Author Archives: mwempe

How to suspend holds when you’re busy with travels, visitors and other holiday activities
If your life is unusually busy at this time of year with travels, visitors and so many fun holiday activities, you may want to take advantage of the library’s program that allows you to freeze – or suspend – your holds at any time. 

The best part is you do not lose your place in line.  When your hold is thawed, or released, you go right back in to the same place in your hold line; you do not go to the end of the line.

To freeze your holds online, first log into your account.  On the left side of the page, click on “Titles on Hold.”  A list of all items you have on hold will appear.  If they are not currently in transit, you can freeze the hold until you return from your travels or are ready to receive your hold again.  To freeze your hold, click on the button that says “Freeze Hold.”  The freeze will begin immediately. 

Christmas and New Year’s closures
Your library will close at noon on December 24 and also be closed on December 26 because Christmas falls on a Sunday this year.  Similarly, we’ll close at noon December 31 and also be closed on January 2 for New Year’s.

Flu season protocols
The curbside service that we began for COVID safety continues – and it’s also a healthful option in the cold and flu season.  To save your energy and lessen germ exposure to other patrons, we recommend you use our curbside service – or add a name to your account authorizing that person to pick up items for you while you recuperate.  Library hours:

• Monday, Wednesday and Friday open 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Tuesdays and Thursdays open 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Saturdays open 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

New format for activities calendar
To be sure you don’t miss any of the free library activities available to you and your family, we encourage you to pick up a copy of the events calendar each month.  Its new streamlined format combines all the activities and events for children, teens and adults on one handy two-sided page.

Gaming tomorrow
Enjoy free all-ages video gaming on the X-box 360 Kinect tomorrow, Friday, December 23, and December 30 from 3-4 p.m.

Homework help and tutoring
Free homework assistance and elementary tutoring are available for K-fourth grades on Wednesdays from 3:30-4:30 p.m. There is a registration packet for parents and guardians to fill out to enroll your child that you can get by emailing the library or coming in.  This program has been a big hit because it helps build essential skills in core subjects.  You still can register your child but you may be put on a waitlist. 

Family storytimes
Wednesdays from 10-11 a.m. join us for free in-person children’s stories, games and plenty of reasons to get up and move.  

ESL classes
Free in-person evening classes take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays with 4-5 p.m. reserved for beginners and 5-7 p.m. for both intermediate and advanced students.  Please help us spread the word about these classes to others in our community who would be interested and contact us by phone or email if you have any questions.  

Las clases de ESL
Las clases nocturnas gratuitas en persona se llevan a cabo los martes y jueves de 4 a 7 p.m. Los estudiantes principiantes asisten de 4 a 5 p.m., estudiantes intermedios de 5-6 p.m. y estudiantes avanzados de 7-8 p.m. Por favor, ayúdenos a correr la voz sobre estas clases a otras personas en nuestra comunidad que estén interesadas, y contáctenos por teléfono o correo electrónico si tiene alguna pregunta. 

PALS/GED adult education
Mark is available for his free PALS sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 – 8 p.m. to help with high school equivalency, GED, college prep, financial aid, tutoring and more.  No registration required.

Tech Time
Free in-person slots are available from 10 a.m.-noon Tuesdays and 2-4 p.m. Thursdays.  Judy will help you with basic questions relating to computers, smartphones and tablets and also provide assistance in accessing any of the library’s online resources.  You do not need an appointment for these drop-in sessions.  Note: No Tech Time today, December 22.

Writing challenge
A new all-ages writing challenge was posted December 12 on the library’s Facebook page.  We hope you will challenge your creativity by participating in this free activity.

Downloadable books 
CloudLibrary has a wide variety of downloadable e-books and audiobooks for all ages and accessing this free digital collection has never been easier. You just need to download the cloudLibrary app, answer a few simple questions, select AspenCat Union Catalog for the name of your library, then enter your library card number and 4-digit PIN. You are now ready to browse, borrow and read e-books and audiobooks using cloudLibrary. Library staff are happy to help you set up your device if you need assistance.

Christmas book
“The Penguin Book of Christmas Stories” edited by Jessica Harrison is a collection of holiday classics and little-known treasures from around the world.

Large print
“Dawnlands” by Philippa Gregory is book three of the Fairmile historical fiction series.  “Robert Ludlum’s The Blackbriar Genesis” by Simon Gervais is a Blackbriar thriller set in Prague.  “Clive Cussler’s The Sea Wolves” by Jack Du Brul is an Isaac Bell adventure. 

Books on CD
“A World of Curiosities” by Louise Penny is a Chief Inspector Armand Gamache mystery set in Quebec.  “The Murder Sorority” by Marshall Karp is an NYPD Red mystery.  “Hunting Time” by Jeffery Deaver is a mystery about a woman and her daughter on the run.  “Murder at Black Oaks” by Philip Margolin features Robin Lockwood, defense attorney.

