The all-new free Lifelong Learning lecture series begins today, October 13, and runs for six weeks every Thursday through November 17 from 6:00-7:30pm – our first in-person LLL series since the fall of 2019, before COVID.
You’ll hear from Scott Graham, the Durango author of a popular National Park mystery series, on October 13; Dr. Jean Strahlendorf discussing the pros and cons of Initiative 58 that would legalize the uses of psychedelics in clinical settings for treating some medical issues, on October 20; Paula Woerner, head of the Wolfwood Refuge for rescued wolves in LaPlata County, on October 27; C. Neal Johnson offering information on Business with a Mission (BAM), on November 3; April Holthaus and Dan Senjem on the Archuleta County Genealogical Society, on November 10 and Mott Hoover from the Colorado Avalanche Center, on November 17.
Go to https://pagosalibrary.org/adult-services/ or pick up a brochure at your library for more details on all these outstanding presentations.
Restaurant Week benefits library
This week, October 11-16, is Restaurant Week in Pagosa – a unique opportunity created to benefit your library when many of our community’s finest restaurants will feature menu items dedicated to this event. You can explore new restaurants or revisit old favorites, dine in or take out – all while contributing to your library’s campaign to raise funds to expand and renovate your library.
The idea came from local restaurant owners Shelly Cox and Audrey Bliss. Both are big fans and frequent patrons of the library, and Shelly is on the Foundation’s campaign committee.
You can find a full list of participating restaurants at https://pagosalibrary.org/library-foundation/pagosa-restaurant-week/. Among the first restaurants to sign up were Alley House Grille, Chavelo’s Mexican Restaurant, Gustavo Ristorente Italiano, Higher Grounds Coffee Company, The Lost Cajun, Meltdown on Main, The Neon Mallard Cocktail Lounge, Ole Miner’s Steak and Chophouse, Pagosa Baking Company, Riff Raff Brewing Company and Riff Raff on the Rio, Rosie’s Pizzeria, Colorado Roadhouse and Two Chicks and a Hippie.
We expect even more restaurants to join this important fundraising effort by the time you read this. Each restaurant is choosing their own way to participate and give to the library. For example, one restaurant will donate $1 for every bowl of Cajun classic sold. You do not need to sign up in advance or bring a coupon. Just go to the restaurant of your choice and ask them what on their menu is part of the Restaurant Week event for the library. And please thank them for helping us all support this important fundraising effort.
Homework help
Free homework assistance and elementary tutoring are available for K-fourth grades on Wednesdays from 3:30-4:30 p.m. this month. 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. We are hopeful that the program will be able to continue, but it may depend on the availability of volunteers and the needs of the school.
No PALS/GED adult education in October
There will be no PALS sessions in October as Mark, the instructor, will be out of state working one of his other jobs.
Online author talks continue today
There are three more events this month in our free online 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. Today, Thursday, October 13, at 2 p.m. we’ll hear from Dr. Aziz Gazipura, author of “Not Nice: Stop People Pleasing, Staying Silent & Feeling Guilty.” On Tuesday, October 18 at 5 p.m. we’ll meet with Zain Asher, author of “Where the Children Take Us.” On Tuesday, October 25 we’ll gather with Kate Quinn, author of “The Diamond Eye.”
Go to https://pagosalibrary.org/adult-services/ to learn more.
Paws to Read tomorrow
Friday, October 14 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.
Makerspace on Saturday
Kids, tweens and teens are invited to a free Makerspace session on Saturday, October 15 from 11 a.m. to noon when we’ll provide the materials so you can build, design and create.
Dungeons & Dragons
Next Thursday, October 20 from 4-6 p.m. join our virtual Dungeons & Dragons game free for teens and young adults on Discord. Space is limited and registration is required. Contact claire@pagosalibrary.org to join.
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.
Nonfiction
“Banned Books” is a chronicle of the world’s most controversial books, past and present, from Grimm’s Fairy Tales to “Catcher in the Rye.” “Operation Pineapple Express” by Lt. Col. Scott Mann (ret.) is the true story of retired Green Berets and other combat veterans who saved hundreds of Afghans in the chaos of America’s withdrawal from Kabul.
Novels
“The Physician’s Daughter” by Martha Conway is a romance about a woman who wants to become a country doctor in the 1860s. “The Ways We Hide” by Kristina McMorris is a World War II tale of a woman recruited by British intelligence, inspired by true events. “Carrie Soto is Back” by Taylor Jenkins Reid tells of a legendary tennis player attempting a comeback when the world considers her past her prime.
Donations
We are grateful to Joanne Ferko 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
“When life seems hard, the courageous do not lie down and accept defeat; instead, they are all the more determined to struggle for a better future.” Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022) in her 2008 Christmas message broadcast throughout the U.K. and Commonwealth countries around the world on TV, radio and the internet.
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.
The Ruby Sisson Memorial Library has been located at 811 San Juan Street (corner of S. 8th and Hwy 160) since 1989. The library is overseen by the Upper San Juan Library District, a tax-funded special district in Archuleta County.