Thanks to a partnership between the Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Colorado State Library, we have two backpacks for free checkout that contain a state park pass, binoculars, a wildlife guide, a trees and wildlife guide, a book about the 42 state parks, and more. The backpacks can be checked out for a full week and renewed for an additional week. They cannot be placed on hold. Consider it a “Lucky Day” pickup item, meaning that if you come in and it’s available, you can check it out.
Also, your library has a bike repair toolkit available for free check out. This toolkit includes a handbook entitled “Essential Road Bike Maintenance Handbook” by Todd Downs and a toolbox filled with the essential tools needed for basic bicycle repairs. The handbook covers topics such as frame, pedals, brakes and more. The library also offers a variety of other bicycle resources for people of all ages including maps, guidebooks and historical information.
Activities calendars
Pick up monthly events calendars at the library so you don’t miss any of the free activities available to you and your family.
Kickoff to Kindergarten
The last session in our free four-week school readiness program for ages four-and-a-half to six to prepare youngsters for the first year of school happens today, Thursday, August 24 from 10-11am. 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.
Read Baby Read tomorrow
Babies up to 18 months will love this free interactive storytime from 10-11AM on Friday, August 25 where we will sing, bounce and laugh as we enjoy age-appropriate books and songs.
Magic the Gathering tomorrow
Teens and tweens are invited to join us for this strategic fantasy card game on Friday, August 25 from 4-6pm. All playing levels are welcome. Bring your own deck.
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 – 1:30pm 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.
Teen movie
Join us for free popcorn, a movie and time with your friends next Wednesday, August 30 from 4-6pm.
Writers support group
Thursdays from 9-11am Ruby’s Writers Guild welcomes writers looking for opportunities, support, resources and camaraderie with other writers at this free gathering.
Please bring your device’s charger to Tech Time
Free in-person slots are available from 10 a.m.-noon Tuesdays and 2-4 p.m. Thursdays. Judy helps 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, but it is important that you bring your device’s charger with you.
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.
Mysteries and thrillers
“An Honest Man” by Michael Koryta begins with murders on a yacht. “What Harms You” by Lisa Black is a Locard Institute thriller set in a state-of-the-art forensic research center. “Robert Ludlum’s The Bourne Defiance” by Brian Freeman is a Jason Bourne thriller. “The Collector” by Daniel Silva is a Gabriel Allon art conspiracy mystery.
Other novels
“The Keeper of Hidden Books” by Madeline Martin is based on the true story of the underground library in World War II Warsaw. “Crook Manifesto” by Colson Whitehead is a darky comedic tale of Harlem in the 1970s. “Bad Hombres” by William W. Johnstone is a Slash and Pecos western. “Rise of the Red Blade” by Delilah S. Dawson is a Star Wars adventure. “Pete and Alice in Maine” by Caitlin Shetterly explores a fractured marriage during the COVID pandemic.
Nonfiction
“The War Came to Us” by Financial Times correspondent Christopher Miller is an inside story of Ukraine’s long fight for freedom. “More Than You Can See” by Barbara Rubin is a memoir by the mother of a daughter who awakes a different person after a two-week coma. “Random Acts of Medicine” by Drs. Anupam B. Jena and Christopher Worsham is a work about health and economics looking at how invisible forces affect our health. “Better Living Through Birding” by Christian Cooper tells of his lifelong birdwatching hobby that became public after an infamous racial incident in Central Park.
Books on CD
“Tom Lake” by Ann Patchett, read by Meryl Streep, tells of a mother sharing details of her long-ago romance with her three daughters. “The Trap” by Catherine Ryan Howard is a mystery inspired by unsolved disappearances in Ireland. “Dead Fall” by Brad Thor is a Scot Harvath thriller. “Light Bringer” by Pierce Brown is the latest in the Red Rising dystopian sci-fi fantasy series.
Thanks to our donors
We are grateful to our generous monetary donors this week: Cheryl Flynn and Laura Metallo, Susan and Terry Arrington, Dot Alber, Rob Pew and Keith Jacobson at Rio Blanco Backflow. We also thank Medora Bass and Carole Howard for their donations of materials.
Quotable Quote
“Optimism is sustainable. If you can find something to be grateful for, then you can find something to look forward to.” – Michael J. Fox, Canadian and American activist and retired actor who is a leading fundraiser for Parkinson’s research.
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.