Have you ever wondered why your public library is called the Ruby M. Sisson Memorial Library? Our legal name is actually Upper San Juan Library District, and we are an independent special district library that serves all of Archuleta County.
So what is this Ruby Sisson name all about?
The library is named for Ruby Murel Cales Sisson — an educator, philanthropist and rancher who, through her will, donated trust funds to the library and Methodist Church. Sisson taught school locally from 1929-1978, with the exception of one year during World War II. From 1936-1948 she alternated between teaching at the Blanco Basin school, a one-room schoolhouse where she taught all eight grades, and Pagosa Springs High School, where she taught math. The first school in Blanco Basin was held in a chicken coop at the Sisson ranch in 1905.
Sisson’s trust funds helped build the current public library in Pagosa Springs, and also provided for high school scholarships.
The collections for that first library came from an attorney, Frank Spickard, who made his personal library available to the members of a young ladies’ literary club, and a wealthy benefactor in New York whose estate donated 48 books. The library opened in February of 1907 in the basement of the Methodist Church.
Initially volunteers ran the library. The Pagosa Springs Civic Club took over operations in February of 1910, when the collection numbered 202 books. Between 1910 and 1960, the library resided in a church, a log cabin and the old town hall.
In 1960, the library moved into two small rooms in the new town hall that had been built at the corner of U.S. 160 and Lewis Street (now the location of Bell Tower Park). When Archuleta County took over the library in 1966, it became possible to hire a full-time librarian. The Upper San Juan Library District was formed in 1985 to give the library a stable funding base.
The library opened in its current location at U.S. 160 and 8th Street in February of 1989 after the Pagosa Springs Women’s Civic Club and the Friends of the Library raised over $700,000 for a permanent building. Since then, the library has been expanded twice. A 2026 expansion adds a large community room, a new children’s room with adjoining garden, and a dedicated teen room and makerspace.
For more history, don’t miss this short video from Bob and Lydia Lynch with expertise from Spence Scott about Ruby Sisson and the library’s humble beginnings. https://www.pagosalibrary.org/our-history
Library Closed February 6th for All-Staff Training Day
GED by Appointment Only
As we gear up for the grand opening of our new library space, we’re taking a break from regular GED hours. If you are working toward your General Education Degree or a high school equivalency exam, or if you could use a tutoring session to help you with your educational goals, give the library a call at 970-264-2209 and we’ll connect you with our instructor.
Construction Update
Electrical, plumbing and mechanical elements of the building are roughed in and exterior window installation is underway. You’ll see exterior doors by the first week in February and drywall will begin right after the insulation is completed. Follow us on Facebook for periodic pictures of progress.
New Tumblemath for Kids
Ask AI if good readers are good at math, and here’s the answer you get: “Yes, good readers are often good at math because reading skills like comprehension, vocabulary, and logical reasoning are crucial for understanding word problems, mathematical language, and complex concepts, with strong early reading ability being a key predictor of later math success. Both subjects rely on creating mental images, using context, and persevering through challenges, and brain areas used for reading are also involved in math tasks like multiplication, showing a deep connection. “
That’s the idea behind the library’s brand new online offering for kids, Tumblemath. Kids can learn math concepts through fun picture books that tell the story of why math works. Concepts range from basic addition all the way through geometry for older readers. You can find Tumblemath in our digital library on the alphabetical list or in the homework section.
Meet us Out in the Community
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.
Conversational Spanish
The Conversational Spanish group continues on Mondays 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, February 10th as we discuss East of Eden by John Steinbeck. 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.
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 Expanded!
Free in-person evening classes happen on Mondays from 10am-noon, Tuesdays 3-5pm, and Thursdays, from 4-6 pm for students of all levels at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church, 225 S. Pagosa Street. Please help us pass the word about these classes.
Clases de inglés
Clases gratis de inglés cada lunes 10am-12, martes 3-5pm y Jueves de 4-6 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.
New and Notable
Jamie Oliver’s Eat Yourself Healthy
The Love Language That Matters Most by Gary Chapman
Mahjong for Dummies
Design Thinking: A Guide to Innovation by Fred Estes
The Cortisol Reset Plan: The Complete Guide to Balancing Your Hormones, Reversing Weight Gain, and Restoring Nervous System Health.
Mayo Clinic Guide to Arthritis: Managing Joint Pain for an Active Life
Wilderness Knits for the Great Outdoors
Wild Basketry: Making Baskets and Natural Cordage From Foraged Plants
The Anthropology Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained