With spring here and summer not too far away, we wanted to remind you that we have two backpacks available for free checkout that contain a state park pass, binoculars, a wildlife guide, a trees and wildlife guide, a book about the 42 state parks, and more. This library benefit is thanks to a partnership between the Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Colorado State Library.
The backpacks can be checked out for a full week and renewed for an additional week. They cannot be placed on hold. Consider it a “Lucky Day” pickup item, meaning that if you come in and it’s available, you can check it out.
Early library closure
Your library will close early on Monday, May 13 for a staff meeting at 5 p.m. This is our regular staff meeting schedule – on the second Monday of the month.
Save the date for bagpipes event
Next Friday, May 17 from 2 – 3:30 p.m. you are invited to a free all-ages event featuring the St. Patrick’s Bagpipers. You’ll learn about bagpipes, kilts and their history and you will be treated to a demonstration of bagpipe sounds as you explore the unique and beautiful music of this Scottish instrument.
Lifelong Learning Lectures
The free spring Lifelong Learning Lecture series continues Thursday evenings through May 23 from 6-7:15 p.m. with three more informative presentations:
- Today, May 9, features Dallas Weaver, a local shoe and hiking store owner, telling us about his experience hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro from trailhead to the summit.
- May 16 showcases Cindi Galabota, library foundation executive director, discussing your library’s building campaign.
- May 23 is “North American Monsoon Outlook for Pagosa Springs,” a presentation by Arleen Prochazka of Pagosa Weather.
The lectures are free and no registration required. For more details, pick up the LLL brochure at your library.
Preschool playdough tomorrow
Join us for free playdough exploration and fun tomorrow, Friday, May 10 from 10-11 a.m.
Teen Great Stories Club
Our free Great Stories Club for teens is tomorrow, Friday, May 10 from 2-3:30 p.m. for ages 13 and up. Participants will create art based on the book “Between the World and Me” by Ta-Nehisi Coates. Pizza and beverages will be provided.
Chess Club Saturday
Learn how to play chess with free quick lessons and game time to practice your skills on Saturday, May 11 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. All ages and abilities are welcome.
Adult knitting Saturday
Join new and experienced knitters Saturday, May 11 for our free Knitters Circle from 1-3 p.m. It is aimed at anyone over the age of 18 who would like to knit together or get some help if you are stuck on your project.
Shakespeare read-aloud
Shakespeare fans of all ages are invited to join in reading aloud “Twelfth Night” Mondays, May 13 and 20 from 3:30 – 5 p.m. Call Jenny at 240-426-7887 for more information.
Adult book club next Tuesday
Ruby’s Book Club meets from 2-3 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14 to discuss “The Elephant Whisperer” by Lawrence Anthony. Copies are available at your library. This book club is held the second Tuesday of each month, alternating between fiction and nonfiction titles. Anyone is welcome to attend. Snacks provided.
Dungeons & Dragons
Next Tuesday, May 14 from 4 – 5:30 p.m., join our Dungeons & Dragons game free for teens and young adults. Pre-registration is required because space is limited. Contact Josie@pagosalibrary.org to join.
AARP senior program
Seniors aged 60 and above are invited to a free live online Senior Planet AARP program on the first and third Fridays of the month, the next gathering being May 17, from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Judy will connect the group via the video conferencing platform Zoom so that you can join other seniors across the country in discussing aging issues such as loneliness, isolation, making new friends and learning in new hobbies.
Knowledge Bowl
Our free Knowledge Bowl for tweens and teens is next, Thursday, May 16 from 4-5 p.m. Test your trivia skills on a wide range of subjects.
Family storytimes
Wednesdays from 10-11 a.m. join a free educational hour of reading, singing and free play to build early literacy skills.
Elementary tutoring
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.
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 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.
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. Note no Tech Time today, May 9.
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.
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.
Books on CD
“The Cemetery of Untold Stories” by Julia Alvarez combines historical fiction, magical realism and family drama in this story set in the Dominican Republic. “Close to Death” by Anthony Horowitz is a Hawthorne and Horowitz mystery set in an idyllic gated community. “The Second Law of Cultivation” by KrazeKode is an Xianxia Progression fantasy.
Mysteries, thrillers and suspense
“Lost Birds” by Anne Hillerman is the latest in the Leaphorn, Chee and Manuelito Tribal Police series.
Quotable Quote
“Love does not consist in gazing at each other but in looking outward together in the same direction.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupery (1900-1944), French writer, poet, journalist and pioneering commercial aviator.
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.