Library News, by David W. Keeber
Red Rock News
Date: July 25, 2008
This summer hasn't been the hottest on record, but the Sedona Public Library knows a thing or two about hot. Whenever an author of repute puts out a new book, things get hot here. People want to read it and they rush into the Library to find the book. Sometimes, the book has already been checked out, so they get into the Holds queue, and if they wait too long, they get hot. But, we have a new solution to cooling off these temperatures – our new Popular Collection.
Located next to the Checkout Desk is a wooden shelf unit that previously held the Playaway units. Now, we offer you all the latest bestsellers in book form, or DVD, or audio format. You can check these HOT new titles out just like the New Books section selections, but with a few caveats.
Our goal is to encourage people to come into the Library. Folks are getting better and better at searching the catalog online and placing holds on items they want. But, sometimes the queues can get long and that frustrates people. So, the Popular Collection offers the same titles, but without the ability to place a hold on them. Instead, by coming into the Library, you will find a shelf chock-full of the newest titles on a first come, first served basis. Given the newness of this collection, for now we are limiting the number of books you can check out at one time to one item, but only until the collection grows. The other "rules" for their use are the same as all of our other items – three week check out.
By doing this, we are offering a "reward" for those who have braved the current traffic challenges. You will certainly find lots more to do and read while you are here, so plan to spend a few hours in the Library's cool environs, but stop at the Popular Collection shelves first!
Another solution to the traffic delays we are all experiencing lately is to make the very best use of your time in the car. As you sit in the line of cars learning to negotiate the roundabouts, rather than fretting and getting your blood pressure up, "read" a book!
I am not suggesting that you pour over pages of text while driving. Instead, how about a book on tape or CD? The Library offers hundreds of titles, both fiction and nonfiction, that you can pop into your player and spend your time in the car more productively. We even offer the previously mentioned Playaways, an MP3 player with a book preloaded. You can listen to your favorite book anywhere, anytime. So easy, and so much better than "going postal" while waiting in lines of traffic.
Be sure to keep your calendars marked for Friday's here at the Library as we offer our 50th Anniversary Authors series, weekly. Every Friday, we offer a local, regional, national or youth author as they present their work and sign copies you may have. It is a great opportunity to meet the author you are interested in. Last Friday, we had Wayne Ranney, geologist, as he presented his theories and those of others regarding how the Grand Canyon was formed. That big old hole in the ground to the north of us is in no way a settle issue as to how it was formed and when. Wayne's presentation was fascinating and well worth the time to attend. Our other authors are also well worth your time.
On Friday, August 1st at 6 PM, local author Kris Neri will sit in the moderator's seat with a panel of mystery writers to discuss the work of writing about the darker side of human nature and the challenges of making these stories entertaining. Sitting the panel will be Doris Casey, Kerrie Droban, Ben Small, and Betty Webb. A departure from our usual one author event, this is sure to be a fascinating trip into the minds of the people who delve into the minds of murders and their pursuers. Don't miss this one!
Sedona often empties out during the summer and folks think that there is nothing to do here in the hottest months. Contrary to that idea is the Sedona Public Library's many programs, services and of course, our great collection of materials. Come and spend time here and you will see how to take the hottest months and spend a cool time! Visit us today!
