Amidst all the tragic news bombarding us these days, I’d like to share a story I return to again and again when I need my hope and confidence restored. Granted, this is from a fundraiser’s perspective, but I think it is broadly comforting to know that Americans are some of the most generous people in the world. The U.S. has been one of the top charitable countries for many years. As a nation we simply take care of each other, and we take care of our world.
 
And while we have all heard about huge gifts from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Ford Foundation, or the Pew Charitable Trust, which certainly add to this tremendous reputation we have, it is comforting to know that in large part our nation’s generosity stems from people like you. According to the Philanthropy Roundtable, individual donations make up more than 73 percent of the nation’s charitable giving, and it is the far smaller percentage that comes from foundations, trusts, and corporations. It is even more compelling that the largest percentage of individual gifts is actually donated by those with the smallest income.
 
Yes, while they do not give the largest gifts, households with lower incomes give the most gifts. More than seven percent of households that make below $25,000 contribute to charitable organizations. Compare this to households that annually make between $100 and $200 thousand annually: less than three percent of them make charitable donations. It is also interesting that while lower income households’ gifts are smaller in size, they are not that much smaller considering income. Gifts from the lower incomes average over $1,000 annually; for the higher income household, average giving is $4,000.
 
America is also generous with its time. Nearly 25 percent of all Americans report that they volunteered time to a charitable organization during 2015 with an average of 139 hours worked annually.  Considering that a donated hour was valued at $23.56 in 2015, this makes an overall gift of nearly $200 billion. We know that here at Sedona Public Library much of our workload is accomplished by a tremendous group of approximately 130 active volunteers.
 
More than 70 percent of charities have some sort of revenue stream that they rely upon for covering costs. Whether it is hospitals and colleges that charge user fees, museums and shows that charge admissions, or the many nonprofits that have taken on a retail model, there are those, like Sedona Public Library, that have minimal income from revenue. Thus, we are in large part reliant upon grants and contracts from city and county governments, and from individual donations.
 
Overall, from all sources, the U.S. donated $1.5 trillion in 2015, close to 10% of the US economy. Charitable Americans support 5 to 10 nonprofits each year, and the median household gives, on average, $2200 a year.
 
Finally, it is not just that we Americans are altruistic. According to a recent article in the New York Times, we give because it makes us feel better about ourselves.  So, not only are we kind to others, but to self. And this makes me, as a citizen, a donor, and a fundraiser, feel hopeful, confident, and happy.
 
Sedona Public Library, a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization, is truly grateful for all the support we receive from our volunteers, donors, partners, and patrons. Your tax-deductible donations are always welcome: they will make us feel good, and they’ll make you feel good, too!
 
Please consider a charitable gift to your public library and send your check or money order for Sedona Public Library to 3250 White Bear Road, Sedona, AZ 86336 or give online at http://www.sedonalibrary.org/donate.html

Sedona Public Library
Column for September 29, 2017
Written by ​Anne Marie Mackler, Development Director

The long-awaited biography of Sedona Schnebly has finally arrived. Join Lisa Schnebly Heidinger, great-granddaughter of Sedona, as she discusses her new book “The Journal of Sedona Schnebly.” Sedona Public Library will host two author presentations:  on Saturday, September 30, at 2 p.m. at the Church of the Nazarene, 55 Rojo Drive in the Village of Oak Creek and on Sunday, October 1, at 1 p.m. in the community room of Sedona Public Library, 3250 White Bear Road. 
 
Lisa will be signing books following her programs. Be among the first to own “The Journal of Sedona Schnebly,” which you may purchase for $18.  Cash, checks, and credit cards will be accepted. 
 
Whatever your reason for making Sedona your home, you may be intrigued by the interesting history of our scenic town. You probably know that Sedona was named after Sedona Schnebly, one of the early settlers of the area. Sedona Arabella Miller was born February 24, 1877, in Missouri.  At the age of 20, Sedona married Theodore Carleton (T.C.) Schnebly and the couple moved to the Arizona Territory to join T.C.’s brother, Ellsworth. The family farmed and built a home along Oak Creek, where Tlaquepaque stands today.
 
As more people settled the area, T.C. saw the need to establish a post office. He suggested naming the town Oak Creek Crossing or Schnebly Station. The Postmaster General said the names were too long. Ellsworth Schnebly suggested naming the town after Sedona. The town and the post office became official in 1902 and the rest is history. Sedona Schnebly is buried along with T.C. and their daughter Pearl at the Cook Cemetery off Airport Road in West Sedona.
 
“The Journal of Sedona Schnebly” is Lisa Schnebly Heidinger’s tenth book. She dreamed of telling her great-grandmother’s story since childhood and has been working on this project for more than 30 years. The book contains 30 images from the Schnebly family’s private collections and “draws you into a fiercely private woman’s life that is by turns amusing and heartbreaking and always fascinating,” explains the author.
 
