On April 22, 1970, Americans marched and demonstrated in the streets for a healthy, sustainable environment in massive rallies across the U.S. on our country’s first Earth Day. An estimated 20 million people from 10,000 elementary and high schools, 2,000 colleges, and more than 1,000 communities participated that day. (It was rumored that the date of April 22 was chosen because it fell between colleges’ spring breaks and final exams.)
Not only did the first Earth Day result in an impressive turnout, it also achieved an unusual political alignment. Republicans and Democrats and people from all demographics – students, union members, farmers, scientists, community leaders and politicians – all came together to support the environment.
This accomplishment is even more remarkable when you consider that all of the organizing and communicating was done without emails, cell phones, the internet, social media or even fax machines.
The first Earth Day gave environmental issues national and political attention. It also influenced the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and numerous laws that protect our environment.
In 1990 Earth Day went global, mobilizing more than 200 million people in 141 countries. This event put environmental issues on the world stage, paving the way for the 1992 United Nations Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. Ten years later, Earth Day 2000 focused on climate change and clean energy. Approximately 5,000 environmental groups and 184 countries participated, reaching hundreds of millions of people.
Now more than a billion people around the world participate in various Earth Day activities and events each April 22.
We invite you to participate in Earth Day by stopping by your library on April 22 to pick up your free pollinator-themed takeaway kit, while supplies last.
Local author
“Pearls of Winter” by Lisa J. Jisa is the story of a woman who moves from the American Midwest to Uganda on a whim, searching for a fresh start. The author, who recently moved to Pagosa from Wisconsin, donated a copy to the library for your reading pleasure.
CD player to borrow
Do you need a CD player? We have one you can check out. Ask at the front desk.
Teen writers next Wednesday
Teen writers from 4th-12th grade are invited to your library on Wednesday, April 27 from 4 – 5 p.m. Stories, poetry, graphic novels, fan fiction – it’s all welcome.
Spanish conversation next Thursday
Next Thursday, April 22 from 6-7 p.m., we will gather in person at the library to practice speaking and listening skills together. There is no minimum skill level required to attend. As an alternative, you can learn Spanish and many other languages using the Transparent Language Learning database available at https:pagosalibrary.org/online-resources/
Special 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. Special guests Lisa Baker and her friend Fluffy Dog will provide puppets and storytelling on April 27.
Adult education
Our free PALS (Pagosa Adult Learning Services) session take place on Thursdays from 5:30-8 p.m. when Mark helps with high school equivalency, GED, college prep, financial aid, tutoring and more.
Writing challenge
A new all-ages writing challenge will be posted April 25 on the library’s Facebook page. We hope you will challenge your creativity by participating in this free all-ages activity.
Library hours
Most of our programs are happening 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.
Academy Award DVDs
“Summer of Soul” won best documentary for its portrayal of the Harlem Cultural Festival concert in 1969. “The Eyes of Tammy Faye” won best actress for Jessica Chastain as well as best makeup and hairstyling. “Belfast” was nominated for seven awards and won for best original screenplay. “Attica” was a nominee for best documentary feature.
Other DVDs
“Redeeming Love” is a love story set during the California Gold Rush of 1850. “Sing 2” is an animated movie featuring singing and dancing. “The Poison Squad” is a documentary featuring a government chemist whose work on dangerous food laid the groundwork for U.S. consumer protection laws and the creation of the FDA. “Benjamin Franklin” is the PBS documentary film by Ken Burns.
Large print
“Fear Thy Neighbor” by Fern Michaels is a mystery set on Palmetto Island. “The Missing Piece” by John Lescroart is a Dismas Hardy mystery. “The Golden Couple” by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen features a maverick therapist advising a married couple. “The Recovery Agent” by Janet Evanovich starts a new adventure series featuring Gabriela Rose.
Books on CD
“The Missing Piece” by John Lescroart is a Dismas Hardy mystery. “Safe House” by Stuart Woods is a Stone Barrington adventure. “French Braid” by Pulitzer Prize-winner Anne Tyler follows a family from the 1950s to COVID. “The Recovery Agent” by Janet Evanovich starts a new adventure series featuring Gabriela Rose.
Nonfiction
“You, Happier” by Dr. Daniel G Amen, a psychiatrist, explores seven neuroscience secrets of feeling good based on your brain type. “All the White Friends I Couldn’t Keep” by Andre Henry offers a path for Blacks and people of color based on the history of nonviolent struggle. “The Worth of Water” by Gary White and Matt Damon describes how a water expert and an actor came together to help more than 40 million people access water and better health.
Donations
We are grateful 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
“Never give up. Always chase after your dreams. I fight each and every day. Each and every day is a challenge. Each and every day presents its own different challenges for all of us. I wake up and start the fight all over again.” – Tiger Woods, playing April 7-10 in the Master tournament in serious pain after 14 months away from competitive golf as a result of a near-fatal car accident.
Website
For more information on library books, services and programs – and to reserve books, e-books, books on CD and DVDs from the comfort of your home – please visit our website at https://pagosalibrary.org.