DVDs
“Reacher” is season one.  “Recipes for Love and Murder” is series one.  “Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile” is based on the bestselling children’s book series.  “Call Jane” follows a woman with a life-threatening pregnancy.  “Theodore Roosevelt” is the History Channel documentary.  “Ghosts” is season one.  “The Homeschool Awakening” is a documentary exploring frequently asked questions about homeschooling.  “Optimizing Brain Fitness” is part of the Great Courses series. 

Mysteries and thrillers 
“The Couple at the Table” by Sophie Hannah is a psychological thriller set at a posh couples-only resort.  “I Am The Light of This World” by Michael Parker follows a man +released from prison 40 years after being sentenced for a crime he did not commit.  “The Lemon” by S.E. Boyd looks at the aftermath of the apparent suicide of a famous culinary travel show host.  “Oath of Loyalty” by Kyle Mills is a Mitch Rapp adventure. 

Other novels
“The Fall of Numenor” by J.R.R. Tolkien is a new chronicle of Middle-earth.  “The Presence of Absence” by Simon Van Booy explores the views of a young writer who lies dying.  “The Color Line” by Igiaba Scego, based on true events, intertwines the lives of two Black female artists.  “Honor” by Thrity Umrigar explores love across a cultural divide.  “Her Hidden Genius” by Marie Benedict focuses on a scientist who sacrifices her life to discover the nature of DNA.

Nonfiction
“How To Read the Wilderness” by the Nature Study Guild is an illustrated guide to North American flora and fauna.  “The Stories We Tell” by Joanna Gaines is a memoir in which the author shares stories of her personal journey.   “Born to Run 2” by Christopher McDougall and Eric Orton draws on lessons from Mexico’s legendary Raramuri and decades of running research.  “The Light We Carry” by Michelle Obama offers readers insights into handling change, challenges and self-doubt.

“Polar Exposure” by Felicity Aston documents the experiences of women from 10 countries on their expedition to the North Pole.  “Surrender” by Bono tells the story of his life weaved around 40 U2 songs.  “Tiny Beautiful Things” by Cheryl Strayed is the updated 10^th anniversary edition of this book by the advice columnist Dear Sugar.

Donations  
Many thanks to Gayle and Thomas Broadbent for their generous monetary donation in memory of Jacky Reese, and also to Sheila and Patrick McKenzie for their generous monetary donation.   We also are grateful to our anonymous donors for their materials donations.   

When we are open, material donations are accepted for the Friends of the Library at the front desk – not down the outside returns slot at the library or the dropbox at City Market, please.  The Friends take fiction published in 2012 or newer and nonfiction that is 2017 or newer. Limited workroom space means we can only accept one or two small boxes at a time. 

About 45 magazines and newspapers available for your free reading pleasure
We want to remind you that your library has about 45 magazines and newspapers in our collection for your free reading enjoyment.

Magazine titles include The Atlantic, The New Yorker, Taste of Home, Time, Bon Appetit, Colorado Life, Consumer Reports, People, All Animals and Sports Illustrated, to name just a few.  Especially for youngsters we have Sports Illustrated Kids.  All magazines are listed in our online catalog that is a link from our website.  If you are looking for a magazine that is also the title of a book or movie, you can include the term “periodical” to narrow the search. 

In 2023, as our current magazine subscriptions end, we are switching to a new magazine provider for several reasons including our inability to get Ski and Southwest Art, both of which are popular with our patrons. 

Newspapers include The Pagosa Springs SUN and The Durango Herald.  We had to drop The Silverton Standard because of a dramatic price increase along with a limited number of people reading it (we track numbers).  Also, we no longer carry The Wall Street Journal not because of price or people not reading it but because our provider couldn’t get it here in any sort of reasonable delivery timeframe.

We hope you enjoy reading the newspapers and current magazines right at the library in one of our comfy chairs or reading areas.  All past magazine issues are available for free check out.  

We also offer a variety of journals and other publications through our online resources available to you 24/7.  Visit https://pagosalibrary.org/online-resources/ to find a variety of topics for people of all ages.  A library card is required to access some of the online resources. 

New format for activities calendar
To be sure you don’t miss any of the free library activities available to you and your family, we encourage you to pick up a copy of the events calendar each month.  Its new streamlined format combines all the activities and events for children, teens and adults on one handy two-sided page.

Online Speakers Consortium continues
There is one more event this month in our free online Library Speakers Consortium virtual series featuring New York Times bestselling authors and thought leaders giving live, professionally moderated book discussions you can view on your computer, tablet or smartphone with internet access.  You also have an opportunity to ask questions.

On Tuesday, September 27 at 2 p.m. we’ll hear from Pulitzer Prize finalist Hernan Diaz.  He has written two novels which have been published in more than 20 languages, plus many essays and short stories.  He also is the associate director of the Hispanic Institute for Latin American and Iberian Cultures at Columbia University.  He is known as a dynamic speaker who captivates audiences with witty conversations about foreignness, his theory of genre, literary history and what it means to do research for a novel.

