Library News, by David W. Keeber
Red Rock News
Date: December 14, 2007
When people walk into the Sedona Library, they typically are doing the same things each time. They go to the Circulation desk to drop off their books to be checked in, or to an Internet computer, they look up a book, read one of the many periodicals, attending a program, or ask a question at the Reference desk. They are familiar with the place and know what they want to do.
The Library’s newly redesigned website, www.sedonalibrary.org, was created to afford users the same ease of access to all the services we offer. Just as one does when one walks into the Library physically, someone using the Library’s website can easily find what he or she is looking for.
Imagine going to the computer catalog to find a book. The website offers that same window into all1.4 million items in the Yavapai Library Network collection. There is an advantage to using the website, though – you can do this 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, even when the Library is closed, right from your home. Go ahead and search the catalog in your thread bare bathrobe and fuzzy bunny slippers. Who is going to know?
Do you want to find out when a program is scheduled? The website gives you all the same information as when you ask one of the staff or volunteers in the Library. How about checking to see if you have a fine on your library card? You can do that too from the website.
Kids and teenagers often need homework help. They can follow the links on our web to literally hundreds of great resources that will meet their needs. The links are all highly recommended by librarians from all over the country. Our teen section, the newest part of our updated web, is full of great links on books, music, comics, sports and computer and video games. We are is especially proud of this section as we worked very hard to provide links that teens will find useful.
Another feature with which we are very pleased is the Dear Reader online book clubs and newsletters. Are you a fan of fiction, or mysteries, teen books or romance, business or even audio books? Are you looking for the newest books coming out? By signing up online, you will receive a monthly newsletter to your email detailing the new books in each genre with a direct link to our catalog so you can place a hold.
Are you the type that wants to flip through a book and read a bit before checking it out? By signing up for the book clubs, also in a variety of genres, you can get a five-minute excerpt from the first chapter of a book to read to decide if it is what you want. These quick reads also have a direct link by which you can order the item from the Library!
Ten percent of our community population is Hispanic and the new website offers a page of information about the services we offer to those folks. Our goal is to assist new arrivals in Sedona to become fully fledged citizens that participate in the local culture as fully as do Anglos. We have materials to assist in learning English, how to apply for citizenship, plus fiction and nonfiction, adult and youth materials. If you know someone who would benefit from such reading materials, please direct them to the Sedona Library.
The new website provides information on the history of the Library, the Friends of the Library, our policies, how to volunteer, and much more. There are even links to community organizations and helpful websites that have been checked by our professional staff for their accuracy and currency of information.
More and more, people are accessing information from wherever the need occurs to them, and at all hours of the day or night. By designing our website to mirror the Library’s array of services, plus offering many resources that are among our most requested points of information, you can have professional library help for your information needs any time you want or need them.
Be sure to check out the site at www.sedonalibrary.org. If you would like to be shown what we have with the assistance of a staff member, you can always just ask for a “tour” the next time you are in the building. Sometimes, the personal touch is best after all and it is our strong suit!
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Friday, December 7, 2007
Keeber's Kolumn
Library News, by David W. Keeber
Red Rock News
Date: December 7, 2007
By now, readers may probably have heard the news of the death of Stephen Nahmanson. Steve, a personal friend of mine, was active in Sedona for a number of years since he arrived here from the East coast. In his time as a resident and community member and community builder, he was a member of the Sedona Midday Rotary Club for which he served in a number of capacities. But, it was his time here at the Sedona Public Library that deserves mention in this column.
Steve served on the Board of Trustees for a two year term and worked with others on Strategic Planning, Finances, and Technology issues. His input and advice was always considered, and I held him in high regard. He retired from the Board last year to pursue other interests, but it should be noted that the proper and effective administration of the Library was very important to him. His efforts in that regard were highly valued.
On a more visible level, Steve was responsible for the creation of the Monday night film series called “Flicker Shack Reruns.” He originally came to me suggesting that such a film series would be worthwhile and enjoyed by many in the community. I am sure his original intention was that I do such a series, but when I explained to him that neither I nor staff had the time to do this, he quickly stepped forward to organize, staff and administer it.
He created a really interesting film series that earned high marks from those who attended. He ran if for almost three years and is that time, it became the most regularly well attended program we offer at the Library. While his original intention of discussions after each film did not materialize, it was clear that people enjoyed his selections and insights at the start of each evening.
