Sedona Public Library’s fiscal year ended on May 31, and we’re happy to report that we have experienced another year of growth and transition.  We are proud to serve the residents of Sedona.  Thank you for your support and patronage, and if you haven’t been by for a while, stop in and see what’s new.
 
This Year’s Highlights and Accomplishments:
 

• Sedona Public Library was nationally recognized by Library Journal as a Star-Rated Library for the fourth year in a row.  Only six libraries in the state of Arizona received this distinction, based on statistical measures that were higher than those of other libraries.

 

• Through funding from an Arizona Community Foundation of Sedona grant, the Library purchased five state-of-the-art adult computers and one teen computer.

 

• The Library was one of ten libraries in Arizona to receive an Arizona State Library grant which provided everything needed to implement a six-session Fun with Math and Science program for parents of children from 3 to 5 years of age.

 

• We launched our second community reads program, Read Around Sedona, with support from an LSTA grant from the Arizona State Library.  Our selected book was "Cha'risa's Gift," by local author Ilana Maletz.  Twelve events were held in conjunction with the program, including a kickoff event with the author, book discussions, a movie screening, Arizona Humanities speaker events, a writing workshop and two tours.

 

• The Library received a grant from the American Library Association (ALA) and PBS to host programs around “The Great American Read,” an eight-part television series and multi-platform initiative that celebrates the joy of reading and the books we love.  Programs will take place in the fall of 2018.

 

• We were approved as a site by Yavapai Food Council for the Summer Food Service Program to provide healthy lunches to children at the Library during the months of June and July 2018.

 

• For the second year, the Library incorporated adults into the summer reading program, using the same theme as the kids, “Build a Better World.”  Donating food to the Sedona Food Bank's Weekend Emergency Packs for Hungry Kids was one small way we could use this program to build a better world.   

 

• Youth Services continued to reach out to the community by visiting Head Start classes and preschools.  Staff participated in events at Big Park Community School, Sedona Charter School, and West Sedona School and made class visits. The Library cooperated with the City of Sedona by having an exhibit table at the Celebration of Spring event.  Youth Services also participated in the Verde Valley SciTech Festival at Yavapai College Verde Campus. 

 

• We partnered with the local High Desert Designers Garden Club to promote the annual National Garden Club Poetry Contest for students.  A poem submitted by twelve-year-old Felicia Foldes was awarded first place in the Northern Arizona contest and it won second place in the Arizona State competition.  

 

• Our pilot StoryWalk was launched in July at Sunset Park and was made possible with cooperation from City of Sedona Parks and Recreation Department, funding from a local donor, and volunteer help from six local teens and two musicians.  A new book was installed in the fall. 

 

• The Library was the place to be for the solar eclipse in August.  During a pre-eclipse program attendees received eclipse glasses and safety information.  The actual eclipse experience was attended by approximately 350 people.

 

• The High Desert Designers Garden Club installed a Blue Star Marker at the Library's front entrance to pay tribute to United States armed forces.

 

• We collaborated with Sedona International City of Peace and Rotary Club of Sedona to host the Human Library Project, an innovative international project designed to promote dialogue. 

 

• We celebrated authors by participating in Indie Author Day.  In addition, we hosted Kevin Fedarko, author of “The Emerald Mile,” Lisa Schnebly Heidinger, author of “The Journal of Sedona Schnebly,” and cooperated with the Sedona Art Center for a visit with author J. A. Jance.

 

• New adult programs were offered:  Conversational French, a Book Discussion Group and a newly formed group called Crypto, which brings together people who are interested in cryptocurrencies.  Special events were scheduled during Banned Book Week and for Halloween, and we became the new venue for the Pumphouse Poetry and Prose Project.

 

• We kicked off our 60th Anniversary in April with an afternoon of celebration that included a walk down memory lane, stories, refreshments, music and special guest speakers.  We also introduced our new logo and new outdoor sign.

 

• The Library joined the Yavapai County Education Technology Consortium to take advantage of federal and state funding to cover costs associated with bringing high speed fiber internet service to the Library. 

 
The Sedona Public Library is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We are supported by the City of Sedona, Yavapai and Coconino Counties property taxes, businesses and foundations, and individuals like you.

We could not succeed as your public library without the involvement and commitment of this community, the passion and dedication of our staff and board, Friends of the Sedona Library and the 17,000 hours of volunteer time we received last year.

​Sedona Public Library
Column for June 29, 2018
Written by Virginia Volkman, Library Director

It’s our anniversary year, and celebrations continue at Sedona Public Library commemorating the “Jewel of Sedona” and 60 years of service. The themes of jewels, gems, rocks, and the 60s keep finding their way into our programs. The summer is chock full of fun, and we have more exciting programs and projects planned for the rest of the year. Read on!
 
With a theme like “Libraries Rock” our Summer Reading Program offers loads of “60s” and “rock” based activities for readers of all ages. Our adult program launched this month with a celebration of 60s rock & roll music, dance, and books.
 
