Every year, libraries across the country offer summer reading programs designed to spark imaginations and engage children as schools break for the summer. Besides being fun, summer reading programs battle the decline in reading ability (the “summer slide”) seen in students who don’t read or read infrequently during their summer vacation. But what about adults?
 
For the third year in a row, Sedona Public Library is offering an adult summer reading program so that adults can join in the fun. In addition to reading or listening to books, adults are encouraged to attend some of our exciting programs and to try out additional library offerings such as music CDs, streaming movies (Kanopy), downloadable magazines (RB Digital), and online classes (Universal Class). And just like the kids, adults can win prizes for their participation. This year, we’re playing library BINGO—pick up your BINGO card at the reference desk.
 
Registration for the adult summer reading program is underway. You can sign up in person at the Library or online at www.sedonalibrary.org. The program will continue through June and July, concluding on July 26 with our ice cream social.
 
Here’s a list of events for our adult summer reading program, all centered on the 2019 theme—A Universe of Stories.
 
Friday, June 7, 3–5 p.m., Marita Gale: Healing Through Our Stories
Poet and author Marita Gale will share her work which chronicles her personal journey of healing from sexual abuse through connecting to nature and following a unique lifestyle. Attendees are also invited to connect by sharing their stories of transformation and healing.
 
Tuesday, June 11, 1–2 p.m., Jesse Kalu: Sedona Bamboo Flute
Hear Jesse’s story and poetry, as well as wildlife calls and other sounds of nature played on handmade Sedona bamboo flutes. All ages are welcome!
 
Friday, June 21, 2– 4 p.m., Ellen LaCorte: Author Reading
HarperCollins author Ellen LaCorte reads from her new book, “The Perfect Fraud.” This gripping debut thriller, partially set in Sedona, follows two women with deep secrets who are thrown together by an unexpected meeting that plunges both their lives into chaos. (Books will be available for sale and signing afterward.) This program is co-sponsored by The Literate Lizard bookstore.
 
Saturday, June 29, 2–3:30 p.m., Iris Yang: Author Reading
Meet local author Iris Yang. She will read from her new book, “Will of a Tiger,” sequel to her first book, “Wings of a Flying Tiger.” Both books follow events in an American pilot’s life in Japanese-occupied China during World War II.
 
Wednesday, July 10, 6–8 p.m., Multicultural Craft Night
Make Mexican red clay pottery, papel picado (paper banners), lavender sachets, and animal origami. Eat cupcakes! Open to all ages.
 
Friday, July 19, 11 a.m.–noon,  Bringing Stories to Life: The Hawaiian Hula
Hawaii native Kehau Chrisman will present a history and description of the Hawaiian hula. She’ll explain that its purpose is not solely to entertain, but, more importantly, to convey stories from an oral tradition that are passed from one generation to the next. Using a classic chant called “Kawika” and hand and foot movements of the hula, Kehau will demonstrate how these stories are expressed.
 
Friday, July 26, 2–3:30 p.m., Adult Summer Reading Ice Cream Social
Attend the final event of the adult summer reading program, where we’ll enjoy ice cream and music and award prizes!
 
Interested?  We’d love to have you join us for adult summer reading 2019! Visit the Library to pick up your BINGO card, and come back often this summer to discover a universe of stories!
 
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 Friends of the Sedona Library, 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 May 31, 2019
Written by Judy Poe, Assistant Library Director

Sedona Public Library is getting ready to launch its annual summer reading program! On Saturday, June 1, a free family event, featuring Magical Michael Steele, will kick off eight weeks of reading and activities for youth and will introduce families to this year’s summer reading theme: A Universe of Stories. 
 
In June and July, summer reading program participants will have many opportunities to be rewarded for daily reading. In addition, we’ve filled the summer calendar with literacy-based programs and many other fun and educational library activities, as well as weekly events like story time, chess club, and Monday movies. This summer’s program highlights include:
 
Every other Thursday at 10:30 a.m.—Summer music morning with Annette.
 
Wednesday, June 5, 1 p.m.—The sounds of nature and wildlife are brought indoors through the flute music of Jesse Kalu.
 
Thursday, June 13, 1 p.m.—Musician/author Matthew Henry Hall leads a workshop for aspiring writers ages 8 through 18.  Matthew will also present a musical story time for preschoolers at 10:30 a.m. in the children’s room.
 
Wednesday, June 19, 6:30 p.m.—Folklorico de Colores dancers perform traditional Mexican folk dances.
 
Saturday, June 22, 11 a.m.—Birdhouse Theatre presents a puppet show for the whole family.
 
Tuesday, July 2, 1 p.m.—Lowell Observatory educators lead a hands-on exploration of the Universe of Space with a drop-in program for ages 5 and up.
 
Tuesday, July 9, 10:30 a.m.—Arizona Science Center presents an Apollo moon landing program for preschoolers through age 7.
 