Children’s Spanish class tomorrow
Join us Friday, September 23 from 2-3 p.m. for a Spanish class for kids aged six to 11 to help youngsters learn and improve their Spanish.

LEGO Club on Saturday
Kids aged six and up are invited to bring your imaginations – LEGOs are provided – on Saturday, September 24 from 11 a.m.-noon for the free LEGO Club.  LEGO challenges also are posted on Facebook if you can’t make it to the library.

Gaming tomorrow
Enjoy free all-ages video gaming on the X-box 360 Kinect tomorrow, Friday, September 23 from 3-4 p.m.

PALS/GED adult education
In response to popular demand, Mark has doubled the number of his free PALS sessions to Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 – 8 p.m. to help with high school equivalency, GED, college prep, financial aid, tutoring and more.  No registration required.  Note: No PALS today, September 22.

Tech Time
Free in-person slots are available from 10 a.m.-noon Tuesdays and 2-4 p.m. Thursdays.  Judy will help you with basic questions relating to computers, smartphones and tablets and also provide assistance in accessing any of the library’s online resources.  You do not need an appointment for these drop-in sessions.

Writing challenge
A new all-ages writing challenge will be posted September 26 on the library’s Facebook page.  We hope you will challenge your creativity by participating in this free activity.

Family storytime
Wednesdays from 10-11 a.m. join us for free in-person children’s stories, games and plenty of reasons to get up and move.  

ESL classes
Free in-person evening classes take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays with 4-5 p.m. reserved for beginners and 5-7 p.m. for both intermediate and advanced students.  Please help us spread the word about these classes to others in our community who would be interested, and contact us by phone or email if you have any questions.  

Las clases de ESL
Las clases nocturnas gratuitas en persona se llevan a cabo los martes y jueves de 4 a 7 p.m. Los estudiantes principiantes asisten de 4 a 5 p.m., estudiantes intermedios de 5-6 p.m. y estudiantes avanzados de 7-8 p.m. Por favor, ayúdenos a correr la voz sobre estas clases a otras personas en nuestra comunidad que estén interesadas, y contáctenos por teléfono o correo electrónico si tiene alguna pregunta. 

Library hours
Most of our programs happen in person and curbside service continues. Also, our hours are back to pre-COVID levels – and even more on weekdays:

• Monday, Wednesday and Friday open 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Tuesdays and Thursdays open 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Saturdays open 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Downloadable books 
CloudLibrary has a wide variety of downloadable e-books and audiobooks for all ages and accessing this free digital collection has never been easier. You just need to download the cloudLibrary app, answer a few simple questions, select AspenCat Union Catalog for the name of your library, then enter your library card number and 4-digit PIN. You are now ready to browse, borrow and read e-books and audiobooks using cloudLibrary. Library staff are happy to help you set up your device if you need assistance.

Books on CD
“Girl, Forgotten” by Karin Slaughter is a thriller featuring US Marshall Andrea Oliver investigating a cold case with links to her father.  “Fox Creek” by William Kent Krueger is the latest in the Cork O’Connor mystery series.    

Mysteries and thrillers
“The Family Remains” by Lisa Jewell is a psychological thriller that begins on the banks of the Thames.  “All Good People Here” by Ashley Flowers features a journalist returning to her small-town home who must face her past.  “The Hunt” by Faye Kellerman is a Decker/Lazarus mystery.

Other novels  
“The Wisdom of Crowds” by Joe Abercrombie is the final book in the Age of Madness fantasy series.  “The Last Karankawas” by Kimberly Garza features a tight-knit community of Mexican and Filipino Americans facing Hurricane Ike in Galveston.   “When We Were Bright and Beautiful” by Jillian Medoff is a family drama set in Manhattan’s glittering Upper East Side.  “All This Could Be Different” by Sarah Thankam Mathews is a group portrait of young people including an immigrant forging love and community amid struggle.  “Into the Broken Lands” by Tanya Huff is a fantasy adventure.    

Nonfiction
“A Place in the World” by Frances Mayes explores this world traveler’s passion for houses and the things that inhabit them.  “Raising Lazarus” by Beth Macy tells the story of everyday heroes fighting America’s overdose crisis.  “Life on the Mississippi” by Rinker Buck follows the author’s adventures on a flatboat on the Mississippi.  “The Old Farmer’s Almanac 2023” is the 231^st edition of this American classic.  BAM: Business as Mission” by C.  Neal Johnson is a practical guide to BAM including strategic planning and step-by-step operational implementation.   

