The library’s most recent Longevity series topic dealt with happiness. While happiness isn’t a cure for illness, it seems to have a preventive effect, contributing to greater longevity. What makes you happy? What brings you joy? Funny enough, what brings patrons joy, and myself – I’m a little biased obviously – is Gioia Quisumbing!  

“Gioia” (pronounced JOY-uh) can refer to a common Italian word meaning “joy” or “happiness”, a popular Italian baby name, a family name, or the name of several restaurants, a luxury goods brand, and a famous jazz musician and author. The meaning depends on the context, but it is frequently associated with feelings of happiness and delight. And Gioia really is a delight, all wrapped up in denim, bandanas and a ukulele to boot. 

She’s a treasure, and the library is so grateful to have her as the Beginner, and Intermediate Ukulele instructor. Gioia is also the library’s face painter extraordinaire at many a Youth Services event. You may have even gotten a chance to see her during Thursday music mornings where she has the littles and their parents dancing in the stacks. This past May, the band Sugar Moon, of which Gioia does vocals for, rocked the Commons. Were you there? She’s also sings on her church’s worship team, in a trio, Blue Agave, and a rock duo, Jim and Joy Ride. 

The jewel of the library’s many program facilitators, Gioia has been a wonderful addition to the many programs and events held here. The next time she’s here, take a moment to say hello. And now get to know the lady that said “I do”, not just to me, but to being a member of our library community. 

Where were you born?   

Miami, Florida 

What was your first job?  

Same as one of my current jobs, working in a church office. 

What book most influenced you and why? 

I’m not really an avid reader *GASP,* but I do remember reading Wally Lamb’s “I Know This Much is True,” being moved by it, and surprising myself that I couldn’t put down an almost 900 page book. …but most influenced and referenced over my lifetime? The Bible. 

If you could have any superpower what would it be and why? 

That’s an easy one, flying; WEEeeee!!! 

Are you on Team Dog or Team Cat and why?  

Oh, team cat. We’ve got three tuxedos and love ‘em. I’m out n’ about too much to provide the time, exercise and attention doggies deserve. My cat is named Manolo, my son Fernando, his cat is named David. Mr. Franklin Edward Bottomsley, Esquire, Attorney at Meow, is obviously Jan Marc’s. 

Have you ever seen a ghost or a UFO? 

Hmmm… I may have thought so at first, but it wasn’t. It was discovered to be caused by something more earthly and mundane. We did have friends over recently for a “UFO watching” party hosted by a local tour guide and friend, it was pretty cool. We saw a lot of things in the sky. 

If you could have a coffee with any famous person, living, dead, fictional, who would it be and why? 

Probably Stevie Wonder, as the greatest tie amongst my musical influences and a faith-filled, philanthropic, light-hearted human being. 

Any other information you’d like to share about yourself or what you do for the library?  

I am super grateful for the opportunities the library, my church, local schools, music venues and the community provide, for me to make a living doing what I love and sharing those gifts with others. 

What did you do before you joined the library as one of its program instructors?  

Before I began teaching ukulele and music and movement at the library, I was in preschool administration and even then, enjoyed liaising with the children’s library to incorporate and promote early childhood literacy and summer programming. 

The library is not just a place where new friends meet, it’s where community gathers to learn and grow. September is only midway through and the library hasn’t stopped with all the fun events and benefits planned now, and for the rest of the year. We would be remiss to not mention that Alison Brown is one of today’s most forward-thinking and innovative banjo players, renowned for taking the banjo far beyond its Appalachian roots by blending bluegrass and jazz influences into a wide array of roots-influenced music: folk, jazz, Celtic and Latin. In March, Brown released the single “5 Days Out, 2 Days Back,” a collaboration with Steve Martin and Tim O’Brien. Don’t forget to grab your tickets for Sunday, September 28 to see the Alison Brown Quintet perform at Sedona Performing Arts Center – all proceeds benefitting the library. More information can be found on communitylibrarysedona.org. 

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 September 19, 2025, by Jan Marc Quisumbing, Scheduling Coordinator