Next Friday, August 1 marks the end of our hugely successful Summer Reading Program when we will gather from 1 – 2:30pm for a free fun celebration that includes games, activities, the grand prize drawing and refreshments for all ages.
Then we will close Monday, August 4 through Saturday, August 9 to keep you safe as construction begins on our expansion project. At that time we will be constructing a new entrance and walkway from the new parking lot to the west and also building a temporary wall to separate our inside service area from construction activity. We will welcome you back to our temporarily reduced library space on Monday, August 11.
Construction will take place in phases. Phase one, which begins next week, will build out the expansion. Then during phase, two the library will move into the new space while the remodel of the existing space is completed. That work will update the inside of our existing building and create two new areas – a dedicated teen room and a maker-space lab.
Phase three constructs and landscapes a community garden for community gatherings and peaceful natural enjoyment.
Breaking ground means we have one year to raise the last $800,000 needed to fully fund the expansion and renovation of our beloved library. We are grateful for any contribution you can make to this important project.
No more book donations, please. Regretfully, director Barb Brattin has made the decision to cease accepting book donations for a year beginning immediately. The reality of operating in a much smaller space while construction happens on the first phase of your library’s long-awaited expansion has made the action a necessity.
Library staff are determined to minimize disruption to programs and patrons during construction. Digging up the current parking lot will be the first step, signaling the start of the project on Monday, August 4, which is expected to continue through June 2026.
Initial construction involves creating a new entrance to the library on the west side of the building where you’ll enter through the community garden. The new addition will feature a large program room that can accommodate 100 people or be divided in two for smaller groups, as well as a children’s room and an adjacent children’s garden.
Eagerly awaited improvements like these will happen only with some temporary dislocation to library operations as construction proceeds, according to Barb. “But the good news is that we are staying in the building during construction,” she said.
The circulation desk will remain in place with your dedicated, knowledgeable staff there to help you, but you’ll enter the building by a different route. Parking moves to a new lot west of the library, which you’ll enter off Highway 160.
Barb said that she and her team are looking for space elsewhere in the community to temporarily house programs like after-school tutoring, adult crafts and book clubs.
“We’re determined to keep disruptions to a minimum as construction proceeds over the next two years,” Barb said. “We’re excited because we know the end result will make the temporary interruptions more than worthwhile as the new building will provide so many of the facilities our patrons have requested for a very long time.”
Barb pointed out that the expansion is totally paid for by private donations and grants that have raised $4.2 million. As an example, she cited a $840,000 grant from DOLA, the Colorado Department of Local Affairs. Fundraising continues for upgrades to the existing building.
“All of us on staff are already dreaming of the new and improved programs and services we’ll be able to offer when the construction is complete,” she said.
Last Summer Reading class tomorrow
Friday, July 25 from 1 – 2:30 p.m. features a colorful explosion as we enjoy Craftapalooza, our last Summer Reading free creative class.
Adult knitting and needlework
Join new and experienced knitters Saturday, July 26 for our free Knitters Circle from 1-3 p.m. It is aimed at anyone over the age of 18 who would like to knit together or get some help if you are stuck on your project. Any type of needleworker is welcome.
Music fun in the garden Monday
Pagosa Unplugged enjoys a special outdoor space from 4-6 p.m. Monday, July 28 when it takes place in the garden. These free sessions are for amateur musicians of all abilities to play, sing and jam with other people.
Conversational Spanish
The Conversational Spanish group will meet Monday, July 28 from 4-5 p.m. This is a great opportunity to practice your Spanish in a free group setting. No minimum skill level needed.
Writers Guild
Thursdays from 9-11 a.m. the Ruby’s Writers Guild welcomes writers looking for support, guidance, resources and camaraderie with other writers at this free gathering.
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.
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 on our website, 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.
Poetry collection
“I Hope You Remember” by Josie Balka is a collection of more than 80 poems about universal experiences like jealousy, family relationships and complex body images.
DVDs
We have series three and four of “My Life is Murder.” “Carville” is a documentary about the life of the influential Democratic strategist.
Books on CD
“The River is Rising” by Wally Lamb features a young father in prison. “Never Flinch” by Stephen King is a psychological thriller. “Sweetest Taboo” by Brenda Jackson is a multicultural romance.
Mysteries and thrillers
“The Tenant” by Frieda McFadden focuses on a new renter who totally changes the state of the home she moves into. “Into the Gray Zone” by Brad Taylor is a Pike Logan adventure set in India. “Don’t Let Him In” by Lisa Jewell looks at a man who may be too polished to be true. “With a Vengeance” by Riley Sager tells of a woman who lures her enemies onto a luxury train. “So Far Gone” by Jess Walter is about a man living off the grid who must return to track his missing daughter.
Other novels
“The Names” by Florence Knapp provides alternate versions of life depending on a baby’s name. “Silver Elite” by Dani Francis is a dystopian romance. “The Girls of Good Fortune” by Kristina McMorris follows a woman trapped in a Shanghai tunnel in 1880s Portland, Ore. “The Lion Women of Tehran” by Marjan Kamali tells of two girlhood friends reunited later in life.
Large print
“Trespassers at the Golden Gate” by Gary Krist is a true story of a murder in San Francisco. “Murderland” by Caroline Fraser looks at the lives and causes of serial killers. “The Fifteen” by William Geroux spotlights the forgotten story of Nazi prisoners of war in America. “The High Missouri” by Win Blevins is book two in the Mountain Man Rivers of the West series.
How-to and self-help
“A Jesus Shaped Life” by Bible teacher Lisa Harper invites you into a conversation about how theology can transform you and our world. “Dear Writer” by Maggie Smith breaks down creativity into 10 essential elements. “The Courage to Change” by Bible teacher Joyce Meyer shows how to stand firm when difficult changes come into your life.
Other nonfiction
“When It All Burns” by firefighter Jordan Thomas looks at megafires from the viewpoint of hotshots who fight them. “The Peepshow” by Kate Summerscale looks at one of the most notorious murders in modern London history. “Pacific Northwest” is a DK guide to Oregon, Washington and B.C. “Germany” also is a DK travel guide.
Quotable Quote
“If I waited for perfection, I would never write a word.” – Margaret Atwood, Canadian author and poet best known for “The Handmaid’s Tale,” which was adapted into an Emmy-winning TV series. Her writing has been published in more than 50 books.
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.