And for ages 10 through 17, registration is now open for the Sedona Youth Theatre Workshop, which begins Tuesday, July 9.  The workshop includes theatre games, learning and honing improvisational skills, practicing correct vocal and breathing techniques, understanding disciplines of stage performance, and building team skills and personal confidence.  Sedona Youth Theatre is the creation of Dev Ross and Shondra Jepperson, two extremely talented and hard-working professionals.
 
This very popular library program offers a volunteer-for-scholarship component. Thanks to support from Friends of the Sedona Library, theatre workshop participants can set up a time to volunteer for three hours in the children’s room and/or submit written book reviews and have the $85 fee reduced by $25. Nine hours of volunteering brings the cost of the 15-hour workshop down to only $10! Register soon, as all volunteer hours need to be completed by June 30 and space is limited.
 
There will be lots to do at your library this summer, and youth services librarians are always ready to help answer questions and find the best books in various formats. Children and teens are welcome to use chess boards, science kits, puzzles, board games, and computers when they visit the Library.  In the children’s room, the art table is a place where children can create and let their imagination soar. Join in for the fun of it! 
 
Registration for the summer reading program begins on May 28. Signing up is easy!  Just drop by the Library or click the Summer Reading button on our home page, www.sedonalibrary.org. 
 
Call 928-282-7714, ext. 119, or visit the youth services desk for more information.
 
Sedona Public Library is able to provide a variety of programs because of support from people like you. The Library is an independent, 501(c) (3) organization, and receives support from the City of Sedona, property tax dollars from Yavapai and Coconino Counties, and gifts from businesses, foundations, as well as Friends of the Sedona Library. To support programs like these, please make a gift at sedonalibrary.org.

​Sedona Public Library
Column for May 24, 2019
Written by Karen Mack, Youth Services Librarian

For better or worse, technology has changed our lives. Technology has definitely changed the way libraries deliver library services. To keep up with the rapidly changing world of automation, libraries are delivering more services electronically. This article will highlight some of Sedona Public Library’s digital tools and services, including a brand-new video streaming collection!
 
YLN APP:  The new Yavapai Library Network (YLN) mobile catalog makes it quick and easy to access and manage your library account on the go. With the YLN app, you can search the catalog, order items from any YLN library, place and suspend holds, check your due dates, and renew items. These are just a few of the features offered by the YLN app.
 
LIBBY APP:  If you are a fan of e-books and e-audiobooks, then you will love the Libby app from OverDrive. Libby is compatible with Android and iOS. While you may still use the “classic” app to access OverDrive, many library users prefer the upgrades, ease, and convenience of Libby.  Whether you use the OverDrive app or the Libby app, the Library’s OverDrive digital collection offers many advantages: free downloads, no late fees, and immediate reading of e-books or listening to audiobooks. Digital books and audiobooks are especially nice if you are traveling.
 
KANOPY: Sedona Public Library is pleased to offer Kanopy, a new streaming video service. Kanopy has been described as “thoughtful entertainment,” with a selection of over 30,000 on-demand videos, including new releases, independent and international cinema, classic movies, documentaries, educational films, and more. Library cardholders can access Kanopy on their home computers, smart TVs, or with the Kanopy app on mobile devices. Kanopy is free and easy. You must have a valid library card from Sedona Library or Sedona Library in the Village to access Kanopy.
 
RBDIGITAL MAGAZINES: The Library’s RBdigital collection offers full-color digital magazines for reading on desktop computers and mobile devices.  RBdigital has new and backlist issues of popular magazines, with no holds, no checkout periods, and no limits. You may check out as many issues as you want and keep them in your account as long as you want. Download the app or access the RBdigital magazine database on the Library’s website at www.sedonalibrary.org.

If you have questions about the Library’s digital services, please call the Reference Desk at Sedona Public Library at 928-282-7714, ext. 114. For personal assistance, stop by the Reference Desk at the main library in West Sedona or the Village library at Bell Rock Plaza in VOC.
 
Technology will never replace the joy of browsing the shelves, holding a book in your hands, or receiving personal assistance from a library staff member or helpful library volunteer, but sometimes it comes in handy.  
 
Sedona Public Library is able to provide a variety of services because of support from people like you. The Library is a 501(c)(3) organization, and also receives funding from the City of Sedona, property tax dollars from Yavapai and Coconino Counties, and gifts from businesses, foundations, as well as Friends of the Sedona Library. To support the Library, please make a gift at sedonalibrary.org.

Sedona Public Library
Column for May 17, 2019
Written by Cheryl L. Yeatts, Manager of Sedona Public Library in the Village

​Read Around Sedona 2019 continues in May with further exploration of this year’s theme: Historic Route 66. Please join us on May 19 for Route 66 Women: The Untold Story of the Mother Road, a film screening and discussion with documentary filmmaker Katrina Parks.

