“Adventure Begins at your Library!” is the theme of this year’s free all-ages Summer Reading Program that kicks off next Friday, May 31 from 2-4PM with a Mysto the Magician performance followed by snacks and activities.
Participants can choose their own adventure from the Smokey Bear reading challenge celebrating Smokey’s 80th birthday, a travel journal challenge where you document your experiences as you try new things and visit new places in the area, and a Camp Ruby Sisson bingo challenge that brings back our much-loved bingo sheets.
Prizes are available for all ages for each week of activities completed, and those results also put your name into a raffle for the grand prize at the concluding party on August 9, Smokey’s birthday.
Sign up now in person or online and watch for details in this Library News column of all the fun free Summer Reading events coming your way.
Jane Austin 250th birthday series
From June 3 through July 1, local fans of Jane Austen can join booklovers and libraries across the globe in celebrating the 250th birthday of this beloved English author, whose works include “Pride and Prejudice,” “Sense and Sensibility” and “Emma.”
Your library is presenting a special five-week all-ages series hosted by Jenny on Monday mornings from 10 a.m. to noon, which will provide opportunities for hand-on fun learning about one of the most published authors of all time. This multigenerational program will introduce themes relating to Jane Austen’s stories, books and film adaptations.
Each week will feature a different topic, including the author’s life as a woman in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Regency-era English history, fashion, food and dance. The series highlight will be a tea party and English country dancing. Call Jenny at 240-426-7887 for more information.
Library closure
Your library will be closed Monday, May 27 for Memorial Day.
Final Lifelong Learning Lecture today
The free spring Lifelong Learning Lecture series concludes this evening, Thursday, May 23, from 6-7:15 p.m. with an informative presentation on “North American Monsoon Outlook for Pagosa Springs” by Arleen Prochazka of Pagosa Weather. The lectures are free and no registration required.
Craftapalooza tomorrow
All ages are invited to create a variety of crafts Friday, May 24. We will have several free different craft stations set up. Stop by anytime from 2-3:30 p.m.
Adult knitting Saturday
Join new and experienced knitters this Saturday, May 25 for our free Knitters Circle from 1-3 p.m. It is for anyone over the age of 18 who would like to knit together or get some help if you are stuck on your project.
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.
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.
Books on CD
“The Instruments of Darkness” by John Connolly is part of the Charlie Parker PI thriller series. “Summers at The Saint” by Mary Kay Andrews follows a new widow trying to return a landmark Georgia hotel to its past glory. “Only The Brave” by Danielle Steel is an historical novel about a courageous woman in World War II Germany.
Large print
“Cade at the Walls” by Robert Vaughan is book four in the Western Adventures of Cade McCall series. “The First Mountain Man: Preacher’s Bloody Ramage” by William W. and J.A. Johnstone is the lates in this series. “Infectious Generosity” by TED head Chris Anderson documents many people’s generous actions, some with world-changing impact.
Nonfiction
“The Demon of Unrest” by Erik Larson describes the chaotic five months between Lincoln’s election and the Confederacy’s shelling of Sumter, a crucial period in American history. “Psilocybin Therapy” by Dr. J.J. Pursell is a guide to understanding how to use nature’s psychedelics for mental health. “Everest, Inc.” by Will Cockrell is a look at how guided climbing became a major industry on this famous Nepal mountain.
Local guidebook
“La Plata Mountains” by Debra Van Winegarden and Thomas Holt Ward is a comprehensive guide to the peaks and trails of some of the most rugged and picturesque mountains in Colorado.
Mysteries, thrillers and suspense
“Gran Te Harbor” by Peter Nichols begins when a local teenager is murdered in a town’s archeological site. “Days of Wonder” by Caroline Leavitt follows a woman’s search for her adopted baby after completing her prison sentence. “Oracle” by Thomas Oldeheuvelt begins when the wreck of an 18th century ship is found and people start to disappear. “Women and Children First” by Alina Grabowski looks at a young woman’s death through the eyes of ten local women.
Other novels
“Only The Brave” by Danielle Steel is an historical novel about a courageous woman in World War II Germany. “Long Island” by Colm Toibin is the story of a woman who learns another woman is pregnant with her husband’s child. “Midnight Harbor” by Davis Bunn is set in a seaside town that brings new opportunities to a classical guitarist and a painter running from ghosts.
Thanks to our donors
We are grateful to Richard M. Sigller for his materials donations and to LPEA for their monetary donation for a GED scholarship. 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.
Quotable Quote
“Find something where you love the good part and don’t mind the bad parts too much. This is the golden path to victory in life.” – Jerry Seinfeld, comedian, actor, and creator and star of the sitcom “Seinfeld,” in his Duke University 2024 commencement address on May 12.
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.