Keeber's Kolumn

Library News, by David W. Keeber
Red Rock News
Date: November 30, 2007


Much like the turkey leftovers from this Thanksgiving, I have lots of tidbits to offer this week. Let’s hope that they don’t put you to sleep like the big bird does!
First, some passings. One recent and one awhile ago, but both worthy of mention. Long-time Sedonan Robert Eggert left us a week or so ago and his absence will be felt, especially by me. Bob is known for his work as an economist, his role at Ford Motor Company, his teaching and his publishing of important economic forecasting newsletters. But, he also served on the Sedona Public Library’s Investment Advisory Committee assisting us in managing and preserving the wonderful donations entrusted to us over the years. He also served as a mentor and friend to me and for that loss, I am most saddened. Always a willing sounding board and trusted advisor, I have gained much from him over the many years of our friendship. He will be sorely missed and not quickly forgotten.
In 1998, Si Birch passed away. For the newer residents of Sedona, you may recognize his name on the highway or at the Medical Center. For the older habitués of our community, you may well have had the pleasure of knowing his unflagging efforts on this community’s behalf in its earlier days, working to bring his long range vision for his adopted hometown to fruition. His wife, Lee, recently passed away too, but in addition to her efforts to build community, she also had a passion for ensuring that Si was recognized for the truly amazing work he did to build Sedona. Just before she passed away, Lee and her family made a very generous contribution to the Sedona Public Library and asked that the main meeting room be named the “Si Birch Community Room.”
That that space, one of the most heavily used “common rooms” in our town should bear his name is truly apt. So many forums, debates, community conversations, programs, events, and more happen in that room, all of which add to the character of Sedona. Naming it after a true pillar of Sedona makes perfect sense. A large plaque in the room describes Si’s extensive work to improve his town and hopefully will remind people not only what he did, but how it takes people working hard to build a nice community. So, henceforth, please be sure to attend an event in the Si Birch Community Room and take a minute to read about his life and accomplishments. Thank you to his daughter, Bonnie McWilliams and her children for this wonderful way of supporting the Library and ensuring the memory of their forebear.
On a more prosaic level, the Library needs volunteers to assist us on Sundays at the main desk checking books in and out. The shifts are short, the place is busy and there could hardly be a more fun and exciting place to work in all of Sedona. If you think you would like to work here as a volunteer, please contact Mia Fliers or Karen Greenwood to discuss how you can get on the schedule.
Every week, we get lots and lots of books donated to us. Some get added to the collection, some get sold at our book sales and now some are available for free! If you like to get a free book that is a great read, visit the shelves on the north wall of the Library to see our selection. Not sure of which direction is north? Just ask a staff person or volunteer!
Finally, if you are dealing with legal matters, now or in the future, please remember that the Sedona Public Library has lots and lots of legal forms that you can copy. We also have access to more via our relationship with the Coconino County Law Library and on the web. Come in and let us help you find the form you need. Dealing with the law and the courts can often be challenging, but if you have to do this, why not enjoy getting help from the staff at Sedona Public Library? It may well be the sole bright spot in the experience!
Don’t forget to give the gift of reading this season. Read to a child, help someone learn to read, or just buy books! Happy Holidays!