Jenifer Doane is our new early literacy/children’s librarian. She replaces Josie Snow, who has moved to the teen services position, replacing Claire Spence who resigned in November to take a job in a larger library in Bloomfield.
Jen comes to us with an abundance of enthusiasm and a wide variety of experience in other Colorado libraries and educational settings. She has a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Colorado, a bachelor’s degree in technical journalism from Colorado State, and she is currently finishing an information and library science professional certification through the University of Maine.
She says she finds joy in teaching and working with children and families. “My ultimate goal is to facilitate engaging programs that inspire library visitors to become leaders in their lives and communities,” Jen said.
Jen also is dedicated to giving back to others, especially to those less fortunate. “As a low-income, first-generation college student I have some understanding and experience with the institutional barriers that exist in society for some groups and not others,” she said.
Meg Wempe, library director, said she is delighted to have Jen join the Pagosa library team. “She brings experience and an excitement to the position and we all look forward to working with her.”
For those of you keeping count, Meg points out that adding Jenifer brings to five on our staff with names beginning with J – Josie, Judy, Jeanne, Jennifer and now Jen. There are four staff bucking the J trend – Carmelita, Dennise, Mark and Meg.
Five staff are fulltime and four are parttime.
Next time you are in the library, please welcome Jen to our library team.
Library closure
Your library will be closed on Monday, January 16 for the Martin Luther King. Jr. holiday.
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.
Online author talk today
There are three 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, January 12 at noon, we’ll interact with Namina Forna, author of “The Gilded Ones,” an epic fantasy young adult series. Tuesday, January 17 at noon showcases Dana K. White, creator of the popular podcast and blog A Slob Comes Clean as she imparts tips from her books “Organizing for the Rest of Us” and “Decluttering at the Speed of Life.” On Tuesday, January 31 at noon we’ll meet with Randall Munroe, creator of “XKCD: What If,” a webcomic of romance, sarcasm, math and language.
Go to https://pagosalibrary.org/adult-services/ to learn more.
Legal clinic tomorrow
The free legal clinic this month is happening by appointment tomorrow, Friday, January 13 from 2 – 3 p.m. Come into the library to meet privately via Zoom with our volunteer attorney who will answer your questions, show you legal documents and help you fill out the necessary forms. To schedule an appointment, at the beginning of the month send an email titled “Sign-up for Free Legal Clinic,” with your first name and phone number to ruby@pagosalibrary.org, or phone 970-264-2209 or stop by the library. The volunteer attorney’s time is limited so it’s first-come first-served. This clinic takes place on the second Friday of every month.
LEGO Club on Saturday
Kids aged six and up are invited to bring your imaginations – LEGOs are provided – on Saturday, January 14 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.
Spanish conversation next Tuesday
Next Tuesday, January 17 from 4:30-5:30 p.m., we will gather at the library to practice speaking and listening skills together at this free session. No minimum skill level is required to attend. You also can learn Spanish and many other languages using the Transparent Language Learning database available at https:pagosalibrary.org/online-resources/
Homework and tutoring help
Our highly popular 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.
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 January 16 on the library’s Facebook page. We hope you will challenge your creativity by participating in this free activity.
DVDs
“Taken Hostage” is a film about the Iran crisis when 52 Americans were held hostage in Tehran. “Becoming Frederick Douglass” is a PBS documentary about this former slave who became a leader of the abolitionist movement. “The Banshees of Inisherin” stars Colin Farrell and Brendon Gleeson and is set on a remote island off the coast of Ireland. “Lifemark” is inspired by a true story of a birth mother seeking her 18-year-old son. “Strong Fathers Strong Daughters” is a heartwarming story of faith.
Nonfiction
“1001 Deductions & Tax Breaks 2023” by Barbara Weltman is a J. K. Lasser tax guide. “2023 Chase’s Calendar of Events” is a guide for special days, weeks and months in this new year. “The Benham Book of Palmistry” by William G. Benham is a reformatted edition with more than 100 illustrations and photos. “Injustice” by John Paul Mac Isaac is the story of the man who made Hunter Biden’s laptop public.
Thrillers, suspense and mysteries
“The Last Invitation” by Darby Kane is about an exclusive club of women who mete out justice to men who have behaved badly.
Other novels
“The Dressmakers of Prospect Heights” by Kitty Zeldis is set in Brooklyn in 1924 as New York City enters the Jazz Age. “Blood of the Serpent” by S.M. Sterling is a stand-alone fantasy featuring Conan. “At Certain Points We Touch” by Lauren John Joseph is a story of first love.
Quotable Quote
“We should slow down, let life surprise us, and embrace the significance in the everyday” – Joshua Hicks and Frank Martela, coauthors of a series of studies showing that people who have a strong appreciation for moments of beauty are more likely to feel that their existence is meaningful.
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.