Keeber's Kolumn

Library News, by David W. Keeber
Red Rock News
Date: Friday, February 22, 2008


A blue funk has settled over the Sedona Public Library. The annual Quilt Show has been taken down and the staff and volunteers are all missing the great colors, designs and craftsmanship. This happens every year when they come down and we never seem to be able to anticipate it. I want to say a special thank you to Patty Krause and the staff of the Quilters Store in Sedona and all those who produced the gorgeous quilts. We are already anticipating next year's show.

Never fear, though, if you come to the Library there are sure to be plenty of other things to engage you as you look around. February is Black History Month and we have an exciting display of items in our collection pertaining to history of the Black experience in America, as well as plenty of biographies of notable African-Americans who have contributed to making this such a great nation. You will find these on display on the shelves above the newspaper rack.
Keep Sedona Beautiful has a wonderful showing of photographs of scenes here in Sedona. Contest winners all, take a peek to remind yourself of this stunning place in which we live. Another part of keeping Sedona beautiful is keeping the litter in check and as part of that effort, come and view the contest winners of the KSB Anti-Litter Poster Competition. All grades of students are represented among the entries. When you view these, you get the distinct impression that our children expect us to keep the red rock country clean for all generations to enjoy.

The Reading on the Rocks Weekly Author Series continues this week with Lynnell Diamond, author of Let's Discover the Petrified Forest National Park. Ms. Diamond is a children's book author of numerous other titles focusing on our nation's Park system. This book examines the history, nature and wildlife in the Petrified Forest Park in ways that entertain and intrigue her young readers. The program is free, slated for the Si Birch Community Room and during the program, you will be able to purchase copies of the books for signature by the author. This program series has been a great success, so even though you might not think a children's book would interest you, come and see and be surprised. I'll bet you have either kids or grandkids…

Now that the weather is starting to cooperate and the "get outside bug" is starting to bite, be sure to look at two sections of our collection here at Sedona Public Library. First, if you are a hiker or a biker, the Arizona Collection offers numerous titles detailing local trails for both sets of outdoors enthusiasts. Tried and true, Flagstaff authors Richard and Sherry Mangum's revised 8th edition of Sedona Hikes probably has some trails even the most avid hoofer has never been on. With 130 hikes and 5 vortex sites around Sedona, this book will keep you busy for awhile. Once you get you legs back in shape, consider the Mangum's Flagstaff Hikes if you want to get cooler temperatures and equally grand vistas. That book offer 134 hikes, so both books should keep you outside and enjoying our grand countryside.

If you're a little more adventuresome, you might consider the book Canyoneering Arizona, by Tyler Williams, in which he guides you in hiking and exploring the streambeds, gorges and slots of Arizona. Not for the faint of heart, but well worth the effort of such a trek, you will find lots of detailed routes, as well as clear instructions on how to prepare, how to trek and how to stay safe.

Interested in traveling a bit faster? Try mountain biking Sedona truly impressive trails. People from all over the world come here expressly to do just that and they often turn to Cosmic Ray's Fat Tire Tales and Trails: Arizona Mountain Bike Trail Guide. Ranging from the easy to the truly heroic (occasionally idiotic!), this pocket guide will keep you thrashin' and hopefully not crashin' as you explore the Red Rock country and beyond.

If you are more the stay at home type, take a look at our gardening section with titles that will make your vegetable gardening more productive or your xeroscaping less water expensive. More on those titles in a future column.

Sedona Public Library is truly a place for all seasons as we keep you warm and cozy with the Quilt Show and now as the weather improves, books to help you as you get outside. Is this a great place or what?!