Library News, by David W. Keeber
Red Rock News
Date: March 7, 2008
Libraries certainly are not what they used to be. Formerly, they were sanctuaries of learning, shushy places that focused solely on the printed word. There was an air of studiousness overcapped with something of an elitist quality, reserved for the learned. And while some may rue the changes, it is rare to find such a place any longer. Certainly, university libraries may tend more towards that description, but public libraries have become active community centers that focus on information (expanding well beyond the book). Has Sedona Public Library changed with the times? Let's see.
First and foremost, we no longer concentrate on books alone. With the advent of entire ranges of audiovisual materials, we have added to our collection to include videos in VHS and DVD format. Recently, this has extended to also include books on tape, books on CD and most recently, books that are on their own MP3 player (called Playaways) and downloadable books in both text and audio format. This alone moves us well beyond the traditional library's collection.
While past libraries were places for solitary study, now they are both that and centers of community activities. If you wander around the Sedona Public Library, you are sure to find folks in the far corners reading books and magazines, working on their laptops, or even personal projects (a couple of years ago, a fellow came in every day and set up a mini-office at a table!). But, there is also a buzz of activities other than study.
The front porch is often the site of a great deal of activity as people of all ages chat out there, eat their lunch, read, work at their laptops, or just enjoy the view. Mind you, since a recent edict of mine many of the youthful shenanigans have ceased, but that does not mean that the children are no longer welcome here – only that they should use the Library as it was intended.
Meetings, programs, community forums, discussion groups, displays, openings for exhibits, debate – all of these activities can be seen at almost any moment you visit the Library. Did you know that our programs number nearly 500 in a single year, and that all takes place during our regular 355 days of service each year!
Another thing that is being transformed is the books themselves. Between March 8th and 27 th, the Sedona Visual Artists Coalition is presenting their second exhibition entitled "The Book Transformed 2." Artists and craftspeople have submitted 26 truly novel examples of art based on books. Some of the pieces are actual books recreated, while others simply use the concept of books as a point of departure. Last year's exhibition was a great success and offered some very exciting works of art, including a house made of books!
When you have the opportunity to visit the Sedona Public Library, you will see books in the bound form and books in other forms. You will find a vibrant community center that is home to the ready exchange of ideas. You will be able to attend programs and events that stimulate your eye, your mind and your heart. In many ways, the Library is one of the best ways to come to know the community of Sedona because so many of the residents of our town come here and use the facility, resources and services.
Often, there are articles in magazines and newspapers decrying the end of libraries. You need only visit your community library to see that the news of our demise is more than a bit premature (apologies to Mark Twain). Come to see the Books Transformed exhibition between March 8 and 27, and then enjoy your Library!
