Every morning when I arrive at work, I walk past a wall in the staff breakroom that displays the following African proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” It’s a resounding statement when you think about it, even more impactful when you simply say it out loud and let the words sit there, out in the open. And that’s usually how I begin my day.
What does that sentiment mean to you? What does it mean for the community of Sedona? To go far, go together? Every day our town pays welcome to thousands of visitors from near and far. They visit for many reasons, and they often stop by the library. Maybe for the first time, maybe they follow the library on social media, maybe because they just like to check out libraries. No matter what brought them to the library, a connection awaits them.
Libraries, in general, are experiencing a revolution of sorts. Consider this: you enter your library and feel not only welcomed to be there, pick up your hold, work on a puzzle, or attend a program, but you are encouraged to explore, be curious, celebrate and share new ideas. What if a greater sense of belonging happened? Not just a connection because of the flick in your hand, but because someone cared enough to ask you about your day. Aw, we can all agree, the books are great, and the DVDs, well I’m a movie lover, so of course. But imagine if you will, feeling inspired to meet people from different backgrounds, connect and learn about what makes each of us so unique and wonderful. Libraries can be so much more than a place to pick up holds.
Sedona is a great place for people to go far, to go together. The city measures about 19 square miles, sits at about 4,350 feet above sea level, and has about 9,800 yearly residents. Sedona is part of the Verde Valley, which encompasses about 714 square miles, with an estimated population of 67,000 residents. Do you know all your neighbors? Have you had a chance—have you made the opportunity—to visit them and get to know them? I know I haven’t, and I’ve lived in the area for over 10 years.
It’s good to venture outside of your front door and see what’s out there! This Saturday there are two great community events happening that you should check out! The 43rd Old Tyme Country Fair takes place from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Oak Creek School, 11490 Purple Sage Road in Cornville. Enjoy many arts and craft vendors, live music, carnival games, face painting, a petting farm, cornhole, archery, make-and-take crafts, a reptile exhibit, pony rides, and food trucks! You’ll find booths from the Arizona Flywheelers, The Science Vortex, Sonoran Reptiles, the Verde Valley Imagination Library, Yavapai County Health Department, MATFORCE, Arizona Game and Fish, Gardens for Humanity, Yavapai County Master Gardeners, the Hummingbird Society, and Yavapai County Flood Control. Lots to learn and explore!
That same day, from noon to 2 p.m., definitely check out the Free to Be Me Drum Circle, 525 Posse Grounds Road, brought to you in partnership with Sedona Parks and Recreation and instructor Sabina Sandoval. Sandoval will help you get loud and feel great about it! All ages welcome – no experience necessary! Drums provided or bring your own!
Notice the fresh crisp feeling in the air? In a blink, we watched the weather “fall” into winter! (Sorry, I do love a good pun.) A comfy way to celebrate the seasonal change is by the fireplace at the back of the library where you can share this year’s final Storytelling Court with Claire Obermarck. See you on Wednesday, November 20 at 6 p.m. It’s always a great community gathering where everyone can listen and share stories that are sure to warm your heart.
As the holidays near, the opportunities to give back to the community are many. If you’d like to share a new unwrapped toy for the Toys for Tots program, stop by either library location where you’ll find a drop off station. Toys for Tots is a program run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve which distributes toys to disadvantaged children. It was founded in 1947 by reservist Major Bill Hendricks. The last day to drop off a toy is December 10. At our West Sedona location, you can also drop off a new, unwrapped toy for foster children via the Yavapai CASA for Kids Foundation and APS. The last day for this collection is December 8.
There are sure to be many more community events to look forward to. We are in the season after all. So, take the time to meet your neighbors, get out of your comfort zone, and see what’s out there. If you want to give back, perhaps consider volunteering? The library welcomes your application which can be found on the website, and there are many ways to give back to other non-profit organizations. Visit volunteersedona.com to learn more.
Libraries should be thriving, vibrant places that offer materials, programs, services, and spaces designed, indoors and out, specifically for their communities, but more importantly, a place that makes you feel welcome, and welcomes your ideas. The Sedona community deserves a library just like this. Sedona Public Library is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. To make a tax-deductible donation, please visit sedonalibrary.org/donate or send your check to Sedona Public Library, 3250 White Bear Road, Sedona, AZ 86336.
As published by Red Rock News
Library News Column for November 15, 2024, by Jan Marc Quisumbing, Keeping It Real since 1979