When he “retired” from managing the series a few months ago, he assisted Forrest Parnell in getting organized and made sure the transition was seamless. His efforts, whether as a Board member or as curator of the Flicker Shack films was always quiet, effective and well-thought-through. Every library should enjoy a volunteer of such effectiveness and caliber. Again, he will be missed.
Red Rock News
Date: December 7, 2007
By now, readers may probably have heard the news of the death of Stephen Nahmanson. Steve, a personal friend of mine, was active in Sedona for a number of years since he arrived here from the East coast. In his time as a resident and community member and community builder, he was a member of the Sedona Midday Rotary Club for which he served in a number of capacities. But, it was his time here at the Sedona Public Library that deserves mention in this column.
Steve served on the Board of Trustees for a two year term and worked with others on Strategic Planning, Finances, and Technology issues. His input and advice was always considered, and I held him in high regard. He retired from the Board last year to pursue other interests, but it should be noted that the proper and effective administration of the Library was very important to him. His efforts in that regard were highly valued.
On a more visible level, Steve was responsible for the creation of the Monday night film series called “Flicker Shack Reruns.” He originally came to me suggesting that such a film series would be worthwhile and enjoyed by many in the community. I am sure his original intention was that I do such a series, but when I explained to him that neither I nor staff had the time to do this, he quickly stepped forward to organize, staff and administer it.
He created a really interesting film series that earned high marks from those who attended. He ran if for almost three years and is that time, it became the most regularly well attended program we offer at the Library. While his original intention of discussions after each film did not materialize, it was clear that people enjoyed his selections and insights at the start of each evening.
When he “retired” from managing the series a few months ago, he assisted Forrest Parnell in getting organized and made sure the transition was seamless. His efforts, whether as a Board member or as curator of the Flicker Shack films was always quiet, effective and well-thought-through. Every library should enjoy a volunteer of such effectiveness and caliber. Again, he will be missed.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
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!
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!
Friday, November 23, 2007
Keeber's Kolumn
Library News, by David W. Keeber
Red Rock News
Date: November 23, 2007
Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season. I know, I know, nowadays it begins closer to the 4th of July, but that is not the point of this column. Rather, it is the act of holiday giving that I would like to focus on. In our great nation, we see this season’s gift giving not in its original form, that of the three kings bringing gifts to the baby Jesus, but as a measure of the financial health of our nation. Percentage increases in sales over last year, what those numbers forebode, whether we will survive as a nation with or without sufficient consumption at this time of year – it’s all a bit too much.
I would suggest that the concept of gifting is appropriate, both at this time of year and throughout the rest of the eleven months, but that we consider shifting our focus to more meaningful gifts. How about we consider gifting a skill, our time, our attention and concern for others through actions that speak from the heart, rather than from the wallet?
What I am talking about is the skill of, the love for reading. That would be a gift that would not end up in the landfill, or being re-gifted (unless the reader decided to pass on their love of reading). It is an essential skill for getting ahead, for being successful in life. One could hardly find a more appropriate gift with more meaning.
So how does one give the gift of reading? Aside from buying someone the books they will read, it is rather easy. It won’t break the bank as there is no hard cost to this gift. All you need to do is to read to someone who doesn’t know how to read. Share your skill, your love of reading and you will have passed on this all important tool for life.
Do you have a grandchild, a niece or nephew? Is there a neighborhood child that you might help out? Try volunteering at your local library, or school, or better yet, give some time to an area literacy center. Yes, that means training and time, but such a gift should be something from your heart and your time and talent, freely given, may well be the most precious gift of all.
Simply sit down and offer to read to that young child (although, at the literacy centers, you may well end up with an adult who wants to finally learn to read – so much the better!). Show them how much you enjoy reading. Ask them to read to you. Help them to understand what it is that has just been read. Teach them to be critical readers. Your time, your talents, and your love of reading will provide the very best example for the listener.
Now, I know, it is much easier to simply head to the store and get “something” they would like, using a minimum of one’s valuable time. We are all pretty busy. But, if a gift is to have real meaning, and not just help the economists’ projections, it should reflect some aspect of you. Reading is just exactly that.
