I have travelled many places in the world, some exotic, some mainstream. Whenever I leave the U.S. I am gratified by the deep reverence for the written word and my profession. It begins when the tour group meets for the first time. We take turns saying our name, where we are from, and what we do. A melodic sigh floats through the room when I say I’m a librarian. More than one guide has confessed mine is their dream job. As we visit the archaeological sites, books are everywhere. Over and over, the great leaders in history were the ones who built libraries, says our guide, and it is unexpectedly common to find free libraries stocked with beautiful art and history books at archeological sites from Peru to Morocco as people share their love for learning with fellow visitors.
The hotel lobbies in Spain hold walls and walls of novels in every language – take one, leave one. There is the occasional John Grisham in Portuguese, or Harry Potter in French, but you are more likely to find Silas Marner or Don Quixote in Spanish. The hotel lobby in Madrid must have held several hundred books. You would have been lucky to find ten in English.
Why don’t we read?
I believe it’s a human flaw that we take things for granted when they are ubiquitous and free. But I also know how important it is to read. Reading alleviates depression, builds empathy, and lowers the risk of dementia. Studies show just 6 minutes of reading can reduce stress levels by up to 68% by distracting the mind from rumination. (This must be why I fall asleep every night before I even get to page 5.) A 30-minute session lowers heart rate and blood pressure as effectively as yoga or humor.
For those of you who love to read, you already know this. Reading is a therapy that can carry you through the worst times of your life. It provides a window into worlds full of promise and hope for children and inspires them to dream and become the hero on the page.
As the world gets more complex and life gets more discouraging, turn to your library for inspiration. Our shelves are stocked with tales of bravery and adventure. Just a few hours with a good book can set you right again. Ubiquitous and free, the public library is a treasure just waiting for you.
Strategic Planning Begins Next Month
We are so thrilled to be working in such a lovely new building. The big question on the table now is, what will we do here?
That’s where you come in. This is YOUR library. Our staff has endless ideas on what programs and services we can offer in all our new and expanded spaces. But are they what you want to see?
Watch for invitations on Facebook, on our website, and in your email over the next few weeks as we come together to dream and plan the next three years of library service.
Volunteer for Our Adult Education Programs
With our new library we are also reimagining our adult education program and are currently seeking volunteers.
Are you interested in becoming a volunteer tutor to help members of our community get their GED or learn ESL (English as a Second Language)? The library is looking for tutors to work with students one-on-one for two hours a week to help us sustain our Adult Education Programs. We are also taking new students for both GED and ESL.
If you are someone who enjoys cultural exchanges, or are looking to brush up on your Spanish, think about joining our Intercambio program at the Library. Intercambio connects volunteers with adult English learners through relationship-based classes. Our curriculum, training, and ongoing support make teaching easy, enjoyable, and impactful. Intercambio seeks compassionate volunteers to help English learners build language skills, confidence, and cross-cultural connections, in person.
We do not require volunteers to have experience before getting involved. Our English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL/ESL) curriculum requires no prior teaching or second language experience. Empathy is required. Volunteers should have patience, curiosity about other cultures, and a positive, learner-centered mindset that values diverse experiences and perspectives.
If you are interested in becoming a tutor or a student please email our Volunteer Coordinator, Nicole Holt at esl@pagosalibrary.org.
Radon Detectors Available for Checkout
The Colorado State library recently partnered with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to provide a limited number of radon detectors to libraries for circulation. Ruby Sisson Library has two units available to check out with a library card for a three-week loan. Instructions are included in the kit. Reserve one through the library catalog or ask at the front desk.
Hoopla E-Book Collection Replaces CloudLibrary
On August 18th, our library consortium adopted Hoopla, an e-Book and e-Audiobook platform that replaces CloudLibrary. Our entire CloudLibrary collection has migrated to this new Hoopla platform, so if you were on a waitlist for a book in CloudLibrary, try a search for it in Hoopla.
