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Celebrate Arizona's centennial at GC Community Library May 11
Library presents Arizona author Lisa Heidinger will read excepts from "Arizona: 100 Years Grand"

Submitted Photo<br>
Arizona author Lisa Heidinger will be presenting a reading/discussion on her newest book, “Arizona: 100 Years Grand” at the Grand Canyon Community Library May 11 at 2 p.m.

Submitted Photo<br> Arizona author Lisa Heidinger will be presenting a reading/discussion on her newest book, “Arizona: 100 Years Grand” at the Grand Canyon Community Library May 11 at 2 p.m.

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. - On May 11 at 2 p.m., the Grand Canyon Community Library will be hosting a reading and presentation by Arizona author Lisa Heidinger as part of One Book Arizona, a program promoting reading for both adults and children.

One Book Arizona encourages communities across the Arizona to read the same book at the same time and participate in discussions and programs centered around that book.

"I am very excited to have this event at the library," GC Community Library General Manager Mindy Karlsberger said. "Lisa spoke at a library event last year that I attended so I am familiar with her style. She is from an old Arizona, Sedona area I believe, a pioneer family. Personally, I have been very excited about the Centennial and like to spread that love. Lisa and her book are a great fit."

Heidinger started work on "Arizona: 100 Years Grand" in 2006. There is one main event for each of 101 years, 1912 through 2012, as well as a timeline of six events for each year.

"I select readings from each area I visit on the book tour, to give people a sense of their part of the state," Heidinger said.

Completing "Arizona: 100 Years Grand" was a collaborative effort on the part of many people. Each photograph was donated, some even traveled on their own dime to take pictures for the book. The review board, which checked and suggested and vetted facts for the timeline, donated time.

"The cooperation among so many made it doubly sweet that it was selected for One Book Arizona," Heidinger said. "Arizona is such an amazing place, and we are so fortunate to be alive for its centennial."

The author said the Canyon has more entries her index than most places, and many of the double-page spreads are Canyon-centric, woven throughout Arizona's stories.

"The Grand Canyon is Arizona to me," Heidinger said. "I've rafted the Colorado River three times and I can't imagine a place I love more. I am in awe, in love, in debt. I'm an author, but I have no words for the place."

According to Heidinger, the greatest challenge she faced was getting the book published. Initially, Arizona Highways planned to fund her project, but it didn't work out.

"Win Holden, the publisher, not only worked tirelessly to make it work, but brought me on to both the state centennial committees," Heidinger said. "I am forever in his debt. So eventually two Arizona businesses stepped in, willing to take a loss if necessary."

Twenty percent of the profits from the book's sales will go to the Arizona Centennial Commission, and the book is printed in Arizona.

For more information about the event, contact the Grand Canyon Community Library at (928) 638-2718.


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