​Commemorate support of the library with a courtyard paver

As published in the Red Rock News ​

Good day, Red Rock News readers! It’s been several months since we first announced our plan for a brand-new courtyard, and a lot has happened in the meantime, including breaking ground! Perhaps you’ve seen the construction fence surrounding the site between the Library and the Friends’ Book Store? Peer through the fence and you can see how big this courtyard will be, and just how red the red rocks really are!

The construction crew broke ground in late April and they’ve been hard at work, non-stop, under that glorious Arizona sun. The 18,000 square-foot courtyard will have a paved patio offering ample opportunities for outdoor programs for all ages. I already have a file folder filled with library program ideas for the new courtyard!

Need a pretty, outdoor place to read, study, or meet a friend and share a brown bag lunch? This Courtyard will provide the perfect location. It will be safe and comfy, with lots of seating, tables, and strong Wi-Fi! There will be sunny spaces and places in both natural and umbrella’d shade. We are happy to note that we saved the large juniper trees we had to move! What a miraculous feat to watch as the trees were boxed, removed, and transported to their new homes in Sedona.

This will be a wonderful place for large outdoor gatherings. Groups that have met for years in our indoor meeting rooms can now plan meetings on the patio. The Library will offer programs that include story time, music, lectures, exhibits, and more. What a great location for plein air painting, poetry readings, star gazing, learning a language, or sitting at the firepit and hosting a sing-along!

The Library Board, staff, and patrons are excited for the grand opening in early fall. And we want to remind you that there is still time to purchase a courtyard paver. Leave your legacy at the Library by commemorating an anniversary, a birthday, favorite authors, inspiring poets, a pet, or how about your favorite Program and Marketing Coordinator on the new patio? 

We have three sizes of pavers at introductory prices, so get them now before the prices go up. Choices include 12”x12” with four lines of text, 18 characters per line for $400; 6”x12” with three lines and 18 characters per line for $250; and 6”x6” with two lines of text, 9 characters per line for $100.

With a last name like “Quisumbing” I’m definitely choosing the 6”x12” paver. We’ve already sold 150, and we have lots more to sell. Donors have admired authors, spouses, volunteers, and more. One paver begs: “Please don’t step on me.” It’s a great opportunity to make your mark, or make someone laugh, at your favorite library. Please note that characters allowed include spaces and punctuation, and unfortunately no emojis. 

If you’d like to see what the pavers look like and what the final engraving process will be, we have displays at both library locations along with the order forms. You can drop off checks and forms at the circulation desk care of Anne Marie Mackler, our Development Director, or mail them to 3250 White Bear Road. You can also order and pay for a paver online at sedonalibrary.org.

As the dog days of summer will soon be here, I look forward to the new courtyard and all the possibilities it brings to our library and the community we serve. Sedona Public Library is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your gifts supplement the funding and support we receive from the City of Sedona, Coconino and Yavapai County property taxes, and Friends of the Sedona Library. Visit sedonalibrary.org/donate to learn more. Thank you!

Sedona Public Library 
​Library News for June 17, 2022 
Written by: Jan Marc Quisumbing, Program & Marketing Coordinator 

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