LIBRARY NEWS: Multiple New, Fun Events for All Ages

Your library is offering multiple new fun, free events for all ages this month, including during Spring Break March 20-25.

Teens are invited to enjoy a free rebranded online GM Playground DnD program today, Thursday, March 2, from 4-6pm that will now be open to a wider variety of players on the first and third Thursdays of every month. Game Masters (GMs) can lead a variety of tabletop role-playing games but sometimes are uncertain how to start or may want to test a new idea before running a full campaign. This program will give you space to do that. Interested GMs should contact the library to sign up to run a one-shot game (no more than three sessions).

Pagosa Unplugged is a program for amateur musicians who would like a safe, supportive, non-bar setting to play, sing or both with other people. It will take place the first and third Mondays of the month from 4-6pm starting March 6. Anyone under age 18 is welcome with a signed parental permission, available at your library. For program information contact Susan at 970-946-3396 (not the library).

Teens are welcome to benefit from a college and scholarship essay review on March 6 and 20 from 3:30 – 4:30pm. Come in and get another person to look over your essay before you send it.

Two new children’s programs will help kids celebrate Youth Art Month in March. Little Picassos next Friday, March 10 from 10-11am for artists aged one to four uses art to teach literacy skills. Participants should come ready to get messy. All materials are safe and nontoxic.

Kids Create! also on Friday, March 10, from 2-3pm, is for kids ages five to eight. Participants will practice reading while creating mixed-media art pieces based on a picture book.

A new Sit & Knit adult knitting time launches on the second Saturday of each month from 1-3pm starting March 11. It is aimed at anyone over the age of 18 who would like to come and work on your project, or get some help if you are stuck on a project.

A Learn to Knit class will take place on the fourth Saturday of the month beginning March 25 from 1-3pm for ages eight and above. Several experienced knitting teachers would love to share their knowledge and craft with you.

Each weekday during Spring Break we’ll host a free hour of games with prizes for ages six and up. Watch for details in a future Library News column.

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.

Save the date for library fundraiser
We hope you will note Saturday, April 15 on your calendar for the second annual Library Affair fundraiser for our building campaign to expand and renovate your library. This elegant evening event will take place at the Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts starting at 6 p.m. It 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. Tickets are $50 and will go on sale on March 15 at the library and online.

Special teen and tween event tomorrow
Teens and tweens will want to join us tomorrow, Friday, March 3, for our free Teen and Tween Takeover of the library from 2-4 p.m. During that time, our conversational computers will be reserved only for users aged nine-19.

Event for first-time moms next Tuesday
San Juan Basin Public Health will be at your library next Tuesday, March 7 from 1-3 p.m. for a free session to guide first-time moms on how to make a better future for yourself and your baby.

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.

Nonfiction
“Walk the Blue Line” by James Patterson and Matt Eversmann is a collection of true stories showcasing the courage, anger and joy of American police officers on the job. “The Climate Book” is a handbook by Greta Thunberg, 20-year-old Swedish activist working to address the problems of climate change.

Books on CD
“The Devil’s Ransom” by Brad Taylor is a Pike Logan thriller. “Exiles” by Jane Harper, set in Australia, focuses on a mother who disappeared. “The Faraway World” by Patricia Engel is a collection of stories showcasing people involved in Latin American immigration “Secrets of the Morning” by V.C. Andrews is part of the dark family Cutler series.

Mysteries and thrillers
“What Child is This” by Bonnie Macbird is Sherlock Holms adventure. “A Trace of Poison” by Colleen Cambridge is a Phyllida Bright mystery featuring Agatha Christie’s housekeeper. “Wild and Wicked Things” by Francesca May is a tale of dark magic, romance and murder. “The Justice of Kings” by Richard Swan is an epic fantasy featuring a man who is a detective, judge and executioner all in one.

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
“It’s not what you don’t know that hurts you. It’s what you know for sure that ain’t true.” – Mark Twain (1835-1910), American writer, humorist and lecturer.

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.

Carole Howard & Library Staff

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.