By David W. Keeber |
Sedona Public Library
Sedona, AZ - In most columns, I get to brag about the Library –
the services, our volunteers, an upcoming program. This week, sadly,
I have to put on my “parent” hat as I announce a change regarding
some of our youth attendees. If you are the parent of a
young person who is regularly using the Sedona Public Library after
school, this column is directed specifically towards you.
It is with considerable regret and frustration that I inform you of
a change of practice at Sedona Public Library. Over many months, the
Library has dealt with young children who come here after school,
but do not use it in an appropriate manner. They have spent their
time outside the building, clearly not using the resources for which
the Library was intended. Rather, they are hanging out and getting
into trouble. Repeated discussions with those students creating the
disturbances, as well as clear warnings have not yielded any changes
in behavior. On Friday, January 11th, the front porch was thoroughly
trashed with tree limbs, sticks, and garbage. Four branches on a
recently planted apple tree were also damaged.
As a result, any student who is not using the Library for its
intended purpose, any student who is using the Library as a hangout
location will be told that they must leave the property. That means
all the way down to the end of White Bear Road and Dry Creek Road.
Acceptable uses of the Library are reading, doing homework, using
the computers, and attending programs when offered. Using the
Library as a hangout is not an acceptable use. Please be informed
that your child will be asked to leave the Library property and what
once was considered a safe place to leave them after school will no
longer be available.
Young people who use the Library in an appropriate manner will
always be welcome. If your child is using the Library as it should
be used, they should feel no compunctions about coming here and
continuing those habits.
This is not a short term change, but intended as our procedure from
here forward. Sadly, the Library does not have sufficient money to
provide the young users of the Library with a regular program of
after school activities, so their use of the facility will be
limited to those activities noted above.
I am sorry that the actions of a dozen or so young people warrant
this change, but repeated warnings have failed to produce a result.
As Director, I ask that you speak with your child and instruct them
as to the proper use of this resource. Better yet, please come to
the Library with your child and model appropriate behavior, coupled
with the lesson of consequences when that behavior does not meet
acceptable standards.
Please feel free to discuss this with me should you see the need.
Thank you.
On another more positive note, my previous column covered the
upcoming events surrounding the Sedona Public Library’s 50th
Anniversary Celebrations. As noted, we will be presenting weekly
author presentations throughout the year. To keep you informed, you
will find information on the Library’s website under the link to
Events Calendar. In addition, I will be running a box at the end of
each week’s column noting the presentation slated for the coming
week. Be sure to check that box, mark your calendar and attend the
events we will be offering.
Past Library News issues:
Sedona Library Archive
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