You are cordially invited to attend any or all of our three special events on Saturday, May 13 when true crime and fiction author Ron Franscell will join us to raise funds for your library’s building and expansion campaign.
From 9-11am, he’ll lead a writer’s workshop at your library. Cost is $25. Limit 20 seats.
From 12:30-1:15pm, he’ll host a free gathering for book clubs and other readers at the library to discuss his psychological thriller “Deaf Row.” There is no charge for this session but seating is limited.
From 6-8:30pm, (note time change from last week’s Library News column) he’ll be at the Tennyson Event Center at 197 Navajo Trail Drive for a special fireside chat interview with hors d’oeuvres from Christine’s Cuisine and a cash bar. Tickets are $40 in advance and $45 at the door. Limited seating.
If you attend both the writer’s workshop and fireside chat interview you are eligible for a discounted price of $55 per person. Tickets are available at your library or at pagosalibrary.org.
A former reporter and a current New York Times bestselling author, Franscell may be best known for “The Darkest Night,” his true account of the 1975 crimes against two childhood friends in the small Wyoming community where he grew up. Today he and his wife live in Placitas, N.M.
Note that Franscell’s books are on sale at the library as part of this special fundraising effort sponsored by the Ruby Sisson Foundation and Friends, and also available to be borrowed from the library’s collection.
New writers support group begins today
On Thursdays beginning today, May 4, from 9-11am the Ruby Writers Guild will welcome writers who are looking for opportunities, support and camaraderie with other writers. Members will provide support, resources and guidance for each other.
Lifelong Learning today
Our free spring Lifelong Learning lectures from 6-7:15pm. on Thursdays continue with three more in May. Today, May 4, features award-winning writer C. Neal Johnson who will teach you how to write a feature-length movie script. Note this presentation only is from 5:30 – 7 p.m. May 11 highlights Dr. Janice McIntyre with an introductory yoga class so you should wear comfortable clothing and bring a bottle of water. May 18 features Arleen Prochazka from the Pagosa Weather Team describing the services they offer to our community and telling us about North American monsoon formation and its impact on our local mountains. Pick up a brochure at the library for more details on these interesting and informative presentations.
Powerhouse fun tomorrow
Grades K-5th grade will enjoy hands-on STEAM projects tomorrow, Friday, May 5 from 3-4pm focusing on circuits and tinker technology.
Book buddies Saturday
Grades K-2nd grade will celebrate favorite book characters with books and art Saturday, May 6 from 10-11am at this free event.
Beginner computer class
Join us from 1-2pm May 8 for the third session and May 10 for the fourth in a free beginner computer class Mondays and Wednesdays aimed at adults who want to learn practical skills related to PC use, emails, and creating new documents and folders. Registration is required. Note that when you sign up you are committing to all eight sessions in this month-long program.
Adult book club next Tuesday
Ruby’s Book Club meets in person from 2-3pm on Tuesday, May 9 to discuss the classic “The Bell Jar” by Sylvia Plath. Copies are available at your library. This book club is held the second Tuesday of each month, alternating between fiction and nonfiction titles. Anyone is welcome to attend.
Read with a Ranger
Children aged three and above are invited to a free session Wednesday, May 10 from 10-11am when they will enjoy stories read by U.S. National Forest rangers and make a nature craft. This special event replaces our regular family storytime.
Knowledge Bowl
Our free middle school Knowledge Bowl takes place next Thursday, May 11 from 4-5 p.m. for tweens and teens. Participants form teams of up to six people to compete against each other by answering questions that cover a range of topics from math to spelling to pop culture. Knowledge Bowl runs every second and fourth Thursday for the remainder of the school year. It is open to students in grades four–eight, or ages 11-14. No registration required.
PALS/GED adult education
Join Mark for his free PALS sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 – 8 p.m. to help with high school equivalency, GED, college prep, financial aid, tutoring and more.
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. No appointment needed for these drop-in sessions.
Nonfiction
“Keep Your Eye on the Ball and Other Cliches to Live By” by Dr. Carolyn Lee is an inspirational look at well-worn platitudes. “Saved” by Benjamin Hall is a memoir by this Fox News reporter gravely injured in Kyiv. “A Living Remedy” by Nicole Chung is a memoir about a family facing a lack of access to healthcare.
Mysteries, thrillers and suspense
“What Lies in the Woods” by Kate Alice Marshall takes place 22 years after young girls’ testimony sent a man to prison. “The Crooked Branch” by Jeanine Cummins tells of two mothers living in two very different times. “Standing Dead” by Margaret Mizushima features Dep. Mattie Cobb and her K-9 partner searching for her missing mother.
Other novels
“The Island of Missing Trees” by Elif Shafak begins with the blossoming love of two teens, a Greek and a Turkish Cypriot. “The Flames” by Sophie Haydock features four women in social elite Vienna at the dawn of the 20th century.
Large print
“Weyward” by Emilia Hart ranges from the witch-hunts of the 17th century to a similar situation today. “It’s One of Us” by J.T. Ellison begins when a killer is identified as a sperm donor’s son. “The Golden Spoon” by Jessa Maxwell is a mystery that takes place at a bestselling baker’s home. “The Sister Effect” by Susan Mallery features two sisters and the daughter of one of them.
Books on CD
“Those Empty Eyes” by Charlie Donlea features a legal investigator whose history as a lone survivor of her family’s slaughter coincides with current crimes. “Wild Warriors” by Nicholas Sansbury Smith and Anthony J. Melchiorri is the final book in the New Frontier sci-fi trilogy. “Dark Angel” by John Sandford is a Letty Davenport mystery. “Shadow of Death” by Heather Graham is a thriller that begins in caves outside Denver.
Quotable Quote
“I’ve learned that the secret to finding your passion is to start bringing passion and enthusiasm to everything you do. And I do mean everything…. Whether you’re making the bed, brushing your teeth or cleaning the cat box, do it like you really want to do it. This one habit can change everything.” — Marie Forleo, American entrepreneur, podcaster and author of advice books.
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.