Next month we will launch two new free programs, one for preschool-age youngsters and another for adults:
“Strategize Change in Your Life in 2024” is a weekly program for adults on Wednesdays beginning February 7 from 1-2:15 p.m. that will happen only in February. Led by a licensed professional counselor named Jennifer, the group will focus on goal setting and making positive changes to identify and change unwanted behaviors. Attendance is limited so pre-registration is required.
“Ready, Set, Learn” helps build important preschool skills such as tracing a line, cutting, identifying letters and holding a pencil. It will happen on Friday, February 16 from 10-11 a.m. We are hoping this will become a monthly program.
Popup book sale February 10
Mark your calendars for Saturday, February 10 when the Friends of the Library are hosting their first book sale of the year, a Cabin Fever popup event from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the library. These book sales are a superb opportunity for you to purchase books for yourself and your family and as gifts at remarkably low prices while also benefiting your library, which gets all the proceeds.
Friends members, teachers, nurses and first responders enjoy “buy one, get one free” with proof of membership or employment. To learn about becoming a Friend or to renew your membership, stop by your library or go to friends@pagosalibrary.org.
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.
Save the date for teen Great Stories Club
Teens are invited to join us on Thursday, February 8 from 5:30 – 8 p.m. to discuss the book “American Street” by Ibi Zoboi and create art based on the book. The book explores the idea of the American Dream from the perspective of a young Haitian immigrant. Pizza and beverages will be served at this free event, and everyone will come away with a free copy of the book. Note that this event takes place at Pagosa Community Initiative’s Studio space under the new Department of Human Services Building on Hot Springs Blvd. Pre-registration is required.
Friday Flix tomorrow
Enjoy a PG movie and free popcorn Friday, January 26 from 2-4 p.m.
Shakespeare Read-Aloud
The Shakespeare Read-Aloud Club’s last session this month features “As You Like It” on the agenda Monday, January 29 from 3:30 – 5 p.m. Call Jenny at 240-426-7887 for more information. This is an all-ages event.
Tween/teen hangout
We are setting aside the large meeting room for teens and tweens to use and spend time with friends on Monday, January 29 from 4-5 p.m.
New basic quilting classes
Adults are invited to the first new quilting class next Wednesday, January 31 from 1-3 p.m. The free classes will be led by Wanita Martin, a local quilter and member of the quilters guild. They will happen on Wednesdays from January 31 – March 6. Pre-registration is required and the classes are limited to six participants.
Participants will need to do some homework. You also will need access to a sewing machine, a ruler, good scissors, a marketing pen, straight pins, thread, an iron and an ironing board.
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 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.
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.
Pagosa Adult Learning Services (PALS)
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. PALS stands for Pagosa Adult Learning Services.
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
“Story Ave.” features a South Bronx teen with great artistic skills rescued from the gang life. “Pinocchio” is the classic tale of a puppet boy and his maker. “Miss Scarlet & The Duke” is the complete seasons one-three. “Five Nights at Freddy’s” brings the horror game phenomenon to life.
Nonfiction
“Made Whole” by Tiffany “The Budgetnista” Aliche is a practical guide to reaching your financial goals. “Guilded Youth” by Tom Quinn looks at centuries of Royal children’s upbringing in England from Edward VII to Princes William and Harry.
Mysteries, thrillers and suspense
“Dirty Thirty” by Janet Evanovich is a Stephanie Plum mystery. “The Frozen River” by Ariel Lawhon is an historical mystery inspired by an 18th century midwife. “A Different Kind of Gone” by Catherine Ryan Hyde begins when a search and rescue volunteer finds a teen huddled in a cave. “Murder of an Amish bridegroom” by Patricia James is an Amish Seamstress mystery.
Other novels
“The Lost Journals of Sacajawea” by Indigenous author Debra Magpie Earling is a new look at the life of Lewis and Clark’s guide. “Day” by Pulitzer Prize-winner Michael Cunningham deals with a family already facing domestic issues even before Covid puts them into lockdown. “The Refugee Ocean” by Pauls Toutonghi follows two refugees whose lives become linked over time and distance. “Lone Oaks Crossing” by Janet Dailey explores the new life of a Kentucky Derby horse trainer when she comes home to save her family farm.
Quotable Quote
“Over the years I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about people by the way they handle rainy days, lost luggage and tangled Christmas tree lights. I’ve learned that making a living is not the same as making a life. I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands, that you need to be able to throw something back…. I’ve learned that people will forget what you said and what you did – but never how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou (1928-2014), American author, poet and civil rights activist who received dozens of awards and more than 50 honorary degrees.
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.