Sedona Public Library, a Treasure to be Preserved

By Beverly K. Copen

Reprint courtesy of Beverly K. Copen

Sedona, AZ- (April 14, 2010) -  Millions of people have seen the film, “It’s a Wonderful Life” – a classic made in 1946 that still appears on television dozens of times every December.  It is a story about George Bailey (James Stewart), who believes he has failed in life and harmed everyone around him.  This brings him to the point of suicide on a bleak, wintry, snowy night, standing on a bridge when he simply says, “I wish I’d never been born.”  He then relives what life would have been for all the people around him, had his wish come true.

As I began doing research on the Sedona Public Library for this article, I wonder why the message of that film began to fascinate me? It was the thought that no one really knows what treasures they have in life until they have lost them. 

Living in our community, surrounded by the beauty of the red rocks, is one of the great joys of my life, and has been for almost seven years.  During those years I have visited our library many times, but never really thought about the multitude of treasures it holds, nor the incredible bounty of services that are available to all – not only to those who live here; but also to visitors.  Nor did it occur to me to ask where the money comes from to provide these benefits.  But, after looking at questions like “who, what, where, how and why” relating to our library, I sort of feel like the people in George Bailey’s life – what if it weren’t here for us?  How can we protect this valuable resource?

The economic realities of the past 2+ years have affected everyone and everything around us – but what if more public funding support were to be cut from the library’s budget?  What would that mean to you and me; and, what can be done about it?

Consider these scenarios:  the Library in West Sedona, with the majestic statue of Sedona Schnebly gracing its entryway, is arguably the heart of Sedona – a vital community center for people of all ages.  More than 750 programs, meetings, events, entertainment and exhibitions are held here each year. Approximately one-fifth of a million people walk through its doors annually.   What would students and adults miss if the main library had to close an additional day on weekends? How many young people would not be able to work in the comfort and quiet of the library using computers and the Internet for research and homework or simply interacting with friends?  In a study funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, nearly half of the nation’s 14-to-18-year-olds (about 11.8 million people) reported using a library last year, and an Arizona Republic article dated March 28th (Library Computer Use) found that 25% of all teens used their library at least once a week.  In this tough job search environment, one-third of Americans 14 and older – about 77 million people – use public library computers to look for jobs, connect with friends, do their homework and improve their lives.

How many visitors and tourists would not be able to drop by for needed services, such as checking email or staying connected with home, and having the Library become a part of their Sedona experience?  I did not realize that approximately 24% of the reservations for Internet sessions were made via guest cards – yes, our visitors!  Realtors tell the library staff and volunteers that people considering buying a home in Sedona want to see the library in the community.  How many Latinos would be unable to find books, programs, movies and other services that they now find, in Spanish?  How many children would be sitting home watching television instead of enjoying the programs, books and fun in the library’s dedicated children’s area?

My husband, Mel, and I live in the Village and appreciate the 20 hours of library service that the community receives each week from the local library satellite branch, although we wish it were more. These services are provided through the support of Yavapai County and from donations, much the same way that the main Sedona Library is financed.  Personally, I truly appreciated the opportunity to present an extended photography exhibit (“”Celebrating Diversity”) in the main library lobby in 2008.  As a part of that effort, students from the Sedona Charter School and the photography classes at Red Rock High School came in, both to view the exhibit, and to engage in a Q&A session with me.  It was another way our library provided service to the community.

Library exhibit, “Celebrating Diversity” by Beverly Copen. Photo is of Red Rock High School photography class in special session with the author/photographer (on left). Teacher Mal Cooper, is 4th from left, standing. Beverly Copen is on the far left, standing.

The Village Computer club meets monthly at the VOC building.  Virginia Volkman, the Library Director of the Sedona Public Library, was the recent speaker.  I was really glad I took the time to attend.  There are so many amazing services now available through the SPL website, that I never even considered taking advantage of.  With your library card you can access these sites for research, education of endless topics, for all age ranges, and fantastic lifelong learning sites and entertainment (such as e-books),   For me, I plan to take advantage of the “MANGO” language programs, so my mind doesn’t completely forget what I have labored to learn over the years.

How many people working in the community would feel frustrated, discouraged or disenfranchised with reduced library hours?  How many job seekers would be unable to access needed information at convenient times for them?

So what is the current funding situation?  The way Sedona Public Library operates reduces its financial dependency on government entities.  Over 150 dedicated citizen volunteers provide their time, contributing nearly 50% of SPL’s work hours each year, fulfilling duties both behind the scenes and in the public eye.  The land and beautiful building were acquired completely through donations, and are maintained by private funds.  All assets of the Sedona library (collections, computers, furniture, etc) are also funded by donations.  All major improvements to the building and grounds (such as the new parking lot and road paving) are also supported entirely by donations.  Friends of the Library provides additional funding by conducting book sales and other events.  The proceeds are used to buy books, purchase other materials, support the children’s summer reading program, and provide for other needs that may arise. 

Public funding from the City of Sedona and Coconino and Yavapai counties covers day-to-day operational expenses such as salaries, utilities, office supplies and the like.  This support from the City and Counties is crucial to the operation of the Library and must continue without any funding reductions if our library is to maintain its current services to the community.  In essence, it seems to me that the library would not be able to provide all its services to the community without reliance on public funding, and any cuts to that support could cut into vital operations.

What about lifelong learning opportunities?  The resources and services available at our Sedona Library are true treasures that we cannot afford to lose. Funding cuts are being discussed now by governmental agencies.  We do not want to find ourselves looking back and saying, “what happened here?  What could and should we have done?”

What can we do to help assure the sustainability and continued growth of Sedona Public Library?

• Make a cash donation to SPL (tax deductible);
• Write a letter (or two) to the City of Sedona, Yavapai and Coconino Counties asking them to continue to support our SPL without any funding reductions;
• Join the Friends of the Library;
• Become a volunteer;
• Purchase a wall plaque or something tangible as a gift or memorial to a loved one;
• Consider bequests to our Library in your will or estate trust.

The library is an extremely important part of greater Sedona.  It is a gathering place for the community where people of all ages can come to learn, to get information, to be entertained, and to become contributing members of society.  In 2008 our library celebrated its 50th anniversary. We need to look ahead to the next 50. 

To learn more, check out the easy-to-use website www.sedonalibrary.org.  I am just a concerned citizen and now, a volunteer.  Get involved.  Do something.  Together, we can make a difference.   We must preserve this very valuable institution in our community.  And, like George Bailey in the movie, let’s not have to wonder what Sedona would be like without our library.