There’s still time to read “Girls Like Us,” by Sheila Wellers for next month’s book discussion (July 18 at 2 p.m.). The biography explores the lives of three women rock & rollers who launched careers in the 60s. Learn more about this and other activities by visiting our website and join us for the City of Sedona concert on Friday, June 22, at the Posse Grounds Pavilion.
 
Local kids are rocking for our anniversary, too! It was a treat to celebrate “The Jewel of Sedona” at a Gem and Mineral Club event. Children’s eyes glistened like the sparkling stones in front of them. Now, for extra fun, children and youth who meet their reading goals can reach into “Mr. Boulder” and pull out their own collection of gems. They can also play Win It in a Minute 60-second physical challenges, on Game Day, June 22, at 1 p.m.
 
Beyond summer reading, we’re thinking about summer writing! Writers take note; the Library is hosting a 60th anniversary writing contest. In July we will launch an opportunity for writers young and old to submit their best work and win prizes. The theme? Well, 60 of course! No matter how you tie in the theme, the number 60 must be part of the writing you submit. Start consulting your muse, and watch for details on our website and social media.
 
The year’s half over, but we’re not finished celebrating yet. What would a Sedona celebration be without great flix! This fall several of our free Monday Night Movies will feature films made in Sedona around the time of the Library’s founding, 1958. Don’t miss the opportunity to watch free classics!
 
If you haven’t driven down Dry Creek Road recently, please do! We’re showing off our new sign on the corner. The metal and stone structure reflects our beautiful facility and shows off our new logo. More importantly, it provides another level of great service: we’ve made it easier for locals, newcomers, or visitors to find their way to us. Check it out!
 
We still need your input! The Library is 60 years old, and our building is 25 years old. And as anyone knows, 25 years—and approximately 200,000 visits a year—makes for a lot of wear and tear. We have some ideas for upgrades and modernizations, but before we make improvements, we’d love to hear from you! How can your library building serve you even better? Let us know.
 
Speaking of the future, next fall area children will help bury a time capsule containing library mementos. These contents will provide a glimpse of life in Sedona, as well as what your library has offered for 60 years. When it is opened in 2058 to celebrate the 100th anniversary, what will they think of our technology, services and programs? I, for one, hope to still be around to find out. Can’t wait!
 
Help us celebrate YOUR library! Come on in, you never know what you’ll find at Sedona Public Library!

​Sedona Public Library
Column for June 22, 2018
Written by Anne Marie Mackler, Development Director

Reliable computer equipment and WiFi access are essential services in today's public libraries, and Sedona Public Library makes computer use convenient and accessible.  By providing up-to-date computers we assist in bridging the digital divide in our community.

Through funding from an Arizona Community Foundation of Sedona grant, the Library recently replaced five computers.  As a community resource center, we must stay current with technological advancements and be responsive to the needs of the community.

​The much-appreciated grant allowed us to purchase five state-of-the-art computers to replace outdated equipment.  This investment provides improved services for our patrons who need reliable computers for document-creation and access to the Internet for communication and research.

If we had not replaced the obsolete computers it would have reduced the available computers from 24 to 19, a reduction of 20%.  With 33,026 free computer sessions provided in FY 2018, the Library is a key supplier of technology services in our community.

Sedona Public Library's public-access computer program recently had a significant impact on the life of a resident by helping him secure employment.   He was new to Sedona and in need of a job.  He came into the Library having already received a verbal job offer at a local resort, and he had been given information to set up an online user account with the potential employer to formally apply for the job.

However, he needed help to register online as a system user with the firm so that he could apply for the job.  The library staff not only helped him get online but also contacted the hiring staff at the resort in order to verify his username and password for the resort account.

They showed him how to access the resort website and fill out the application.  In addition, librarians provided help so that he could download important employment documents.  He got the job and expressed his appreciation, saying that without the Library's help it wouldn’t have happened!

The Library also provides WiFi access for approximately 50 people a day who use their own computers while they’re visiting the Library.  Be sure to try out our printing and scanning center which enables you to scan and send essential documents by email and fax.   

Sedona Public Library is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We are grateful for the support of the City of Sedona, Yavapai and Coconino Counties, businesses and foundations, and individuals like you. Your tax-deductible donation may be sent to: Sedona Public Library, 3250 White Bear Road, Sedona, Arizona 86336.
​
Sedona Public Library
Column for June 15, 2018
Written by Virginia Volkman, Library Director

Sedona Public Library has received a grant from the American Library Association (ALA) and PBS to host programs around “The Great American Read,” an eight-part television series and multi-platform initiative that celebrates the joy of reading and the books we love.
 
More than 220 public libraries applied for the $2,000 grants, which will support public programs around the series. Sedona Public Library was one of just 50 libraries nationwide to be selected.
 
In addition to the grant money, the Library will receive a DVD collection of the series with public performance rights; a hardcover copy of the companion book, “The Great American Read: The Book of Books” by PBS (Black Dog & Leventhal, August 21, 2018); and other resources.
 
