A recent stroll through the library’s magazine aisle stopped me in my tracks.
The August 2026 cover of Atlantic magazine featured an apocalyptic cover with the headline “The Age of Reading Is Over.” Rose Horowitch’s argument is quite shocking: society is entering a “postliterate” age where sustained reading of long-form books is in steep decline. Horowitch cites statistics from the American Time Use Survey, like the proportion of Americans who read for pleasure on any given day fell from 28 percent in 2004 to 16 percent in 2023. Even more alarming, she references National Endowment for the Arts data that claims that fewer than 50 percent of American adults read a book of any kind in 2022.
I acknowledge this is a deeply troubling societal trend, not only as an enthusiastic reader but as a librarian that has dedicated my life to advancing literacy and the love of reading. After reflecting on “The Age of Reading is Over”, I feel even more impassioned to advance public libraries’ essential mission to cultivate a community of readers.
The Age of Reading is Not Over in Pagosa Springs.
In fact, we are ushering in a new era with an expanded library full of books to read and enjoy. The Ruby Sisson Library continues to purchase new and classic titles, for all ages, reading abilities, and interests. Reading is a foundational skill; it can be a transformative experience; and truly is a forever pastime.
We hope you’ll come to see us at the library and discover your next great read.
Adult Education Programs
With our new library we are also reimagining our adult education program and are currently seeking volunteers.
Are you interested in becoming a volunteer tutor to help members of our community get their GED or learn ESL (English as a Second Language)? The library is looking for tutors to work with students one-on-one for two hours a week to help us sustain our Adult Education Programs. We are also taking new students for both GED and ESL.
If you are someone who enjoys cultural exchanges, or are looking to brush up on your Spanish, think about joining our Intercambio program at the Library. Intercambio connects volunteers with adult English learners through relationship-based classes. Our curriculum, training, and ongoing support make teaching easy, enjoyable, and impactful. Intercambio seeks compassionate volunteers to help English learners build language skills, confidence, and cross-cultural connections, in person.
We do not require volunteers to have experience before getting involved. Our English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL/ESL) curriculum requires no prior teaching or second language experience. Empathy is required. Volunteers should have patience, curiosity about other cultures, and a positive, learner-centered mindset that values diverse experiences and perspectives.
If you are interested in becoming a tutor or a student please email our Volunteer Coordinator, Nicole Holt at esl@pagosalibrary.org.
Board Vacancy
We have an unexpected vacancy on our library board. The Library Board establishes library policies, oversees library finances, and advocates for the library in the community. Members serve 3 year terms and must be residents of Archuleta County. Time commitment is generally one meeting per month. If you would like to serve, please send a letter of interest to director@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 18th, 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.
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.
Meeting Room Reservations
Large community meeting rooms and smaller study rooms are now available to reserve. Those looking to reserve the spaces for 2 or 4 hour blocks can inquire at the library or call 970-264-2209. A library card or drivers license is required. Reservations can be made up to one month in advance.
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
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
“Heart of Glass” by Jennifer Hillier is a thriller featuring two friends in a quiet seaside town that faced tragedy at the hands of a serial killer. The book’s twisting turn of events across decades unravels the secrets they’ve worked so hard to bury in their carefully constructed lives.
“The Wild Beneath” by Kelly Anderson tells the story of Annie MacLeod who always knew she was different, growing up on a sailboat in the Pacific Northwest, navigating by stars and swimming with sea creatures alongside her parents and best friend Evan. But when a tsunami shatters her world, Annie is stranded on land and forced to confront how eccentric she is.
New Fiction
“Hollow Bones” by Jodi Picoult is the story of Molly Fitzgerald who was only two months old, her mother went to an appointment at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, and never came home. Now an adult, she runs the Rhode Island Department for Emergency Preparedness, mapping out ways to save lives during storms, epidemics, and airplane crashes.
“13 little love stories: an anthology inspired by Taylor Swift songs” is a collection by young adult authors of contemporary romances inspired by the songs of Taylor Swift.
“The Pirate Queen” by Ariel Lawhon is a thrilling historical adventure inspired by the life of Grace O’Malley, the infamous Irish sea captain and folk heroine who risked everything to protect her people against the powerful Elizabethan regime.
New Nonfiction
“Home food storage: a preparedness plan for creating and using an emergency food supply” by Michael Allison is a comprehensive guide to creating a practical food storage system for everyday life and long-term emergencies.
“Printing with the sun: capturing the beauty of nature with cyanotypes” by Madge Evers covers the basics of the cyanotype process with step-by-step photographs and clear instructions. It includes over a dozen projects that will build your printmaking skills and introduce you to new aspects of the art.
“Wildcat: the untold story of Pearl Hart, the Wild West’s most notorious woman bandit ” by John Boessenecker is the first book to uncover the enigma of Pearl Hart. Hailed by many as ‘The Bandit Queen,’ her epic life of crime and legacy as a female trailblazer provide a crucial lens into the lives of the rare women who made their mark in the American West.