Try doing this simple exercise. Ask your grandchild, child, niece or nephew, or an acquaintance if you can read to them. Ask them to select the book they want you to read. Then, as you lead them through the pages and adventures within the book’s covers, catch a glimpse of their face. If they are not sitting in rapt attention, eyes intently focused on the page, well, I’ll eat my hat!
So this holiday season, whether you are gifting for Christmas, Chanukah, Kwaanza, or any other celebration, be a bit subversive and spend your personal capital on the gift of reading. I’ll bet that it will be a gift you see used year after year!
Red Rock News
Date: November 23, 2007
Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season. I know, I know, nowadays it begins closer to the 4th of July, but that is not the point of this column. Rather, it is the act of holiday giving that I would like to focus on. In our great nation, we see this season’s gift giving not in its original form, that of the three kings bringing gifts to the baby Jesus, but as a measure of the financial health of our nation. Percentage increases in sales over last year, what those numbers forebode, whether we will survive as a nation with or without sufficient consumption at this time of year – it’s all a bit too much.
I would suggest that the concept of gifting is appropriate, both at this time of year and throughout the rest of the eleven months, but that we consider shifting our focus to more meaningful gifts. How about we consider gifting a skill, our time, our attention and concern for others through actions that speak from the heart, rather than from the wallet?
What I am talking about is the skill of, the love for reading. That would be a gift that would not end up in the landfill, or being re-gifted (unless the reader decided to pass on their love of reading). It is an essential skill for getting ahead, for being successful in life. One could hardly find a more appropriate gift with more meaning.
So how does one give the gift of reading? Aside from buying someone the books they will read, it is rather easy. It won’t break the bank as there is no hard cost to this gift. All you need to do is to read to someone who doesn’t know how to read. Share your skill, your love of reading and you will have passed on this all important tool for life.
Do you have a grandchild, a niece or nephew? Is there a neighborhood child that you might help out? Try volunteering at your local library, or school, or better yet, give some time to an area literacy center. Yes, that means training and time, but such a gift should be something from your heart and your time and talent, freely given, may well be the most precious gift of all.
Simply sit down and offer to read to that young child (although, at the literacy centers, you may well end up with an adult who wants to finally learn to read – so much the better!). Show them how much you enjoy reading. Ask them to read to you. Help them to understand what it is that has just been read. Teach them to be critical readers. Your time, your talents, and your love of reading will provide the very best example for the listener.
Now, I know, it is much easier to simply head to the store and get “something” they would like, using a minimum of one’s valuable time. We are all pretty busy. But, if a gift is to have real meaning, and not just help the economists’ projections, it should reflect some aspect of you. Reading is just exactly that.
Try doing this simple exercise. Ask your grandchild, child, niece or nephew, or an acquaintance if you can read to them. Ask them to select the book they want you to read. Then, as you lead them through the pages and adventures within the book’s covers, catch a glimpse of their face. If they are not sitting in rapt attention, eyes intently focused on the page, well, I’ll eat my hat!
So this holiday season, whether you are gifting for Christmas, Chanukah, Kwaanza, or any other celebration, be a bit subversive and spend your personal capital on the gift of reading. I’ll bet that it will be a gift you see used year after year!
Monday, November 19, 2007
Keeber's Kolumn
Library News, by David W. Keeber
Red Rock News
Date: November 16, 2007
Wow! Last evening, Sunday the 11th of November, Sedona Public Library and the Friends of the Sedona Library held the Festival of Wreaths Gala and what a night it was! This year was the 9th such event and each successive year brings more wreaths, greater attendance and a more wonderful evening produced by the FOW committee. This year, they surpassed themselves in every way.
First of all, this year the number of wreaths submitted by members of the community totaled 160, including 39 from the third and fourth grade classes at Big Park School. That is a significant increase over years past. It is such a treat to watch the wreaths coming in during the drop off day. People are so proud of their offering and there are some really creative and fun examples of a pretty simple idea – a circle with some stuff on it! There are pretty ones, fun one (look for the wreath with the roundabout theme) and some truly novel ideas. Thank you to all the individuals and businesses that created and donated a wreath.
Second, the support the event received from local restaurateurs and wineries was amazing. The food was delicious and plentiful and the wines, examples of local vintners’ skills, were surprising. No one can say that our local wineries cannot stand with the best examples of this timeless art. We enjoyed wines from Echo Canyon, Javelina Leap, Oak Creek Vineyards and Southern Wine and Spirits Distributing. Restaurants that made the evening a success were Shugrue’s Hillside Grill, Pizza Picazzo, Heartline Café, Dahl & DiLuca Decadent Catering, Mulligans Grille, Wildflower Bread Company, Bashas’, Oak Creek Brewery and Grill and Bistro Bella Terra. If you frequent any of these establishments, please thank them for their support of the Sedona Public Library.
