The staff at your library are thankful all year round for so many people who make their jobs easier and their service better for you, our patrons. On this Thanksgiving week, we want to publicly acknowledge some of the very special among them:
We are thankful for the many volunteers who work every day to help us maintain the collection; shelve returned books, CDs and DVDs; and make sure all the books and materials are clean and in their proper place. Because of our small staff, these volunteers are vital to our service to you.
We are grateful for the time and dedication of our library board. They also are unpaid volunteers who are committed to making the library an essential hub of our community.
We appreciate the members of our library foundation board, also unpaid volunteers, with the mission to raise funds for information resources, programs, services and facilities. The foundation leaders are especially grateful for the generosity of those in our community who have supported our Mountains of Opportunity campaign to expand and renovate your library.
We also want to pay tribute to the Friends of the Library. Their generosity, enthusiasm and creativity result in so many benefits to your library, especially with the proceeds of their summer and pop-up book sales.
Library director Meg Wempe says she has always appreciated the quote from Elizabeth Andrew, “Volunteers do not necessarily have the time, they have the heart.” We are grateful for what all our many dedicated volunteers do for the library and our patrons.
We wish you and your loved ones a very Happy Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving closures
Your library will be closed for Thanksgiving November 23-25 so that our staff can celebrate this national holiday with loved ones. While the physical library is closed Thursday through Sunday, our downloadable items and online resources are available 24/7, as always.
Welcome to our new staff member
We look forward to welcoming Sherry Van Atta to our staff next Tuesday, November 28. S he will be responsible for our early literacy programs, and you’ll have the pleasure of reading about her in next week’s Library News column.
Nonfiction biographies and memoirs
“Hitchcock’s Blondes” by biographer Laurence Leamer explores the lives of eight legendary actresses behind the legendary director’s obsession. We have two books by Kevin W. Braun: “The Beveled Edge” is his memoir about self-discovery and “Sailing Adventures” tells of his aunt and uncle’s travels in the South Pacific. “Every Man for Himself and God Against All” by Werner Herzog tells of the filmmaker’s difficult childhood and multiple film successes.
Nonfiction self-help
“Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life” by Arnold Schwarzenegger reveals the secrets to his multifaceted life of success. “Damaged but Not Destroyed” by author and pastor Michael Todd shows how he learned to be H.O.T. — humble, open and transparent. “Law Forms for Personal Use” is the 12th edition of a NOLO guide and includes downloadable forms. “How to Write Your Own Will” by Paul C. Lambe includes templates for many situations.
Other nonfiction
“Extremely Online” by Washington Post reporter Taylor Lorenz documents the power of the internet and the influencers who use it. We have five new travel guides: “Southern California” and “Northern California” from Fodor’s Travel, “Spain” from Rick Steves, “Ireland” from Lonely Planet, and the ninth edition of “Guide to National Parks of the United States” by National Geographic.
Thrillers, mysteries and suspense
“The Secret” by Lee and Andrew Child is a Jack Reacher thriller. “Long Shadow” by David Baldacci is an Amos Becker “Memory Man’ murder mystery. “Becoming the Boogeyman” by Richard Chizmar focuses on the relationship between an incarcerated serial killer and the only person he’ll talk to. “The Last Devil to Die” by Richard Osman is a Thursday Murder Club mystery.
Books on CD
“Dirty Thirty” by Janet Evanovich is a Stephanie Plum mystery. “Absolution” by Alice McDermott explores the lives of two women who meet in Saigon as their husbands play major roles in the Vietnam War. “Obsession” by Stuart Woods and Brett Battles is a Teddy Fay kidnapping mystery also featuring Stone Barrington.
Save the date for library fundraiser
We hope you will mark your calendars for Saturday, December 9 at 5pm for Late Night at the Library, a fundraiser for our Mountains of Opportunity campaign to expand and renovate your library. The event will offer hors d’oeuvres catered by SOCO Mountain Lifestyles, drinks provided by Riff Raff Brewing Company, and a fun time turning old books into repurposed treasures. Tickets are $50 per person in advance and $60 at the door. They can be purchased online at pagosalibrary.org or in person with cash or check at the library.
Virtual author talks
Our highly popular free virtual author talks continue with one more opportunity for you to interact with New York Times bestselling authors and ask questions this month. For details and to register go to https://libraryc.org/pagosalibrary/upcoming. Thursday, November 30 at 1 p.m. you can interact with bestselling author Naomi Alderman, who will focus on Writing Dystopian Worlds.
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 “good ol’ days” on Monday, November 27 from 2 – 3:15pm. Research shows reminiscing helps reduce symptoms of depression and boosts self-esteem.
Shakespeare read-aloud
Shakespeare fans of all ages are invited to join us in reading aloud “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” on Monday, November 27 from 3:30 – 5pm. Call Jenny at 240-426-7887 for more information.
Tween/teen art camp Monday
Monday free art classes from 4-6pm for teens and tweens will explore a different style or medium. This month it is cartooning and caricature by guest artist Dan Dempster. Participants will draw basic portraits and create a flip book animation. Registration required.
Elementary tutoring sessions
Children ages six-11 are welcome at these free sessions on Wednesdays 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 9-11am Ruby’s Writers Guild welcomes writers looking for opportunities, support, resources and camaraderie with other writers at this free gathering.
New requests for Tech Time participants
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 is needed for these drop-in sessions, but it is important that you bring both your device’s charger and also your device passwords 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.
Quotable Quote
“You know it’s a good Thanksgiving when your heart is as full as your stomach.” – Richard Paul Evans, American author.
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.