By David W. Keeber |
Sedona Public Library
Sedona, AZ - Much like the turkey
leftovers from this Thanksgiving, I have lots of
tidbits to offer this week. Let’s hope that they
don’t put you to sleep like the big bird does!
First, some passings. One recent and one awhile
ago, but both worthy of mention. Long-time
Sedonan Robert Eggert left us a week or so ago
and his absence will be felt, especially by me.
Bob is known for his work as an economist, his
role at Ford Motor Company, his teaching and his
publishing of important economic forecasting
newsletters. But, he also served on the Sedona
Public Library’s Investment Advisory Committee
assisting us in managing and preserving the
wonderful donations entrusted to us over the
years. He also served as a mentor and friend to
me and for that loss, I am most saddened. Always
a willing sounding board and trusted advisor, I
have gained much from him over the many years of
our friendship. He will be sorely missed and not
quickly forgotten.
In 1998, Si Birch passed away. For the newer
residents of Sedona, you may recognize his name
on the highway or at the Medical Center. For the
older habitués of our community, you may well
have had the pleasure of knowing his unflagging
efforts on this community’s behalf in its
earlier days, working to bring his long range
vision for his adopted hometown to fruition. His
wife, Lee, recently passed away too, but in
addition to her efforts to build community, she
also had a passion for ensuring that Si was
recognized for the truly amazing work he did to
build Sedona. Just before she passed away, Lee
and her family made a very generous contribution
to the Sedona Public Library and asked that the
main meeting room be named the “Si Birch
Community Room.”
That that space, one of the most heavily used
“common rooms” in our town should bear his name
is truly apt. So many forums, debates, community
conversations, programs, events, and more happen
in that room, all of which add to the character
of Sedona. Naming it after a true pillar of
Sedona makes perfect sense. A large plaque in
the room describes Si’s extensive work to
improve his town and hopefully will remind
people not only what he did, but how it takes
people working hard to build a nice community.
So, henceforth, please be sure to attend an
event in the Si Birch Community Room and take a
minute to read about his life and
accomplishments. Thank you to his daughter,
Bonnie McWilliams and her children for this
wonderful way of supporting the Library and
ensuring the memory of their forebear.
On a more prosaic level, the Library needs
volunteers to assist us on Sundays at the main
desk checking books in and out. The shifts are
short, the place is busy and there could hardly
be a more fun and exciting place to work in all
of Sedona. If you think you would like to work
here as a volunteer, please contact Mia Fliers
or Karen Greenwood to discuss how you can get on
the schedule.
Every week, we get lots and lots of books
donated to us. Some get added to the collection,
some get sold at our book sales and now some are
available for free! If you like to get a free
book that is a great read, visit the shelves on
the north wall of the Library to see our
selection. Not sure of which direction is north?
Just ask a staff person or volunteer!
Finally, if you are dealing with legal matters,
now or in the future, please remember that the
Sedona Public Library has lots and lots of legal
forms that you can copy. We also have access to
more via our relationship with the Coconino
County Law Library and on the web. Come in and
let us help you find the form you need. Dealing
with the law and the courts can often be
challenging, but if you have to do this, why not
enjoy getting help from the staff at Sedona
Public Library? It may well be the sole bright
spot in the experience!
Don’t forget to give the gift of reading this
season. Read to a child, help someone learn to
read, or just buy books! Happy Holidays!
Past Library News issues:
Sedona Library Archive
[Home Page]
[News Home Page]
[Back to Community Page]