This week we are welcoming Sherry Van Atta, who joined our staff on Tuesday in charge of our early literacy programs. She comes to us with a wealth of experience working with children – and knows your library well because she has been one of our enthusiastic volunteers for the last couple of years.
Sherry has a BS in dietetics and institutional administration from Texas Woman’s University and a masters of education from East Texas State.
Her previous work history includes being an adjunct professor of nutrition and academic advisor at Texas Woman’s University, a public health nutritionist at Wewoka Indian Health Clinic in Oklahoma, and community dietitian to Indian tribes in Arizona. She also has been a first grade teacher in Garland and a special commissioner for a probate judge in Denton County, both in Texas.
Sherry is a longtime Stephen lay congregation minister and leader and also is junior warden at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church.
“Sherry’s previous experience and passion for working with children will make her a fantastic addition to our staff,” said Meg Wempe, library director. “We have come to admire her skills during her time as a once-a-week library volunteer and now are delighted to welcome her in her new full-time role.”
Save the date for library fundraiser
We hope you will mark your calendars for Saturday, December 9 at 5 p.m. for Late Night at the Library, a fundraiser for our Mountains of Opportunity campaign to expand and renovate your library. The event will offer hors d’oeuvres catered by SOCO Mountain Lifestyles, drinks provided by Riff Raff Brewing Company, and a fun time turning old books into repurposed treasures.
Tickets are $50 per person in advance and $60 at the door. They can be purchased online at pagosalibrary.org or in person with cash or check at the library.
Virtual author talks
Our highly popular free virtual author talks continue with two more opportunities for you to interact with New York Times bestselling authors and ask questions in December. For details and to register go to https://libraryc.org/pagosalibrary/upcoming. Tuesday, December 5 at 5 p.m. we gather with Victoria Aveyard, author of young adult and fantasy fiction as well as screenplays. Thursday, December 12 at noon features a conversation with Stephanie Land, author of “Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay and a Mother’s Will to Survive,” which became a Netflix miniseries.
Friday Flix tomorrow
Enjoy a PG movie and free popcorn Friday, December 1 from 2-4 p.m.
Knitting and crochet lessons
Learn to knit or crochet on Monday, December 4 at our free gathering from 2 – 3:15 p.m. for ages eight and up. Supplies provided. Note that we have added an additional session and this group will now meet the first three Mondays of the month.
Tween/teen art camp Monday
Monday free art classes from 4-5 p.m. for teens and tweens will explore a different style or medium. On December 4 and 11 it is floral art with guest artist Kirstin Bennett. Participants will create floral mug arrangements and art from pressed and dried flowers. Registration required. This art camp will happen only the first two weeks of December because the rest of the month the schools are on winter break.
Music fun Monday
Pagosa Unplugged is free from 4-6 p.m. Monday, December 4 for amateur musicians who would like a safe, supportive, non-bar setting to play, sing or both with other people. Anyone under age 18 is welcome with a signed parental permission, available at your library. For program information contact Susan at 970-946-3396.
Spanish conversation
Practice your Spanish in a free group setting on Tuesday, December 5 from 4:30-5:30 p.m. No minimum skill level needed. Note this group now meets twice a month, on the first and third Tuesdays.
Family storytimes
Wednesdays from 10-11 a.m. join us for a free educational hour of reading, singing and free play to build early literacy skills.
Writers support group
Thursdays from 9-11 a.m. Ruby’s Writers Guild welcomes writers looking for opportunities, support, resources and camaraderie with other writers at this free gathering.
Activities calendars
Pick up monthly events calendars at the library so you don’t miss any of the free activities available to you and your family.
Large print
“Judgment Prey” by John Sandford is a Lucas Davenport and Virgil Flowers murder mystery. “The Mustangers” by Preston Lewis is set in 1804 Spanish Texas. “Lone Star Legacy” by William W. and J.A. Johnston is a Forever Texas western. “Traitors Gate” by Jeffrey Archer is the latest in the William Warwick series set in London. “Killing the Witches” by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard focuses on the events of 1692 and 1693 in Salem Village, Mass.
Books on CD
“From a Far and Lovely Country” by Alexander McCall Smith is a No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency mystery. “The Burnout” by Sophie Kinsella features two burnout victims dealing with their malaise at a rundown seaside resort. “The Secret” by Lee and Andrew Child is a Jack Reacher adventure.
DVDs
“The Duke” is based on the true story of a man who stole an invaluable Goya portrait from the National Gallery of London. “The Bletchley Circle” is a thriller featuring four women with extraordinary code breaking skills. “The Fox and the Child” is the story of a remarkable friendship narrated by Kate Winslet. “Gran Turismo” is based on the true story of unlikely underdogs.
Thrillers, mysteries and suspense
“Happiness Falls” by Angie Kim begins when a Korean American family’s beloved father and husband goes missing. “Blood Sisters” by Vanessa Lillie features a Cherokee archeologist for the Bureau of Indian Affairs investigating the disappearance of two women. “Mother-Daughter Murder Night” by Nina Simon focuses on a high-powered businesswoman investigating a murder. “What We Kept to Ourselves” by Nancy Jooyoun Kim tells of a family’s search for answers after their mother disappears.
Other novels
“The Madstone” by Elizabeth Crook is a saga that begins when a stagecoach strands a passenger in Texas hill country in 1868. “Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt explores a widow’s connection with a giant Pacific octopus. “Sisters Under the Rising Sun” by Heather Morris features two women surviving and helping others in a Japanese POW camp in World War II. “Testament” by Wilbur Smith and Mark Chadbourn is an historical novel set in Ancient Egypt.
Nonfiction
“I Am Asking in the Name of God” by Pope Francis contains 10 prayers on vital issues facing the world today. “Imagine the God of Heaven” by John Burke reveals stories of people who have experienced more than a thousand near-death experiences. “Sonic Life” by Thurston Moore explores life in New York’s post-punk, no wave scene by this talented musician. “How to Forage for Wild Foods Without Dying” by Ellen Zachos is a beginner’s guide to identifying 40 edible wild plants.
Thanks to our donors
We are grateful to Henry Cesary for his materials donation.
Quotable Quote
“Whatever you do in life…remember…think higher and feel deeper. Life is an open hand waiting for some other hand to enter it in friendship. Ultimately the answers are so simple. Not simplistic, but so simple.” – Elie Wiesel (1928-2016), Romanian-born American author, professor, political activist, Nobel laureate and Holocaust survivor. He authored 57 books, written mostly in French and English.
Website
For more information on library books, services and programs – and to reserve books, e-books, books on CD and DVDs from the comfort of your home – please visit our website at https://pagosalibrary.org.
The Ruby Sisson Memorial Library has been located at 811 San Juan Street (corner of S. 8th and Hwy 160) since 1989. The library is overseen by the Upper San Juan Library District, a tax-funded special district in Archuleta County.