We also received support and donations from many local businesses and individuals in the form of raffle items. That list is so long as to be impossible to include here, but next time you are in the Library, pick up a brochure of that list and then please frequent their businesses as a way of saying thank you for helping out the Library. In fact, many of these businesses and individuals give extensively to many other organizations in Sedona and for that support, the entire community is better off. A very big thank you to all of them.
Lastly, SanDee Kinnen, chair of the committee that presented the Gala deserves many thanks for making the evening such a beautiful and successful one. Few who do not work on such projects can imagine what it really takes to create a successful event such as the Festival of Wreaths, but if suffice to say that it really is a year-long endeavor.
In the end, the entire Festival of Wreaths can be measured a success, both as the Gala evening and the sale of wreaths to the community. The funds from the Festival of Wreaths provides the Friends of the Library the wherewithal to support the Library, whether to purchase books and computers, or in any of a number of ways that organization has helped to make the Library successful. If you are looking for a great group to belong to and with which you can apply your creative skills for a worthwhile group, please consider joining the Friends of the Library. They are a great group and can use your help.
Such consistent support of the Library throughout the years by the community never ceases to amaze me. This place truly is the community’s library. Whether it was the original construction of the building (twice in the Library’s history) or the volunteers who help out every day, or the generous support of such events as the Festival of Wreaths or the book sales, Sedona loves this Library and helps it to succeed. Thank you, one and all, for making this such a great place to be!
On another note, the Library frequently gets requests for contact information for book discussion groups. We would like to build a list of such groups and request that if you have a book discussion club to please contact the Library with information about what sorts of books you like to talk about, how many members in your group, whether it is open, by invitation or a closed group, and whom is willing to serve as a contact person. Then, when people call us to ask, we have an accurate and up to date list. Please contact me directly with this information. Thank you.
Red Rock News
Date: November 16, 2007
Wow! Last evening, Sunday the 11th of November, Sedona Public Library and the Friends of the Sedona Library held the Festival of Wreaths Gala and what a night it was! This year was the 9th such event and each successive year brings more wreaths, greater attendance and a more wonderful evening produced by the FOW committee. This year, they surpassed themselves in every way.
First of all, this year the number of wreaths submitted by members of the community totaled 160, including 39 from the third and fourth grade classes at Big Park School. That is a significant increase over years past. It is such a treat to watch the wreaths coming in during the drop off day. People are so proud of their offering and there are some really creative and fun examples of a pretty simple idea – a circle with some stuff on it! There are pretty ones, fun one (look for the wreath with the roundabout theme) and some truly novel ideas. Thank you to all the individuals and businesses that created and donated a wreath.
Second, the support the event received from local restaurateurs and wineries was amazing. The food was delicious and plentiful and the wines, examples of local vintners’ skills, were surprising. No one can say that our local wineries cannot stand with the best examples of this timeless art. We enjoyed wines from Echo Canyon, Javelina Leap, Oak Creek Vineyards and Southern Wine and Spirits Distributing. Restaurants that made the evening a success were Shugrue’s Hillside Grill, Pizza Picazzo, Heartline Café, Dahl & DiLuca Decadent Catering, Mulligans Grille, Wildflower Bread Company, Bashas’, Oak Creek Brewery and Grill and Bistro Bella Terra. If you frequent any of these establishments, please thank them for their support of the Sedona Public Library.
We also received support and donations from many local businesses and individuals in the form of raffle items. That list is so long as to be impossible to include here, but next time you are in the Library, pick up a brochure of that list and then please frequent their businesses as a way of saying thank you for helping out the Library. In fact, many of these businesses and individuals give extensively to many other organizations in Sedona and for that support, the entire community is better off. A very big thank you to all of them.
Lastly, SanDee Kinnen, chair of the committee that presented the Gala deserves many thanks for making the evening such a beautiful and successful one. Few who do not work on such projects can imagine what it really takes to create a successful event such as the Festival of Wreaths, but if suffice to say that it really is a year-long endeavor.
