A few decades back, I had a part time job in a public library in a Chicago suburb. Like any large city, Chicago is extremely diverse, and this particular suburb had a significant resettlement of Russian Jews. There was a great reverence for libraries among the community members, which made it a joy to be a librarian there, but also a solid sense of mistrust. “Doesn’t the government decide what books are in the library?” an elderly gentleman once asked me. When I told him no, that the librarians chose and he could read anything he liked, he was more than skeptical. I’m not sure he ever truly believed me, but it certainly woke me up to the understanding that our system of public libraries is not replicated in every corner of the world, and that our freedom to read any book without government censorship is a thing to be treasured.
So during this year of our country’s 250th celebration, and for every year to come, let us hold dear the right to read, and work to safeguard that right from those who would want to limit our freedoms.
Read Wild! Summer Program Off to Great Start!
As the first month of summer reading wraps up, we’re proud to share that readers have already logged over 140,000 minutes of reading time since June 1! We are well on our way to crushing our 250,000 minute community reading goal by August 28th. This is the library’s first summer using the Beanstack platform, which makes it simple and convenient to log reading and track progress towards rewards.
We’ve been giving milestone prizes like putting readers’ names on the Wall of Recognition in the library and offering “community coupon bundles” to local businesses. Readers are also earning raffle tickets to our grand prizes which include gift cards, and special experiences in the library – like private time in our makerspace – and around the area – like a fly fishing trip with Piedra River Anglers. Congrats to all the readers out there on your progress this summer and if you’d like to join, visit pagosalibrary.org/summer
Assistant Director Taylor Wins Young Alumni Award
We are pleased to announce that Taylor Worsham, our library’s Assistant Director, has won Western Colorado University’s first ever Pathfinder Young Alumni Award. This award recognizes alumni who have graduated within the last 15 years who are already making meaningful contributions in their professions and communities while demonstrating the leadership, innovation, and service that define the Western spirit.
The announcement highlights :
“Since graduating from Western in 2016, Taylor (Cull) Worsham has built an impressive career in public librarianship and community service. From her early work with Gunnison County Libraries—where she helped support the successful effort to pass a mill levy and open a new library—to her creative programming that connected community members through events, technology support, and educational opportunities, Taylor’s work has already had a meaningful impact on the communities she has served. Today, Taylor’s continued leadership in public libraries and service to her community — both professionally at Ruby M. Sisson Memorial Library and through organizations such as Pagosa Community Initiative — reflect the values this award was created to celebrate.”
Congratulations, Taylor! We are so proud!
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Prepares Your Little One for Success
Want to give your little one this best possible start to a successful life? 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is an early childhood initiative that helps inspire a love for reading and literature while also helping our youngest readers get exposure to print and phonetics while earning prizes along the way! The goal is not to read 1,000 different books before KG, but to simply read 1,000 times before they begin their journey to expand their knowledge. If your little one has a favorite book that they want you to reread to them immediately after finishing it the first time, then that counts as another book read.
Every 100 books is a milestone where our young patrons can receive a small prize or an experience at the library. At the end of their journey, they will receive a grand prize as well as an invite to a celebration at the library with all of those who have finished their 1,000 books before kindergarten. Sign-up is free and easy. Get enrolled today by visiting the library.
Group Meeting Room Available
While we’re waiting for the full library to be completed, we have carved out a meeting room space for small groups of 6-8 people to use by reservation. Give us a call at 970-264-2209 to reserve your spot today.
Adopt-a-Tree Program
We have a few trees left to name in our outdoor community garden. Why not dedicate a tree to someone you love in exchange for a $500 donation? Individuals, families, clubs, businesses and organizations are welcome to participate.
Interested? Here’s how to get started. Write a check to Ruby Sisson Library or donate online at https://www.pagosalibrary.org. Fill out a donation form telling us what you want your garden stake to say in 6 words or less. Forms are available on our website or in paper form at the library. Thanks for helping us create a beautiful new outdoor space in our community!
2026 Colorado Parks Passes for Checkout
The weather is perfect to get outside! Colorado state parks require a paid pass to enter, but you can borrow one from the library for a few days at no cost to you. Passes come with a backpack filled 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.
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.
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.
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. Don’t forget, if there is a waiting list for the book, it may be available now in eBook or eAudiobook on CloudLibrary or Libby.
During our transition period, most books are in storage, but the new books are available to browse, and you can reserve any title in the catalog and have them brought in from other libraries. All the children’s collection is available in our bright new shiny children’s room!
Need help? Just ask! We love talking about books.
New in Large Print
“A World Appears,” by Michael Pollan. The fact that we have subjective experience is one of life’s mysteries. Pollan investigates what neuroscientists know to take us a little closer to the truth.
“The Star from Calcutta,” from author Sujata Massey, is a mystery set in 1920s India featuring Perveen Mistry, the only female lawyer in Bombay, who attends a party where a guest is discovered dead.
“West of Wicked” is the first in a new romance series from Nikki St. Crowe, a retelling of The Wizard of Oz.
New Fiction
“Inharmonious,” from author Tammye Huf, follows three young black men who enlist in the army during World War II. One, mistakenly enlisted as a white man, has a very different experience, until he comes home, and back to a racially segregated America. Based on the true story of the author’s family.
“The Llano County Mermaid Club,” from author Kathleen Rodgers, is a story of childhood betrayal and death and adult reckoning set in the sands of New Mexico.
“The Last Human Bear,” from novelist Greg Sarris, features protagonist Mary Hatcher, a Native shapeshifter in 1930’s California.
New in Nonfiction
“Cave Mountain: A Disappearance and a Reckoning in the Ozarks,” from professor Benjamin Hale is a thriller rich in the cultural history of the Arkansas Ozarks.
“Truth and Consequences: Reflections on Catastrophe, Civil Resistance, and Hope,” is a warning to America from Daniel Ellsberg, best known as the man who leaked the Pentagon Papers.
“Thirteen Perfect Fugitives: The True Story of the Mob, Murder, and the World’s Largest Art Heist,” by Geoffrey Kelly, the FBI agent who investigated the case.
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 !