Our first free tax help session earlier this month was such a success that two more are now scheduled – with longer hours that go into the evening to accommodate more people.
If you would like help with your taxes, please call Kathy at 970-553-9150 or email her at kathy.taxhelp@gmail.com for an appointment for a free session at your library. A representative of VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) will meet with those who have signed up in individual sessions next Tuesday, March 26 and Tuesday, April 9 between from 9am – 8pm. Registration is required in advance.
Free tax forms
We have 1040 federal tax forms and instructions as well as 0104 Colorado tax forms and instructions available free while supplies last. If you need other forms, we will pull them up online and print them out for you for free – but there is likely to be a charge for the instructions when they are long, multi-page documents.
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.
Virtual author talks
Our highly popular free online author talks continue with one more opportunity for you to interact with New York Times bestselling authors and ask questions in March. For details and to register go to https://libraryc.org/pagosalibrary/upcoming. Today, Thursday, March 21 at 5 p.m. we’ll interact with Madeline Miller discussing “On Retelling Greek Classics: An Exploration of Modern Epics.”
Cardboard construction contest
Creative people of all ages are invited to show off your building skills by competing in our free cardboard construct-a-thon that offers prizes for each of five age categories: Ages 0 – 5, ages 6-8, ages 8-11, ages 12-17. and ages 18 and up. Entries need to be brought to the library by Friday, March 29 at 5pm. You must be able to carry your entry in and out of the building without help of library staff. Winners will be contacted on March 30. Entries may not exceed 36” x 36” x 36” and must be built ahead of time. Your creation must be made entirely of cardboard – but tape, glue, paperclips or brads may be used to hold pieces together. While you are welcome to decorate your creation, please note that we will be judging based on construction and not final decorations.
Entries must be your own creation, not a kit or other pre-built structure. Cardboard is available at the library, or you are welcome to use your own. One entry per person.
Preschool learning tomorrow
Preschoolers are invited to a free Ready, Set, Learn session tomorrow, Friday, March 22 from 10-11am to build preschool skills.
Teen Great Stories Club tomorrow
Our free Great Stories Club for teens tomorrow, Friday, March 22 from 2-4:30pm for ages 13 and up celebrates indigenous voices and artists in our community. They will share their work and help teens create artwork of your own. Everyone also will come away with a free book. Pizza and beverages will be provided.
Puzzle swap Monday
Bring a puzzle, take a puzzle on Monday, March 25 from 2:30pm. We will have puzzles for all ages.
All-ages watercolor painting
All ages are invited to explore different watercolor techniques at a free session Tuesday, March 26 from 1-2 p.m.
ESL classes
Free in-person evening classes take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with 4-5 p.m. reserved for beginners, 5-6 p.m. for intermediate and 6-7 p.m. for advanced students. Please help us pass the word about these classes.
Clases de inglés
Clases gratis de inglés cada martes y jueves. Principiantes de 4-5 p.m., intermedios de 5-6 p.m. y advanzados de 6-7 p.m. Ayudenos a informar a todos quienes necesitan aprender inglés.
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.
Two local authors
“The Adventures of a Horse Named George” is a collection of stories by multiple authors for ages 8-80 compiled by local author Lynn Moffett about George, a swayback Appaloosa, and his best friend Nancy, a white miniature horse.
“Messengers: Two with a Guide” by Julie Loar explores whether the sands of Giza in Egypt hide secrets of the lost civilization of Atlantis through the eyes of a trio who risk it all to fulfill an ancient promise.
As well, there are many other books by these two talented and prolific local authors available for your reading pleasure in your library’s collection.
Local history
“My Pioneer Life: The Memories of Abner E. Sprague” is a collection of writings and photographs by this Colorado pioneer. He came with his family from the Midwest in a covered wagon to settle in Estes Park and then played a role in America’s railway expansion and operated two successful ranch resorts. You’ll find his autobiography in the Hershey Collection section of your library along with other local history books.
Large print
“Six Gun Justice” edited by Richard Prosch is a collection of 13 stories by some of the best of western writers. “Gunmetal Mountain” by John Shirley is book two in the Cleve Trewe western series. “The Longmire Defense” by Craig Johnson features Sheriff Walt Longmire and Dog. “No Reserve” by Felix Francis is a Dick Francis horseracing mystery.
Novels
“Pelican Girls” by Julia Malye features young French women sent to New Orleans in 1720. “The Great Divide” by Christina Henrequez is a novel about the people involved in constructing the Panama Canal. “Remember Me” by Mary Balogh is book two of the Ravenswood historical romance series. “Redwood Court” by DeLana R.A. Dameron explores the lives of a Black family living in a working-class suburb of Columbia, S.C. “A Love Song for Ricki Wilde” by Tia Williams tells of two people meeting in 1920s Harlem.
“The American Daughters” by Maurice Carlos Ruffin features a clandestine society of enslaved spies.
DVDs
“Dunkirk” features soldiers and their families who were involved the Allied war effort. “Four Daughters” is a nonfiction film in Arabic with optional English subtitles. “Mayor of Kingstown” is season two.
Nonfiction
“Grief is For People” by Sloane Crosley is a memoir by a woman dealing with the death of a friend and mentor. “The Darkest White” by Eric Blehm explores the death of legendary snowboarding pioneer Craig Kelly in an avalanche. “White Rural Rage” by Tom Schaller and Paul Waldman looks at the views and power of white rural voters. “Supercommunicators” by Charles Duhigg explores the skills necessary to unlock the language of connection through conversation. “The House of Hidden Meanings” by RuPaul is a memoir by this artist who brought drag into the cultural limelight.
Thanks to our donors
Many thanks to Susan and Terry Arrington for their generous monetary donation. 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. Here are the Friends guidelines for donations: Yes to popular fiction books published in 2013 or later, nonfiction books published 2018 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
“Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is like going home, that wilderness is a necessity, and that mountain parks and reservations are useful – not only as fountains of timber and irrigating rivers but also as foundations of life.” –John Muir (1838-1914), Scottish-born American naturalist, author and environmental philosopher. He founded the Sierra Club and was an early advocate for the preservation of wilderness areas in the U.S.
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.