Patrons and programs are library's lifeblood

As published in the Red Rock News

​Good day, Red Rock News readers! A library is nothing without its patrons but more importantly without its programs. This week was just another normal, busy, week at the Library. While many local groups and individuals use our Library meeting rooms to hold their meetings, trainings, or to simply study, our calendar is also always busy with Library programs.
 
For instance, a Library Program that we sponsored this past Monday was with Sedona Great Decisions, the local chapter of the Foreign Policy Association in New York City, and the flagship educational forum of the World Affairs Council, held its bi-monthly meeting in the Community Room discussing current world topics.
 
Later that afternoon, Verde Valley Search and Rescue (VV SAR) held a Hiker Safety program in the Community Room. As the weather begins to warm up, and residents and visitors venture more often onto Sedona’s many beautiful trails, the Hiker Safety program advised the audience as to what to bring on their hike and how to always be prepared.
 
That evening, patrons and fans of cinema joined us for Monday Movie Nights in the Community Room. The return of this popular program has been well-received.
 
On Tuesday, we hosted Fuerza Local by the Library fireplace. Fuerza Local, in conjunction with Local First Arizona is a business accelerator program geared toward Hispanic-owned and run businesses. A partnership between the City of Sedona’s Economic Development Department and the City of Cottonwood has led to this, the state’s first rural Fuerza Local program.
 
Wednesday was busy, beginning with families who joined Miss Marcia for Story TIme at Sunset Park. In the afternoon, as part of the lead up to the Verde Valley Comic Expo on March 26 at the Cottonwood Recreation Center, Sedona Karate Academy presented a special demonstration for children and families in the Community Room. Later that day, our teen volunteer held their bi-monthly Dungeons and Dragons club in the Quiet Study.
 
A busy Thursday at the Library began with AARP Tax Preparation Assistance in the Community Room. This free service is available by appointment at our Sedona and Village Libraries through April 14. Youth Services’ Music Fest program kicked off with Drumming with Harta on Thursday morning. And, for the next three Thursdays in March, families can come to our Youth Services area for a special interactive musical program with local area musicians. Finally, in the afternoon, our Spanish Language Conversational Group met in our Quiet Study, and Youth Chess Club was held in the Community Room.
 
This week will finish up tomorrow with aspiring cartoonists and fans of drawing welcomed to join me for the Library’s monthly Cartooning Class in the Quiet Study. As you can see, our Library programs are an integral part of who we are.
 
To learn more about what’s going on at the Library why not subscribe to our main newsletter or our new Youth Services newsletter? Visit sedonalibrary.org and click on our events tab to see all the programs the Library has to offer. We look forward to seeing you. We’re not just books, we’re about community.
 
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 make an online gift. Thank you! 
 
Sedona Public Library 
Column for March 11, 2022 
Written by Jan Marc Quisumbing, Program & Marketing Coordinator 
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