Parks will show segments from her documentary film series that looks in depth at Arizona’s Route 66 legacy. In this ongoing project, Parks captures the oral histories of the women who worked and lived along Route 66. Through their eyes and experiences, we learn stories of women who overcame segregation and gender discrimination to build fulfilling lives for themselves on America's most beloved road.
 
Route 66, or the Mother Road as John Steinbeck called it, has struck a chord with Americans and an ever-growing international audience since its inception in 1926, offering economic opportunity, adventure, as well as providing a gateway to the West. The narrative of the road, conveyed by popular culture and historical works, overlooks the experiences of women and girls.
 
Parks has worked with museums and other associations interested in exploring Route 66 from a new feminist angle. Interviews, photographs, and links to archival sources for this project can be found on the website developed by Katrina Parks, “The Women on the Mother Road,” www.route66women.com

For the May 19 event, Parks will be joined by Sean Evans, Cline Library's archivist, and Marshall Trimble, Arizona’s state historian. These local humanities experts will provide context for the screened segments in a discussion following the film. They will explore the mythology, nostalgia, and authenticity surrounding the Mother Road, and will explain why this iconic highway maintains its mystique so many years after it was decommissioned in 1985. In addition, one of the women interviewed for the film is expected to be in attendance.

This film is a follow up project for Parks who created the historical documentary film The Harvey Girls: Opportunity Bound, which aired on PBS and sold out several screenings at the Sedona Film Festival.
 
Route 66 Women: The Untold Story of the Mother Road, screening and discussion, will take place on Sunday, May 19, 2019, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., at Sedona Public Library, 3250 White Bear Rd. in the Library’s Si Birch Community Room. This event is free and open to the public.
 
This event is made possible with support from Arizona Humanities, a non-profit partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities, and Sedona Public Library.

Sedona Public Library is able to provide programs like this because of support from people like you. Your support makes a huge difference to what we can offer to the community. Sedona Public Library is an independent, 501c3, and also receives support from the City of Sedona, property tax dollars from Yavapai and Coconino Counties, and gifts from businesses, foundations, as well as Friends of the Sedona Library. To support programs like these, please make a gift at sedonalibrary.org.

Sedona Public Library
Column for May 10, 2019
Written by Anne Marie Mackler, Development Director

Hello Sedona!  This is my first time as an author of Library News so I’d like to introduce myself. I’m Judy Poe, Sedona Public Library’s new assistant director, and I am very happy to “meet you.”

I come to you via Prescott where I was the manager of the Yavapai Library Network, the consortium of 42 libraries across Yavapai County that expands SPL’s collection to 1.3 million available items. Prior to that, I was fortunate to spend nine years at the Pine River Library, in Bayfield, Colorado, working my way from circulation assistant to assistant director.  In 2014, Pine River Library was named Best Small Library in America by Library Journal; and I am honored to have been a part of that.

To introduce myself, I’ll tell you what I believe. I believe that the library is the heart of a community. I believe that libraries (and therefore librarians) have the mandate and privilege to contribute to the cultural, economic, educational, and social wellbeing of their communities. I believe that libraries are vital for a community to thrive. Not because of the books on the shelves—books aren’t vital. (Yes, I’m a librarian and I really did say that.) I believe that libraries matter, now more than ever, because of the people.

If it’s not all about the books, then what is it we actually do at the library? More than anything, I believe that librarians create connections. It goes without saying that we connect people with information. Through our collections and services, we provide information that can have far-reaching educational and economic effects.
Literacy programs help children read and learn, setting them on a path to educational and economic success. Robust collections and stimulating cultural programs inspire imaginations. But connecting people to people—this is where librarians can truly shine.

As we connect to our communities, one person at a time, librarians become the hyperlinks, connecting people to people, building connections and bringing people together through meaningful programs and services that matter. We are not just librarians—we are neighbors and friends and voters; we are not just providers—we are participants, too.

As we take an active role in the life of our community, we hope to lead by example. As community members grow and learn and connect, they, in turn, reach out to larger and larger communities, building relationships and connections with far-reaching effects. Librarians create a ripple that turns into a wave, and in this way, I truly believe, librarians can and do change the world.

I’d like to make a connection with you. I’ll be out and about in Sedona looking to make some connections—visiting community organizations to see how we can work together, attending some of the many Sedona events, shopping at the farmer’s market, and hiking on the trails.

If you’re a regular library user, we may have already met. If you’re not, please stop in let me know what we can do to spark your curiosity and get you involved. We won’t insist you check out a book (although I think we might be able to provide a book or movie that you’d find interesting). Libraries aren’t what they used to be! Forget the stereotype!  Come in, say hello, and connect with us. Let’s see what we can make happen, together!

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 May 3, 2019
Written by Judy Poe, Assistant Library Director