In this fast paced, ever changing world, it can, at times, seem a daunting experience of where to get help, where to get started, and where to go. The answer, dear readers, is right in front of you, when in doubt, visit the library.
Yes, Community Library Sedona, is that not-so-quiet library in town; where you can come by and get some ice cream – and we’re always looking for new food trucks to share with the community by the way – or join in on a Zumba, line dancing, yoga class, or our every popular beginner and intermediate ukulele class.
But your library is more than just books. It’s where anyone can come in and get assistance through not just the various non-profits that visit the library but through an expansive range of digital resources – from academic databases and legal forms to streaming films and language-learning platforms.
To explore these resources, visit the library’s website – communitylibrarysedona.org – and click on “Online Resources” then “Tools and Databasses”. Most platforms can be accessed instantly with your library card number. Don’t have a library card? Why not? What are you waiting for? Come in and let’s get you set up with one. All we require to set up your library card, which not only gives you access to what we have but to the 50 plus libraries in the Yavapai County Library Network is proof of residency or employment in Yavapai County. Library staff are always available to walk you through setup, offer recommendations, or help troubleshoot.
For students, researchers, and lifelong learners, the library provides powerful academic tools. Whether you’re researching for school, learning a new skill, fixing your car, or just
curious about the world, this digital collection offers something for everyone. For example:
Academic OneFile features articles from nearly 13,000 scholarly journals across disciplines, while General OneFile brings together over 8,000 magazines, newspapers, and journals for everyday interests and research.
Should I open a babysitting business for Shetland ponies? Job seekers and career changers will find useful tools in Peterson’s Career Prep and Test & Career Prep, which offer test preparation, resume building, and career exploration tools. Udemy, another free resource, features over 4,000 video-based courses on business, tech, marketing, and personal development, all taught by industry professionals.
What is a tariff and how does it affect me? OneFile News pulls from more than 1,100 newspapers worldwide. For a deeper dive into current events, Global Issues and Opposing Viewpoints provide credible, cross-cultural perspectives that help users understand the complexities behind today’s headlines.
¿Dónde está la biblioteca? Our language-learning platforms make it easy to start speaking a new language or improve your fluency. Mango Languages focuses on real-world conversations and culture for over 30 languages. Pronunciator offers more than 140 languages with personalized learning paths, live tutors, and downloadable lessons.
Is it safe to open a bank account in the Cayman Islands? Gale Legal Forms provides ready-to-use templates for everything from wills and rental agreements to power of attorney. For those looking to do more in-depth legal research, HeinOnline offers access to U.S. Supreme Court cases, law journals, treaties, and more.
Summer is over, and the school year has started. We hope that your young scholars are up to the task but just in case, students of all ages will appreciate the library’s education and homework help databases. The Science and High School databases offer cross-curricular coverage, perfect for assignments and deeper learning. And through EdX, learners can access free online courses from top universities, from MIT to Harvard.
But it’s not all textbooks, and practicums when you’re in search of a better you.
For those with a green thumb or an interest in regional plants, the Yavapai County Native & Naturalized Plants database is a locally tailored resource that helps you identify and learn about the diverse flora of Northern Arizona. And then come in and use an Act One Culture Pass to visit the Desert Botanical Garden, or the Arboretum in Flagstaff!
Little Emerson needs to make a papier-mâché dinosaur head for his History project on Monday? For those interested in DIY, crafts, or home repairs, the library has tools to support hands-on learning. Chilton Library provides detailed auto repair manuals, while Home Improvement Reference Center ,and Hobbies & Crafts Reference Center offer step-by-step guides and project ideas for everything from plumbing to scrapbooking.
Which side of the Civil War did great-great-great Grandpa fight for? Genealogy buffs can dive into Ancestry Library Edition, now available remotely, to access billions of
records including census data, military documents, and photos. Whether you’re tracing your roots or helping a student complete a family history project, it’s a rich source of discovery.
This is just a sampling of all the amazing resources available at the library. If it’s been a while since you’ve been here, we’d love to see you again, come for a tour, and let’s get some ice cream and see where the journey goes. These digital resources are available 24/7 and completely free to anyone with a Community Library Sedona card. They support schoolwork, research, career advancement, creative pursuits, and entertainment – all with no subscriptions, no paywalls, and no stress. So, whether you’re preparing for a test, planning a garden, researching a novel, learning Spanish, or just browsing for a new book, don’t overlook what’s already at your fingertips. Your library card opens the door.
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 August 15, 2025, by Jan Marc Quisumbing, Scheduling Coordinator