Library patrons and visitors know from personal experience what an exceptional library we have in our community. And statistics from the Colorado State Library show that your library staff are providing superior programs and services in a very impressive way from a money management standpoint.
Statewide numbers show that our library’s per capita income – meaning the revenue we receive from your taxes as well as from donations and grants – falls just above the median for other libraries our size in Colorado – and well below the median for tourist community libraries. (For the non-math folks among us, the median means we are in the middle, with the same number of libraries in the state above us as below us.)
Yet our stats show impressive results when we are compared with libraries of all sizes in Colorado, including those much bigger. In fact, our circulation per capita is nearly that of the wealthiest libraries in the state, including those in major tourist locations like Aspen and Telluride.
As well, our number of library card holders as a percent of population exceeds the median for all tourist libraries throughout the state.
These results translate into exceptional value for our taxpayers, and we all should be hugely proud of our staff for such money management skills, according to Barb Brattin. She can offer a relatively unbiased view since she arrived here from Wisconsin to be our new library director only two months ago.
“I inherited this success,” she said. “Based on more than 30 years working in libraries, I am very impressed.”
As Barb told the library Board of Trustees at their October 16 meeting when she reviewed the statewide stats:
“It’s clear from my interactions with the public since I came here in September, our library is a beloved local institution – and all the praise goes to library staff for providing this community with the service they value and appreciate,” Barb said. “It’s impressive to see that this goodwill is backed up by statistics that put our library in such a remarkable position statewide.”
Early library closure
Your library will close early on Monday, November 11 for our regular monthly staff meeting at 5 p.m.
“Real Friends, Real You” for teens/tweens
Join local author Kimberly Young tomorrow, Friday, November 8, from 2-3 p.m. to chat about managing conflict and staying true to yourself while being a real friend.
Special Friends event
Next Wednesday, November 13 from 4-6 pm, our new library director, Barb Brattin, will join the Friends of the Library for a social gathering and potluck – an excellent opportunity to meet Barb and hear about her background and plans. Please bring an appetizer to share. We will provide sodas, water, beer and wine.
If you’re not already a Friend, consider making this a perfect reason to join. Annual memberships are $15 per person or $25 for a family, with lifetime memberships available for $150 per person.
Lifelong Learning Lectures continue
Our free weekly Lifelong Learning Lecture fall series continues today with two more interesting presentations, both from 6 – 7:15 p.m.:
Today, November 7 Matt Huber from the Colorado Avalanche Information Center will explain the power of avalanches and give you practice advice on how you can have safe fun in the mountains during the winter.
November 14 Doug Coombs, a member of the Pagosa Photography Club, will share his remarkable photos from four different trips to Africa and describe options for traveling to Africa.
No registration is required to attend.
Chess Club Saturday
Learn how to play chess with free quick lessons and game time to practice your skills on Saturday, November 9 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. All ages and abilities are welcome.
Adult knitting Saturday
Join new and experienced knitters Saturday, November 9 for our free Knitters Circle from 1-3 p.m. for anyone over the age of 18 who would like to knit together or get help on a project.
Math tutoring Monday
High school math tutors will be available for ages 14 and up Mondays from 4 – 5:30 p.m. except for the second Monday each month when it ends at 5 p.m. because of our staff meeting Registration is required. Math tutoring will continue depending on demand and tutor availability.
Legal clinic next Wednesday
This month’s free legal clinic is by appointment Wednesday, November 13 from 2 – 3:40 p.m. At the library meet privately via Zoom with our volunteer civil attorney. For an appointment, phone us at 970-264-2209. Registration opens the first of the month and is required as space is limited.
Elementary student tutoring
Children in grades one-three are invited to these free sessions on Wednesdays from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. to build essential skills in core subjects as they are tutored in reading and math. Pre-registration is required.
Family storytimes
Wednesdays from 10-11 a.m. join a free educational hour of reading, singing and free play to build early literacy skills.
ESL classes
Free in-person evening classes take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with 4-5 p.m. reserved for beginners, 5-6 p.m. for intermediate and 6-7 p.m. for advanced students. Please help us pass the word about these classes.
Clases de inglés
Clases gratis de inglés cada martes y jueves. Principiantes de 4-5 p.m., intermedios de 5-6 p.m. y advanzados de 6-7 p.m. Ayudenos a informar a todos quienes necesitan aprender inglés.
Tech Time
Free in-person slots are available from 10 a.m.-noon Tuesdays and 2-4 p.m. Thursdays. Judy 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.
Activities calendars
Pick up monthly calendars at the library so you don’t miss any of the free programs, events and activities available to you and your family.
DVDs
“Halo” is a four-disc collection of season two episodes. “Despicable Me” is a four-movie collection of Illumination’s family comedy films. “Bikeriders” follows Midwestern biking club members evolving from a friendly gathering to a violent underworld. “Alpha” is an epic adventure of a man and a wolf set in the Ice Age.
Mysteries, suspense and thrillers
“Identity Unknown” by Patricia Cornwall is a Kay Scarpetta forensic science mystery. “The Women Behind the Door” by Booker Prize-winner Roddy Doyle features a mother and daughter untangling past memories and revelations. “The City & The City” by China Mieville is a gritty sci-fi murder mystery set in two cities whose residents are not allowed to interact.
Large print
“The Forest of Lost Souls” by Dean Koontz tells of an accident that may have been more than that. “Shadow State” by M.P. Woodward is a Tom Clancy Jack Ryan Jr. adventure. “I Need You to Read This” by Jessa Maxwell is a murder mystery involving an advice columnist.
Quotable Quote
“Everybody thinks of changing humanity, and nobody thinks of changing himself.” – Leo Tolstoy (1878-1910), Russian writer regarded as one of the greatest authors of all time.
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.