In a cozy corner of your library, there is a treasure trove of local history available for your reading pleasure, thanks to the generosity of one of Pagosa’s long-time residents and the Chimney Rock Association.
You can find these materials easily by coming in the library front door, turning right at the front desk and walking toward the Turner Reading Room.
On your immediate right you will find six wide shelves holding books, maps and newspaper articles under a sign saying Hershey Collection. It is adjacent to a welcoming lounge area with comfortable seating underneath huge windows. During their time at Four Mile Ranch in Pagosa, Terese and Jacob Hershey built an impressive collection of printed materials about the Four Corners region which they donated to our library for our community’s continued enrichment and enjoyment.
You’ll find guide books about Rocky Mountain gardening and wildflowers, San Juan Mountain hiking areas, fishing and camping spots, mining history and ghost towns, local wildlife and birds, railroad history and much more.
Local history buffs will be enthralled by five history books authored by the late journalist John Motter as well a collection of his popular columns from The Pagosa Springs SUN.
Also situated within the Hershey Collection are five rows of materials donated by the Chimney Rock Association on ancient Puebloans and the history of the Chimney Rock National Monument. This famous archeological site is located only a half an hour away, driving on Hwy. 160 towards Durango.
We hope you’ll take advantage of this treasure trove of local history available for your reading pleasure at the library or to check out.
One more Lifelong Learning Lecture
Our free weekly Lifelong Learning Lecture fall series comes to an end today, November 14, with one last presentation from 6 – 7:15 p.m. 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.
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.
Science fun tomorrow
Youngsters aged 6-10 are invited to experience awesome science experiments at a free session tomorrow, Friday, November 15, from 2 – 3:30 p.m.
Paws to Read tomorrow
Friday, November 15 from 2-3 p.m., youngsters from K-fifth grades are invited to share their favorite books with Maple, a therapy dog who loves listening to stories, at a free Paws to Read session. This is a great way for beginning readers to build confidence.
Pokemon Club on Saturday
If you love Pokemon and are aged six-11, this fun free club is for you. Bring your cards on Saturday, November 16 from 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. when you can play games with others. No experience required.
Music fun Monday
Pagosa Unplugged is free from 4-6 p.m. Monday, November 18 for amateur musicians of all abilities and expertise to jam and sing with others.
Adult DIY Tuesday
At the free adult DIY next Tuesday, November 19 from 1-2:30 p.m. you will learn creative gift wrapping using natural elements. All supplies provided.
Family storytimes
Wednesdays from 10-11 a.m. join a free educational hour of reading, singing and free play to build early literacy skills.
Writers Guild
Thursdays from 9-11 a.m. the Ruby’s Writers Guild welcomes writers looking for opportunities, support, resources and camaraderie with other writers at this free gathering.
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.
Downloadable books
CloudLibrary has a wide variety of downloadable e-books and audiobooks for all ages. To access this free digital collection, download the cloudLibrary app, answer a few simple questions, select AspenCat Union Catalog for the name of your library, then enter your library card number and 4-digit PIN. Library staff are happy to help you set up your device if you need assistance.
Short stories collection
“The Man in Black and Other Stories” by Elly Griffiths, author of the Ruth Galloway mysteries, is a short-story collection of 19 ghost stories, cozy mysteries, tales of psychological suspense and poignant vignettes of love and loss.
Large print
“Ghost Soldier” by Mike Maden is a Clive Cussler Oregon Files adventure. Robert B. Parker’s Buzz Kill” by Alison Gaylin is a Sunny Randall mystery. “An Eye for an Eye” by Jeffrey Archer is a William Warwick thriller. “Bad Liar” by Tami Hoag is a Broussard and Fourcade mystery.
DVDs
“Cabrini” is based on the true story of an Italian immigrant working for housing and healthcare in New York City. “Over the Garden Wall” is the Cartoon Network’s first animated miniseries. “Frozen Empire” is a Ghostbusters action story. “Manhunt” is a mystery based on the true story of a shocking murder in London. “Abigail” is a vampire movie about the kidnapping of a young ballerina.
Novels
“Sky Full of Elephants” by Cebo Campbell follows a father and daughter exploring a new world without white people. “The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife” by Anna Johnson tells of an extremely kind elderly man assuming a new life in a nursing home. “The Witches of El Paso” by Luis Jaramillo features a lawyer and her elderly great aunt with supernatural gifts in this fantasy story.
Nonfiction
“Taste: My Life Through Food” by Stanley Tucci is a memoir about food, family and travels containing a multitude of recipes from this actor known for his love of food from his CNN series “Searching for Italy.” “Targeted Beirut” by Jack Carr and James M. Scott is an in-depth account of the deadly 1983 Marine barracks bombing.
Quotable Quote
“I’m the queen of advice. My brother always says, ‘You write books just so you can give everybody tips.’ I’ve written 10 books full of tips. I love sharing information. I think it’s because I’m a middle child.” – Marilu Henner, stage and screen star and five-time Grammy nominee, health advocate, and author whose books are available at our library.
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.