Last Wednesday as I was wondering what to write about for this week’s column, I thought I’d gather some ideas with a simple Google search: “Public Libraries in the News.”
AI responded with these disturbing headlines:
“A new post by PEN America explains that U.S. libraries face an existential threat from book bans, staff harassment, and political pressure.”
Another headline read “Bay County libraries in Florida expect a major loss in book funds ahead of local tax vote.”
Other news stories talk about library branch closures or reduced hours.
What a contrast to what I have witnessed for the past year at our Ruby Sisson Library! Every day members of our community have asked how they could open a new library, not close it. They asked how they could fund the library, not cut its budget. Our town and county have helped us every step of the way by pledging funds to the project and waiving permit fees. Our library staff is treated with respect, even genuine warmth, by our community members. And even though all of us can find a book in the library that includes ideas and opinions that rub us the wrong way, no one has demanded that those ideas and opinions should disappear from our shelves.
This September marks my second anniversary as Library Director in Pagosa Springs. During that time I have witnessed the true meaning of community. You have amazed me by how you have organized to raise the money for a bright and beautiful building surrounded by lush gardens, and how you have shown up in force day after day to complete this project.
We have built more than a library, Pagosa. We have built a true community center that will educate and nurture generations to come.
To all of you who helped, to all of you who showed up, your community is and will remain deeply grateful.
New Meeting Rooms Ready to Reserve
Your new library offers one large community room that can be divided into two smaller rooms. We also have two new study rooms. If you would like to reserve a room, give us a call. Our website will soon offer you the option to reserve meeting rooms on your own. Stay tuned.
Hiring for Custodian/ Janitor
Interested in joining a fun and welcoming staff team? Our new building and gardens are going to need lots of tender loving care. We’re hiring for a part time, 24 hour- per-week combination custodian/ gardener to keep things looking lovely. See the full job description on our website at www.pagosalibrary.org.
New Craft and Hobby Database Marks Makerspace Opening
To celebrate the opening of our new makerspace, we are launching a new database called Craft and Hobby. Packed with videos for all ages teaching skills like sewing, woodworking, gardening, and outdoor photography, Craft and Hobby is available free with your library card online from home or on the go. We are planning lots of hands-on activities in the new makerspace and will be using Craft and Hobby to provide instruction for participants. Take a look at their extensive catalog of instructional video at https://www.pagosalibrary.org/how-to
Radon Detectors Available for Checkout
The Colorado State library recently partnered with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to provide a limited number of radon detectors to libraries for circulation. Ruby Sisson Library has two units available to check out with a library card for a three-week loan. Instructions are included in the kit. Reserve one through the library catalog or ask at the front desk.
Hoopla E-Book Collection Replaces CloudLibrary
On August 18, our library consortium adopted Hoopla, an e-Book and e-Audiobook platform that replaces CloudLibrary. Our entire CloudLibrary collection has migrated to this new Hoopla platform, so if you were on a waitlist for a book in CloudLibrary, try a search for it in Hoopla.
To get started, download the Hoopla app, and register as a Ruby Sisson patron with your library card number. If you are already a Hoopla user with another library, you can add the Ruby Sisson collection by choosing “settings” on the bottom app menu, then “Library Settings.” If you need a little extra help, stop by and we’ll work with you. For extended help, our tech time drop-ins are every Thursday from 2-4pm.
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Prepares Your Little One for Success
As a new school year begins, you might be thinking ahead to your toddler’s first day of kindergarten. Will she be prepared?
The library has a free, fun program to give your child the head start she needs. 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.
2026 Colorado Parks Passes for Checkout
Fall is here! Have you visited a Colorado state park this year? 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. Note: Colorado State Park passes are not valid for Chimney Rock National Monument.
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 2-4pm 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 Hoopla or Libby.
Need help? Just ask! We love talking about books.
New in Large Print
In “Take Me To Your Leader: Perspectives On Your First Alien Encounter,” Neil deGrasse Tyson applies the laws of physics to make the case for what aliens might look like.
Luanne Rice is back with a new mystery, “Until Midnight.” When an old friend disrupts the perfect wedding with a blindsiding secret, she is found dead the next morning.
In “Promise Me Never,” author Liv Constantine delivers a thriller about a woman who becomes embroiled in the mystery of her husband’s deceased first wife.
New Fiction
The Strata Wars series begins with “Songs of the Dead” from fantasy author Brandon Sanderson. A London rocker is faced with a life-or-death choice when he realizes that a powerful society of magic wielders are the only ones keeping London safe.
“The Spoil” by Maile Chapman follows protagonist Mandy over the course of several decades, from childhood through middle age. Throughout the book, she is haunted by… something. A ghost? A demon? A biological infection?
African songwriter and hip-hop artist Gael Faye returns with his second novel, “Jacaranda,” the story of a young man’s journey from Paris to Rwanda to discover the truth about his family’s past.
New Nonfiction
“Navigating Western Colorado: Early Expeditions and the Birth of Transportation on the Frontier,” from historian David Bailey.
“Wildcat: The Untold Story of Pearl Hart, the Wild West’s Most Notorious Woman Bandit,” by John Boessenecker.
“The Comfort Crows: A Backyard Year,” fifty two essays that follow the changing flora and fauna in New York Times columnist Margaret Renkl’s backyard.
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 !