Information from a new YouGov survey about the book reading habits of American adults last year yielded a wealth of interesting results. Here is a summary:
Just over half of all Americans said they read at least one book in 2023, with 46 percent saying they read no book at all last year. Eighty-two percent read 10 or fewer books.
Physical books are still more popular than e-books or audio books. More than 40 percent read a physical book, 21 percent an e-book and 19% listened to an audio book.
E-book users were more voracious readers, saying they read or listened to more than 20 books last year.
Mysteries and histories were the most popular genres for all Americans. Women preferred romance and mysteries while men read more history and sci-fi. Fantasy, historical fiction, biographies and literary fiction were other popular genres.
If you read or listened to five books last year, this puts you ahead of two-thirds of U.S. adults. Readers of 10 books are in the 79th percentile, while Americans who read 20 or more books read more than 88 percent of their peers.
Alert regarding teen programs
There will be no teen programs the weeks of January 15 or January 22 because Josie will be on vacation. In addition, the Teen Art Club takes a break in January but will return in February.
Paws to Read tomorrow
Friday, January 19 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.
Craftapalooza tomorrow
You’re invited to create a variety of crafts tomorrow, Friday, January 19 when we will have several different craft stations set up for your enjoyment. Stop by anytime between 2 and 3:30 p.m. This is an all-ages event.
Knitting and crochet lessons
Learn to knit or crochet next Monday, January 22 from 2 – 3:15 p.m. at this free event for ages eight and up. Supplies provided.
Music fun Monday
Pagosa Unplugged is free from 4-6 p.m. Monday, January 22 for amateur musicians who would like a safe, supportive, non-bar setting to play, sing or both with other people. For program information contact Susan at 970-946-3396.
Writers guild
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.
ESL class times
Free in-person evening classes take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and there is a change in the way the time is divided: 4-5 p.m.is reserved for beginners, 5-6 p.m. for intermediate and 6-7 p.m. for advanced students. Please help us spread the word about these classes to others in our community who would be interested, and contact us by phone or email if you have any questions.
Las clases de inglés (ESL)
Las clases de inglés se imparten en persona y gratis los martes y jueves en la biblioteca Ruby Sisson. El horario ha cambiado recientemente. Efectivo inmediatamente, 4-5 p.m. es para principiantes, 5-6 p.m. es para intermedios y 6-7 p.m. es para avanzados. Por favor, ayúdanos a informar a nuestra comunidad de estas oportunidades para aprender el inglés. Si tienen preguntas, favor de ponerse en contacto por correo electrónico: ruby@agosalibrary.org o por teléfono: 970-264-2209.
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.
Novels on CD
“Reborn as a Demonic Tree” by Xkarnation is book one of a new Isekai LitRPG fantasy series. “Manner of Death” by Robin Cook is a medical thriller. “The Last Devil to Die” by Richard Osman is a Thursday Murder Club mystery. “Robert B. Parker’s Broken Trust” by Mike Lupica is a Spenser mystery. “I See London” by Chanel Cleeton is book one of a new International School romance series.
Nonfiction on CD
“How to Plan a Wedding” by Terri Pous is a 12-month guide to weddings large and small, unique or traditional. “Your Journey to Financial Freedom” by podcaster Jamila Souffrant show up to grow your savings and blast through debt. “Starting a Business 101” by Michele Cagan, CPA, covers necessities such as a business plan, budgeting, marketing and making profit.
Mysteries, thrillers and suspense
“Alex Cross Must Die” by James Patterson is the latest in the Det. Cross series. “A Christmas Vanishing” by Anne Perry features a clever grandmother investigating the disappearance of a friend. “The Other Half” by Charlotte Vassell begins with a murder at an elegant black-tie birthday party.
Large print westerns
“The Lonesome Gun” by William W. and J.A. Johnstone is book seven in the Perley Gates western series. “Cade’s Redemption” by Robert Vaughan is book three in the Western Advnetures of Cade McCall series.
Other nonfiction
“Growing Up Roosevelt” by Nina Roosevelt Gibson is a granddaughter’s memoir of Eleanor Roosevelt. “A Woman I Know” by Mark Haverstick is the true story of a filmmaker whose research leads her to Cold War espionage and CIA secrets. “The World Almanac and Book of Facts 2024” is America’s bestselling reference book.
Quotable Quote
“The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones that do.” – Steve Jobs (1955-2011), American inventor and businessman, co-founder of the technology giant Apple Inc., founder of NeXT, and chairman and majority shareholder of Pixar.
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.