Donations
We are grateful to Stephanie King as well as Susan and Terry Arrington for their generous monetary donations, and to our anonymous donors for their materials donations.  Material donations are accepted for the Friends of the Library at the front desk (not down the outside returns slot at the library or the dropbox at City Market, please) when we are open. The Friends take fiction published in 2012 or newer and nonfiction that is 2017 or newer. Limited workroom space means we can only accept one or two small boxes at a time. 

Quotable Quote
“Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.” – Warren Buffett, American business magnate, investor and philanthropist. He is currently the chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway and one of the most successful investors in the world.

Two more free online Speakers Consortium events this month
There are two more events this month in our free online Library Speakers Consortium virtual series featuring New York Times bestselling authors and thought-leaders giving live, professionally moderated book discussions you can view on your computer, tablet or smartphone with internet access.  You also have an opportunity to ask questions.

Next Tuesday, September 20 at noon we’ll enjoy prolific New York Times bestselling British-American author and journalist Simon Winchester.  In his career at The Guardian newspaper, Winchester covered numerous significant events including Bloody Sunday and the Watergate scandal. He also has written or contributed to more than a dozen nonfiction books, written one novel, contributed to multiple travel magazines and taken his readers on amazing adventures around the world.

Then Tuesday, September 27 at 2 p.m. we’ll hear from Pulitzer Prize finalist Hernan Diaz.  He has written two novels which have been published in more than 20 languages, plus many  essays and short stories.  He also is the associate director of the Hispanic Institute for Latin American and Iberian Cultures at Columbia University.  He is known as a dynamic speaker who captivates audiences with witty conversations about foreignness, his theory of genre, literary history and what it means to do research for a novel.

Please note donations guidelines

Many of you are very generous with your materials donations to the library, and we are grateful.  Most of your contributions become welcome items on sale in the annual Friends of the Library Book Sale every summer that raises much-appreciated funds for your library for special projects.  The Friends’ most recent contribution was the replacement of all public computers, including those for accessing the internet as well as those designated to search the library catalog of items.

As donations begin to come in for next summer’s sale, we wanted to take this opportunity to remind you about our guidelines for materials donations so that you don’t waste your valuable time.

Material donations are accepted for the Friends at the front desk (not down the outside returns slot at the library or the dropbox at  City Market, please) when we are open. The Friends are happy to take fiction published in 2012 or newer and nonfiction that is 2017 or newer. Limited workroom space means we can only accept one or two small boxes at a time. 

Paws to Read tomorrow

Friday, September 16 from 2-3 p.m., youngsters from K-fifth grades are invited to share their favorite books with Muppet, a therapy dog who loves listening to stories, at a free Paws to Read session.  This is a great way for beginning readers to build confidence.

Gaming tomorrow
Enjoy free all-ages video gaming on the X-box 360 Kinect tomorrow, Friday, September 16 from 3-4 p.m.

Makerspace on Saturday
Kids, tweens and teens are invited to a free Makerspace session on Saturday, September 17 from 11 a.m. to noon when we’ll provide the materials so you can build, design and create.

Adult DIY     
Join us next Tuesday, September 20 from 1-2:30 p.m. for this free session with Diane when we’ll make greeting cards using scrapbook paper.

Therapy dog visit
Next Wednesday, September 21 from 11 – noon you are invited to come to the library for a free visit with a certified therapy dog.  It’s a great way to relax or boost your day.  The visits will be limited to 10-15 minutes – just the right amount of time to pet the dog, read to the dog or just say “Hi.”  This activity is for all ages.

PALS/GED adult education
In response to popular demand, Mark has doubled the number of his free PALS sessions to Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 – 8 p.m. to help with high school equivalency, GED, college prep, financial aid, tutoring and more.  No registration required.  Note: No PALS September 20 and 22.

Tech Time
Free in-person slots are available from 10 a.m.-noon Tuesdays and 2-4 p.m. Thursdays.  Judy will help you with basic questions relating to computers, smartphones and tablets and also provide assistance in accessing any of the library’s online resources.  You do not need an appointment for these drop-in sessions.

Writing challenge
A new all-ages writing challenge was posted September 12 on the library’s Facebook page.  We hope you will challenge your creativity by participating in this free activity.

Family storytime
Wednesdays from 10-11 a.m. join us for free in-person children’s stories, games and plenty of reasons to get up and move.  

ESL classes
Free in-person evening classes take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays with 4-5 p.m. reserved for beginners and 5-7 p.m. for both intermediate and advanced students.  Please help us spread the word about these classes to others in our community who would be interested and contact us by phone or email if you have any questions.  

Las clases de ESL
Las clases nocturnas gratuitas en persona se llevan a cabo los martes y jueves de 4 a 7 p.m. Los estudiantes principiantes asisten de 4 a 5 p.m., estudiantes intermedios de 5-6 p.m. y estudiantes avanzados de 7-8 p.m. Por favor, ayúdenos a correr la voz sobre estas clases a otras personas en nuestra comunidad que estén interesadas, y contáctenos por teléfono o correo electrónico si tiene alguna pregunta. 

