Our new free Great Stories Club for teens, scheduled to begin tomorrow, Friday, November 10, will be re-scheduled to a future date.
Your Ruby Sisson Library was selected one of 58 libraries nationwide to participate in this innovative reading and discussion program sponsored by the American Library Association with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
As part of the Great Stories Club effort, staff from the Ruby Sisson Library will partner with the San Juan Mountain School and Pagosa Community Initiative to work with teens to read and discuss stories that explore questions of race, equity, identity and history.
The first book to be discussed will be “Dreaming in Indian: Contemporary Native Voices,” edited by Lisa Charleyboy and Mary Beth Leatherdale. Our discussion will celebrate Indigenous voices and artists in our community.
The other three books will be “Between the World and Me” by Ta-Nehisi Coates, “Always Running: La Vida Loca, Gang Days in L.A.” by Luis J. Rodriguez and “American Street” by Ibi Zobo. The titles were selected to inspire teens – especially those facing difficult circumstances or challenges – to consider “big questions” about the world around them and their place in it. The books will be gifted to club participants. There will be one separate discussion per book, plus a final gallery at the end of all four sessions.
Teens can sign up just for the sessions that interest them, based on the subject matter of the book being discussed, or for all four.
Early library closure
Your library will close early on Monday, November 13 for a staff meeting at 5pm. This is our regular new staff meeting schedule – on the second Monday of the month.
Lifelong Learning lectures
This evening, November 9, from 6-7:15pm is the last talk in our free fall Lifelong Learning series that offers talented speakers talking about a wide variety of interesting topics. We are showcasing the Project Healing Waters fly fishing program for disabled veterans and wounded warriors with Paul Wilson, the program lead, a retired wildlife biologist. No registration is required.
Messy art tomorrow
Let’s get messy and make sculptures out of natural materials tomorrow, November 10, from 2-4 p.m. at this free art session. All ages welcome and all supplies provided.
Beginning chess Saturday
Learn how to play chess with free quick lessons and game time to practice your skills on Saturday, November 11 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. All ages and abilities are welcome.
Shakespeare read-aloud
Shakespeare fans of all ages are invited to join in reading aloud “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” on Monday, November 13 from 3:30 – 5 p.m. Call Jenny at 240-426-7887 for more information.
Adult DIY
At the free adult DIY next Tuesday, November 14 from 12:30 – 1:45 p.m., you will experience dot painting on glass ornaments, traditional and heart-shaped. A great holiday gift for that special someone in your life. All supplies provided. Note time and day change this month.
Adult book club Tuesday
Ruby’s Book Club meets from 2-3 p.m. next Tuesday, November 14 to discuss “The Yellow House” by Sarah Brown. Copies are available at your library. This free book club is held the second Tuesday of each month, alternating between fiction and nonfiction titles, with snacks provided. Anyone is welcome to attend.
Elementary tutoring sessions
Children ages six-11 are welcome at these free sessions every Wednesday from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. where they will build essential skills in core subjects. Pre-registration is required.
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.
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.
Downloadable books
CloudLibrary has a wide variety of downloadable e-books and audiobooks for all ages. To access this free digital collection, download the cloudLibrary app, answer a few simple questions, select AspenCat Union Catalog for the name of your library, then enter your library card number and 4-digit PIN. Library staff are happy to help you set up your device if you need assistance.
DVDs
“Ghosthunt” is the complete season. “Picture Perfect Mysteries” is a three-movie collection. “The Crown” is the complete fifth season. “So Help Me Todd” is season one. The Cornetto trilogy – “The World’s End,” “Hot Fuzzs” and “Shaun of the Dead” – are in one DVD collection. “Interview with the Vampire” is season one.
Nonfiction
“To Infinity and Beyond” by astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson and StarTalk producer Lindsey Nyx Walker is an interstellar odyssey. “Making It So” by Sir Patrick Stewart is a memoir by this renowned British actor. “On Censorship: A Public Librarian Examines Cancel Culture in the U.S.” by James LaRue highlights the dangers of book banning and censorship. “Why We Love Baseball” by Joe Posnanski is a history of 50 major moments in the sport.
Novels
“Dragonfly’s Question” by Darcy Hitchcock includes a chapter-by-chapter discussion guide to help readers share the author’s principles for a more sustainable way of life. “Let Us Descend” by Jesmyn Ward is a reimagining of American slavery, told through the eyes of a young woman.
Large print
“The Traitor Among Us” by Anne Perry is book five of the Elena Standish series. “Flop Dead Gorgeous” by David Rosenfelt is an Andy Carpenter mystery. “The Armor of Light” by Ken Follett is the latest in the Kingsbridge historical saga. “Collision of Power” by Martin Baron is an insider’s chronicle of the clashes between former President Trump and Jeff Bezos after the Amazon founder bought The Washington Post.
Books on CD
“Up on the Woof Top” by Spencer Quinn is a Chet the dog and Bernie Little mystery. “Blood Lines” by Nelson and Alex DeMille features special agents Brodie and Taylor. “Judgment Prey” by John Sandford is a Lucas Devenport and Virgil Flowers mystery.
Thanks to our donors
We are grateful to Joann Ferko for her materials donation.
Quotable Quote
“Often, when you’re reading a novel that appeals to you, you feel a sense of connection to the author in a way that is different from any other form of literature. And as you become more aware of how the characters in the novel are feeling and thinking, you also become more aware of how you’re feeling and thinking. So reading novels is a form of emotional education.” – Pulitzer Prize-winning American author Jane Smiley.
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.