Earth Day take-home kits available today
Celebrate Earth Day at your library today, Thursday, April 22, by spending time in our garden, checking out some materials about our planet, or adding some plants to your life with our free take-home kits suitable for all ages. Each kit comes with everything you need to get started planting, as well as some conservation facts. They are available for pickup while supplies last.
Library closure
Your library will be closed tomorrow, Friday, April 23, for staff education.
Activities calendars available
To be sure you don’t miss any of the free activities available to you and your family at your library, we encourage you to pick up a copy of the events calendar each month. There are two versions – youth and adults.
Current library operations
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with 9-10 a.m. reserved for seniors and high-risk populations.
- Tuesday and Thursday open 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. for all.
- Storytime is now Thursday at 10 a.m. Tech Times are now from 3-4 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday by appointment.
- Meeting rooms can now be used by up to five people.
- Hand sanitizers are available and there will be frequent cleanings inside the building throughout the day. Please practice social distancing and wear masks while you are in the building. If you don’t have a mask, we are happy to give one to you.
- Ten computers are available. Staff will clean and disinfect them between uses.
- One early literacy computer is available for youngsters.
- Curbside service continues. Phone 264-2209 when you are in the parking lot so staff can bring the items out for you. If you put a hold on something, please wait for your usual alert (email, phone call or text) before coming to pick it up.
- You can place holds on items from other libraries. They are in different stages of open, so items may take longer than usual.
- We’re happy to provide tech help in person or over the phone for our online resources.
Special note
“We want people to always feel welcome in the library, and to experience a very friendly vibe when they visit,” said Meg Wempe, library director. “But we remind everyone that, similar to other public indoor spaces in Colorado, we must follow the executive order that requires people aged 11 or older to wear a covering over their noses and mouths when entering or moving within any public indoor space. If you are unable or unwilling to wear a mask, we are pleased to assist you outside the building through our curbside service.”
Literary Ladies tomorrow
This free book club meets on the fourth Friday of every month from 10:15 a.m. – noon via Zoom. Tomorrow, Friday, April 23, the ladies will discuss “The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World” by the Delai Lama and Desmond Tutu. Pick up a copy at your library. The Zoom meeting ID for this event is 859 2949 6860 and the passcode is 81147. No registration required.
LEGO challenge Saturday
Join us on April 24 at 10 a.m. for a free all-ages LEGO challenge via an image posted on Facebook and the library website. Use your own pieces to create something that will fit the challenge. If you don’t have LEGOS, we have a few grab bags available at the library.
Online Spanish conversation
Next Monday, April 26 from 4-5 p.m. our online Spanish conversation group will gather on Google Meet to practice their skills together. Access the meeting using the Google Meet app and use the code, XRV-CSRE-KAV to join. Or, you may join on a computer by visiting the website meet.google.com/XRV-CSRE-KAV. Contact Brad if you have questions about using Google Meet.
Teen advisory board resumes meetings
Next Tuesday, April 27 the teen advisory board meets from 4-5 p.m. on Zoom. Sixth-12th graders are invited to bring your fun and innovative ideas to help us plan teen programs. Share an idea to pick out a free book.
New writing challenge
On April 19we posted a new writing challenge on the library’s Facebook page. We hope you will challenge your creativity by participating in this free all-ages activity.
Storywalk for kids
Weather permitting, every other Thursday Josie posts signs outside the library that follow the sidewalk up towards the Elementary School detailing a new free Storywalk for kids. The April 22-May 5 featured book is “Swirl by Swirl” by Joyce Sidman. After you finish the walk, pick up materials for a craft or activity at the library.
Knitting takeaways
Pick up free knitting takeaways at the library entrance during open hours to take for your in-home enjoyment. We’ll have patterns craft ideas, instructions and some limited supplies available.
After-school program
In response to COVID, we have revamped our free after-school program into STEAM enrichment kits, STEAM standing for science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics, for ages five and up. Registration is required at 970-264-2209. Pick up your kit and then bring your completed projects back to the library to be displayed in the last week of the month.
DIY crafts takeaway for kids
Drop by during open hours to pick up free DIY crafts takeaways for youngsters age 10 and older outside the building.
Tech Time
Make a 15- to 30-minute appointment for one of three free in-person slots available from 3-4 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Brad will help one person (or one couple) at a time resolve issues with your computer, smartphone, tablet and other electronic devices.