In the end, the entire Festival of Wreaths can be measured a success, both as the Gala evening and the sale of wreaths to the community. The funds from the Festival of Wreaths provides the Friends of the Library the wherewithal to support the Library, whether to purchase books and computers, or in any of a number of ways that organization has helped to make the Library successful. If you are looking for a great group to belong to and with which you can apply your creative skills for a worthwhile group, please consider joining the Friends of the Library. They are a great group and can use your help.
Such consistent support of the Library throughout the years by the community never ceases to amaze me. This place truly is the community’s library. Whether it was the original construction of the building (twice in the Library’s history) or the volunteers who help out every day, or the generous support of such events as the Festival of Wreaths or the book sales, Sedona loves this Library and helps it to succeed. Thank you, one and all, for making this such a great place to be!
On another note, the Library frequently gets requests for contact information for book discussion groups. We would like to build a list of such groups and request that if you have a book discussion club to please contact the Library with information about what sorts of books you like to talk about, how many members in your group, whether it is open, by invitation or a closed group, and whom is willing to serve as a contact person. Then, when people call us to ask, we have an accurate and up to date list. Please contact me directly with this information. Thank you.
Friday, November 9, 2007
Keeber's Kolumn
Library News, by Amy Gill, Collection Development Librarian
Red Rock News
Date: November 9, 2007
Listening to Books is Cool Entertainment
Audio books saved my life when I commuted long distances in Los Angeles traffic and returned home late at night. There was no chance of my getting impatient or napping behind the wheel because I listened to terrifying, white-knuckle mystery and thriller books on CD or cassette to stay awake. I was scared stiff and, consequently, completely alert! Now, I’m no longer in L.A.; I get to live in beautiful Sedona and work as the Collection Development Librarian at our wonderful Sedona Public Library. As part of my job I have the pleasure of sharing audio books with the Sedona community. You can enjoy a good book while exercising, doing mundane chores or driving in your car. You might find an audio book will keep you awake on the way home from Phoenix.
Many library patrons have discovered audio books. Yesterday a library patron happily told me that they provide “pure entertainment” for her. Another library patron listens to books constantly while he does handyman work. He says he has continued his education and improved his attitude by listening to upbeat books. This hands-free entertainment gives us the theater experience of a book while still allowing our imaginations to roam free. And, once we start listening, we have favorite readers just like we have favorite movie stars. These books also empower us to listen at our own convenience. We can rest our eyes and read more books…what a concept! And, the whole experience is the ultimate for multi-taskers!
At the Sedona Public Library we currently have audio books on CD, cassette and “Playaways.” The thing they all have in common is that we listen to them and choose the format for listening that best suits our personal lifestyles and tastes. We have a large collection of new CD books in our library and can order others through the Yavapai Library Network. Sedona Public Library has also started a new collection of “Playaway” books and downloadable books are coming soon.
“Playaways” are books loaded individually onto battery operated devices, smaller than a cell phone. We can listen with an ear bud, headset or plug them into a speaker system while we go about our daily activities. I view them as a bridge between Walkman-like CD/cassette players and mp3 player/iPod-like devices. The “Playaways” have little buttons for stop, go, forward and rewind with instructions written in large print inside the carrying box. “Playaways” are a huge success in libraries across the country and they rarely stay on the shelf for long. We’ll be happy to help you try this new technology.
The Sedona community has varied tastes and interests, reflected in the wide range of our collection. We have biography/memoir, business, fiction/novels, foreign language learning, health, history, new age/metaphysical/spiritual, politics, relationships, self-help and more.
You can find our audio books near the Reference desk and internet computers. If you do not find them right away, ask for directions at the Reference desk. We will also show you how to find them in our online catalog or look things up for you.
This year we’ve added many thousands of new items to keep the Sedona Public Library current. Please come in and share and enjoy the collection created to enrich, entertain and inform the members of our community. You can check our web catalog from our new homepage at www.sedonalibrary.org.
The Sedona Public Library aims to serve you. We have a suggestion box at the circulation desk. Please let us know what titles and topics you like and what you want us to buy. You can also suggest a title online from the website. When you put your name and library card number on the request, if we order the item we will put on hold for you and you will be the first person to get it!
Amy Gill needs volunteers to help her refine the Library’s collection and displays. For more information please call Karen Greenwood at 282-7714.
