By Donna Mosher
In this age of ubiquitous online information, have you wondered why we still have libraries?
Why do we need a physical building staffed with real, live librarians? Why did Pagosa Springs spend more than five years to raise money to make our library bigger and better, when any information one wants can conceivably be found online?
I missed our library over the last year, especially when the books (more than 26,000 of them!) were stored to complete the renovation. I couldn’t walk in to browse them and find one I didn’t know I wanted to read. The newspapers and magazines were tucked away. Local groups couldn’t hold meetings at the library. We didn’t have access to the computers; printers; CDs or DVDs, or to many of the great variety of fun, innovative, and educational programs our librarians offer. These are just some of the services we enjoy, and maybe we even took them for granted.
Libraries offer so much more than books. Our Ruby Sisson Library’s precious resource is our librarians. Thankfully, they were there to help throughout the renovation. Our librarians help with research and finding information resources we can trust. They suggest books or other materials to meet our interests or needs. Our librarians offer an assortment of programs, from children’s story times to craft classes. We can find a book club and meet best-selling authors online in special presentations. Do you need help with a resume? Are you looking for grants to fund an organization? Do you need reliable access to the internet? Our library has these resources and more.
And we have more and larger gathering spaces now! As well as an expanded community room, our updated library has a teen room, an expanded children’s room, and a maker lab for hands- on learning and fun. Of course, online information sources are there for us. But do you know what they are? Every morning I log onto PagosaLibrary.org to read The New York Times—for free! The library website offers close to four dozen online resources, including genealogy help, an encyclopedia, resources for home improvement and auto repair, and legal resources. You can learn a language, find suggestions for your next novel, or even watch free lectures presented by the travel organization Road Scholar. Kids can enjoy educational digital books. And, of course, the library offers two services for e-books and audiobooks.
Libraries today are more than places to store books. Our library offers learning for all, technology support, professional guidance, and a community center. Finally, after nearly a year, our newly expanded, absolutely beautiful library is fully open again.
The Ruby M. Sisson Memorial Library is more than just books — lots more. Come check out all our library offers — in person and online.
Donna Mosher writes on behalf of Friends of the Library.