Children in grades one-three are invited to free tutoring sessions on Wednesdays from 3:30 – 4:30pm, where they will build essential skills in core subjects as they are tutored in reading, math, writing and spelling.
Pre-registration is required by calling 970-264-2209. Enrollment is limited.
Free pumpkins available
Starting next Wednesday, October 23, you are welcome to pick up free pumpkins at your library to decorate for the pumpkin contest. One per family while supplies last. The decorated entries are due October 30 or 31. Fun prizes for the winners will happen at a Halloween party from 4-5pm October 31.
Lifelong Learning Lectures continue
Our new free weekly Lifelong Learning Lecture fall series continues today with five more interesting presentations, all from 6 – 7:15pm on Thursdays through November 14. Today’s talk, October 17, features Cindi Galabota, library foundation director, and Barb Brattin, our new library director, discussing the status of our library expansion and sharing the architectural drawings and fundraising plans. We have raised more than $2.2 million of our $4.5 million goal.
October 24, Bill Trimarco from the Wildfire Adapted Partnership will share tips on how you can make your property fire safe by creating defensible space, planning evacuations and preparing well. October 31 showcases Dayton Romero on Zoom discussing the many opportunities the Senior Planet social media platform offers you via their OATS (Older Adults Technology Services) program. Senior Planet is an AARP nonprofit offering many free classes for seniors. November 7, Matt Huber from the Colorado Avalanche Information Center will explain the power of avalanches and give you practice advice on how you can have safe fun in the mountains during the winter. November 14, Doug Coombs, a member of the Pagosa Photography Club, will share his remarkable photos from four different trips to Africa and describe options for traveling to Africa.
Pick up a brochure at the library for more details on each of these presenters and their informative talks. No registration is required to attend.
Online author talks
Our highly popular free online author talks continue with one more opportunity in October for you to interact with New York Times bestselling authors and ask questions. For details and to register go to https://libraryc.org/pagosalibrary/upcoming. Next Tuesday, October 22 at noon features Lori Gottlieb examining the truths and fiction we tell ourselves.
Messy art and crafts
All ages are invited to get messy for the fun of making art tomorrow, Friday, October 18, from 2 – 3:30 p.m. at this free session when we will make sculptures out of natural materials. All supplies provided.
Knitting and crochet lessons
Learn to knit or crochet on Monday, October 21. at our free gathering from 2 – 3:15 p.m. for ages eight and up. All supplies provided.
Music fun Monday
Pagosa Unplugged is free from 4-6 p.m. Monday, October 21 for amateur musicians of all abilities and expertise to jam and sing with others.
Adult DIY Tuesday
At the free adult DIY next Tuesday, October 22 from 1-2:30 p.m., Renee will help you create a masterpiece via the art of collage. All supplies provided.
Dungeons & Dragons
Today, Thursday, October 17 and next Tuesday, October 22 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.
Teen/tween activity
Join us in the teen area every Wednesday after school from 4 – 4:30 p.m. for a fun free 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.
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.
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.
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.
Mysteries, suspense and thrillers
“Ghost Files” by Clive Cussler is an Oregon Files adventure. “Tell Me Everything” by Pulitzer Prizer winner Elizabeth Strout returns to the town of Crosby, Maine for a story about people involved in a murder investigation.
Other novels
“Lady Flyer” by Heather B. Moore is based on the true story of a young woman inspired by barnstormer pilots. “Familiaris” by David Wroblewski is the latest in the Sawtelle family saga and an Oprah Book Club pick. “In Memoriam” by Alice Winn tells of two young men who fall in love during World War I. “Coco Man” by Laken Hayson Schmalz is a thriller romance featuring a woman with no recollection of the past 12 years. “Under the Whispering Door” by T.J. Klune is a fantasy romance.
Nonfiction
“Bayou” by Melissa M. Martin is a recipe book with a multitude of gorgeous photos that celebrates a year of holiday gatherings and the food and traditions of the bayou. “Cargo of Hope” by Shane Granger documents the adventures of the author and Meggi Macoun, who sailed their ship loaded with donated aid and medical supplies to areas decimated by the deadliest tsunami in recorded history.
Large print
“The Dark Wives” by Ann Cleeves is a mystery featuring DI Vera Stanhope. “In My Time of Dying” by award-winning war reporter Sebastian Junger tells of the author’s experience with the idea of an afterlife while in the hospital.
Thanks to our donors
We are grateful to Joanne Fesko for her materials donations.
Quotable Quote
“Writing is everything in Hollywood. I remember reading ‘Field of Dreams’ and knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt that it was magical, that it had some gold dust to it. You have to see the moments in the script that would be a reason why someone would leave their house and pay for a babysitter.” – Kevin Costner, actor, director and producer; winner of two Academy Awards, three Golden Globes and a Primetime Emmy.
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.