Library hours
Most of our programs happen in person and curbside service continues. Also, our hours are back to pre-COVID levels – and even more on weekdays:

• Monday, Wednesday and Friday open 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Tuesdays and Thursdays open 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Saturdays open 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Downloadable books 
CloudLibrary has a wide variety of downloadable e-books and audiobooks for all ages and accessing this free digital collection has never been easier. You just need to download the cloudLibrary app, answer a few simple questions, select AspenCat Union Catalog for the name of your library, then enter your library card number and 4-digit PIN. You are now ready to browse, borrow and read e-books and audiobooks using cloudLibrary. Library staff are happy to help you set up your device if you need assistance.

Nonfiction
“The Lost Super Foods” by Art Rude, Lex Rooker, Claude Davis and Fred Dwight describes more than a hundred survival foods that do not need refrigeration.  “Diana, William and Harry” by James Patterson and Chris Mooney explores Diana’s life as a princess and a mother.

Large print
“Black Dog” by Stuart Woods is a Stone Barrington mystery.  “The Many Daughters of Afong Moy” by Jamie Ford features a woman taking an experimental treatment to mitigate inherited trauma.  “Rising Tiger” by Brad Thor is the latest in the Scot Harvath spy series.  “Bruno’s Challenge and Other Stories of the French Countryside” by Martin Walker is a collection of short stories featuring the French chief of police.  “Round Up the Usual Peacocks” by Donna Andrews is a Meg Lanslow mystery.  “Dirt Creek” by Hayley Scrivenor is a mystery about a child who disappeared in Australia.   

DVDs
“The Good Karma Hospital” is series four about this clinic in India.  “Okja” is a Korean 21^st century fairy tale with English subtitles.  “John Travolta: Greatest Movies” contains “Grease,” “Hairspray,” Saturday Night Fever” and “Staying Alive.”  “TNT Greatest Classic Legends: Elizabeth Taylor” contains “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” “Butterfield 8,” “Father of the Bride” and “The Sandpiper.”  “Mr. Tornado” is a documentary about meteorologist Ted Fujita.  “Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken” is a true story of the courage of a runaway orphan.

Donations  
We are grateful to Marilyn Falvey and our anonymous donors for their materials donations.  Material donations are accepted for the Friends of the Library at the front desk (not down the outside returns slot at the library or the dropbox at City Market, please) when we are open. The Friends take fiction published in 2012 or newer and nonfiction that is 2017 or newer. Limited workroom space means we can only accept one or two small boxes at a time. 

Quotable Quote
“The voice is probably humankind’s oldest form of artistic expression….  And singing is the most personal kind of musicmaking, because the instrument lives inside us.  The sound is unique to each individual like snowflakes, no two are exactly alike.” – Renee Fleming, American soprano and recipient of the National Medal of Arts, known for her performances in opera, concerts, recordings, theatre, film and at major public events.

Shark ecology talk, live children’s concert and escape room fun

In the next week your library is hosting three very special free events:

            ► Tomorrow, Friday, July 22 from 2:30 – 3:45 p.m. experts from the Ocean First Institute, a research lab in Boulder, will present their shark research and discuss the importance of conservation for these amazing creatures.

            ► Next Monday, Monday, July 25 from 10 – 11 a.m. professional musician Steve Weeks will perform in a fun children’s concert sponsored by the Pagosa Pi Beta Phi alumnae club that will include dancing, singing and laughing.

            ► Next Wednesday, July 27 from 2 – 3:30 p.m. 6^th-12^th graders are invited to participate in an escape room adventure where you will solve puzzles and find clues to allow you to find the treasure and save yourselves before the room sinks.

Early closure next Wednesday

On Wednesday, July 27 your library will be closing at 4 p.m. because the Ruby Sisson Library Foundation is hosting this month’s Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours gathering.

Public health talks continue

Your library is hosting public health and resource professionals from San Juan Basin Public Health for four free in-person sessions on Mondays from noon-1 p.m. from July 11 to August 1 to talk about a wide variety of important health topics.  On July 25 Francilia Pena will cover cancer prevention and early detection of breast and cervical cancer.  August 1 will explain health insurance enrollment and how to pick the best plan for you. Spanish interpretation will be available for this session.

More details on the presentations are available in flyers you can pick up at your library.

PALS adult education expands

In response to popular demand, Mark is doubling the number of his free PALS sessions to Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 – 8 p.m. to help with high school equivalency, GED, college prep, financial aid, tutoring and more.  No registration required.  This service is in great demand and is used by many people, so we are very happy to make it more available.

No Tech Times in July

There will be no Tech Times in July.  Tech Time will return at a future date to be announced later.

Summer Reading Program underway

It’s not too late to sign up at your library or register online for this year’s Summer Reading Program, which is underway now with the theme “Oceans of Possibilities.”  Pick up a bingo card because participants get a small prize every time you complete a bingo sheet. 

