Ah Summer, we hardly knew ye. But we happily bid you adieu and welcome your more favorable cousin to the Verde Valley, Autumn. It wasn’t too bad (read hot) of a summer in Sedona. Sure, there were days where the phrase “Yeah but it’s a dry heat” was met with looks of disdain by locals and visitors alike, but we did get our fair share of monsoons. Now, as we can probably agree, Fall in Sedona is what we live for. With cooler weather, changing foliage, and plenty of activities to enjoy, how could you not love living here? Especially at this time of year. With this transition from one season to the next, it’s a good time to review, and preview, what’s going on at the Library, a community place for all seasons.
June ushered in a very exciting and popular new program, “Wanderlust Adventures.” This program gives you the opportunity to visit places you’ve never been, or to re-visit places you loved. Locals share photos and stories from their trips which have included locales as far away as Africa, and as exciting as being behind a camera and photographing celebrities and mobsters in the gritty streets of New York City.
July was memorable as the new “Line Dancing for Beginners” took the library by storm. Patrons boogied down and scooted around in the Community Room and everyone left smiling. The “Longevity Series” continued through the summer and the Longevity Society discussed new ways and ideas on how to live longer and lead more fulfilling lives. Then, as part of the “Getting Better Together” program, people enjoyed Yoga, Qui gong, Tai Chi, and Sound Healing sessions as they worked to reach their Zen.
August brought patrons a first-hand account of the war in Ukraine from the perspective of a special guest and local resident Mark Cary who’s been an independent volunteer with a variety of humanitarian organizations in Ukraine. Cary discussed the current situation as well as the volunteer efforts he has organized.
And there’s nothing like the sound of budding musicians playing on a summer night which is what you heard with our Monday night ukulele group. Did you know you can check out a ukulele and join the group? It’s easy, give us a call.
Summer came to a close last month with another in our series “Celebrating Indigenous Cultures.” Participants learned firsthand about the culture and traditions of Moetu-Taiha and Eila Paul, New Zealand Māori Grandmothers. They shared their shamanic wisdom and traditions which are rich in teachings about how to connect to ourselves, to Mother Earth, and to the tides of the seasons.
These are but a snapshot of the many programs, new and long running, that brought a sense of local and global community to Sedona. So, what does the Fall have in store for your not-so-quiet library? A great many things!
Tonight, there is a special film screening outdoors in the beautiful Commons with our new “Películas bajo las estrellas” (Movies under the Stars) program. Tonight’s movie, in Spanish, will be enjoyed by all. Come watch the 1997 Oscar-winning film starring Roberto Benigni and inspired by the book In the End, I Beat Hitler by Rubino Romeo Salmonì.
Are you new to gardening? Struggling with your existing garden? Master Gardeners will share their expertise in this six-part series covering topics that include soil health, composting, crop rotation, and more. The second session is next Wednesday, and will help you turn that brown thumb green as you learn all about soil. (It is not mandatory that you attend all sessions.)
In partnership with Arizona Humanities, Gregory McNamee, a prolific writer, editor, photographer, and publisher will visit on October 16 and uncover the intricate and often overlooked history of the “Apache Wars” in Arizona. McNamee, an expert on the topic, will unravel the complexities of the conflict and explore decades of the uneasy peace that ensued.
If that’s not enough to pique your interest, there are a myriad of other programs and events headed your way. Want to learn more? Call 928-282-7714, check out the events calendar on the website, sedonalibrary.org, or stop in at either location and visit the library events bulletin board.
Sedona Public Library is an independently run, 501(c)(3), privately owned, debt-free, non-profit organization providing public services. Support comes from the City of Sedona; your property tax dollars from Coconino and Yavapai Counties; and businesses, foundations, and individuals like you, as well as the amazing Friends of the Sedona Library who have supported the Library for more than 55 years. Please visit us at sedonalibrary.org/donate to make a gift today.
As published by Red Rock News
Library News Column for October 4, 2024, by Jan Marc Quisumbing, Scheduling Coordinator