Hello dear friends, no, your eyes do not deceive you, we have indeed entered the ‘BERS. The ‘Bers slowly sneak up on you, SeptemBER, OctoBER, NovemBER, and DecemBER. And then the weather drops, BRRRRR. One minute you’re trying to find shade to cool off from the dreadful Summer heat, or a friend with a pool to jump into, and the next minute you’re wearing a fleece lined vest, and a tattooed, bespectacled bartender named Brad is pouring you a Pumpkin IPA, and you’re talking about going antiquing in Pinetop.
SeptemBER is the soft entry into the ‘BERS, it’s still pretty warm, the dog days of summer lingering like bad potato salad left in the sun. You hold out hope of still wearing shorts, lest you give in and embrace the autumn for all its leaf peeping, and long, lazy drives up Oak Creek Canyon. Yes, watching the road snake up the canyon is beautiful. And the old adage, “take a picture, it’ll last longer” springs to mind.
Perhaps you’ll be called to pull over by the overlook and gaze at the majestic beauty of the canyon, with the sun burning through the morning clouds, blanketing the trees in sunlight. Capture the moment and celebrate your community, one snapshot at a time! It’s a great time to mention that Canmore Public Library – our sister library hailing from the Great White North that is Canada – and Community Library Sedona invite adult photographers of all skill levels to capture the everyday moments that make life special. Whether it’s a stolen smile, a backyard adventure, the simple beauty of a robust javelina feasting upon your curbside detritus and recyclables, or a sky painted in evening glow—show us the heart of your hometown!
The rules are very simple, submit one photo with a short reflection – 100 words max please, we’re not looking for War and Peace – and your work could be featured at both libraries, online, and in our very own newsletter. What? You don’t get the library newsletter? Shame on you! Just kidding, Just visit communitylibrarysedona.org and scroll to the bottom big red banner where you can subscribe to all the fun library events we have going on! You won’t regret it and you stay informed.
Submissions for the photo contest will end on Saturday, October 18. The contest is open to all adults age 18 or older living in Sedona or Camore. Just click the link on the website for all the information. Winners with prizes – everyone loves prizes – will be announced on Wednesday, October 29.
The Sedona Sister Cities Association fosters friendship and cultural exchange between Sedona and its sister cities around the world. Through community events, educational programs, and collaborative projects, they build lasting connections, celebrate shared stories, and build friendships across the globe. And that’s what it’s all about, building upon community. For those of you who recently attended our benefit concert with the Alison Brown Quintet at the Sedona Performing Arts Center, thank you for taking part in what will be one of many ways you can help give back.
We’re now in the process of our “Take Part, Make Your Mark” campaign. The goal of bringing you a library the community deserves. The library is asking the community to follow in the footsteps of the original library founders, who formed a non-profit, raised private funds, acquired land, and built the original library. Now it’s OUR turn! If you want to learn more, please schedule an appointment with Library Director Judy Poe. It’s time to take part and make your mark! Don’t delay, visit our website today.
As we roll into the ‘BERS, October is busy with beginner and intermediate art classes, for budding Edward Hoppers, and Rembrandts, and as we enter the season of spookiness, join us on the 17th for an amazing piano recital from Piano on the Rocks, and on the 18th for the return of our Magical Author Panel. Get some knowledge on living a longer and better life with our monthly Longevity series on the 16th, and brush up on our immune system while having a lunch and learn with Nickie from Natural Grocers on the 22nd.
But wait, what you really want to know is that it’s time to GET LOUD again on Saturday, November 15th! Stay tuned to this column or visit the library to learn about all the fun events we have planned for one of THE best parties in Sedona. And don’t worry, it’s going to be a fun, holiday time come DecemBER.
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 October 10, 2025, by Jan Marc Quisumbing, Scheduling Coordinator