The Summer Reading Program includes activities for all ages that are fun, free and educational.  And it encourages learning and new opportunities for everyone from toddlers to seniors.

Watch for details of special Summer Reading events in this and future Library News columns all summer.  And pick up a copy of the events calendar each month at your library to be sure you and your family don’t miss any of the fun.  There are three versions – children, teens and adults.

Summer Reading Club for kids today

At our Summer Reading Club today, Thursday, July 21 from 10-11:30 a.m., we’ll explore mysteries of the deep including mermaids and monsters.  Next Thursday, July 28 we’ll learn from guest expert Mr. Kurtz about how the weather in oceans affects us here in the mountains.  This free club is open to youngsters K-fifth grade.

Dungeons & Dragons virtually and in person

Today, Thursday, July 21 from 3-5 p.m., is our ongoing virtual Dungeons & Dragons game free for teens and young adults, available every other Thursday on Discord.  Then join us on Tuesday, July 26 from 4-6 p.m. for our ongoing in-person Dungeons & Dragons game.  Contact claire@pagosalibrary.org to learn how to join either or both games.  Free in-person sessions take place at your library on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month.

Interactive Moana tomorrow

Tomorrow,Friday, July 22 from 4-6 p.m., we’ll watch the Disney “Moana” movie while singing, moving and playing along with the screen.

LEGO Club on Saturday

Kids aged six and up are invited to bring your imaginations – LEGOs are provided – on Saturday, July 23 from 11 a.m.-noon for the free LEGO Club.  LEGO challenges also are posted on Facebook if you can’t make it to the library.

Writing challenge

A new all-ages writing challenge will be posted July 25 on the library’s Facebook page.  We hope you will challenge your creativity by participating in this free activity.

StoryWalk in new location

Our very popular StoryWalk has resumed at a new location.  We are pleased to partner with the Town of Pagosa Springs to bring the StoryWalk to the River Walk downtown.  It starts at the Community Center and heads north toward the green houses.    July 11-25 features “Woodsey’s ABCs” when you will explore the outdoors with Woodsey the Owl, a National Forest Service mascot.

Family storytime

Wednesdays from 10-11 a.m. join us for free in-person children’s stories, games and plenty of reasons to get up and move.   

ESL classes

Free in-person evening classes take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays with 4-5 p.m. reserved for beginners and 5-7 p.m. for both intermediate and advanced students.  Please help us spread the word about these classes to others in our community who would be interested, and contact us by phone or email if you have any questions.  

Las clases de ESL

Las clases nocturnas gratuitas en persona se llevan a cabo los martes y jueves de 4 a 7 p.m. Los estudiantes principiantes asisten de 4 a 5 p.m., estudiantes intermedios de 5-6 p.m. y estudiantes avanzados de 7-8 p.m. Por favor, ayúdenos a correr la voz sobre estas clases a otras personas en nuestra comunidad que estén interesadas, y contáctenos por teléfono o correo electrónico si tiene alguna pregunta. 

Library hours

Most of our programs happen in person and curbside service continues. Also, our hours are back to pre-COVID levels – and even more on weekdays:

• Monday, Wednesday and Friday open 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Tuesdays and Thursdays open 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Saturdays open 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Downloadable books 

CloudLibrary has a wide variety of downloadable e-books and audiobooks for all ages. Accessing your library’s free digital collection has never been easier. You just need to download the cloudLibrary app, answer a few simple questions, select AspenCat Union Catalog for the name of your library, then enter your library card number and 4-digit PIN. You are now ready to browse, borrow and read e-books and audiobooks using cloudLibrary. Library staff are happy to help you set up your device if you need assistance. 

DVDs

“Native Peoples of North America” is a Smithsonian documentary.  “Life in the World’s Oceans” is a Smithsonian documentary.  “Determined: Righting Alzheimer’s” is a PBS documentary.  “The Bad Guys” is a DreamWorks Animation action comedy based on the Scholastic book series.  “Downton Abbey: A New Era” is the newest movie featuring the Crawley family and their staff.

Large print

“Easter Bonnet Murder” by Leslie Meier is a Lucy Stone mystery.   “An Honest Lie” by Tarryn Fisher tells of a woman going missing during a girls’ weekend in Las Vegas.

Books on CD

“Snowstorm in August” by Marshall Karp tells of a team of retired cops going after the most powerful drug lord on the planet in New York City.  “Tracy Flick Can’t Win” by Tom Perrotta returns to the life of Tracy, now in her 40s and an assistant principal at a public high school.  “The Omega Factor” by Steve Berry is a mystery about the mysterious secrets of the Ghent altarpiece.  “The Hotel Nantucket” by Elin Hilderbrand is about a summer of scandal at an historic hotel.  “Local Gone Missing” by Fiona Barton is set in a seaside town where long-timers and newcomers are at odds.  “A Face to Die For” by Iris Johansen is an Eve Duncan mystery.  “Red on the River” by Christine Feehan is a romantic thriller.