To get started, download the Hoopla app, and register as a Ruby Sisson patron with your library card number. If you are already a Hoopla user with another library, you can add the Ruby Sisson collection by choosing “settings” on the bottom app menu, then “Library Settings.” If you need a little extra help, stop by and we’ll work with you. For extended help, our tech time drop-ins are every Thursday from 2-4pm.
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
As a new school year begins, you might be thinking ahead to your toddler’s first day of kindergarten. Will they be prepared?
The library has a free, fun program to give your child the head start she needs. 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is an early childhood initiative that helps inspire a love for reading and literature while also helping our youngest readers get exposure to print and phonetics while earning prizes along the way! The goal is not to read 1,000 different books before KG, but to simply read 1,000 times before they begin their journey to expand their knowledge.
If your little one has a favorite book that they want you to reread to them immediately after finishing it the first time, then that counts as another book read. Every 100 books is a milestone where our young patrons can receive a small prize or an experience at the library. At the end of their journey, they will receive a grand prize as well as an invite to a celebration at the library with all of those who have finished their 1,000 books before kindergarten. Sign-up is free and easy. Get enrolled today by visiting the library.
2026 Colorado Parks Passes for Checkout
Fall is here! Have you visited a Colorado state park this year? Colorado state parks require a paid pass to enter, but you can borrow one from the library for a few days at no cost to you. Passes come with a backpack filled with nature guides, binoculars, and fun activities. Reserve yours today. Note: Colorado State Park passes are not valid for Chimney Rock National Monument.
Meeting Room Reservations
Large community meeting rooms and smaller study rooms are now available to reserve. Those looking to reserve the spaces for 2 or 4 hour blocks can inquire at the library or call 970-264-2209. A library card or driver’s license is required. Reservations can be made up to one month in advance.
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.
Look What’s On Our New Book Shelves
For a full list of new titles and to reserve your copy, go to www.pagosalibrary.org and choose Search the Catalog at the top of the screen. Don’t forget, if there is a waiting list for the book, it may be available now in eBook or eAudiobook on Hoopla or Libby. Need help? Just ask! We love talking about books.
New in Large Print
“Dead Men Don’t Play Fetch” by David Rosenfelt. Defense lawyer Andy Carpenter investigates a billionaire’s murder when a homeless veteran and his dog are accused, despite overwhelming evidence against them.
“Cat on a Hot Tin Woof” by Spencer Quinn. Chet and his human partner, PI Bernie Little, have been hired to find a missing person—only the missing person is a cat, Miss Kitty, an internet sensation.
“The Chase” by Felix Francis. The two hugely competitive and high-stakes worlds of thoroughbred horseracing and fine art come together in this new crime thriller.
New Fiction
“Mazywood” by Tananarive Due. Filmmaker Johnny brings his family to his grandmother’s California mountain lodge and uncovers a legacy of rage and secrets from her Hollywood career.
“Song for Another Home” by Bora Lee Reed. A powerful and expansive story of one family separated by the Korean War.
“Double Tap.” Vince Flynn’s Mitch Rapp series continues, taking the young CIA operative on his first deep-cover mission in which he infiltrates a jihadi organization bent on unleashing a weapon of mass destruction.
New Nonfiction
“How Russia Won: Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, and the Fight for America,” by journalist David Corn, outlines how Russian President Vladimir Putin mounted a decade-long covert war and disinformation campaign aimed at subverting American democracy.
“Your Turn: How to Create a Midlife You Love” by NPR heath and science correspondent Allison Aubrey, is an “illuminating road map for women to reclaim their reserves of power and improve their physical and emotional health in midlife.”
In “Be More Bird: Life Lessons from a Hawk,” Candida Meyrick adopts a Harris’s hawk named Sophia and trains her to hunt, discovering lessons about courage, freedom, and self-discovery through their bond.
Barbara Brattin is honored to lead the Ruby M. Sisson Memorial Library through this exciting time in its history. When she's not at the library, she's hiking with her Anatolian Shepherd Gigi and Rez dog Vic, traveling the world, visiting her grandchildren, or... you guessed it... reading !