Do you know the value of a home library for your youngsters? Research shows that kids who have books in their home have improved vocabulary and overall reading performance; do better in math, science and social studies; perform better on standardized tests; and are more likely to go to college.
Those are impressive skills for your child to cultivate – and they are especially relevant now that Archuleta County kids are back in school.
Another valuable tip to help your youngster be successful in school and in life is reading aloud. You are stimulating language and literacy skills, as well as building motivation, curiosity and memory. The free storytimes at your library can help build a love of reading in your children. Storytimes are a great way for kids to have fun while building the skills they need to become independent readers.
As school starts, this may be a good time for parents, grandparents and other caregivers to make a personal resolution to help build home libraries for your loved ones.
Early library closure
Your library will close early on Monday, August 11 for a staff meeting at 5pm. This is our regular new staff meeting schedule – on the second Monday of the month.
Read Baby Read
The next free interactive storytime for babies up to 18 months takes place tomorrow, Friday September 8 from 10-11am when we will sing, bounce and laugh as we enjoy age-appropriate books and songs.
Beginning chess Saturday
Learn how to play chess with quick lessons and game time to practice your skills on Saturday, September 9 from 9:30-11:30am. All ages and abilities are welcome.
LEGO Club Saturday
Kids aged six-11 are invited to bring your imaginations on Saturday, September 9 from 11am – 1pm for the free LEGO Club. Note the extended time of two hours rather than one. Bring your own LEGOs or use ours.
Adult knitting Saturday
Join new and experienced knitters this Saturday, September 9 for our free Knitters Circle from 1-3pm. It is aimed at anyone over the age of 18 who would like to knit together or get some help if you are stuck on your project.
Medicare intro Monday
Learn about Medicare coverage and how to sign up on Monday, September 11 from 2-3:15pm in a presentation by the San Juan Basin Area Agency on Aging.
Therapy dog visit
Next Wednesday, September 13 from 11 – 11:45am you are invited to come to the library for a free visit with a certified therapy dog. Visits are limited to 10-15 minutes – just the right amount of time to pet the dog, read to the dog or just say “Hi.” This is an all-ages activity.
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 10am-noon Tuesdays and 2-4pm 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 – 8pm to help with high school equivalency, GED, college prep, financial aid, tutoring and more.
Nonfiction
“The Underworld” by Susan Casey describes the latest technology to journey to the depths of the ocean. “Strip Tees” by Kate Flannery is a memoir by a recent college graduate who experienced life in the racy Los Angeles corporate fashion world. “Diversity For Sale” by Jay Jeezy Jenkins is a memoir about the author’s triumph over small town poverty to become a successful artist, father, husband, entrepreneur and philanthropist.
Large print
“Gone Tonight” by Sarah Pekkanen follows a mother with a secret she’s held all her life. “Robert Ludlum’s The Bourne Defiance” by Brian Freeman is a Jason Bourne adventure. “Family Lore” by Elizabeth Acevedo features a woman who can predict when somebody will die. “Cutting Teeth” by Chandler Baker tells of a teacher’s murder where 10 four-year-olds are suspects.
Mysteries and thrillers
“Clive Cussler Fire Strike” by Mike Maden is an Oregon Files adventure. “The Last Sinner” by Lisa Jackson is a Dets. Benz and Montoya murder mystery. “The Secret Book” by Flora Lea begins when a book arrives with a story only two children knew, one missing. “The Wolf Hunt” by Ayelet Gundar-Goshen deals with the aftermath of religious and racial incidents. “North of Nowhere” by Allison Brennan features hidden children found by their crime family father.
Other novels
“The Art of Scandal” by Regina Black focuses on a political couple who make a deal to stay married to avoid scandal. “Heart Bones” by Colleen Hoover features a young homeless woman trying to stay safe until her full-ride college experience. “Maame” by Jessica George follows a young woman trying to escape the confines of too many family responsibilities. “Ender’s Game” by Orson Scott Card is a sci-fi story about a military genius Earth desperately needs. “Fourth Wing” by Rebecca Yarrows is the first book in a new fantasy series about war college students becoming dragon riders with magical powers.
Thanks to our donors
We are grateful to Barbara Wolf for her generous monetary donation, and to Daniel McCluskey for his materials donation.
Quotable Quote
“Launching new projects is very stressful. But it’s also extremely fun. Betting on yourself is a good thing. If you fail, you learn – and then you apply that knowledge to the next endeavor.” – Drew Barrymore, actress, talk show host, author and creator of specialty designed products for the home.
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.