LIBRARY NEWS: Salute to Library Volunteers During National Volunteer Week

Author Sherry Anderson once said, “Volunteers don’t get paid – not because they are worthless but because they are priceless.” Everyone on your library staff agrees.

Our volunteers are everyday heroes who make a lasting impact on the service we provide you, your family and friends at your library. In fact, last year our volunteers contributed 1,551 hours of time valued at $44,265, up 62.7% over the year before.

National Volunteer Week is April 17-23 this year, and Meg Wempe, library director, and her team want to take this opportunity to say a special thanks to all of our volunteers.

Please know that we appreciate you tremendously. As William James said, “Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.”

Library hours
Most of our programs are happening in person and curbside service continues. Also, our hours are back to pre-COVID levels – and even more on weekdays:
Monday, Wednesday and Friday open 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Tuesdays and Thursdays open 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturdays open 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

CD player to borrow
Do you need a CD player? We have one you can check out. Ask at the front desk.

Therapy dog visit next Tuesday
Next Tuesday, April 19 from 4 – 4:45 p.m. you are invited to come to the library for a free visit with a certified therapy dog. The visits will be limited to 10-15 minutes – just the right amount of time to pet the dog, read to the dog or just say “Hi.” This activity is for all ages.

Virtual teen advisory board
Next Wednesday, April 20 the teen advisory board meets from 4-5 p.m. on GoogleMeet. Fourth-12th graders are invited to bring your fun and innovative ideas to help us plan teen programs. Video call link: https://meet.google.com/jav-wcht-szx

Special family storytimes
Wednesdays from 10-11 a.m. join us for free in-person children’s stories, games and plenty of reasons to get up and move. Special guests Lisa Baker and her friend Fluffy Dog will provide puppets and storytelling on April 20. The next Discovery Time takes place this Saturday, April 16 on Facebook at 2:30 p.m.

ESL classes
Free in-person evening classes take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays with 4-5 p.m. reserved for beginners and 5-7 p.m. for both intermediate and advanced students. Please help us spread the word about these classes to others in our community who would be interested, and contact us by phone or email if you have any questions.

Las clases de ESL
Las clases nocturnas gratuitas en persona se llevan a cabo los martes y jueves de 4 a 7 p.m. Los estudiantes principiantes asisten de 4 a 5 p.m., estudiantes intermedios de 5-6 p.m. y estudiantes avanzados de 7-8 p.m. Por favor, ayúdenos a correr la voz sobre estas clases a otras personas en nuestra comunidad que estén interesadas, y contáctenos por teléfono o correo electrónico si tiene alguna pregunta.

Adult education
Our free PALS (Pagosa Adult Learning Services) session take place on Thursdays from 5:30-8 p.m. when Mark helps with high school equivalency, GED, college prep, financial aid, tutoring and more.

Writing challenge
A new all-ages writing challenge was posted April 11 on the library’s Facebook page. We hope you will challenge your creativity by participating in this free all-ages activity.

Mysteries and thrillers
“Tom Clancy Chain of Command” by Marc Cameron is a Jack Ryan thriller. “When You Are Mine” by Michael Robotham is a psychological thriller featuring a London policewoman.

Other novels
“Klara and the Sun” by Nobel Prize winner Kazuo Ishiguro features an artificial friend who carefully watches everyone around her in search of love. “The Diamond Eye” by Kate Quinn is based on a true story about a quiet bookworm who becomes history’s deadliest female sniper in World War II.

Large print
“When All Hell Broke Loose” by William W. and J.A. Johnstone is book three in the Preacher & Jamie MacCallister western series. “Ralph Compton: Guns of the Greenhorn” by Matthew P Mayo is the latest in the Gunfighter series. “Shadows Reel” by C.J. Box is a Joe Pickett mystery.

DVDS
“West Side Story” is the new version of this Broadway hit that won the 2022 Academy Award for best supporting actress and was nominated for six other awards including best picture and best director. “Josee, the Tiger and the Fish” is an animated romantic comedy based on the Japanese short story.

Books on CD
“Shadows Reel” by C.J.Box is a Joe Pickett mystery.

Library foundation
Please consider a tax-deductible donation to the Ruby M. Sisson Memorial Library Foundation to support and enhance your library by raising funds for information resources, programs, services and facilities.  Mail checks to P.O. Box 2045, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147 or call Cindi Galabota at 970-264-2209.

Quotable Quote
“I’m sure someone, someplace, is smart enough to succeed while ‘keeping it in perspective’ and not working too hard, but I’ve never met him or her. The more you work, the better you do. It’s that simple.” – Michael Bloomberg, entrepreneur, philanthropist and former mayor of New York City.

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

Carole Howard & Library Staff

The Ruby Sisson Memorial Library has been located at 811 San Juan Street (corner of S. 8th and Hwy 160) since 1989. The library is overseen by the Upper San Juan Library District, a tax-funded special district in Archuleta County.