A writer in the 21st century without access to a computer is as improbable as a singer without vocal chords. Due to the sad fact that my computer has not yet made the perilous journey from Northern California to my new home in Sedona, I can project my thoughts into the blissful ethers of formlessness until incorporeal cows come home. However, since my Editor has not yet shown any predilection towards clairaudience, I needed to locate a computer quickly to bring my articles to you, fair reader.  

Happily for me, my search for cyber space landed me at the Sedona Public Library.

Initially I only utilized the ample computer service offered, logging on through a simple reservation process for hour long sessions. If no other reservation is made the terminal automatically allows extended use, providing me with all the time I could want for e-work or e-play.

Source: Sedona Public Library

Soon I found myself snooping about the beautiful and accommodating structure on a Sherlock Holmesean mission to plumb the depths of the Library's secrets. And like a treasure trove these secrets shone forth in splendid array with little or no sleuthing required. Grudgingly I stowed my cap and meerschaum pipe away for further possible adventures.

In addition to the aforementioned internet service, as well as the copious book selection in both regular and large type, patrons can indulge their fancies for magazines (over 200 subscriptions available) and newspapers both local and national. DVD's, videos, music CD's and cassettes as well as books on both CD and tape are available for listening and viewing pleasure. You can even rent a movie and set yourself up comfortably in the back of the Library where a TV sporting a DVD player, a VCR machine and dual headphones have been set up for just that purpose. Since my entertainment center is lagging behind in Northern California along with my computer, this was a discovery which produced much excitement in me.

Other electronic services include microfilm readers, wireless service for the laptop endowed, an affordable and well serviced photocopy machine and a video magnifier just to name a few. Apparently the mother ship for electronic geeks took one look and decided to take up permanent residence.

Children have their very own world here at the Sedona Public Library, much to the joy of the adult patrons, where they can read, play with provided toys as quietly as their little bodies can contain or log on to computers provided for their sole benefit.

The Library supports a summer reading program for the kids which runs every year from early spring to late summer with awards throughout and a party at its conclusion to commend the efforts of the participants.

Additional Youth Events are scheduled year round. At the end of July Scott Potts will arrive with some of his snake friends to meet the kids on the 25th from 10am to 11am. Be sure to pre-register for this event as seating will be limited due to the fact that children, as we all know, hold a deep and abiding love of all things that slither, creep and crawl.

Story time for children three and up will be held on the 26th of July from 3:30pm to 4:00pm, and Music for Tots follows on the next day from 10:30am to 11:00am. Here is a perfect example as to why adults are thankful that their kids have their very own space here at the Library.

Now do not fear, those young at heart, for the Sedona Public Library has scads of adult events as well. Movies at the Library are held every Monday from 6:30pm to 9:00pm. Group circles such as the Writer's Critique and the Stitchery Club offer monthly meetings. Just call or stop by for a full schedule of events.

The most amazing and potentially overlooked aspect of the Sedona Public Library is its commitment to information literacy. Library Director David Keeber will happily rattle off a list of information services which, once printed out on a ticker tape, would most likely encircle the planet several times over.

David wants residents of Sedona to be aware of this living search engine situated in their very own back yards.

Not only is the Sedona Public Library linked to the other thirty-nine public libraries in Yavapai County, but also with an enormous network of libraries nationwide. With a simple request to David or his helpful staff, fifty percent of which are volunteers, the most obscure information can be effortlessly delivered right to your fingertips.

You can come in or log on to the website at www.sedonalibrary.org to transfer materials within this network at the click of a button.

Local business entrepreneurs can avail themselves of multiple services, tailored to any demographic imaginable, to assist in any phase of their chosen enterprise. Access on-line business contact information or peruse the giant Grant Database if your business needs funding. Whatever is needed to organize and promote a successful business, the tools can be found here at the Sedona Public Library.

This intense focus on community needs and desires, combined with the staff's heartfelt commitment to helpful and friendly service, makes the Sedona Public Library a stellar location to while away the hours.

So take me out to the Sedona Public Library. My computer may be hiding in Northern California but with a place like this, I don't care if it never gets back!

I'll be looking for you amongst the stacks.