Library News, by David W. Keeber
Red Rock News
Date: May 30, 2008
June 6th, 1994 was a Monday. That was the day on which the Sedona Public Library opened its doors to business upon completion of the new library building on White Bear Road. It was a bit daunting to open the place on D-Day, but the day went forward without any major hitches and years of effort to build a new library that would be source of pride for Sedona became a reality. On June 6, 2008, Sedona Public Library will celebrate 50 Years of service to the community when we host a special party in honor of both that anniversary and the opening of the building, fourteen years prior.
The celebrations will include a rededication of the Sedona Schnebley statue in front of the Library, the City's first piece of public art in its collection of Art in Public Places. There will be other celebrations including presentations by Senator Tom O'Halleran, the current Mayor Sedona, and others. There will be a display of the Library's history and much more, including refreshments served by the Friends of the Library. It should be a fun and informative day.
The party runs from 3:00 to 5:00 PM and is open to all. Please note that the Library will close for preparations at 2:00 PM on that day.
In honor of that special day, both the State of Arizona and the City of Sedona have proclaimed June 6th as "Sedona Public Library Day." Governor Napolitano's proclamation reads, "The Sedona Public Library has been an outstanding advocate for freedom through knowledge fro the citizens and visitors of Sedona and all the citizens of Yavapai and Coconino Counties. On behalf of the citizens of the State of Arizona, I offer my sincere thank you for all that you do for the community. Best wishes for success in all the anniversary events and in all future endeavors."
The City of Sedona Proclamation reads,
"WHEREAS, The Sedona Public Library will be celebrating its 50th anniversary on June 6, 2008; and
WHEREAS, The Sedona Public Library patrons, donors, Friends of the Library, volunteers, staff and Board of Trustees are to be congratulated on 50 years of outstanding service; and
WHEREAS, The Sedona Public Library has been an outstanding advocate for freedom through knowledge for the citizens of Sedona, visitors to Sedona and all citizens of Yavapai and Coconino counties; and
WHEREAS, The Sedona Public Library recognizes the ongoing significance of our public library as central to the quality of life and education of families and their children; and the equality of opportunity and access to a global world for the entire community that the Sedona Public Library stands for; and
WHEREAS, The Sedona Public Library continues to fulfill its mission to enrich the lives of Sedona-area residents and to help them and our community succeed by providing information services that are affordable, responsive, efficient and enjoyable, and by serving as a center for community activities, and
WHEREAS, The Sedona Public Library has been an essential partner to the City of Sedona,
NOW, Therefore, I, Pud Colquitt, Mayor of the City of Sedona, on behalf of the entire City Council and Staff do hereby proclaim Friday, June 6, 2008 as
SEDONA PUBLIC LIBRARY DAY in the City of Sedona offering our best wishes as the Sedona Public Library celebrates its 50th anniversary.
The Sedona Public Library has stood as a central feature of Sedona for 50 years. It grew from a set of three shelves of books in the uptown section to a newly built structure on Jordan Road in 1968, to the impressive edifice on White Bear Road, its present location, in 1994. It has served as library, community center, public forum, and entertainment and information center for Sedona's citizens and visitors, alike. Having been built of donated funds entire, and donated labor for much of the work, it stands as a testament of the value and importance of community pulling together to create a much needed resource.
We the Staff, Volunteers, Board of Trustees and the Friends of the Library are all exceedingly proud to have the opportunity to offer a space that serves our community so effectively. Please come and take part in our 50th Anniversary celebration on June 6, 2008 at 3:00 PM. We'd love to see you there.
