This Saturday, February 10, the Friends of the Library will host their first book sale of the year, a Cabin Fever popup event from 9am – 3pm at the library. 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.
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.
New programs for preschoolers and adults
We also want to be sure you know about two new free programs this month:
“Strategize Change in Your Life in 2024” is a weekly program for adults on Wednesdays from 1-2:15pm 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 10-11am. We are hoping this will become a monthly program.
Early library closure
Your library will close early on Monday, February 12 for a staff meeting at 5pm. This is our regular staff meeting schedule – on the second Monday of the month.
Teen violence dating workshop today
Rise Above Violence will lead a Love Shouldn’t Hurt dating violence workshop for teens today, Thursday, February 8 from 4-5pm in honor of Teen Violence Awareness Month. This class will provide advice on how to deal with and avoid violence in teen relationships.
Teen Great Stories Club today
Teens are invited today, 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, which explores the idea of the American Dream from the perspective of a young Haitian immigrant. Pizza and beverages will be served and everyone will come away with a free copy of the book. Note that this free 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.
Online New York Times
Fans of The New York Times will be pleased to know that we have purchased an online subscription that allows you 24/7 free access to the online version of the newspaper from your home or any personal device. Go to the library website at https://pagosalibrary.org. Click on Online Resources on the gray top line on the home page. Scroll down to the Ns for New York Times and click on that icon. Your access code will automatically be generated, good for 24 hours each time you sign on. You then will be asked for your email address to log in or to create an account.
Craftapalooza tomorrow
All ages are invited to create a variety of crafts Friday, February 9. We will have several different craft stations set up. Stop by anytime from 2-3:30 p.m.
Legal clinic tomorrow
This month’s legal clinic on civil issues is by appointment tomorrow, Friday, February 9 from 2 – 3 p.m. Come to the library to meet privately via Zoom with our volunteer attorney. To schedule an appointment, at the beginning of the month send an email titled “Sign-up for Free Legal Clinic” with your first name and phone number to ruby@pagosalibrary.org, or phone 970-264-2209 or stop by the library.
Chess Club Saturday
Learn how to play chess with free quick lessons and game time to practice your skills on Saturday, February 10 from 9:30-11:30am. All ages and abilities are welcome.
Shakespeare Read-Aloud
The Shakespeare Read-Aloud Club features “As You Like It” on the agenda Monday, February 12 from 3:30 – 5pm. Call Jenny at 240-426-7887 for more information. This is a free all-ages event.
Teen/tween art camp
Each month we explore a different style or medium at this free event. In February it’s pastels. Join us Monday, February 12 and 26 from 4-5 p.m. Registration required.
Adult book club Tuesday
Ruby’s Book Club meets from 2-3pm next Tuesday, February 13, to discuss “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid. 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. Snacks provided. Anyone is welcome to attend.
Knowledge Bowl
Our free Knowledge Bowl for tweens and teens takes place next Thursday, February 15 from 4-5 p.m. Test your trivia skills on a wide range of subjects.
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.
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 provides assistance in accessing any of the library’s online resources. No appointment is needed for these drop-in sessions, but please bring your device’s charger and 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.
How-to and self-help
“Starting a Business” by Michele Cagan is a primer including how to create a business plan, stick to a budget, perform market research and make a profit. “Weight-Lifting Fundamentals” by Matt Dale outlines a simple and effective method for building strength. “The Complete Guide to Strength Training Methods” by Keven Arseneault reveals 237 techniques for strength, power, hypertrophy and more. “How to ADHD” by Jessica McCabe shares insights and strategies that helped her survive. “
Other nonfiction
“Our Moon” by Rebecca Boyle is a detailed study of the history and power of the moon. “American Girls” by Jessica Roy tells of a sister working to get her sister and American-born children safely home from Syria and her ISIS husband. “Six Feet to Independence” by Lauryn Walton shares the joy and complexities of life in the service dog world. “The Rebels” by Joshua Green explores the influence of Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on the Democratic Party and U.S. politics.
Books on CD
“The Edge” by David Balducci is a CIA thriller. “What Really Happens in Vegas” by James Patterson and Mark Seal explores the people behind the glitter. “Killing the Witches” by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard is a history of the Salem trials. “Resurrection Walk” by Michael Connelly is a legal mystery featuring Mickey Haller and Harry Bosch.
DVDs
“Mrs. Sidhu Investigates” is series one. “America Outdoors” is season two of this PBS series with Baratunde Thurston. “Far Haven” is a 2023 western set in the 1800s.
Donation guidelines
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. The Friends recently announced new guidelines for donations: Yes to popular fiction books published in 2014 or later, nonfiction books published 2019 or later, and children’s and young adult books – all in excellent condition, please. No to CDs, DVDs, Blu Ray, VHS or cassette tapes; textbooks, outdated travel books or reference books because they do not sell. No more than two boxes at a time because of space constraints.
Quotable Quote
“When you’ve reached the top, send the elevator back down for the others.” – Arnold Palmer (1929-2016), American professional golfer not as well known for his philanthropy as for his golf brilliance. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most charismatic golfers in the sport’s history.
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.