On February 14, 2012 (at 2:14 pm to be exact) my home state of Arizona will turn 100. This fact has been in the back of my mind for a while and I occasionally see articles and hear news about the plans being formulated for celebration across the state. Yesterday, however, it was brought to the forefront of my mind by Lisa Schnebly Heidinger, a native Arizonan, writer and ardent admirer of the state. I was in Flagstaff at a library forum and she was our afternoon speaker. She urged us all, as librarians, to take measures at our individual libraries to mark the centennial. Lisa serves on the centennial committee and related the struggles they’ve had in getting the celebration off the ground. The problem has been mostly economic as our state is broke and can’t really set aside much money to fund events.

Lisa’s passionate appeal has made me determined to host a celebration at my library (I’m sure I can talk my boss into it) and to celebrate on an individual level, as well. During the next 8 months I’m going to read books about Arizona history and visit towns and historical sites around the state. If you live in Arizona and would like to join me in celebrating our centennial, please do! If you don’t live in Arizona or anywhere near I hope you’ll indulge me as I read and travel my way to the centennial.