By Cheryl Yeatts, Manager of Sedona Public Library in the Village
Sedona AZ (April 18, 2014) – “Libraries are community treasure chests, loaded with a wealth of information available to everyone equally, and the key to that treasure chest is the library card. I have found the most valuable thing in my wallet is my library card.” ~ former First Lady Laura Bush
Those of us who regularly use the library wholeheartedly agree that libraries are treasures. If you have not been to the library recently, you will be amazed by the free services offered at your local library. Libraries across the nation will celebrate National Library Week from April 13 to April 19, 2014. According to the website http://www.atyourlibrary.org, here are several reasons why you should use your library:
- Economics: Libraries have always provided useful services to their communities, with people taking advantage of free library services. Library users are looking to libraries for entertainment by borrowing books, audiobooks, CDs and DVDs. Every Monday evening, Sedona Public Library offers a movie that is free and open to the public. Many individuals take advantage of free Internet access and Wi-Fi. People without home computers or Internet access rely on library computers to find and apply for jobs. Free workshops are offered to help individuals improve their computer/technology skills. Libraries are convenient and located close to home.
- Enrichment: Libraries change lives. Books are now available in a variety of formats: regular print, large print, audiobooks, and e-books. The online catalog, databases, and e-books make it easy and convenient for library users to access information. Many libraries also offer services and programs to help people enrich their lives, such as classes that teach English as a second language, writing groups, and community book discussions, story time for toddlers, arts and crafts workshops, and computer workshops. Libraries can help people discover their passion, their family roots, or a new author.
- Relationships: People are connecting at their libraries, whether it’s with media, technology or one another. There are programs for babies, toddlers, teens, adults, and seniors. Volunteers enjoy interacting with customers. In turn, patrons and visitors appreciate the warm welcome and assistance they receive from staff and library volunteers. At the center of this process are librarians, who can provide access to a wealth of services and offer extensive reference experience. Get to know your librarians; they are library experts. They can assist you with finding a book, researching a specific topic, or downloading free e-books to your e-reader or tablet. Librarians are in the business of connecting people with information. Libraries offer programs to engage individuals. They foster relationships with the community.
If you don’t know much about your library, here’s what library users are saying about Sedona Public Library in the Village:
“Many thanks for all the wonderful services the library offers. I am so thankful for this branch in the Village of Oak Creek.” ~ Jacklyn Ritter
“I love my library because it is a multipurpose resource center.” ~ Karen Grenier
“Sedona Public Library in the Village is convenient. The volunteers are helpful and friendly. They provide wonderful service.” ~ Steven Carter
“The staff is very helpful. The online ordering from YLN is user friendly with a great selection of authors and genre.” ~ Tom Gaisford
“The library is very convenient and the staff is very helpful. I always find what I want. If not, the library gets it for me.” ~ Pat Monahan
“The staff and volunteers are friendly, competent, and knowledgeable. The library is convenient. Thanks for being in VOC.” ~ Dr. Barry Pasco
A free Yavapai Library Network card is available to all Yavapai and Coconino County residents with a photo ID and proof of residency. Your library card gives you access to 42 libraries in the Yavapai Library Network and to online databases. You may apply for your library card at Sedona Public Library or Sedona Public Library in the Village. At the library, we hope that your library card will become the most valuable card in your wallet.
Library Events in the Village:
Community Book Discussion: Join the book discussion of “Filaree: An American Life” by Marguerite Noble on Wednesday, April 23, at Sedona Winds Retirement Community. The book discussion begins at 1:30 p.m. The program is free and open to the public. You may pick up your loaner copy of the book at SPL-V. Please call the library if you would like to place a hold on the large print copy.
Rotating Artist Program: Don’t miss the interesting artwork featured at SPL-V during April. Sally Stryker’s exhibit is called “Found Art—Assemblage and Collage.” Of her work, Sally says, “The materials used in the works once served a particular utilitarian purpose and fulfilled specific human needs; now these discards have been transformed into messages, symbols, themes, and humorous statements about the human condition.”
Sedona Public Library in the Village is at 7000 Highway 179, Suite C-102, in the courtyard of Tequa Plaza. Library hours are 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday.