Many of us consider ourselves lucky to find one job that we love. But Meg Wempe, library director, is heading for what she calls “an ideal combination” — two satisfying decades as a librarian followed by a second career as a nurse starting in May.
Wempe will leave the library to become an RN specializing in elderly care and hospice at a local assisted living facility. Her mother and two older sisters recently retired as longtime nurses, and Wempe first was attracted to health care as a candy striper hospital volunteer in high school.
She sees similarities between being a librarian and being a nurse, because both involve helping people.
To her family in South Carolina the transition is natural. In fact, they call nursing “the family profession.” So, they were not surprised when Wempe began using her library vacation days to attend nursing school at Northwest Technical College in Minnesota in 2021 on a part-time basis. She graduated in May 2023 with a perfect 4.0 point GPA and was named “most outstanding student.”
Wempe’s personal philosophy is, “If there’s something you want to do in the world, you should just get going and do it. If it doesn’t work out, move on and do something else. You don’t want to look back and say, ‘I should have ...’”
She leaves an impressive legacy from her 11 years at our Sisson Library.
Wempe was hired as adult services librarian in 2013 and promoted to director in 2016. She launched our adult book club and DIY series, broadened our computer offerings, brought our community’s ESL programs into the library, and worked to create a foundation to fundraise for the library’s impressive expansion plans.
“It has been a joy to work with our skilled staff, supportive board and involved patrons,” she said. “Pagosa is a very special place.”
A huge fan of our community, Wempe said another plus about her new job is that it means she and husband Mark don’t have to move for her to achieve her nursing dream. Both are avid outdoors people, with a special love of powder skiing at Wolf Creek. She also is pleased to be able to remain a member of Pagosa’s Rotary Club.
“Meg has been an amazing leader and advocate for the library and its programming,” said Andrea Cox, president of the board of trustees. “We will miss her and wish her all the best.”
The board’s search for Wempe’s successor is underway now. Wempe’s last day at the library will be April 24.
Library closure
Your library will close Monday, Feb. 19, in celebration of Presidents Day.
Curbside service available
As we progress further into the winter germ season, we wanted to be sure you know that we continue to offer curbside service for those of you who prefer to have us bring your items outside to you to help limit your exposure to — or sharing of — potential germs. Or, you may have concerns about walking on snow or ice.
To take advantage of this service, simply phone us at (970) 264-2209 when you’re outside in the parking lot and we will be happy to bring your items to you.
Virtual author talks
Our highly popular free online author talks continue with two more opportunities for you to interact with New York Times bestselling authors and ask questions in February.
For details and to register, go to https://libraryc.org/pagosalibrary/upcoming.
On Tuesday, Feb. 20, at 2 p.m., we will explore identity, love and being Black in America with Jason Mott.
Wednesday, Feb. 28, at noon will showcase Kim Scott.
Knowledge Bowl today
Our free Knowledge Bowl for tweens and teens is today, Thursday, Feb. 15, from 4 to 5 p.m. Test your trivia skills on a wide range of subjects.
Preschool class tomorrow
Our free “Ready, Set, Learn” that helps build important preschool skills such as tracing a line, cutting, identifying letters and holding a pencil happens on Friday, Feb. 16, from 10 to 11 a.m. We are hoping this will become a monthly program.
Messy art tomorrow
Get messy and create beautiful swirling artwork tomorrow, Feb. 16, from 3 to 4 p.m. at this free art session. All ages are welcome and all supplies will be provided.
LEGO Club Saturday
Kids aged 6-11 are invited to the free LEGO Club on Saturday, Feb. 17, from 11 a.m. to noon. Bring your own LEGOs or use ours.
Pokemon Club Saturday
If you’re aged 6-11 and love Pokemon, this free club is for you. Bring your cards on Saturday, Feb. 17, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Teen/tween art camp
Each month we explore a different style or medium at this free event. In February it’s pastels. Join us Monday, Feb. 26, from 4 to 5 p.m. Registration is required.
Spanish conversation
Practice your Spanish in a free group setting on Tuesday, Feb. 20, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. No minimum skill level is needed. This group now meets twice a month, on the first and third Tuesdays.
Adult strategy change sessions
“Strategize Change in Your Life in 2024” is a free weekly program for adults on Wednesdays from 1 to 2:15 p.m. that happens only in February.
Led by a licensed professional counselor named Jennifer, the group focuses on goal setting and making positive changes to identify and change unwanted behaviors. Attendance is limited, so preregistration is required.
New basic quilting classes
Adults are invited to a free quilting class every Wednesday until March 6 from 1 to 3 p.m. led by Wanita Martin, a local quilter. Preregistration is required and classes are limited to six participants.
You also need access to a sewing machine, a ruler, good scissors, a marking pen, straight pins, thread, an iron and an ironing board.
