As published in the Red Rock News

Hello Red Rock News readers! We have great news: Sedona Public Library is now open until 8 p.m. on Wednesday evenings. This allows us to better serve the community and the many patrons who typically finish their workday after we have already closed, like Steve. 

Recently on a Friday, while at our circulation desk wrapping up an email about a prospective library program, I heard a tapping … a tapping on my chamber door. Or to be more specific, the window of our front lobby. (October is “spooky month” so give me some credit for trying to set the mood.) Deep in concentration, I was startled to see the visage of a lone person, silhouetted against the setting sun. 

“Hark, who goes there, Spirit? Who has come to me on this darkest of nights to rouse me from my deep thoughts?”

“It is I, Steve of West Sedona.” (I’ve changed his name to protect his identity and me). “I’ve come to claim that which is mine.” Steve, of course, was referring to the two library books he had placed on hold and that were, at that very moment, sitting on the holds bookshelf behind near where I now stood. But the Library was closed.

My dear readers if you did not know, on Fridays and Saturdays, the Library closes at 
5 p.m. Disheartened by this news, Steve of West Sedona was about to leave without his books.

For me, having been the recipient of lost chances and missed opportunities myself, I knew I could help him out and do one more good deed before I left for the weekend. I learned that Steve had just finished his shift at a local establishment and headed over to the Library to pick up his books and start his weekend on the right note, curled up with a good book. He told me that with his busy work schedule, if he’s unable to get to the Library during the week, it throws the proverbial monkey wrench into his weekend plans.

This made me stop and realize that my schedule includes a typical nine-to-five workday and not everyone is as fortunate. As I handed Steve of West Sedona his books, I wished him well and told him he didn’t have to worry about not having enough time to make it to the Library to pick up his holds or peruse the stacks anymore. The Library is now open until 8 p.m. on Wednesdays to accommodate people just like him.

The positive comments and smiles of surprise we’ve seen from patrons walking through our doors after 6 p.m. on Wednesday these last three weeks has been great. “We love the library and thank you so much for being open late,” is a common response. We’re happy to hear it, and we’re happy we can provide that service. It’s the simple things we do that can make positive changes go a long way. Where are all the night owls? Come by and say “hello.” 

We’re open and here to serve our community. If you’re just getting out of work at 6 p.m. and need to check email, pick up a hold, or attend a Wednesday night program, we’re now open late. We’re here for you. 

Sedona Public Library is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. To make a tax-deductible donation, please visit sedonalibrary.org/donate or send your check to Sedona Public Library, 3250 White Bear Road, Sedona, AZ 86336. 

Sedona Public Library 
Library News Column for Oct 28, 2022 
Written by Jan Marc Quisumbing, Program & Marketing Coordinator 

As published in the Red Rock News

On Saturday, October 1, Sedona Public Library celebrated the new Village Library with Novel Night, an inaugural fundraising event designed to celebrate literature, literacy, community, and ultimately food, fun, and friends. The event was a tremendous success, and as hoped, it serves as the first of what we trust will become a signature event for Big Park / Village of Oak Creek and for Sedona Public Library in the Village.

First and foremost, thank you to the 90 guests, 25 themed-dinner hosts, 43 individuals and businesses who contributed twice as many items for the silent auction, both of our sponsors, all of the Library staff, and dozens of volunteers including the planning committee. As they say . . . it takes a Village! With all your help, we made well over $16,000, a solid beginning for this important new library.

So as the fun and colorful evening ensued, the question arose again and again: “How did you come up with this fundraiser idea—to host several book-themed costume dinner parties in the community followed by an After Party back at the Library? Well, it is a good idea, and I did what all great writers and event planners do: I stole it!

When I first applied for my position at Sedona Public Library, the hiring committee asked me to present a fundraiser for the library. Having managed fundraisers of all sorts for different non-profit organizations, it was a relatively easy task. But specifically for a library? Sounded fun. So, as all great researchers do, I went to Google!

There I found Novel Night, an event for the Town of Pelham Public Library in New York. This event is produced by the non-profit Friends of the Town of Pelham Public Library who have curated Novel Night so well that they now do it bi-annually with 40 parties hosting 20+ guests each. It is definitely the signature event for this small town with population and history not unlike Sedona and Big Park / Village of Oak Creek.

Well, needless to say, I got the job, and six years later it was the Village Library supporters who most enthusiastically embraced the idea of this novel fundraiser. Thus, with the work of a small committee who met for the first time a year ago, we pulled it off earlier this month. And I could rave on about how great I think it was, but I’m the creator. So, let’s hear what a few guests had to say about the inaugural Novel Night.

“Novel Night was such a fun evening. The food was fabulous, and I was able to meet numerous new people. I also really enjoyed the After Party where we were able to see all the costumes while indulging in champagne and a plethora of yummy desserts.  The event was incredibly well organized. I sure hope they do it again next year!” From Cindy who attended the party Calling All Suffragettes and Suffragents, primary host Carolyn Fisher based on “Stories from Suffragette City” by M.J. Rose and Fiona Davis.