This column is also presented on: Gateway to Sedona and Sedona Biz
Red Rock News
Date: November 9, 2007
Listening to Books is Cool Entertainment
Audio books saved my life when I commuted long distances in Los Angeles traffic and returned home late at night. There was no chance of my getting impatient or napping behind the wheel because I listened to terrifying, white-knuckle mystery and thriller books on CD or cassette to stay awake. I was scared stiff and, consequently, completely alert! Now, I’m no longer in L.A.; I get to live in beautiful Sedona and work as the Collection Development Librarian at our wonderful Sedona Public Library. As part of my job I have the pleasure of sharing audio books with the Sedona community. You can enjoy a good book while exercising, doing mundane chores or driving in your car. You might find an audio book will keep you awake on the way home from Phoenix.
Many library patrons have discovered audio books. Yesterday a library patron happily told me that they provide “pure entertainment” for her. Another library patron listens to books constantly while he does handyman work. He says he has continued his education and improved his attitude by listening to upbeat books. This hands-free entertainment gives us the theater experience of a book while still allowing our imaginations to roam free. And, once we start listening, we have favorite readers just like we have favorite movie stars. These books also empower us to listen at our own convenience. We can rest our eyes and read more books…what a concept! And, the whole experience is the ultimate for multi-taskers!
At the Sedona Public Library we currently have audio books on CD, cassette and “Playaways.” The thing they all have in common is that we listen to them and choose the format for listening that best suits our personal lifestyles and tastes. We have a large collection of new CD books in our library and can order others through the Yavapai Library Network. Sedona Public Library has also started a new collection of “Playaway” books and downloadable books are coming soon.
“Playaways” are books loaded individually onto battery operated devices, smaller than a cell phone. We can listen with an ear bud, headset or plug them into a speaker system while we go about our daily activities. I view them as a bridge between Walkman-like CD/cassette players and mp3 player/iPod-like devices. The “Playaways” have little buttons for stop, go, forward and rewind with instructions written in large print inside the carrying box. “Playaways” are a huge success in libraries across the country and they rarely stay on the shelf for long. We’ll be happy to help you try this new technology.
The Sedona community has varied tastes and interests, reflected in the wide range of our collection. We have biography/memoir, business, fiction/novels, foreign language learning, health, history, new age/metaphysical/spiritual, politics, relationships, self-help and more.
You can find our audio books near the Reference desk and internet computers. If you do not find them right away, ask for directions at the Reference desk. We will also show you how to find them in our online catalog or look things up for you.
This year we’ve added many thousands of new items to keep the Sedona Public Library current. Please come in and share and enjoy the collection created to enrich, entertain and inform the members of our community. You can check our web catalog from our new homepage at www.sedonalibrary.org.
The Sedona Public Library aims to serve you. We have a suggestion box at the circulation desk. Please let us know what titles and topics you like and what you want us to buy. You can also suggest a title online from the website. When you put your name and library card number on the request, if we order the item we will put on hold for you and you will be the first person to get it!
Amy Gill needs volunteers to help her refine the Library’s collection and displays. For more information please call Karen Greenwood at 282-7714.
This column is also presented on: Gateway to Sedona and Sedona Biz
Friday, November 2, 2007
Keeber's Kolumn
Library News, by David W. Keeber
Red Rock News
Date: November 2, 2007
A few years back, there was a huge debate in the library profession about adding video tapes of films to our collections of books. Some felt that libraries were about only books, but others reminded the nay sayers that we are supposed to respond to the needs of our users. They also made the case for libraries being providers of information in all forms. In the end, the video proponents won the day. Since then, libraries have expanded their collections to include videos, books on tape, books on CD, DVD’s, and lately, downloadable books.
This last has been a bit slow to start. Many people see portable books such as books on tape or CD as something you listen to in your car, and if they don’t plan on driving a long distance, they just don’t check them out. During the holidays and in the summers, when everyone is traveling distances to vacation or to see family, we check out loads of them. It seems that people see this format as only to be heard in their cars, or occasionally, especially among Sedona’s many artists, they listen to the in their studios while they work.
Everyone has seen the iPod come into wide popularity in the past few years. Many, many teens are perfectly happy to go about their activities with their earbuds in, happily listening to music. Podcasts, downloadable radio shows ranging from music to talk radio, are also starting to gain wider acceptance as more folks get portable music players onto which they load whatever the care to listen to.