A native of Arizona, Lisa Schnebly Heidinger is deeply passionate about sharing stories of our amazing state and helping others find their “favorite Arizona.” During 35 years working in journalism and broadcasting, Lisa has honed the craft of sussing out and sharing stories in newspapers, magazines, and books and on the radio and TV. As part of her investigative work, Lisa went into a drug tunnel, had dinner with polygamist families, walked through plane crash debris, and interviewed death row inmates—before taking on the truly risky pursuit of raising a family.
 
Sedona Public Library is a 501(c)(3) charitable 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, AZ 86336 or can be made online at www.sedonalibrary.org.

Sedona Public Library
Column for September 22, 2017
Written by Cheryl Yeatts, Manager of Sedona Public Library in the Village 

A worldwide movement for social change is coming to Sedona on the International Day of Peace!  You are invited to participate in the first Human Library event at Sedona Public Library on the International Day of Peace, Thursday, September 21, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.  Organized by the Sedona International City of Peace, Rotary Club of Sedona, and Sedona Public Library, this free community event affords a special opportunity for everyone to make a difference in a heartwarming and peaceful manner!
 
In four, 30-minute time slots, event participants can become Human Library “readers” by selecting up to four “Human Books,” listening to their short presentations, and engaging in a dialogue with the book to gain understanding. A listing of the Human Books will be available on Sedona Library’s website and as a hard copy at the Library prior to the event.   
 
The Human Library project (www.humanlibrary.org), an international effort that is now local, is designed to “build a positive framework for conversations that can challenge stereotypes and prejudices through dialogue.” The biases we hold just under the surface of our personal and collective awareness can often be a source of social and community tension or unrest. As a community, we can illuminate and perhaps dissolve these prejudices, gain new understanding, and even come to new ways of relating to people we may avoid, dismiss, resent, or generally judge unfairly.
 
Some Human Books who will be available include:
 
Police Chief; Psychic Pedicurist; Medical Marijuana Baker; Pipsqueak Animal Communicator; Ex-Catholic Nun; Non-Indigenous Shaman; Invisible Unemotional Man; Political Conservative; Nude Model; High School Drop Out on Welfare; Death Specialist; Orthodox Sikh Attorney; Homeless Mentally Ill Veteran; Prisoner; Spiritual Crazy; Stateless and Illegal Aliens; and various Body Shapes.
 
These live Human Books will courageously share their stories of being marginalized, categorized, or stigmatized for their differences. In the process, stigmas or judgments around such things as religion, sexuality, mental or physical challenges, immigration, police, lifestyle conditions from poverty, war, trauma, and end-of-life choices are explored. 
 
As the Human Book coordinator and a founder of the Sedona International City of Peace, I hope you will participate in the Human Library event, whether you are conservative, liberal, religious, atheist, extreme social activist, or apathetic. I believe you will walk away simply inspired and humbled by our common humanity. The polarizing climate that exists in our country and our local community today begs for open dialogue and compassionate understanding on this International Day of Peace. We can learn this together. There are few transformational events like this that occur in one’s life, where in a matter of minutes, we can be taken to a new level of collective consciousness and deep connection. That is how peace comes to our life and world.
 
Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the 4:45, 5:30, 6:15, and 7:00 reading times to select and be guided to your book. If you have any questions, please call the Library at 928-282-7714.
 
The Sedona International City of Peace was recognized and established as the 35th city of now over 200 International Cities of Peace in 2012. The Sedona City Council declared September 21 as the Sedona International Day of Peace in perpetuity. Rotary is an organization of community leaders who meet regularly to exchange ideas and take action to make their community and the world a better place.  The Rotary Club of Sedona is best known locally for the Imagination Library program for preschool children. The partnership between Sedona International City of Peace, the Rotary Club of Sedona, and the Library aligns us all in our commitment in expanding our reach and impact in creating a culture of peace in Sedona.

Sedona Public Library
Column for September 15, 2017
Written by Margaret Joy Weaver, Co-Founder Sedona International City of Peace

Calling all J.A. Jance fans!  New York Times bestselling and award-winning mystery author J.A. Jance will be in Sedona on Thursday, September 14, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Sedona Arts Center, 15 Art Barn Road. She will be signing her latest J.P. Beaumont novel, “Proof of Life.” Her other books, including her book of poetry “After the Fire,” will also be available for purchase the night of the book signing. This event is sponsored by Sedona Public Library, the Sedona Arts Center, and ML Coleman Studios.
 
J.A. Jance has more than 20 million books in print. Jance’s writing career spans three decades and includes more than 50 books in four different series—Ali Reynolds, J.P. Beaumont, Joanna Brady, and the Walker family—along with a volume of poetry. Although she was once denied entry into a university-level creative writing course, that didn’t stop her from living her dream of becoming a writer. Born in South Dakota and raised in Bisbee, Arizona, she and her husband Bill split their time between homes in Arizona and Washington state accompanied by their rescued puppy Johanna, affectionately known as “JoJo.”
 
