As we adapt to the darker days of winter, books can be even more popular companions for your children if you follow some or all of these tips:
Set aside a specific time each day for reading. Read together and create time for children to read on their own. A nighttime reading routine is especially rewarding.
Create a fun reading space in your home, such as a tent or fort with comfy pillows, bean bags and blankets – and, of course, a shelf or basket of books.
Be a role model. If your kids see you reading, you’re setting a good example.
Ensure reading materials are readily available in your home and carry them with you everywhere – including in your car and when you go to appointments where you might have to wait.
Introduce youngsters to a book series to help keep reading interest high over time.
Regularly take your children to the library to attend some of the many activities appropriate for their age and to pick out books. Allowing them to choose what they want to read helps nurture lifelong readers.
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.
Save the Date for Library Affair
Now that you’ve got your 2023 calendar on the go, we hope you will note the date of Saturday, April 15 for the second annual Library Affair fundraiser for our building campaign to expand and renovate your library. This elegant event will feature a silent auction of different table settings designed by some of Pagosa’s most creative artists. If you want to decorate a table for this prestigious event, please call Cindi Galabota, library foundation director, at 970-264-2209.
Paws to Read tomorrow
Friday, January 20 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, January 21 from 11 a.m. to noon when we’ll provide the materials so you can build, design and create.
Children’s Spanish class
Join us next Monday, January 23 from 3-4 p.m. for a Spanish class for kids aged six to 11 to help youngsters learn and improve their Spanish.
One more online author talk this month
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. This session is part of 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. Go to https://pagosalibrary.org/adult-services/ to learn more.
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.
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.
Books on CD
“One Last Secret” by Adele Parks features a lady working for an escort service whose secret may be revealed. “Tom Clancy Red Winter” by Marc Cameron is a Jack Ryan adventure. “Desert Star” by Michael Connelly features LAPD Det. Renee Ballard. “Double Holiday” and “One Royal Holiday” are romance stories. “Last Holiday” stars Queen Latifah. “White Christmas” is the holiday classic.
Nonfiction
“Your Income Tax 2023” is a J. K. Lasser guide that includes tax changes from the Inflation Reduction Act. “Healthy Brain Zone” by Don Colbert, M.D. is a guide to help you reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia. “Eco Crafts” by Susan Wasinger contains 30 eco-friendly projects for your home. “The Stress Prescription” by psychologist Elissa Epel is a plan to turn your stress into a strength. “Bone Broth Breakthrough” by Kellyann Pettrucci offers lifestyle recommendations for women’s health concerns.
Large print westerns
“Ralph Compton: The Guns of Wrath” by Tony Healey is a Gunfighter series adventure. “Sons of Thunder” by William W. and J.A. Johnstone is a book five in the Slash and Pecos series.
Other novels
“The Lipstick Bureau” by Michelle Gable is a story inspired by true World War II events at a spy agency.
Donations
Many thanks to Susan and Terry Arrington as well as Linda Sue King for their generous monetary 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 2013 or newer and nonfiction that is 2018 or newer. Limited workroom space means we can only accept one or two small boxes at a time.
Quotable Quote
“Allow yourself to be awed by life… you might find yourself living for a very long time and prospering” – William Shatner, Canadian actor best known as Captain Kirk in the Star Trek series.
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.