The Friends of the Library are planning ahead for future book sales to benefit the library by arranging a pop-up book donation location on Saturday, September 13 from 11am – 5pm at Ramon’s Mexican Restaurant, 56 Talisman Drive, at the entrance to the City Market shopping center.
This action is necessary because we cannot accept book donations for a year at our building now that we are operating in a much smaller space while construction happens on the first phase of our long-awaited expansion.
Thanks to Ramon’s generosity, the Friends will be setting up tables in front of their space to collect books that will be sold at their book sales in 2026. If they get a good response they plan to set up more donation sites in the future.
Books on time-sensitive topics that can quickly become out of date are wanted only if they have been published within the last five years. These subjects include politics/current events, health and medicine, sports/exercise, business, technology, science, education and travel guides. Not accepted are reference materials, textbooks and non-print material like CDs, DVDs, Blu Ray, VHS or cassette tapes because they do not sell at Friends of the Library sales.
We hope you’ll take this opportunity to bring your new or lightly used books to the Friends on September 13. Proceeds from their book sales are vital to the ongoing health of your library.
Construction update
Here’s the latest news on your library’s construction project from Barb Brattin, library director:
“Living in a mountain town, we prize our clean water and clean air, and cringe at the idea of filling up a landfill with waste that could otherwise be reused. Ruby Sisson Library has long been proud of our sustainable geothermal heating system and we recycle everything we can. Our old books go to Book Barns throughout the county for reuse. And when space allows (not right now) we gladly accept your donations of almost new books to add to the collection.
“Now that we are under construction, we have new concerns: Where is all this construction debris ending up? Is there a way we can have less negative impact on the environment in our new building?
“I thought you might have the same questions, so here are some of the ways we are making our project and the new library more sustainable:
1. All the construction debris is collected in dumpsters headed for Phoenix Construction Recycling. They sort through the materials and sell what can be reused.
2. Our geothermal system will be expanded into the new addition, keeping the whole building on geothermal heating.
3. The building is being built for solar panels and we are pursuing grants that would add a 45 kw system supplying most of our electric needs throughout the year and maybe even sending some extra into the grid.
4. The building plans provide electrical conduit to the parking area for the purpose of adding electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. We are pursuing grants to add two EV charging stations among the parking spaces, both accessible to people of all abilities.
5. We’re using natural mineral wool insulation in lieu of more toxic fibers.
6. We’re donating the beautiful front doors on the old library to Habitat for Humanity for use in their future projects.
7. We’re framing the stained glass panels that were positioned above the old entryway doors. We’ll use them as artwork in the new library where they will catch all the light from the new windows and continue to bring us joy for many years.
8. We’re keeping all the old woodwork in place. It’s in great shape and won’t need refinishing.
“I hope these green initiatives make you proud of your library. We invite you to share any additional ideas you might have about how we can do even better to keep our mountain town pristine.”
Activities’ locations are changed
Now that we have much less space for our operations and no meeting rooms during construction, several of our regular activities and special events are happening in other locations.
Please check the listings in this column and on your library’s website at https://pagosalibrary.org for location changes throughout the construction. If no other location is mentioned, the activity will stay at your library.
Conversational Spanish
The Conversational Spanish group will meet Monday, September 8 from 4-5 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church at 225 South Pagosa. This is a great opportunity to practice your Spanish in a free group setting. No minimum skill level needed.
Adult book club
Ruby’s Book Club meets from 2-3 p.m. on Tuesday, September 9 to discuss “The Devil in the White City” by Erik Larson. Copies are available at your library. This free adult book club is held the second Tuesday of each month, alternating between fiction and nonfiction titles. Anyone is welcome to attend. During construction it takes place at the new Harman Park Transit Center, 83 Harman Park Drive, next to the Sheriff’s Office.
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. During construction the group will meet at the Senior Center, 451 Hot Springs Blvd. Enter through the left side of the building.
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.
Virtual legal clinic
Registration opened Tuesday, September 2 for this month’s free legal clinic. Participation is by appointment for Wednesday, September 10 from 2 – 3:40 p.m. for you to meet with a volunteer civil attorney by phone. To schedule an appointment, phone 970-264-2209. When you call, let us know if you need a translator. Registration is required because space is limited.
Large print
“The Perfect Son” by Freida Mcfadden tests a mother’s faith after a murder. “Outlaw Country” by William W. and J.A. Johnson is a Smoke Jensen western. “Robert Ludlum’s The Bournet Escape” by Brian Freeman is a Jason Bourne adventure. “The Rise and Fall of Miss Fannie’s Biscuits” by Wanda E. Brunstetter and Martha Bolton is a Cozy Amish mystery.
Poetry
“Bitter Creek” is a powerful epic poem by Teow Lim Goh about the Rock Creek Massacre in a Wyoming coal town. It is an ode told through the eyes of struggling Chinese coal miners, their families and the corporation working them to the bone.
Nonfiction
“Yet Here I Am” by Jonathan Capehart is a memoir by this Pulitzer Prize-winning Black TV host. “A Swim in a Pond in the Rain” by university professor George Saunders with seven essays and four Russian short stories explores how fiction works. “Road Atlas & National Park Guide” is a Rand McNally book with large maps. “The Italian Way” is a DK guide celebrating the food, culture and beauty of Italy. “Pack Light” by Shilletha Curtis is a memoir by a woman who decides to confront the roots of her childhood by hiking the Appalachian Trail.
Mysteries and thrillers
“The Unraveling of Julia” by Lisa Scottoline is a psychological thriller about a young widow who inherits a Tuscan estate. “An Inside Job” by Daniel Silva is a Gabriel Allon crime story. “The View from Lake Como” by Adriana Trigiani features a woman who leaves her New Jersey life for Italy where she hones her artistic skills and discovers family secrets.
Other novels
“Parable of the Sower” by Octavia E. Butler is a dystopian novel about the future. “The Aeneid of Virgil” is the classic masterpiece about the hero fleeing the ruins of Troy to find safety for himself and his people presented in accessible prose. “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller is the classic play about witch-hunts and trials in 17th century Salem.
Quotable Quote
“I used to have a fun in the swamp playing leapfrog. It was our favorite game…. Except for my cousin, Albert. He never actually leapt. He just stepped on your back and used your head like a lily pad. Sure he got ahead, but it was only by stepping on you. We’ve been told that that’s how you succeed. And some choose to believe it. But I know they’re wrong. So, as you prepare to take this big leap into real life, here’s a little advice, if you’re willing to listen to a frog. Rather than jumping over someone to get what you want, consider reaching out your hand and taking the leap side by side. Because, life is better when we leap together.” – Kermit the Frog’s commencement speech at the University of Maryland on May 21, 2025.
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