ESL
Free in-person classes take place Tuesdays from 3-7 p.m. and Thursdays from 5 -7 p.m. by appointment. Please register so we can keep it to a small group in our limited open spaces. No walk-ins, please.
Dungeons & Dragons
Join us Wednesdays from 4-6 p.m. for Dungeons & Dragons free for teens and young adults on Google Meet. Contact claire@pagosalibrary.org to learn how to join. If you don’t have internet access, contact us anyway – we may be able to accommodate you in the library.
Children’s programs on Facebook
Thursdays at 10 a.m. and Saturdays at 2:30 p.m., join us on the library’s Facebook page for free children’s programs. Thursday storytimes are on Facebook Live, so you can interact with Josie. Saturday’s Discovery Times with games, art ideas, science experiments, history and more are prerecorded.
Adult education
Our free PALS (Pagosa Adult Learning Services) sessions take place in person on Fridays between noon and 3 p.m. where Mark helps with high school equivalency, GED, college prep, financial aid, tutoring and more. Contact the library to schedule your appointment.
Novels
“Gold Diggers” by Sanjena Sathian is a humorous coming-of-age satire set in the Atlanta suburbs. “Destined For You” by Tracie Peterson is book one in the new Ladies of the Lake series set in 1870s Duluth, Minn. “The Nine Lives of Rose Bapolitano” by Donna Freitas follows a woman who keeping reinventing her life. “Peaces” by Helen Oyeyemi tells of a couple who embark on a mysterious train journey. “A Piece of the Moon” by Chris Fabry follows the repercussions after an eccentric millionaire hides his treasures.
Short stories
“First Person Singular” by Haruki Murakami is a collection of eight stories that include memories of youth, meditations on music, and the boundaries between our minds and the exterior world.
Nonfiction
“Roth” by Blake Bailey is a biography of author Philip Roth. “Broken (in the Best Possible Way)” by New York Times reporter Jenny Lawson is a memoir about her experiences with mental health issues. “The God Equation” by Michio Kaku explores differing views of the synthesis of the theories of relativity and quantum theory. “The Church Is One” by Rev. Richard Bolland challenges pastors and laymen to rethink what constitutes true unity in Christ’s church. “Broken Horses” by Brandi Carlile is a memoir exploring the tension between the singer’s sexuality and faith throughout her life. “Be A Work in Progress” by John Cena with illustrations by Valerie Petrone is a positive guide to life by the pro wrestler and actor. “High Conflict” by Amanda Ripley explores examples of unhealthy discord around the world. “Birds of North America” is the new Audubon guide.
Books on CD
“Flowers of Darkness” by Tatiana de Rosnay is a thriller set in Paris. “The Kaiser’s Web” by Steve Berry is a Cotton Malone adventure. “The Consequence of Fear” by Jacqueline Winspear is a Masie Dobbs murder mystery. “Meant to Be” by Jude Deveraux follows two young women in Kansas unhappy with the paths laid out for them. “Tell No Lies” by Alison Brennan is book two in the Quinn and Costa thriller series.
Downloadable e-books and audiobooks
Perfect for COVID times, we have a wide variety of downloadable e-books and audio books for all ages – children, tweens, teens and adults – in cloudLibrary. The items in cloudLibrary are purchased separately from physical items, so the books available are different – and it continues to use the consortium’s contributions as well as those that we bought. Select AspenCat Union Catalog when setting up cloudLibrary for use. Email or phone us at 970-264-2209 if you need our help setting up this service on your device.
Donations
Thanks to our anonymous donors for their donations. Please put your materials donations into the dropbox at the library – not at City Market, which is reserved for returns. Donations undergo the same rigorous three-day quarantine process as returns.
Library foundation
Please consider a tax-deductible donation to the Ruby M. Sisson Memorial Library Foundation to help support the services and programs provided by your Ruby Sisson Library. Mail checks to P.O. Box 2045, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147 or call Cindi Galabota at 970-264-2209.
Quotable Quote
“Optimism is a happiness magnet. If you stay positive, good things and good people will be drawn to you.” – Mary Lou Retton, retired American gymnast. At the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, she won a gold medal in the individual all-around competition, as well as two silver medals and two bronze medals, making her one of the most popular athletes in the U.S.
