Meet Cheryl Yeatts, VOC Library Manager

As published in the Red Rock News

​My name is Cheryl Yeatts, and I am the manager of Sedona Public Library in the Village. As part of the Library’s efforts to acquaint you with staff, I am going to share some information about myself.

I grew up and lived most of my life in the Cincinnati area. After enduring many miserable winters, I finally convinced my husband that it was time to move. We relocated to Sedona in 1995 and never looked back.

Sedona Public Library in the Village, originally called the Village Service Center, opened on West Cortez Drive in December 2005 under Library Director David Keeber. Dotte Vande Linde was the new manager and ran the Service Center until her retirement in 2010. (Dotte still participates in our book clubs at Sedona Winds!)

That is when I was hired to oversee Sedona Public Library in the Village. My job entails managing the daily operations of the Village: circulating library materials, placing holds for library patrons, answering all kinds of reference questions, making book recommendations, and assisting people with basic computer needs.

I also write columns for the local newspapers and the library newsletter. I value professional development and am a member of the American Library Association, the Public Library Association, and the Arizona Library Association. I hope to again schedule the popular Arizona Humanities programs and continue community book discussions at Sedona Winds Retirement Community when we resume in-person programming.

Sedona Public Library in the Village is a busy place offering many services to the community, and that’s why I’m so happy to work here. People stop by to pick up items that they ordered through the Yavapai Library Network or to return items from a library in the Network.

Patrons and visitors also come by to use our computers, or they may visit with their own laptops and use our Free WiFi, available during open hours. We also have a charging station so patrons can power devices including phones, tables, laptops, and more. The Village location also offers printing, scanning, and faxing.

For the first time ever, we are in the early stages of developing a collection for Sedona Public in the Village. We are excited about this new development, and we know you will be, too! Watch for items designated with bright green stickers marked “VOC.”

We truly are a “service center”, open 20 hours a week, and always free.

Now that you know something about me and Sedona Public Library in the Village, I will answer the interview questions posed by Teri Ruiz, programs and marketing coordinator at SPL.

What was your first job?  Instead of telling you about my first job, I will share the horrors of my worst job. To help pay for my college tuition, I worked one summer at a local paper company. My job was hand-sorting deluxe paper to look for defects. This job did not have ideal working conditions. I worked third shift from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. I had to wear steel-toed work boots and stand on a platform the entire shift. The factory had no air conditioning; it was hot and humid. All summer I had a multitude of paper cuts that never seemed to heal. Needless to say, I was very happy to return to college in the fall.  

Have you ever seen a ghost or UFO? I have not, but I always had fun playing with the Quija Board when I was in junior high.

Do I prefer dogs or cats?  I am definitely a cat person. My three rescue cats rule the house.  I have to admit that I enjoy seeing Rainier, a service dog who visits the library with his owner Charlotte Selenski.

What book influenced your early life? That’s a difficult question, as I have always been an avid reader. A book that has left a lasting impression is “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee. I have always admired Scout’s spunky attitude, respected the wisdom of Atticus Finch, and appreciated the kindness of Boo Radley.

It took me several years, but I finally landed my dream job at Sedona Public Library. I will be celebrating my 11-year anniversary working for the Library on August 30. The next time you are in the Village, please stop by SPLV and say hello. I look forward to your visit and will be happy to assist you with your library needs.

Sedona Public Library is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.  To make a tax-deductible donation to the Sedona Public Library in the Village please visit our website or send to Sedona Public Library, 3250 White Bear Road, Sedona, Arizona 86336. Be sure to designate your donation to SPLV!

Sedona Public Library
Column for August 6, 2021
Written by Cheryl L. Yeatts, Manager of Sedona Public Library in the Village