Do you know the value of a home library for your youngsters? Research shows that kids who have books in their home have improved vocabulary and overall reading performance; do better in math, science and social studies; perform better on standardized tests and are more likely to go to college.
Those are impressive skills for your child to cultivate — and they are especially relevant now that Archuleta County kids are back in school.
Another valuable tip to help your youngster be successful in school and in life is reading aloud. You are stimulating language and literacy skills, as well as building motivation, curiosity and memory.
The free storytimes at your library can help build a love of reading in your children. Storytimes are a great way for kids to have fun while building the skills they need to become independent readers.
As school is underway again, this may be a good time for parents, grandparents and other caregivers to make a personal resolution to help build home libraries for your loved ones.
Grant funding advice Sept. 30
Next Monday, September 30 from noon – 1 p.m. we are hosting a free educational presentation on how to navigate the world of grant funding. Bring your lunch and take advantage of Marcy’s expertise on how to best use the Colorado Grants Guide. Registration is required at 720-644-9887.
Save the date for Book Fair
Friends of the Library will host a popup Book Fair at the library on Saturday, October 12 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
New Lifelong Learning Lectures coming soon
The free fall Lifelong Learning Lecture series begins Thursday, October 10 from 6 – 7:15 p.m. with six interesting presentations starting with Pagosa Weather. Watch for more details in future Library News columns this month.
Craftapalooza tomorrow
All ages are invited to create a variety of crafts Friday, September 27 from 2-3:30 p.m.
Spanish conversation
Practice your Spanish in a free group setting on Tuesday, October 1 from 4:30-5:30 p.m. No minimum skill level needed. This group meets twice a month, on the first and third Tuesdays.
Dungeons & Dragons today
Next Thursday, October 3 from 4 – 5:30 p.m., join our Dungeons & Dragons game free for teens, tweens and young adults. Create a character and join the adventure. Pre-registration is required because space is limited. Contact Josie@pagosalibrary.org to join.
Family storytimes
Wednesdays from 10-11 a.m. join a free educational hour of reading, singing and free play to build early literacy skills.
Teen/tween activity
Join us in the teen area every Wednesday after school from 4 – 4:30 p.m. for a fun craft or challenge. Activities will range from taste tests to art challenges to minute-to-win-it style games.
Writers Guild
Every Thursday from 9-11 a.m. the Ruby’s Writers Guild welcomes writers looking for opportunities, support, resources and camaraderie with other writers at this free gathering. The guild has published a new anthology, “Tales from the San Juans,” which the members say includes “life musings, creative short fiction, retrospectives, poetry, novellas and short observations — all inspired by the beauty that surrounds us.” The book is available at the library for $21.50, with net proceeds going to the library’s building campaign.
Tech Time
Free in-person slots are available from 10 a.m.-noon Tuesdays and 2-4 p.m. Thursdays. Judy helps with basic questions relating to computers, smartphones and tablets and also provides assistance in accessing 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 October 3, 8, 10 or 15.
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.
Large print
“House of Glass” by Sarah Pekkanen follows a young girl who stopped speaking after a murder in her household. “The Days I Loved You Most” by Amy Neff is about a couple who’ve decided to end their lives on their own terms. “Robert Ludlum’s The Bourne Shadow” by Brian Freeman is a Jason Bourne adventure. “The Missing Witness” by Allison Brennan is a Kara Quinn-Matt Costa mystery.
Nonfiction
“Fox and I” by biologist Catherine Raven documents her amazing friendship with a wild fox. “Gullah Geechee Home Cooking” by Emily Meggett is a collection of more than 100 recipes by this descendant of West Africa slaves featuring Lowcountry seasonality, rice and seafood. “Paper Quilling for Beginners” is a guide to creating paper flowers, plants, vegetables and more with 800 step-by-step photos.
DVDs
“Mad Max” is a five-film collection. “Treasure” explores the ups and downs of a father-daughter road trip in 1990s Poland. “If” is a comedy about a girl who can see everyone’s imaginary friends. “Dark Winds” is a Navajo Country mystery featuring Lt. Leaphorn and Chee.
Books on CD
“Capture or Kill” by Vince Flynn is a Mitch Rapp thriller. “Break Every Rule” by Brian Freeman is the latest in Robert Ludlum’s Jason Bourne thriller series. “First Do No Harm” by Joe Kenda is a debut thriller set in Colorado Springs by a former homicide detective. “The Mercy of Gods” by James A. Corey is book one of a new space opera sci-fi fantasy series.
Thanks to our donors
We are grateful to Dave Pinkus for his generous monetary donation. When we are open, materials donations are gratefully 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. 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 need for 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
“Mistakes are part of the dues one pays for a full life” — Italian actress Sophia Loren.
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.