“Books? Trivia?  Riddles?  Contrariwise rules?  Croquet with a flamingo and hedgehogs?  Amazing costumes?  This fundraiser couldn't get any better - only it did.  We supported our VOC branch of Sedona Public Library by eating, drinking, and socializing with like-minded book lovers. No one lost their head and everyone made it safely to the After Party for even more fun. I admit that I didn't win any of the (amazing) silent auction items. The competition was fun and fierce, and I was distracted by the plates of chocolates everywhere. Count us in for next year!” From Jackie who attended A Mad Tea Party with primary host Margaret Davis and celebrating “Alice in Wonderland” by Lewis Carroll.

“Success!!!  The Novel Night was a total success! We so enjoyed the whole evening.  The dinner party was fun…the food delicious. The After Party was so well planned and executed. Tish did great job with the silent auction and setup. The music contributed a wonderful ambiance. And, the dessert bites and champagne were yummy. Well done!  We can’t wait to be a part of it next year!!! From Jennette who attended one of two Meet the Gatsby’s parties, this one hosted by Tom and Jane Binnings, celebrating “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
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“The evening was delightful, enjoyable, fun and a smashing success . . . my thanks to the staff who worked so hard to provide this memorable evening for us on behalf of the Sedona Public Library in the Village . . .  clearly demonstrating your dedication and loyalty . . . At closing of the dinner I attended, several guests complimented Library personnel for their creativity and expressed their sincere appreciation for the superb organization of the event and their gratitude for the new Library in the Village. Everyone asked if we would do this next year. The idea blossomed into a unique event that will be long-remembered; but more importantly, serve as a reminder of the importance of libraries.” From Linda who attended Around the World, with primary host Chuck Marr, and celebrating “Around the World in 80 Days.”
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Thank you, again, to everyone who made this night a success, and if you didn’t get your ticket this year, be sure to do so next year. Or if you think you’d like to host a party, let me know soon! And, if you’d like to support Sedona Public Library in the Village? You can, just visit sedonalibrary.org/donate. Thanks!
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Sedona Public Library  
Library News Column for October 21, 2022  
Written by Anne Marie Mackler, Development Director 

As published in the Red Rock News.
Attention grandparents, caregivers, and families: new STEAM to Go! Kits are available at Sedona Public Library in the Village (SPLV) for check out! They're fun, hands-on, interactive learning kits themed and targeted for either PreK-Grade 3 or Grade 4 and up. Kits can be borrowed and returned at the front desk of SPLV for three weeks with your Sedona Public Library card. They're perfect for upcoming school breaks to engage children at home.  

There are 27 kits to enjoy. Some of the favorite kits available are the educational phonics kits where you can work on reading together with the Little Critters Phonics Kit. This kit features 12 Little Critter phonics books, a Penworthy leveled reader, a wipe-off phonics workbook, and two activities. The first is a fun phonics card game and the second is an interactive phonics activity featuring an interactive talking pen.  

Another educational favorite is the Paw Patrol Phonics Kit. Kids can work through phonics lessons independently with Ace, the talking, teaching dog pen; a phonics word building game; and work with blends and digraphs dominoes to grow understanding of our most-commonly used consonants and word families. Let Sedona Public Library help make learning how to read fun for everyone!  

Another favorite kit is the Family Game Night Kit—break away from screen time and engage with this collection of games for kids 10 and up. This kit includes the strategy game, Horrified: The Universal Studios Monster Game. There is also Disney Villainous: Perfectly Wretched Game in which players take on the role of a villain. Lastly, there is the How I Survived Game: a fast-paced, super-silly game. Check out the Family Game Night Kit for laughs and learning.   
Another highlight is The Police and Fire Fighter Kit. Sophia Zarifis-Russell, SPL Assistant Director said, “I love these STEAM to Go! kits and my grandkids love them. The kits are fun and educational and now my grandkids love coming to my house and playing for hours. Checking out the kits has also helped me buy my 5-year-old grandson his birthday present. It is a great way to try a toy and it doesn’t cost a thing.”  

Cindy Mahon, the new Youth Services Librarian has been highlighting the kits at the Toy Potluck program at SPLV every Thursday, 11:15 to 12:15 p.m.  Come play, have some fun, and enjoy the company of other families. Recommended ages 0-4. Cindy Mahon is available at the SPLV Library all day on Thursdays to help with any questions about youth services. And don’t forget the VOC Storytime on Tuesdays at 11:15 a.m. and Red Rock Drumming with Harta on Fridays at 11:15 a.m. through November.   

We are excited to make these kits available for checkout and to use them for our programs. We know that children learn through play, and play reduces stress, so stop by SPLV and check one out or put one on hold to be delivered to SPL in West Sedona. The library was lucky enough to receive these kits with a grant through the Arizona State Library, Archives & Public Records, a division of the Secretary of State, with federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.  
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Sedona Public Library is an independently run, 501(c)(3), privately owned, debt-free, nonprofit organization providing public services. We receive support from the City of Sedona and the Friends of the Sedona Library, property tax dollars from Yavapai and Coconino Counties, and gifts from businesses, foundations, and individuals like you. Thank you! Visit sedonalibrary.org/donate to make your gift today, and remember, you can direct your gift to Sedona Public Library in the Village.  

Caption for photo: A young patron takes home the Estimation and Patterns Kit at Sedona Public Library. ​

Sedona Public Library   
Library News Column for October 14, 2022   
Written by Viviane Kraus, Youth Services Manager