By Barbara Brattin, Library Director
As a relative newcomer to this community, I am amazed on a daily basis at the ways this community rallies around a cause. Pagosa Springs is a relatively small town and Archuleta County’s population is below 13,000. Yet the community achieves so much.
When the campaign to build a new library began five years ago, the steering committee, led by the phenomenal Jann Pitcher, set out to raise enough money through private grants and donations to avoid any new taxes. Jann and her team have worked tirelessly, even though the pandemic tried to blow them off course. The recent 100 Extraordinary Women campaign raised nearly $300,000, a new national record for that fundraising effort. And even though the price of wood and steel has increased dramatically since the day the campaign started, we are getting closer to our goal every day. The walls are going up and we will open a beautiful, expanded library this coming summer. Thank you, Jann, and thanks to every person who has contributed their time or their money to making this dream a reality.
Now that winter is creeping in, our regular visitors who have no home to return to in the evening are coming to the library more often to stay warm. Recently when we learned that they were in need of more blankets and sleeping bags, I put out the call on NextDoor and soon we had piles of warm blankets and sleeping bags and offers of extra help from compassionate community members. Thank you to all of you with big hearts who selflessly share what you have with people who need a little help to keep going. Your kindness is inspiring!
And so it seems fitting that on this Thanksgiving weekend, I tell you all how much you mean to the library and how grateful we are to live in this community with you.
We wish you laughter, joy, and the warmth of family this holiday season! Come see us often. We look forward to seeing you.
Construction update
Roof framing is complete, right on schedule with a temporary membrane to keep the snow and rain at bay. Interior framing begins the first week in December to get ready for mechanical, electrical and plumbing installations beginning December 9. Your donations go a long way toward making this new library exceptional. The Colorado Gives campaign is underway and monthly donations are matched through December 9th. We have a ways to go to meet our fundraising goals. Thanks from all of us! https://www.coloradogives.org/organization/RubySissonLibraryFoundation
Library Closed
The Sisson Library will be closed over Thanksgiving Weekend, November 27-30.
Normal hours and activities will resume Monday, December 1.
Meet us Out in the Community
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 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.
Activities calendars
Pick up monthly calendars at the library or check the website at https://www.pagosalibrary.org/events-calendar so you don’t miss any of the free programs, events and activities available to you and your family.
Online author talks
Our free online author talks with New York Times bestselling authors continue in December with one more talk this month for you to watch live on Zoom or via a recording later this month. For details and to register go to https://libraryc.org/pagosalibrary/upcoming.
Conversational Spanish
The Conversational Spanish group will meet Monday, October 27 from 4-5 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church at 225 South Pagosa. This is a great opportunity to practice your Spanish in a free group setting. No minimum skill level needed.
Adult book club
Join us for Ruby’s Book Club from 2-3 p.m. on Tuesday, December 9th as we discuss On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong. Copies are available at your library. This free adult book club is held the second Tuesday of each month, alternating between fiction and nonfiction titles. Anyone is welcome to attend. During construction it takes place at the new Harman Park Transit Center, 83 Harman Park Drive, next to the Sheriff’s Office.
Family storytime
Wednesdays from 10-11 a.m. join a free educational hour of reading, singing and free play to build early literacy skills.
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.
Pagosa Adult Learning Services (PALS)
Join Mark or Sally for free individualized 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. No appointment necessary.