The selected libraries will also have the opportunity to host “sneak peek” screenings of five episodes before they broadcast to the public. The series will engage audiences with a list of 100 diverse books, encouraging audiences to read the books, vote from the list of 100, and share their personal connections to the titles.
 
The two-hour launch episode premiered May 22 and kicks off a summer of reading and voting. In fall 2018, seven new episodes will air, featuring appearances by celebrities, athletes, experts, authors and everyday Americans advocating for their favorite book, culminating with a finale that reveals America’s best-loved novel as chosen by the American public.
 
Sedona Public Library looks forward to participating in a national conversation about reading and books, including those featured in the series that highlight themes of love, heroes, villains, other worlds, and self-discovery. Join us as we investigate how and why writers create their fictional worlds, how we as readers are affected by these stories, and what these 100 different books have to say about our diverse nation and our shared human experience. Check our events calendar on the Library’s website for upcoming programs.
 
Watch the launch special, view the list of top 100 books highlighted in the series, and vote for your favorite by visiting the PBS website at: http://www.pbs.org/the-great-american-read/home/.  You can visit the website on your own computer or come to the Library to view the premier episode on one of our computers. While you’re at the Library, take a look at the list of books and choose one to read!
 
On the PBS website you’ll also find a wonderful RESOURCES section. Take the reading scorecard quiz or visit the Learning Media section for information about the authors and the impact these books have had on specific readers and throughout history.
 
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 made online through our website or sent to:  Sedona Public Library, 3250 White Bear Road, Sedona, AZ 86336.

Sedona Public Library
Column for June 8, 2018
Written by Virginia Volkman, Library Director

Have you read any good books lately?  Can you recommend a book for me? Do you know this author?  Have you read this book?
 
If you have spent any time in the Library, you will hear patrons asking these questions throughout the year, and even more so during the adult summer reading program. To get you ready for this year’s program, I decided to ask avid readers for their book recommendations. Some of these library patrons visit the Library every day. Others stop by two or three times a week to pick up their holds.
 
Tom White’s favorite author is James Lee Burke, best known for his Detective Dave Robicheaux novels set in Louisiana.  Tom lived in New Orleans, and he collects signed copies of books written by Burke. Tom highly recommends Burke’s latest, called “Robicheaux.”
 
In addition to playing bridge, Pat Jay likes to read mysteries. She said “The Woman in the Window,” by A.J. Finn, kept her guessing and turning pages. If you enjoy reading Gillian Flynn and Tana French, this thriller is for you.
 
If you want book recommendations, meet Patty Swanson. On average, she reads one book a day. Patty can be described as a voracious reader with varied interests. She has a great deal to contribute during our monthly book discussions at Sedona Winds.  Patty’s latest book recommendation is “To Die But Once,” the latest in the Maisie Dobbs series, written by Jacqueline Winspear. Patty also enjoyed reading “Cha’risa’s Gift, written by local author Ilana Maletz.
 
As a former high school history teacher, Gary Yeatts often reads about famous people in history.  He recently finished “Lincoln and Churchill: Statesmen at War,” by Lewis Lehrman.  He enjoyed the way the author compared and contrasted Lincoln and Churchill, two great leaders who changed the course of history.
 
If you are a fan of nonfiction, Janice LaDuke recommends “The Long Haul: A Trucker’s Tales of Life on the Road,” by Finn Murphy. The author dropped out of college to become a long-haul trucker.  In his first book, Murphy shares stories from the road.  Janice liked reading about the author’s experiences with the moving industry.
 
Plan to be at Sedona Public Library on Tuesday, June 12, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the Quiet Study. The Library's book club will be discussing “The Long Haul.”  A limited number of copies of the book are available at the reference desk. New members are welcome to join the group!
 
Now that you have your book recommendations, it’s time to join the adult summer reading program sponsored by the Library. This year’s theme is Libraries Rock.  The program begins with a kick-off event on Friday, June 1 at 3:00 p.m. in the Si Birch Community Room.  Included in the program are two book discussions: the featured title on Wednesday, June 12 is the Bruce Springsteen biography “Born to Run” and the selection for Wednesday, July 18 is Sheila Weller’s “Girls Like Us:  Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Carly Simon—And the Journey of a Generation.”  The grand finale, an ice cream social, is scheduled for Friday, July 27.  Check the Library’s website for other activities.
 
Participation in the program is easy. Just keep track of the number of pages you read and log your hours to be eligible to win prizes. Register online at sedonalibrary.org or in-person at the reference desk at the main library in West Sedona or Sedona Public Library in the Village. If you need assistance registering for the adult summer reading program, please call or stop by the Library.  Happy reading!
 
Sedona Public Library is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We are grateful for the support of the City of Sedona, Yavapai and Coconino Counties, businesses and foundations, and individuals like you. Your tax-deductible donation may be sent to: Sedona Public Library, 3250 White Bear Road, Sedona, Arizona 86336.

​Sedona Public Library
Column for June 1, 2018
Written by Cheryl L. Yeatts, Manager of Sedona Public Library in the Village