Nonfiction

“His Name is George Floyd” by Washington Post reporters Robert Samuels and Toluse Olorunnipa is a portrait of the life and times of a black man whose murder set off the largest protest movement in U.S. history.  “Battle for the American Mind” by Pete Hegseth and David Goodwin explores the fight to control the education of children in America.  “How to Keep House While Drowning” by J.C. Davis is a guide to using creative shortcuts to transform your home from messy to functional.  “Essential Home Skills” by Chris Peterson is a Black + Decker guide to common household headaches for new home owners.   

Mysteries and thrillers

“Local Gone Missing” by Fiona Barton is set in a seaside town where long-timers and newcomers are at odds. “The Island” by Adrian McKinty follows a woman and her two unhappy stepchildren I grave danger on a remote Australian island.   “The Local” by Joey Hartstone is a legal thriller set in Texas.  “Ashton Hall” by Lauren Belfer begins when a skeleton is found in an historic manor house in England.  “The Gate Keeper” by James Byrne is about a conspiracy involving the kidnapping of the daughter of a multinational corporation CEO.  

Other novels

“Boom Town” is a Lake Wobegon story by Garrison Keillor.  “Horse” by Pulitzer Prize winner Geraldine Brooks, inspired by a true story, tells of an art historian and a Smithsonian scientist connected through their shared interest in a racehorse.  “Flying Solo” by Linda Holmes follows a woman who returns home after her cancelled wedding.  “The Hotel Nantucket” by Elin Hilderbrand is a tale about a summer of scandal at a storied hotel.  “The Catch” by Alison Fairbrother focuses on the aftermath of a will in which a father leaves a prized possession to someone the family has never heard of.  “The Twilight World” by Werner Herzog imagines the life of Hiroo Onoda, the soldier who defended a Philippines island for decades after World War II.

Donations  

We are grateful to Leslie Wustrack for the generous monetary donation.  With the Friends of the Library sale just concluded, we and the Friends are taking a break from materials donations until August.  

Quotable Quote

“Marriage is a 50-year conversation. Marry someone you want to talk with for the rest of your life.” – David Brooks, Canadian-born conservative political and cultural reporter who writes opinion pieces for The New York Times and is a commentator on NPR and the PBS NewsHour.

Library Speakers Consortium launches, PALS expands and Tech Times take a break

Starting next Thursday, July 7, we are launching the Library Speaker’s Consortium featuring fiction and nonfiction authors giving live, professionally moderated book discussions you can view on your computer, tablet or smartphone with internet access.  If you are not available to view the presentations live, the recorded event will be available afterwards.

To access the consortium, click on the link on your library’s home page at https://pagosalibrary.org.  Moving forward, we expect two or three book discussions a month.

The July 7 program will feature Alka Joshi, author of “The Henna Artist,” from 7-8 p.m.  The second program on Thursday, July 14 from 10-11 a.m. will feature David Allen, author of “Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity.”

PALS adult education expands

In response to popular demand, Mark is doubling the number of his free PALS sessions to Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 – 8 p.m. to help with high school equivalency, GED, college prep, financial aid, tutoring and more.  No registration required.  This service is in great demand and is used by many people, so we are very happy to make it more available.

No Tech Times in July

There will be no Tech Times in July.  Tech Time will return at a future date to be announced later.

Library closure

Your library will be closed July 4 to celebrate Independence Day.

Summer Reading Program underway

If you haven’t already done so, we hope you will sign up at your library or register online for this year’s Summer Reading Program, which is underway now with the theme “Oceans of Possibilities.”  Pick up a bingo card because participants get a small prize every time you complete a bingo sheet. 

The Summer Reading Program includes activities for all ages that are fun, free and educational.  And it encourages learning and new opportunities for everyone from toddlers to seniors.

Watch for details of special Summer Reading events in this and future Library News columns all summer.  And pick up a copy of the events calendar each month at your library to be sure you and your family don’t miss any of the fun.  There are three versions – children, teens and adults.

Gaming tomorrow

 Enjoy free all-ages video gaming on the X-box 360 Kinect tomorrow, Friday, July 1 from 2:30 – 3:45 p.m.  

Makerspace Saturday

Kids, tweens and teens are invited to a free Makerspace session on Saturday, July 2 from 11 a.m. to noon when we’ll provide the materials so you can build, design and create.

Teen gaming

Free teen gaming happens on Wednesday, July 6 from 4–5:30 p.m. for teens in the 6^th-12^th grades.  Enjoy X-box 360 Kinect, Wii and snacks.

Summer Reading Club for kids

Our Summer Reading Club for kids K-5^th grade takes place next Thursday, July 7  from 10 – 11:30 p.m. when we’ll dive under the waves to discover all the ocean resources there.  Note no Summer Reading Club today, June 30.

