The Colorado Talking Book Library (CTBL) is a free service from your library that lends talking (audio) and Braille books and magazines, as well as large print books, for people who have eye issues, or have physical or learning disabilities that make it difficult to read regular books. All of the audio books and most Braille books are also available for on-demand downloads.
CTBL wants you to know that Talking Books are not just for blind people – although they are a godsend for people unable to see. The service is also available to people who experience physical disabilities or illnesses that prevent them from holding a book, sitting up for longer periods of time, have a learning disability or difficulty turning the pages of a book.
Talking Books are completely free – no charge for the books, no charge for the talking book player and no charge for the postage to mail the books back to the library. Your books come through the U.S. Postal Service with all postage paid.
To sign up, go to https://myctbl.cde.state.co.us/ and click on Getting Started/Application.
Free family crafts event Saturday
Join us Saturday, August 5 from 10 a.m. – noon for Craftapalooza, a fun free family crafts event for families with children aged three and up. Create a variety of crafts from making unicorn headbands to upcycled CDs at more than 10 different craft stations. Stop by anytime during those two hours and stay as long as you want.
Music fun Monday
Pagosa Unplugged is free from 4-6 p.m. Monday, August 7 for amateur musicians who would like a safe, supportive, non-bar setting to play, sing or both with other people. 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).
Adult book club Tuesday
Ruby’s Book Club meets from 2-3 p.m. next Tuesday, August 8 to discuss “The Ways We Hide” by Kristina McMorris. Copies are available at your library. This free book club is held the second Tuesday of each month, alternating between fiction and nonfiction titles. Anyone is welcome to attend.
Action Drawing for teens, tweens
This month we have a free art program for teens and tweens called Action Drawing every Tuesday from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. led by Dean Dempster. You’ll take turns posing for each other in playful exercises and learn to capture the essence of your friends quickly and freely. You’ll also learn the basics of sketching figures, portraits, hands and feet. Registration required.
Composting 101
Learn the art and importance of composting for your garden at a free session with West Davies next Thursday, August 10 from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Kickoff to Kindergarten
A free four-week school readiness program for ages four-and-a-half to six to prepare youngsters for the first year of school happens on Thursday, August 10, 17 and 24 from 10-11 a.m. Activities will include circle time, group activities, playtime and storytime while exploring reading, writing and math. Parents can participate for limited time periods each week. Preregistration required in person or by phone at 970-264-2209. Attendance at all sessions is recommended.
STEAM program
Camp Connect is a free STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) program for fifth-eighth graders next Wednesday, August 9 from noon-2 p.m.. Registration is required.
Wacky Wednesdays for kids
Ages six-11 are invited to get silly and play next Wednesday, August 9 from 2:30-3:30 P.M. when each week will be a different free fun activity.
Writers support group
Thursdays from 9-11 a.m. Ruby’s Writers Guild welcomes writers looking for opportunities, support, resources and camaraderie with other writers at this free gathering.
PALS/GED adult education
Join Mark or Sally for free PALS sessions Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 – 8 p.m. to help with high school equivalency, GED, college prep, financial aid, tutoring and more.
Local authors
“Through the Ash, New Leaves” is volume 1 of “Cutthroat,” a Journal of the Arts and the Black Earth Institute. It contains work by more than 100 contributors.
Spanish-language bestseller
“Al Codigo da Vinci” by Dan Brown is the Spanish-language version of the 2003 bestselling mystery thriller “The da Vinci Code,” the author’s second novel featuring symbologist Robert Langdon and cryptologist Sophie Neveu investigating a murder at the Louvre museum.
Nonfiction books on CD
“Outsmart Your Brain” by Professor Daniel T. Willingham is a guide to improving test scores and grades with more than 90 studying tips. “Overtime Time,” edited by Lisa F. Berkman and Beth C. Truesdale, explores the future of the American workforce and aging, with contributions by experts in economics, sociology, psychology, political science and epidemiology.
Other nonfiction
“The War on Drugs: A History” edited by David Farber analyzes the purpose and results of what many consider a losing battle. “Space at the Speed of Light” by Oxford University astrophysicist Dr. Becky Smethurst is an illustrated tour of time and space for the Astro-curious.
Novels
“A Good House for Children” by Kate Collins is a feminist gothic tale set in England. “The Paris Daughter” by Kristin Harmel is a historical novel set in Paris in 1939 at the beginning of World War II.
Large print
“Coldwater Range” by John D. Nesbitt is a western. “Dead Man’s Trail” by Nate Morgan is book one of the new Carson Stone western series. “Flags on the Bayou” by James Lee Burke is a love story that begins in 1863. “Robert B. Parker’s Bad Influence” by Alison Gaylin is a Sunny Randall mystery.
Thanks to our donors
We are grateful to John Prutsman for his donation of materials. 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 from 2018 or newer. Limited workroom space means we can only accept one or two small boxes at a time.
Quotable Quote
“There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats.” – Nobel Prize winner Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965), doctor and missionary.
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.