Prizes for pumpkin contest winners of all ages will be awarded at a free Halloween party from 4-5pm tonight, Thursday, October 31. Wear your costume and come share Halloween treats, spooky crafts and fun. (Decorated pumpkin entries had to be turned in yesterday at the library.)
Medicare Information
People interested in Medicare will want to attend the free session next Wednesday, November 6 from 1 – 2:30pm to learn about common Medicare fraud schemes and how to protect yourself, as well as other Medicare issues important for 2025.
Tutoring for High School Students
High school math tutors will be available for ages 14 and up beginning Monday, November 4 and continuing every Thursday this month from 4 – 5:30pm. Registration is required. Math tutoring will continue depending on demand and tutor availability.
Save the date for Friends event
Wednesday, November 13 from 4-6 pm, our new library director, Barb Brattin, will join the Friends of the Library for a social gathering and potluck. This is an excellent opportunity to meet Barb and hear about her background and plans. Bring an appetizer to share; the Library Foundation will provide sodas, water, beer and wine.
Lifelong Learning Lectures continue
Our free weekly Lifelong Learning Lecture fall series continues today with three more interesting presentations, all from 6 – 7:15 p.m. on Thursdays through November 14:
Today, 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.
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.
Gaming tomorrow
Enjoy free all-ages video gaming on the X-box tomorrow, Friday, November 1 from 2 – 3:30pm.
Tween/teen takeover tomorrow
We are setting aside the large meeting room and some of our computers for tweens and teens to use and spend time with friends tomorrow, Friday, November 1 from 2-4pm.
LEGO Club Saturday
Kids aged six-11 are invited to the free LEGO Club on Saturday, November 2 from 11am – noon. Bring your own LEGOs or use ours to free build.
Shakespeare read-aloud continues
Shakespeare fans of all ages are invited to join in reading aloud “Romeo and Juliet” Monday, November 4 and 11 – plus the 18th if needed — from 3:30 – 5pm at the free Shakespeare Read Aloud Club. This is an all-ages program. Call Jenny at 240-426-7887 for more information.\
Music fun Monday
Pagosa Unplugged is free from 4-6pm Monday, November 4 for amateur musicians of all abilities and expertise to jam and sing with others.
Spanish conversation
Practice your Spanish in a free group setting on Tuesday, November 5 from 4:30-5:30pm. No minimum skill level needed. This group meets twice a month, on the first and third Tuesdays.
Writers Guild
Every Thursday from 9-11am 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.
Activities calendars
Pick up monthly calendars at the library so you don’t miss any of the free programs, events and activities available to you and your family.
Mysteries, suspense and thrillers
“The Night We Lost Him” by Laura Dave tells of estranged siblings trying to unravel a family secret. “The Housemaid is Watching” by Frieda McFadden features a former house cleaning lady facing upending of her new life. “I Dreamed of Falling” by Julia Dahl is a murder mystery set in a New York City suburb.
Other novels
“Here One Moment” by Liane Moriarty follows plane passengers on a flight who learn how they will die. “The Sound of a Thousand Stars” by Rachel Robbins is a love story of two physicists on the Oppenheimer project in Los Alamos. “A Healing Touch” by Suzanne Woods Fisher features a compassionate doctor in the Amish Stoney Ridge community.
Nonfiction
“Good Energy” by Dr. Casey Means explains the importance of metabolic functions to good health and avoidance of illnesses and offers a four-week plan. “Well Watered Woman” by Gretchan Saffles offers tools and a path for spiritual women wanting to know and live a life with Jesus.
Books on CD
“Intermezzo” by Sally Rooney tells of two grieving brothers in Ireland. “Passions in Death” by J.D. Robb is an Eve Dallas mystery. “Ghost Soldier” by Clive Cussler is an Oregon Files adventure. “An Honorable Assassin” by Steve Hamilton is a Nick Mason thriller. “Shadow of Doubt” by Brad Thor is a spy story. “The Dark Wives” by Ann Cleeves is a Vera Stanhope mystery.
Large print
“Swamp Kings” by Jason Ryan tells of a century of power by the Murdaugh family in South Carolina. “Challenger” by Adam Higgenbotham explores the heroism and disaster of the space shuttle. “Confronting the Presidents” by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard offers assessments of all 45 U.S. presidents from Washington to Biden.
Donation guidelines
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 at Friends sales. No more than two boxes at a time because of space constraints, please.
Quotable Quote
“The secret to aging gracefully is simple. Just have a good attitude. Enjoy who you are. Remember that life is a wonderful thing.” – Mitzi Gaynor (1931-2024), actress, singer and dancer, most famous for her roles in film musicals like “There’s No Business Like Show Business” and “South Pacific” in the Golden Age of Hollywood musicals; died October 17 at age 93.
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.