By Virginia Volkman, Library Director
Sedona AZ (November 16, 2018) – As Thanksgiving approaches, we have much be thankful for at Sedona Public Library. As a mission-driven, nonprofit organization, we enhance the lives of our residents and visitors by serving as a community and information center.
We have something for everyone, with access to over 1 million items through the Yavapai County Library Network, and our collection of over 80,000 books, DVDs, audiobooks, magazines, and newspapers. Many resources are offered in both Spanish and English. We have Wi-Fi access, computers, meeting spaces, and year-round programs for all ages.
Founded in 1958, the Library has made a huge impact on Sedona. Annually, we have 200,000 visits to the Library. Residents and visitors come through the doors of the main library and SPL in the Village to create, communicate, and collaborate. People come in to read the news, check out a bestseller, or admire an exhibit, and often see someone they know or make a new friend. Even with all the activity, our beautiful facilities offer quiet spaces for reading, computer work, or research.
The Library is a shining example of collaboration, and we have a long history of partnerships with numerous community organizations and businesses. We could not succeed as your public library without your involvement and commitment.
Your library was built with locally donated funds. It’s the community’s investment of their own time and money that makes this library the unique institution that it is.
Volunteers work 17,000 hours a year to maintain service at both the main library and SPL in the Village. That’s the equivalent of eight full-time staff members. Many volunteers work a regular schedule, while others drop in as their schedules allow. We are thankful for the time that volunteers give throughout the year.
We are very grateful for support from the City of Sedona, the property tax dollars we receive from Yavapai and Coconino Counties and the many individuals who make generous donations to the Library.
We also depend on annual support from Friends of the Sedona Library. Thank you to all who support the Library through membership in the Friends group and who shop at the Friends book store, located next door to the Library on White Bear Road. Special thanks to members of the Friends Board: Mary Snyder, President; Anne Smith, Vice President; Ellen White, Secretary; Donna Hawk, Treasurer; Jawn McKinley, Trustee; and Richard Sauck, Trustee.
We appreciate the service of our board of trustees: President, Joel DeTar; Sheila Hoffmeyer, Past President; Patrick McGee, Treasurer; Gwen Ortmeyer, Secretary; and trustees Anthony Caetano, Avrum Cohen, Mary Kay DePoe, Daniel Gallagher, and Peter Wolf.
As we celebrate Thanksgiving, we offer our sincere thank you for your support and patronage, and if you haven’t been by for a while, stop in and see what’s new. On behalf of the Sedona Public Library Board of Trustees and staff, we wish you a happy Thanksgiving!
Sedona Public Library is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We are grateful for your gifts. Please support your library at www.sedonalibrary.org.