Library News, by David W. Keeber
Red Rock News
Date: September 7, 2007
Sedona Public Library is a very busy place. Last fiscal year, more than 183,000 visits registered on our door counter. That averages out to more than 500 per day that we are open. With so many people coming in and out of the Library each day, it should be expected that the usual array of things that happen when you “entertain” large numbers of folks. In fact, there have been many instances when people have had problems of a medical nature. When that occurs, the staff at the Library is ready.
Call me a bit fanatical, but I now require all staff to have regular CPR training so they can be prepared to meet the problems when they arise. Right now, all staff is being recertified by the excellent professionals at the Sedona Fire Department. Every two years, those who have been certified on this life saving skill must take the classes again to ensure their up to date knowledge. It is a six hour course that we march all paid staff through to not “lose our edge.”
In addition, the Library has further partnered with the Fire Department to station an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) in an easily accessible place within the building to be used in case of emergency. During our classes, we learned that previous to the invention and wide-spread use of AEDs, CPR interventions saved lives about 12% of the time. But, with this wonderful machine, the percentage of lives saved elevated to about 65%! With odds like that, we felt it was important to work with the Fire Department to provide such a machine.
As with any powerful tool, use of the AED is not for the initiated. It actually is powerful enough to kill in the hands of an untrained individual. All staff have been trained in the use of these devises, so we are confident that should the need arise, we are fully prepared.
Occasionally, programs happen here at times when the Library is closed and staff is not available. The AED device is readily accessible near the public restrooms, but again, its use does require some training. I strongly recommend that people take this training so they can be adequately prepared, too.
So, rest assured that when you come to the Sedona Public Library, the staff is capable of handling emergencies. As one of the largest public facilities in the community, we feel it is our responsibility to be prepared.
Right now and until the end of September, there is a wonderful display presented by the Verde Valley Weavers and Spinners in the lobby of the Library. You will find lots of examples of the fabric arts with demonstrations on many days of various techniques used in weaving and spinning. From the simple but effective Navajo looms used to make the colorful rungs, to table and floor models of the more traditional looms that produce material for sewing , you will find lots of interesting things to look at and learn from. Remember, all of our clothing used to come from such equipment and it is very edifying to learn how it has been done for centuries. Take the time to drop by and peruse the work of the many talented folks on the Weavers and Spinners guild.
Finally, I want to put in a word for oversized books. When we get into habits in our reading, we often stick to one genre to the exclusion of all others. Regardless of the genres, though, most people stick to one size book – the novel or paperback. Often overlooked are the truly wonderful books that have been called coffee table books, those items that are filled with glorious pictures and are as big as a coffee table. You will find these on the bottom shelves of almost any row of books and they seldom get taken out. That’s a shame as there are some truly wonderful things to see in these big books. One recent acquisition is Earth from Above, by Yann Arthus-Bertrand that offers stunning pictures of landforms that will take your breath away. Or try Islamic Art and Culture, by Nasser D. Khalili. Revel in the great works of this culture who produced much of our mathematics, the scientific method, and stunning art and architecture. Truly amazing! Don’t overlook the oversized book!
This column is also presented on: Gateway to Sedona and Sedona Biz
