Liberty, Chess, Java, and Drama at the Library

Last week, as youth services staff gathered books for a 4th of July display in the children’s room, I reread a favorite. “Her Right Foot,” by Dave Eggers, is a timely nonfiction picture book about the Statue of Liberty. I highly recommend this book for its fabulous and fun presentation of facts and for its delivery of a poignant, thought-provoking message.
 
Shawn Harris, the illustrator of “Her Right Foot,” says in a Children’s Book Review interview, “I start every project at the library. I have a 25 book limit and am constantly having to weed out a selection or two at the checkout desk, with an impatient line forming behind me.”  Harris, an amazing artist and musician, has a Sedona connection.  With a little luck, I may get a reply to the fan mail I sent him!
 
In our town of Sedona, there are many opportunities for youth to learn from hardworking, talented community members. Every Thursday afternoon for over a year, a local chess player has taken time from his busy work schedule to run the Library’s youth chess club. Dr. B, as he is known to the regular Thursday players, instructs at all levels and often sets up challenge boards that can be won in two or three moves. The youth chess club welcomes new members at any time. Thank you, Dr. B!
 
And a thank you goes to a teen volunteer who is spending Wednesday mornings at the Library, teaching JavaScript to an enthusiastic group of beginner coders. Youth from ages 8 to 14 are welcome to drop in and give it a try.
 
On Tuesday, July 10, the ninth annual Sedona Youth Theatre workshop for ages 10 through 17 begins. The workshop is the creation of Dev Ross and Shondra Jepperson. Their professional careers, as screenwriters, actors, authors, musicians, entertainers, and more, have earned them numerous awards and fans. Sedona Public Library is honored to have Dev and Shondra present this annual library program.
 
The 15-hour workshop, over the course of nine afternoons, includes theatre games, learning and honing improvisational skills, practicing correct vocal and breathing techniques, understanding disciplines of stage performance, and building team skills and confidence. Thanks to support from Friends of the Sedona Library, the $85 workshop fee can be offset if workshop participants volunteer at the Library. For every three hours worked, the cost of the workshop is reduced by $25—volunteer nine hours, and the cost of the 15-hour workshop is down to $10!  It’s a win-win!  Thank you, Friends of the Library!
 
The public is invited to attend a youth theatre performance showcase on Saturday, July 21, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in the Si Birch Community Room. Call 928-282-7714, ext. 119, or visit the Library today with questions or to register for Sedona Youth Theatre.
 
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 sent to: Sedona Public Library, 3250 White Bear Road, Sedona, AZ 86336.

​Sedona Public Library
Column for July 6, 2018
Written by Karen Mack, Youth Services Librarian