Be among the first to own a signed copy of “Proof of Life,” scheduled for release September 5, 2017. J.P. Beaumont’s latest investigation strikes too close to home in this riveting mystery. Before he retired, J.P. Beaumont had looked forward to having his days all to himself. But too much free time doesn’t suit a man used to brushing close to danger. When his longtime nemesis, retired Seattle crime reporter Maxwell Cole, dies in what’s officially deemed to be an accidental fire, Beau is astonished to be dragged into the investigation at the request of none other than the deceased victim himself. While seeking justice for his frenemy and healing for a long-fractured family, he comes face to face with an implacable enemy who has spent decades hiding in plain sight.
 
Don’t miss this opportunity to meet J.A. Jance and to view the magnificent artwork of ML Coleman.  A resident of Sedona for more than 30 years, the artist has traveled, visited museums, and painted throughout much of North America and extensively in Europe, seeking to develop his sensitivity and skills in handling mood, light, and color. ML Coleman’s work has been internationally exhibited in museum and gallery shows and can be found in prestigious private and corporate collections worldwide including those of Northern Natural Gas, Web Trend Graphics, author J.A. Jance, actress Mary Sean Young, and Inga Tours.
 
For more information about this event or to reserve your copy of “Proof of Life” for purchase the night of the event, contact 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) charitable 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, AZ 86336 or can be made online at www.sedonalibrary.org.

Sedona Public Library
Column for September 8, 2017
Written by Cheryl Yeatts, Manager of Sedona Public Library in the Village 

​Fall is a busy season at the Library, a time when programs resume and groups return after the summer break. This month, the Library is offering a number of special programs, in addition to regularly scheduled events like story time, Monday night movies, conversational Spanish classes, and more. Check our online events calendar at www.sedonalibrary.org for the full program schedule, or stop by the Library to pick up a printed copy. Here are a few highlights in September:    
 
J.A. Jance Book Signing at Sedona Arts Center: Bestselling mystery author J.A. Jance will be in Sedona on Thursday, September 14, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Sedona Arts Center, 15 Art Barn Road. She will be signing her latest J.P. Beaumont novel “Proof of Life.” Her other books will also be available for purchase the night of the book signing. This event is sponsored by Sedona Public Library, the Sedona Arts Center, and ML Coleman Studios.
 
Lisa Schnebly Heidinger Book Signing: Lisa Schnebly Heidinger will speak on Saturday, September 30, at 2 p.m. at the Church of the Nazarene, 55 Rojo Drive in the Village of Oak Creek and on Sunday, October 1, at 1 p.m. in the community room at Sedona Public Library. She will be signing her new book, “The Journal of Sedona Schnebly,” which tells the story of Heidinger’s great-grandmother and contains 30 images from the Schnebly family’s private collections.
 
Weaving and Spinning Display and Demonstration: Members of the Verde Valley Weavers and Spinners Guild will demonstrate their skills and display their work at the Library from September 11 through 29. The exhibit will feature felted items, hand-spun yarns, crocheted works, and a wide selection of hand-woven pieces.
 
iPad/iPhone Workshop: The Oak Creek Apples group will offer a general question-and-answer workshop on iPads and iPhones on Saturday, September 16, from 10 a.m. to noon in the community room. Participants need to bring their own iPad/iPhone. Pre-registration is required for this free program by emailing oakcreekapples@gmail.com.
 
Human Library Project: Sedona Public Library, the Rotary Club of Sedona, and Sedona International City of Peace are presenting a “Human Library” event on Thursday, September 21, in celebration of the International Day of Peace. Come to the Library from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. to “check out” one or more interesting people who will be “human books” you can question and learn from. Human books will share their stories of being marginalized, categorized, or stigmatized for their differences. In the process, stigmas or judgments around such things as religion, sexuality, mental or physical challenges, homelessness, and lifestyle choices are explored with the goal of dissolving prejudices, gaining understanding, and developing new ways of relating.  
 
Banned Books Week Events: As part of Banned Books Week, the Library will hold an intellectual freedom seminar on Tuesday, September 26, from 2 to 3:15 p.m. in the community room, with guest speaker Christopher Fox Graham  from the Red Rock News. Learn what intellectual freedom is and how it is essential to a democratic society.
 
Additionally, two book discussions will take place on Friday, September 29, in the Quiet Study. From 2 to 3 p.m., “Fahrenheit 451” will be discussed, and from 3 to 4 p.m., the discussion will focus on “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” Some copies of the books will be available at the Library after September 1; patrons are also encouraged to place a hold on a copy in the library catalog themselves.
 
Pumphouse Poetry Event: On Friday, September 29, from 5 to 6:30 p.m., attend a Pumphouse Poetry and Prose Project program. The featured guest will be Eric Holowacz, current director of the Sedona Arts Center, with poet Jordan White opening. The musical guest will be Tim Young.
 
Sedona Public Library is a 501(c)(3) charitable 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, AZ 86336 or can be made online at www.sedonalibrary.org.