Dungeons and Dragons
Next Thursday, Feb. 22, from 4 to 5:30 p.m., join our Dungeons and Dragons game free for teens and young adults. Preregistration is required because space is limited. Contact Josie@pagosalibrary.org to join.
Elementary tutoring sessions
Children ages 6-11 are welcome at these free sessions on Wednesdays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. where they will build essential skills in core subjects. Preregistration is required.
Please note that tutoring will be taking a two-week break Feb. 21 and 28.
Family storytimes
Wednesdays from 10 to 11 a.m., join a free educational hour of reading, singing and free play to build early literacy skills.
Writers’ guild
Thursdays from 9 to 11 a.m,. Ruby’s Writers Guild welcomes writers looking for opportunities, support, resources and camaraderie with other writers at this free gathering.
ESL classes
Free in-person evening classes take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with 4 to 5 p.m. reserved for beginners, 5 to 6 p.m. for intermediate and 6 to 7 p.m. for advanced students. Please help us share the word about these classes.
Tech Time
Free in-person slots are available from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and 2 to 4 p.m. Thursdays. Judy helps you with basic questions relating to computers, smartphones and tablets, and also provides assistance in accessing the library’s online resources.
No appointment is needed for these drop-in sessions, but please bring your device’s charger and passwords with you.
Note there will be no Tech Time Tuesday, Feb. 20.
Pagosa Adult Learning Services (PALS)
Join Mark or Sally for free PALS sessions Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 8 p.m. to help with high school equivalency, GED, college prep, financial aid, tutoring and more. PALS stands for Pagosa Adult Learning Services.
Activities calendars
Pick up monthly events calendars at the library so you don’t miss any of the free activities available to you and your family.
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, answer a few simple questions, select AspenCat Union Catalog for the name of your library, then enter your library card number and four-digit PIN. Library staff are happy to help you set up your device if you need assistance.
Books on CD
“The Waters” by Bonnie Jo Campbell features a mother and her three estranged daughters in a small Michigan town. “The Night Island” by Jayne Ann Krentz is the first book in the Lost Night Files romantic suspense trilogy. “The Heiress” by Rachel Hawkins follows the family of North Carolina’s richest woman after her death. “Only If You’re Lucky” by Stacy Willingham is a thriller about three young women living together in off-campus housing.
How-to and self-help
“More Life” by podcast host Taylor Thompson offers practice guidance and actionable steps to help you live life to the fullest. “Gut Check” by Dr. Steven R. Gundry reveals details about healing your gut and preventing disease. “1000 Words” by Jami Attenberg features advice from more than 50 writers, including New York Times bestsellers and Pulitzer Prize winners, to help motivate your writing. “This Book May Save Your Life” by Dr. Karan Rajan details lessons and advice to help you thrive when things go wrong. “The Busy Brain Cure” by Dr. Romie Mushtaq is a guide to overcoming chronic stress, anxiety and burnout.
Other nonfiction
“The Last Fire Season” by Manjula Martin is a combination memoir and natural history book about living in California during wildfire times. “Everyone But Myself” by Julie Chavez is a memoir of an elementary school librarian and mother of two dealing with anxiety.
Large print
“The Night Island” by Jayne Ann Krentz is the first book in the Lost Night Files romantic suspense trilogy. “The Heiress” by Rachel Hawkins follows the family of North Carolina’s richest woman after her death. “Worthy” by Jada Pinkett Smith is a memoir of a woman who went from rebel youth to successful actress, singer-songwriter and talk show host. “Where You End” by Abbott Kahler follows twins after one wakes up from a coma with few memories. “Alone With You in the Ether” by Olivie Bale is a love story about two people who meet at the Art Institute of Chicago. “The Mistress of Bhatia House” is book four of the Perveen Mistry mystery series set in India. “Easy Money” by Ben McKenzie with Jacob Silverman is an investigative look at cryptocurrency, its crash and criminal fraud. “Bet on Jack” by Diane Capri is a mystery featuring Jack Reacher and an FBI special agent.
Large print short stories
“Bright Skies and Dark Horses” by John D. Nesbitt is a collection of the author’s short western stories. “Under Western Stars” edited by Richard Prosch is a collection of short western stories by 22 different authors.
Thanks to our donors
We are grateful to Susan and Terry Arrington for their generous donation.
Quotable quote
Responding to a question about the toughest lesson to teach a teen: “Put your phone away. That’s one of the things that I think all parents struggle with, is that most kids don’t look up any more. Everyone is looking down. Look around you, the world is so beautiful around you, just look up.” — Tiger Woods, American professional golfer, speaking of daughter Sam, 16, and son Charlie, 14. Woods is tied for first in PGA Tour wins, is second in men’s major championships and is widely regarded as one of the greatest golfers of all time.
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.