Dungeons & Dragons virtually and in person

Next Thursday, July 7 from 3-5 p.m., is our ongoing virtual Dungeons & Dragons game free for teens and young adults, available every other Thursday on Discord.  Then join us next Tuesday, July 12 from 4-6 p.m. for our ongoing in-person Dungeons & Dragons game.  Contact claire@pagosalibrary.org to learn how to join either or both games.  Free in-person sessions take place at your library on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month.

Writing challenge

A new all-ages writing challenge will be posted July 11 on the library’s Facebook page.  We hope you will challenge your creativity by participating in this free activity.

StoryWalk in new location

Our very popular StoryWalk has resumed at a new location.  We are pleased to partner with the Town of Pagosa Springs to bring the StoryWalk to the River Walk downtown.  It starts at the Community Center and heads north toward the green houses.  The July 1-10 featured book is “Blue Sky, White Stars” by Sarvinder Naberhaus.

Family storytime

Wednesdays from 10-11 a.m. join us for free in-person children’s stories, games and plenty of reasons to get up and move.  July 6 is a free play session.

ESL classes

Free in-person evening classes take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays with 4-5 p.m. reserved for beginners and 5-7 p.m. for both intermediate and advanced students.  Please help us spread the word about these classes to others in our community who would be interested, and contact us by phone or email if you have any questions.  

Las clases de ESL

Las clases nocturnas gratuitas en persona se llevan a cabo los martes y jueves de 4 a 7 p.m. Los estudiantes principiantes asisten de 4 a 5 p.m., estudiantes intermedios de 5-6 p.m. y estudiantes avanzados de 7-8 p.m. Por favor, ayúdenos a correr la voz sobre estas clases a otras personas en nuestra comunidad que estén interesadas, y contáctenos por teléfono o correo electrónico si tiene alguna pregunta. 

Library hours

Most of our programs happen in person and curbside service continues. Also, our hours are back to pre-COVID levels – and even more on weekdays:

• Monday, Wednesday and Friday open 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Tuesdays and Thursdays open 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Saturdays open 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Activities calendars available

To be sure you don’t miss any of the free library activities available to you and your family, we encourage you to pick up a copy of the events calendar each month.  There are three versions – children, teens and adults.

Downloadable books 

CloudLibrary has a wide variety of downloadable e-books and audiobooks for all ages. Accessing your library’s free digital collection has never been easier. You just need to download the cloudLibrary app, answer a few simple questions, select AspenCat Union Catalog for the name of your library, then enter your library card number and 4-digit PIN. You are now ready to browse, borrow and read e-books and audiobooks using cloudLibrary. Library staff are happy to help you set up your device if you need assistance. 

DVDs

“Father Stu” stars Mark Wahlberg in this inspiring true story.  “Fatherhood” is also a true story, about a widowed dad.  “Turning Red” is a Disney Pixar animated movie.

Books on CD

“Nightwork” by Nora Roberts is the beginning of a new mystery series featuring a thief.  “Tom Clancy’s Op-Center Call of Duty” by Jeff Rovin is a thriller.  “Sparring Partners” by John Grisham contains three legal thrillers.  “Every Cloak Rolled in Blood” by James Lee. Burke is an opioid-related mystery.  “Aeon Rising” by Matthew Mather is book one of a new apocalyptic series.  “Stephen Leeds Death and Faxes” by Brandon Sanderson is a techno-thriller addition to the Stephen (Legion) Leeds’ universe.  “Tom Clancy Zero Hour” by Don Bentley is a Jack Ryan Jr. thriller.

Large print

“Aunt Dimity and the Enchanted Cottage” by Nancy Atherton is an Aunt Dimity mystery.           

Mysteries and thrillers

“Sparring Partners” by John Grisham contains three legal thrillers.

Other novels

“Let Your Light Shine” by local author Lynn Moffett is part of her Incursion series.

Donations  

We are grateful to Patricia Howard and Donald Logan for their very generous monetary contribution in honor of Bob and Carole Howard, and to our anonymous donors for their materials donations.  Please put your materials donations into the dropbox at the library – not at City Market, which is reserved for returns.  

Library foundation

Please consider a tax-deductible donation to the Ruby M. Sisson Memorial Library Foundation. To respond to the evolving needs of our community, we are now working on a $4 million project to expand our building so that we can provide private study rooms, an intergenerational hands-on learning space, easy access to self-checkout and drop-off, a beautiful outdoor reading garden and an endowment for the future.  Mail checks to P.O. Box 2045, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147 or call Cindi Galabota at 970-264-2209.

Quotable Quote

“Even if you are not dealt the best cards, you can still win the hand.  I did a lot of bluffing along the way.” – Lee Trevino, legendary American professional golfer who is regarded as one of the greatest players in golf history. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1981.