August marked ten years of my living in the Grand Canyon State. Aside from the usual “Where does the time go?” musings that I make over dinner, I’ve come to realize that I’ve barely scratched the surface of all the places to visit and things to do in Arizona. But I have done the obligatory trip to the Grand Canyon touring both the South and East Rim. Needless to say, it’s an amazing site, but having the chance to go up the Desert View Watchtower was really cool. Thankfully, my social media apps remind me every anniversary of that Canyon adventure, and I’m happy to share that these types of opportunities and adventures are at your fingertips.
For instance, if you haven’t yet visited the Grand Canyon, you can still get tickets to the Library’s fall fundraiser and hear firsthand the experiences of one person’s hike through this seventh natural wonder of the world. Sedona Public Library presents “An Evening with New York Times’ Bestselling Author Kevin Fedarko” on Saturday, October 19, 6:30 p.m. at the Sedona Performing Arts Center. Fedarko will tell you about his 750-mile odyssey with best friend Peter McBride, a National Geographic photograher.
This is just one of many opportunities to learn more about and explore this great state. Did you know that when you visit either library location, you can check out passes to museums, gardens, zoos and other amazing attractions? For free! The Act One Culture Pass program is an easy way to access some of the best culture, history, and art institutions that Arizona has to offer. What better way to escape the why-are-you-still-here-heat? blues and do something fun and interesting this fall, that won’t bust your budget?
What can you do with an Act One Culture Pass? Great question! One of the most recent venues to join the program is the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff known for “connecting people to the universe,” another must-see Arizona highlight. And there are more reasons to head north to the cool mountain pines of Flagstaff. With a culture pass you can spend the day at the Museum of Northern Arizona where you can view real dinosaur bones – a favorite of mine – and other artifacts as well as see the artwork and learn the history of the original people of the Colorado Plateau. These are just a few of the many options available to you with the Act One Culture Pass program.
Andrea Lohtka, Reference Librarian, said, “We receive consistently rave reviews from people who have used these free passes, and the best part is you don’t have to return a thing.” She also reminds users that they should always check the operating hours for locations they want to visit, near or far.
If you’ve never heard of the Act One Culture Pass, it is a partnership between Act One, the Library, and local and statewide cultural and art institutions. Many libraries participate in the program and offer it to their cardholders. Don’t have a library card yet? This is a great reason to get one! All you need is a valid photo identification card and proof of your current address to get a free library card. It’s that simple!
The spirit of adventure is strong in Arizonans! And who can blame us, we live in a great state full of amazing places to visit! The next time you visit either Library, look for the Act One Culture Pass display, choose the place you’d like to visit, grab the pass, see a librarian to check it out, and receive free admission–one visit for two–at a participating institution. Act One Culture Passes are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with a limit of one pass at a time, and you have one week to use it.
So go ahead, make a day of it with an Act One Culture Pass! Visit sedonalibrary.org, for complete details and restrictions on the Act One Culture Pass program. To find out which passes are currently available, call 928-282-7714. Please note that special exhibits may not be included.
Sedona Public Library is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. To make a tax-deductible donation, please visit our website or send your check to Sedona Public Library, 3250 White Bear Road, Sedona, Arizona 86336. See you at An Evening with Kevin Fedarko!
As published by Red Rock News
Library News Column for October 18, 2024, by Jan Marc Quisumbing, Scheduling Coordinator
