offer endless possibilities. In fact, for them, libraries are the heartbeat of a community. Zen, Jayson, and Harta Dunia, found a home at Sedona Public Library when they arrived here in 2015. “The Library was a social connection for us, for me as a mom, and for Zen when he was just a toddler,” Harta said. Harta, a certified drumming facilitator and owner of Red Rock Drumming, teaches literacy and numeracy to young children at the Library. She engages readers, from 0 to five years old, to use all five senses via the drums and other instructional tools. “Drumming,” she explained, “reaches all sides of the brain.” She introduces sounds, beats, and the look and feel of felt letters to help children remember the letters, syllables, and ultimately words. Harta and Zen have read for Verde Valley First Readers. Harta explained that when she reads to children, they might grow distracted. “But as soon as Zen begins reading, they listen.“ According to Harta, kids reading to kids is one of the best ways to learn. She calls it a superpower. Both Zen and his dad Jayson seem to have the superpower of reading. Zen told me he loves to read, and he made it sound as if he devours books like some kids devour candy. “I read really fast,” he said confidently as he sat with Pi, his little stuffed sea otter, who is never far away. He explained the miracle of finding Pi, again, after he had disappeared, and he found him on National Pi Day, March 14! Jayson has a very different story. He had trouble reading as a child. The Cleveland school system couldn’t help him with dyslexia, but a librarian introduced him to audio books, and the world of reading opened up for him. “It saved my life,” he said. As Harta explains it, “Audio books jolted Jayson’s reading difficulty.” Now, owner of Sedona UAS, a video and aerial cinematography company, and an Emmy-award winning audio engineer, Jayson knows that listening, and reading, go hand in hand. The Polanskys are one of many families that have truly experienced the endless possibilities available at Sedona Public Library. We’re grateful for their story, and we hope they’ve inspired you to join us on Library Giving Day. We love celebrating your Library at the same time hundreds of families are doing the same across the U.S. We are glad that we can again gather community in our beautiful space to listen to poetry. Please stop by on April 27, and if you’re interested in joining the fun as a reader, reach out to Jan Quisumbing, our Marketing and Program Coordinator. He’ll get you on the schedule for all day poetry fun! Remember, you don’t have to be a poet to read poetry! Call Jan at 928-282-7714, x8122. Beginning April 6, please consider making a gift to Sedona Public Library for Library Giving Day. It’s as easy as visiting sedonalibrary.org/donate. You can drop a check in the mail or better yet, drop by—we’d love for you to visit. We’ll be here celebrating all day on April 27, 2022, Library Giving Day. Sedona Public Library Column for April 1, 2022 Written by Anne Marie Mackler, Development Director |
