We hope to see you this Saturday, October 21 for the Friends of the Library pop-up book sale in the library’s large meeting room from 9am– 3pm. These book sales offer you great bargains and benefit your library with funds for much needed projects and services. Friends, members and teachers with ID receive a “buy one, get one” special.
Dia de los Muertos Educational Event
Archuleta Seniors are hosting a free educational hands-on event to share the history of Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) tomorrow, Friday, October 20 from 1-4 p.m. at your library and to build a community ofrenda (altar). This is an important annual tradition of prayer and remembrances widely observed in Mexico on November 1 and 2 that celebrates family and friends who have died. You are welcome to bring a photo of your loved one to include in the ofrenda.
Halloween
And to celebrate Halloween, we hope you’re planning to participate in our annual pumpkin decorating contest where pumpkins can be carved painted or decorated. Completed pumpkins must be turned in on Monday, October 30 or Tuesday, October 31 by 4pm. Winners will be announced on October 31 at 5pm in five age categories: preschool, ages 5-7, ages 8-11, ages 12-17 and adult. We have a limited number of pumpkins to give out starting October 23. One contest entry per person, please.
Paws to Read tomorrow
Friday, October 20 from 2-3 p.m., youngsters are invited to share their favorite books with Muppet or Maple, therapy dogs who love stories, at a free Paws to Read session.
Lifelong Learning lectures
Every Thursday through November 9, our free fall Lifelong Learning series offers talented speakers talking about a wide variety of interesting topics:
Today, October 19 focuses on communicating with sexual abuse survivors using trauma informed responses. It will be led by Kathleen Davis, BSN-RN, and is offered to both the public and professionals.
October 26 Dr. Janice McIntyre and Santos Ocanas will talk about Ruby’s Writers Guild, the weekly writers support group that meets every Thursday morning at your library.
November 2 Donna Wynn will discuss Upper San Juan Search & Rescue, which trains and organizes volunteers in search, rescue and other emergency services.
November 9 showcases the Project Healing Waters fly fishing program for disabled veterans and wounded warriors with Paul Wilson, the program lead, a retired wildlife biologist.
Pick up a brochure with more details at your library or go to https://pagosalibrary.org/adult services. Note no registration is required.
Virtual author talks
Our highly popular virtual author talks continue this month with one more opportunity for you to interact with New York Times bestselling authors with an opportunity to ask questions. For details and to register go to https://libraryc.org/pagosalibrary/upcoming. Thursday, October 26 at 5 p.m. we’ll meet with John Irving, Academy Award-winning author of multiple bestsellers including “A Prayer for Owen Meany” and “The Cider House Rules,” five of which have become movies.
Reminisce Club for seniors
Seniors aged 60 and up are invited to explore photos, magazines, special items, dates and events as we reminisce about the “gold ol’ days” on Monday, October 23 from 2 – 3:15 p.m. Research shows reminiscing helps reduce symptoms of depression and boasts self-esteem.
Shakespeare read-aloud
Shakespeare fans of all ages are invited to join in reading aloud “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” on Monday, October 23 from 3:30 – 5 p.m. Call Jenny at 240-426-7887 for more information.
Family storytimes
Wednesdays from 10-11 a.m. join us for a free educational hour of reading, singing and free play to build early literacy skills.
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.
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.
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.
Books on CD
“Out of Nowhere” by Sandra Brown is a thriller that begins with a shooter at a Texas county fair. “Blessings of the Lost Girls” by J.A. Jance is a Sheriff Joanna Brady thriller. “Dead on Target” by M.C. Beaton is an Agatha Raisin mystery. “23 ½ Lies” by James Patterson contains three thrillers. “Payback in Death” by J.D. Robb is an Eve Dallas thriller. “The Armor of Light” by Ken Follett is the latest in the Kingsbridge historical series that began with “The Pillars of the Earth.” “Holly” by Stephen King brings the author’s female PI back to solve multiple disappearances in a midwestern town in this horror suspense story.
Mysteries, suspense and thrillers
“Traitors Gate” by Jeffrey Archer focuses on a planned theft of the Crown jewels. “The Wolves of Eternity” by Karl Ove Knausgaard follows two people who meet as they are exploring family mysteries.
Other novels
“The Armor of Light” by Ken Follett is the latest in the Kingsbridge historical series that began with “The Pillars of the Earth.” “And Then She Fell” by Alicia Elliott features a young indigenous woman living with her family in a posh Toronto neighborhood.
DVDs
“Air” is the story of Nike’s Air Jordan brand. “Islands of Wonder” is a documentary about Madagascar, Borneo and Hawaii. “The Lion King” and “The Little Mermaid” are both Disney movies.
Nonfiction
“Elon Musk” by Walter Isaacson is a biography of this billionaire who pioneered electric vehicles and private space exploration – and very controversially bought Twitter.
“The Book of (More) Delights” by Ross Gay is a collection of small daily wonders. “Build the Life You Want” by Arthur C. Brooks and Oprah Winfrey offers advice on building happiness no matter how challenging your circumstances. “Texas” in a Lonely Planet travel guide. “This Country” by Navied Mahdavian documents a family’s off-grid life in rural Idaho.
Thanks to our donors
We are grateful to Susan and Terry Arrington for their generous monetary donation. 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.
Quotable Quote
“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around every once in a while, you could miss it.” – Ferris Bueller in the 1986 teen comedy movie “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.”
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.