Who are the people in your neighborhood? Well there’s John, he’s a friend of mine, he’s pretty quick with a joke but there’s someplace else he’d rather be, I think he wants to be in the movies. Don’t forget about Paul, a real estate novelist. I’m not really sure what that is, but he always talks with Davy, who’s still in the Navy and probably will be for life. Then there’s the waitress who loves to talk politics and the local business man that we see when the regular crowd shuffles in…at the library in the Village!
Yes, Martha, there IS a library in the Village of Oak Creek. From its humble beginnings as a book box in a grocery store in a non-descript strip mall in the Village of Oak Creek more than 20 years ago, is now, almost 4 years later, a busy, thriving, community library, providing access to programs, technology, books, and so much more.
But for some, it still seems that our Village library, is the Verde Valley’s best kept secret. Well not anymore! On Wednesday, June 18, we welcomed the neighborhood, again! In partnership with the Sedona Chamber of Commerce, we stayed open past closing, let our cardigans fall by the wayside and had a grand time showing our guests just how great the Village Library is. And did you know just around the corner from the library is a beautiful community garden tended to by the Rotary Club of the Village!
Yes, over 4 years ago we opened our doors at our new location with more than 200 people coming out to celebrate. Many thanks to everyone who has helped make it happen. In that time the Library has grown, not only with the array of what is offered to the community but with the number of patrons served. So what’s keeping you from coming by and checking out the library?
The Library is conveniently located in the Big Park Community School building at 25 Saddlehorn Road; with one of the best views of Castle Rock! and there are convenient NEW hours. The Village Library is now open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Closed Sunday, Monday, and major holidays).
Today, Friday, at 1PM in the Javelina Room at the Village Library, come and hear a talk about “Getting Deeper In The Grand Canyon” with Dr. Matthew Goodwin. Why are we drawn to such places as the Grand Canyon? Why are people moved to travel from all around the world to visit and explore them? In this presentation, Dr. Goodwin will discuss people’s relationship with the natural landscape with a particular focus on some of Arizona’s most iconic locations. What are the ethical implications of our encounters with these natural wonders? What can philosophy teach us about the interaction between humanity, beauty, and sublime nature?
As we learn about the beauty of nature’s true wonders, remember also to appreciate that which is you with tai chi on Thursdays at 1PM, chair yoga on Friday July 18th and 25 at 1PM, or experience a sound bath healing on the 18th at 2:30pm. Registration is required for sound bath. The Village Book Club is going strong! Book Club takes place on the last Tuesday of each month at 10AM in the Javelina Room. July 29th’s book is Fifty Words for Rain by Asha Lemmie. A special kudos goes to our Village manager Aurelia Simon, and book club leader Karen Ellingson for bringing this group to life.
Aurelia, Village Library Manager, truly loves working in the Village Library as much as patrons love visiting. “It is a beautiful and bright space with gorgeous red rock views. Children love to come to play, and we offer a community room with special programs for both adults and children.” She adds that patrons often wonder how they managed without this welcoming, multi-use small library branch of Community Library Sedona, because they’re so happy with the new location.
Community Library Sedona is also a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your gifts and support, just like the Friends’ contributions, allow us to provide a plethora of services and programs for the community, for free, all year long. Visit communitylibrarysedona.org/donate to make an online gift today.
As published by Red Rock News
Library News Column for July 11, 2025, by Jan Marc Quisumbing, Scheduling Coordinator