Now, books in electronic format are no longer tethered to one’s car stereo system or your home music player. The Sedona Public Library has a great new format for books called the Playaway. These are portable music players that come preloaded with a single book. They are about the size of a matchbook and can be used anywhere, anytime.
Now, you can work in your garden, take long walks, exercise, ride your bike, or do housework while listening to top notch personalities reading your favorite books. The player can be popped into a pocket, hung on a lanyard, tucked into a backpack and you can listen for hours to the latest bestsellers. You don’t need to understand how to download things off of your computer because the books come pre-loaded on the players.
Each player requires a AAA battery to run it for hours. You also need the little earbuds to hear the sounds – no speakers on the players. For sanitary reasons, you will want to have your own earbuds, so the Library will sell you a pair for only $1.00! Keep them safe and you can use them many times, over and over.
Sedona Public Library has invested a fair amount of money to start this project with an excellent collection of titles. There are fiction and nonfiction, bestsellers and standards, adult and children’s books. If there are titles you would like to see us add to this collection, be sure to let us know. You can find these new items on the rolling cart in the main lobby. Staff is ready to show you how these work – very easily, by the way – and you will quickly find that there is nothing to it. In no time at all, you’ll be enjoying a great book, happily untethered from your home or auto stereo system.
Come in to the Sedona Public Library and check out a Playaway book. You’ll enjoy them and pretty soon, you may even want you own portable music player, which would be good because at the turn of the year, the Library will begin to offer downloadable audio books that go onto your own player. But, more on that when that new service is offered! In the meantime, check out a Playaway!
Red Rock News
Date: November 2, 2007
A few years back, there was a huge debate in the library profession about adding video tapes of films to our collections of books. Some felt that libraries were about only books, but others reminded the nay sayers that we are supposed to respond to the needs of our users. They also made the case for libraries being providers of information in all forms. In the end, the video proponents won the day. Since then, libraries have expanded their collections to include videos, books on tape, books on CD, DVD’s, and lately, downloadable books.
This last has been a bit slow to start. Many people see portable books such as books on tape or CD as something you listen to in your car, and if they don’t plan on driving a long distance, they just don’t check them out. During the holidays and in the summers, when everyone is traveling distances to vacation or to see family, we check out loads of them. It seems that people see this format as only to be heard in their cars, or occasionally, especially among Sedona’s many artists, they listen to the in their studios while they work.
Everyone has seen the iPod come into wide popularity in the past few years. Many, many teens are perfectly happy to go about their activities with their earbuds in, happily listening to music. Podcasts, downloadable radio shows ranging from music to talk radio, are also starting to gain wider acceptance as more folks get portable music players onto which they load whatever the care to listen to.
Now, books in electronic format are no longer tethered to one’s car stereo system or your home music player. The Sedona Public Library has a great new format for books called the Playaway. These are portable music players that come preloaded with a single book. They are about the size of a matchbook and can be used anywhere, anytime.
Now, you can work in your garden, take long walks, exercise, ride your bike, or do housework while listening to top notch personalities reading your favorite books. The player can be popped into a pocket, hung on a lanyard, tucked into a backpack and you can listen for hours to the latest bestsellers. You don’t need to understand how to download things off of your computer because the books come pre-loaded on the players.
Each player requires a AAA battery to run it for hours. You also need the little earbuds to hear the sounds – no speakers on the players. For sanitary reasons, you will want to have your own earbuds, so the Library will sell you a pair for only $1.00! Keep them safe and you can use them many times, over and over.
Sedona Public Library has invested a fair amount of money to start this project with an excellent collection of titles. There are fiction and nonfiction, bestsellers and standards, adult and children’s books. If there are titles you would like to see us add to this collection, be sure to let us know. You can find these new items on the rolling cart in the main lobby. Staff is ready to show you how these work – very easily, by the way – and you will quickly find that there is nothing to it. In no time at all, you’ll be enjoying a great book, happily untethered from your home or auto stereo system.
Come in to the Sedona Public Library and check out a Playaway book. You’ll enjoy them and pretty soon, you may even want you own portable music player, which would be good because at the turn of the year, the Library will begin to offer downloadable audio books that go onto your own player. But, more on that when that new service is offered! In the meantime, check out a Playaway!
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