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 heading back to 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 them to have fun while building the literacy skills they need to become independent readers.
With back-to-school in our thinking, this may be a good time for parents, grandparents and other caregivers to make a personal resolution to help build home libraries for your little ones.
Library closure
Your library will be closed Monday, September 1 for Labor Day.
Construction update
Here’s the latest news on your library’s construction project from Barb Brattin, library director:
“The walls are shaking outside my office as the trusses come down from the east side roof and the walls on the east side of the library disappear. They’ll be digging out the footings around the crawl space next and the first of September we will begin to see the foundation for the library addition. We are right on schedule to open the new library June 2026.
“A grant application has been submitted to LPEA’s Round Up program to fund an additional book drop for the outside of the library building. This will serve as a convenient drop off point for after hours, especially for our downtown and east side residents. The Friends of the Library have generously offered to supplement any award we might receive from LPEA to get the drop installed.
“As well, a grant opportunity from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s rural development section looks promising to fund new public computers. And in keeping with our commitment to a sustainable future, we are pursuing grants from the Colorado Energy Office to install several EV charging stations in the new library parking lot as well as solar panels on our roof.
“Whew! We are busy! Stop by and see us – we have lots and lots of new books for you to enjoy.”
Activities’ locations are changed
Now that we have much less space for our operations and no meeting rooms during construction, several of our regular activities and special events are happening in other locations.
Please check the listings in this column and on your library’s website at https://pagosalibrary.org for location changes throughout the construction. If no other location is mentioned, the activity will stay at your library.
No more book donations, please
Regretfully, director Barb Brattin has made the decision to cease accepting book donations for a year beginning immediately. The reality of operating in a much smaller space while construction happens on the first phase of your library’s long-awaited expansion has made the action a necessity.
LEGO play Saturday
Kids aged six-11 are invited to the free LEGO build on Saturday, August 30 from 11 a.m. – noon. Bring your own LEGOs or use ours.
Writers Guild
Thursdays from 9-11 a.m. the Ruby’s Writers Guild welcomes writers looking for support, guidance, resources and camaraderie with other writers at this free gathering. During construction the group will meet at the Senior Center, 451 Hot Springs Blvd. Enter through the left side of the building.
Tech Time
Free in-person slots are available from 2-4 p.m. on Thursdays. Taylor 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, but please bring your device’s charger and passwords with you.
ESL classes
Free in-person evening classes happen 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 at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church, 225 S. Pagosa Street. Please help us pass the word about these classes. During construction they take place
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. Durante el plazo de la nueva construcción en la biblioteca, las clases se llevarán a cabo en St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church, 225 S. Pagosa Street.
Poetry
“100 Poems That Matter” is an anthology of classical and contemporary poems collected by the Academy of American Poets. Included are works by Emily Bronte, e.e. cummings, Kahlil Gabran, Audre Lorde and Emily Dicksinson. “Love Poems” by Nikki Giovanni is a collection that contains romantic, bold and erotic poems by one of America’s most celebrated and controversial writers.
Travel guides
We have eight new travel guides: Insight’s Spain, DK’s Florence and Tuscany, DK’s South Africa, DK’s Greek Islands, Rick Steves’ Italy, Lonely Planet’s Italy, DK’s Hawaii as well as Southwest Canyon Country’s Best Nature walks by Roddy Scheer.
Other nonfiction
“North to the Future” by college student Ben Weissenbach describes an offline adventure in Arctic Alaska with some of the state’s most distinguished scientists. “How to Think About AI” by Richard Susskind draws on his experience working on AI since the early 1980s. “Top Ten Ideas of Physics” by A. Zee presents the biggest ideas in physics.
Mysteries and thrillers
“Last Twilight in Paris” by Pam Jenoff explores the connection between a necklace, department store and death. “Don’t Forget Me, Little Bessie” by James Lee Burke features 14-year-old Bessie Holland as the story’s narrator. “Long Island Compromise” by Taffy Brodesser-Akner begins with the kidnapping of a wealthy businessman.
Other novels
“The Odyssey” by Homer is a new translation of the classic. “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance” by Robert M. Pirsig is the 50th anniversary edition of this highly influential American classic. “A Fine Balance” by Rohinton Mistry features a woman dealing with a male-dominated society in India. “The Lady, the Tiger and the Girl Who Loved Death” by Helen Marshall is a dark fantasy about the conflict between love and jealousy. “The Accidental Favorite” by Fran Littlewood unmasks decades-old resentments at a family reunion. “Beyond This Place of Wrath and Tears” by Jack Ford explores the life of a female reporter in World War II.
DVDs
“Bones of Crows” is told through the eyes of a Cree woman who survived Canada’s residential school system. “No Address” follows a group of homeless people. “The Wedding Banquet” is a Korean romantic comedy. “Brave the Dark” is based on a true story of a teacher trying to help a self-destructive student. “Crawl” is a thriller about the aftermath of a hurricane in Florida. “How to Train Your Dragon” is the Dreamworks hit.
Quotable Quote
“My dad, a very stern Scotsman, loved me dearly but he never hugged me. It wasn’t considered normal in those days. With my kids, I hug and hug and hug.” – Rod Stewart, British singer and songwriter known for his raspy voice and his pop and rock hits from the late 1960s.
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.