Several years before the pandemic, scientist and journalist Michaeleen Doucleff began to notice that her naturally calm demeanor had changed. She couldn’t fully relax on the weekends. Even when visiting magical places like the beach, far from her job or other responsibilities, there was a “constant hum of anxiety” preventing her from fully enjoying the moment.
“What’s next?” kept running through her mind. She ate past the point where she was full, she didn’t feel comfortable away from her phone. She found herself arguing on social media. This was not who she was.
What had happened?
The pandemic was Doucleff’s wake-up call. Life was no longer a guarantee, and she was determined not to live the years she had been granted in a perpetual state of anxiety. As a parent, she knew her young child needed her to do better. And she needed to find a way to not only shelter her child from her own erratic behavior, but to prevent her child from the same fate.
The result is a new book, “Dopamine Kids: A Science-Based Plan to Rewire Your Child’s Brain and Take Back Your Family in the Age of Screens and Ultraprocessed Foods.”
Doucelff’s findings center on the naturally occurring “molecule of motivation,” dopamine.
“For the first time in history,” Doucleff writes, “we are inundated with dopamine surges inside our brains, pulling us to technology and ultraprocessed foods like magnets.”
This imbalance affects not only adults, but children, and is a direct factor in the rising anxiety levels in our youth. Doucleff prescribes a four-week plan toward building sanctuaries for conversation, focus, sleep, and adventure as a buffer to our dopamine overloaded society.
Parenting has changed, and you need new tools to confront the modern forces that make your child anxious and unhappy. “Dopamine Kids” may be just the prescription you’ve been looking for.
To reserve “Dopamine Kids” or to explore other similar titles, start at our website catalog link at https://www.pagosalibrary.org/ or give us a call at 970-264-2209.
Matching Grant Funds Needed
We are furiously submitting grant applications to fully fund our new library construction project, but the target keeps moving. Water has been the main culprit but hidden concrete pylons and old retaining walls in the parking lot also cost us lots of money to remove. This month a faulty sump pump in the old crawl space released unwelcome water. The fix involves piping a new sump pump to the other side of the building’s exterior, an expensive job. You may remember we won funding last year from the Department of Local Affairs in the amount of $840,000. DOLA is willing to provide us with up to $160,000 in supplemental funds, but we need to match the grant dollar for dollar. Donations in any amount will help us leverage these state funds.
You can donate online at https://www.pagosalibrary.org/donate-to-the-library-foundation , write a check to the Ruby Sisson Library Foundation, or drop some cash in the conscience jar next time you visit the library. Thanks so much for your help!
Construction Update
So much is changing so quickly! Our roof is nearly finished, blue siding is transforming the exterior, and the drywall is up inside. There will be a big transition in late June as we switch sides. We’ll transfer service to the new section while the old section gets a facelift. In mid-August, the two portions will be combined into one big, beautiful building. Our grand opening is tentatively set for Labor Day weekend!
Collecting for Local Food Banks
If you have an extra can or two of food you can share, or some dried food in sturdy packaging, please bring it to the library. Our local agencies will pick up and distribute the food to where it’s needed.
Tax Forms and Booklets Available
Pick up Colorado tax forms and booklets as well as federal 1040 and 1040A forms and instructions. Tax help is still available by appointment. Contact Kathy at 970-553-9150 or kathy.taxhelp@gmail.com to make an appointment.
GED Adds Citizenship Classes
If you are working toward your General Education Degree or a high school equivalency exam, if you’re working toward your U.S. Citizenship test, 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.
New 2026 Colorado Parks Passes for Checkout
It may seem like the wrong time of year to visit Colorado state parks, but with our mild winter, why not get outside and enjoy the parks’ off-season? The Ruby Sisson Library has free Colorado Parks passes for checkout that include a backpack with nature guides, binoculars, and fun activities. Reserve yours today.
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.
Online author talks
Our free online author talks with New York Times bestselling authors continue in March with new authors.
America’s Failed Response to the Opioid Crisis with Author Shoshana Walter, with Special Guest Host Barbara Kingsolver
Tuesday, March 24th, 2026, at 12:00 PM MDT
Conversational Spanish
Our popular 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 is held the second Tuesday of each month, alternating between fiction and nonfiction titles. Our April title, The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise by Colleen Oakley, is a novel about an unlikely friendship between 21-year-old college dropout Tanner and 84-year-old Louise, who go on a cross-country road trip after Louise’s past as a jewel thief catches up with her.
Anyone is welcome to attend the book club. 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.
Elementary school tutoring
Free after-school tutoring for grades one-three takes place on Wednesdays from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Registration is required because of limited space so call your library now at 970-264-2209 to enroll your child.
This invaluable tutoring involves one-on-one and small group help for math, literacy, writing and spelling. Note that because of construction at the library these sessions will take place at the Elementary School.
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 On Hold
We’re pausing our ESL classes for a few months. They will resume this summer.
Our New Books Collections are Brimming with Interesting Titles!
For a full list of new titles and to reserve your copy, go to www.pagosalibrary.org and choose Search the Catalog at the top of the screen.
New Nonfiction
“Medicare 101,” by Kimberly Lankford, an essential primer on the government healthcare program.
“Screen-Aware Early Childhood: A Realistic Approach to Helping Young Children Thrive in a Digitally Complex World,” from Teachers College Press, introduces the Screen-Aware Framework for Early Childhood (SAFEC).
“The Good Building Book: Principles of Efficient, Functional and Sustainable Design,” provides practical design methods to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact.
New Fiction
“Best Offer Wins,” described as “a tale of blackest comedy, spiraling obsession, and ultimate horror.”
“Discipline,” by Larissa Pham, a debut novel about passion and revenge.
“One Ordinary Man,” by Steve Vesce, an historical novel based on the life of Harry Hopkins, U.S. Commerce Secretary who directed the New Deal.
New Large Print Fiction
“Until Our Time Comes” by Nicole M. Miller, a novel of World War II Poland.
“All That is Hidden,” the newest Molly Murphy mystery from Rys Bowen.
“The Antidote,” by Karen Russell, follows a Prairie Witch whose body serves as a bank vault for people’s memories.
New Nonfiction in Large Print
“The Power of Thank You,” a new perspective on Christian living from prolific author Joyce Meyer.
Melinda Gates tells all in her newest memoir, “The Next Day: Transitions, Change, and Moving Forward.”
Barbara Brattin is honored to lead the Ruby M. Sisson Memorial Library through this exciting time in its history. When she's not at the library, she's hiking with her Anatolian Shepherd Gigi and Rez dog Vic, traveling the world, visiting her grandchildren, or... you guessed it... reading !