Two local authors who have donated their books to your library’s collection help bring vibrant personalities and regional history to life in an interesting, enjoyable way.
“Patterson” by fourth-generation Pagosa resident Dean Cox is an 830-page nonfiction tribute to Julius Brice Patterson and his ancestors, descendants and associates with a multitude of drawings, pictures and even some beautiful paintings. Its subtitle, “Compelling times and events of a Rocky Mountain pioneer family,” is an apt description of what’s inside.
Much of this historical narrative is based on family stories plus an interview with Brice at age 92 by the Daughters of the American Revolution. As well, the author got help with research and site visits from friends and family. Dean wrote much of the family saga over five years in a cabin he built in the mountains above Silverton which he visited every other week in summer and winter. There Dean could look out the window and see two stunning 13,000-foot peaks that provided inspiration and atmosphere as he wrote.
Don’t let the length of this book or the fact that it covers so many decades of family history intimidate you. The author’s pleasant, unintimidating writing style helped by generous use of quotations and conversations make for easy reading.
Meanwhile, Sylvia McDaniel has donated “Desperate,” the initial book in her Lipstick and Lead series, to go along with the other four novels in her series, “Deadly,” “Daring,” “Determined” and “Dangerous,” already in our collection. These stories feature three sisters burdened with the responsibilities of a homestead in a small town in west Texas who turn to bounty hunting to pay their bills and to save money so that they can pursue their dreams.
Sylvia has lived in Pagosa Springs for seven and a half years, after moving here from Dallas. Now that this series is complete, she plans to publish her newest book, a romance titled “Secrets of the Past,” very soon.
You will find both authors’ books in the Local Authors section at your library.
Book sale October 11
Thanks to your generosity donating like-new books to the Friends of the Library book drive in September, they have accumulated enough treasures to host a pop-up book sale this Saturday, October 11 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Church of Christ, 277 Lewis Street. Friends, teachers, nurses and first responders will benefit from a buy-one-get-one-free offer for up to 10 books. We hope you’ll take this opportunity to purchase new or lightly used books from the Friends. 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 expansion construction project from Barb Brattin, library director:
“Rebar inspections have passed, with the first concrete truck on site and groundwater issues resolved. For the next several weeks we will see the foundation for the new addition come to life.
“The project remains on schedule, with a grand opening date expected sometime next summer.”
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.
No more book donations, please
Regretfully, we are no longer accepting book donations for a year. 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.
Conversational Spanish
The Conversational Spanish group will meet Monday, October 13 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, October 14 to discuss “The Women” by Kristin Hannah. 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.
Pagosa Adult Learning Services (PALS)
Join Mark or Sally for free individualized PALS sessions Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 – 8 p.m. to help with high school equivalency, GED, college prep, financial aid, tutoring and more. No appointment necessary.
DVDs
“Matlock” starring Katy Bates is season one. “Dark Winds” is season three. “The Hoenician Scheme” features a ruthless wealthy European. “Outrageous” is based on the true story of the Mitford sisters who played by their own rules. “What are UFOs?” is a PBS Nova program.
Short stories
“An Oral History of Atlantis” by Ed Park is a collection of 16 short stories spanning a quarter century.
Mysteries and thrillers
“Twist of Fate” by Se-Ah Jang features two women, both running away, whose meeting on a train changes their lives. “Milo’s Reckoning” by Joseph Oldhan follows a grad student tracking the mysterious death of his mentor. “The Good Liar” by Denise Mina tracks a widow who has to decide what to do when she learns her trial testimony was wrong.
Other novels
“Animal Farm” is the classic George Orwell novel. “Tomlinson’s Wake” by Randy Wayne White is a Doc Ford story. “Caledonian Road” by Andrew O’Hagan explores British class, politics and money through five interconnected families. “Playground” by Pulitzer Prize winner Richard Powers explores the complex relationship between humanity, technology and the ocean through the interconnected lives of four characters.
Quotable Quote
“There are never right or wrong decisions. The wrong decisions are the ones you never made. So whatever decision you make, go with it. You will always have time to correct yourself, because if you’re on the move you will have other opportunities. If you stay in one place, you won’t get that chance…. So if you’re going to make a mistake, just make sure you’re still moving: going somewhere, believing in something, moving forward.” – Jose Andres, Spanish-American chef, restauranteur, cookbook author and TV host. He is the founder of World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit organization devoted to providing meals in the wake of natural disasters.
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