According to the state of Colorado’s Department of Education, 42 percent of third-graders in our state read proficiently in 2024. The state’s goal is to raise that rate to 60 percent by 2028.
Clearly we have a long way to go, and we have a wide array of distractions to throw us off course in our video- and social media-centric culture.
But, after 35 years in public libraries, I have yet to meet one child who doesn’t like to read in their early school years. Making reading fun is the key to growing a lifelong reader, and hinges on two things — helping children master the ability to read and connecting them to books with compelling characters and high-interest subjects.
Mastering the ability to read is in the hands of our teachers, and I cannot offer enough praise for the dedicated educators who work so hard toward that “ah-ha” moment when a child understands the relationship between phonics and reading and starts to build a very long list of sight words that makes reading flow. We adults take it for granted, but it’s just impossible to concentrate on the joy a story can bring you if you are sounding out every word.
Making reading fun for life is the job of the librarian. Ask any adult who loves to read about their early experiences in a library and they will invariably talk about the librarian who greeted them warmly, praised them for the books they had read and recommended the next book based on their understanding of that child’s interest.
In my mind, this is the most important role for our library.
That’s why we are expanding our children’s staff in 2026 and developing a robust menu of programs that are sure to strengthen your child’s relationship with reading.
With so much more space for collections and programs, we’re excited about the possibilities. We hope to see you often in 2026 and beyond as we develop a culture of reading in Pagosa Springs.
Winter Reading Challenge underway
Our community quest to read 25,000 minutes in one month has begun. Earn badges and vie for prizes in our Winter Reading Challenge.
The Ruby Sisson Library has a fun new reading contest for all ages that earns you badges and tickets to enter for a grand prize at every age level.
Use our new Beanstack app or Beanstack on the web to track your reading, write book reviews, participate in library reading challenges and get rewards.
Get started on our website at https://pagosalibrary.beanstack.com.
Construction update
Framing is completed and our electrical work has begun. Weather moisture barrier will go up on the exterior of the building and ductwork will be in place before the end of the month.We’re ahead of schedule. Follow us on Facebook for periodic pictures of progress.
Your donations go a long way toward making this new library exceptional. Please donate to the library this holiday season and make a long lasting positive impact on generations to come.
Meet us out in the community
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, https://pagosalibrary.org, for location changes throughout the construction. If no other location is mentioned, the activity will stay at your library.
Activities calendars
Pick up monthly calendars at the library or check the website, https://www.pagosalibrary.org/events-calendar, so you don’t miss any of the free programs, events and activities available to you and your family.
Online author talks
Our free online author talks with New York Times bestselling authors continue in January for you to watch live on Zoom or via a recording later.
For details and to register, go to https://libraryc.org/pagosalibrary/upcoming.
January’s lineup is superb, with David Brooks discussing his recent book, “How to Know a Person,” on Jan. 13, 2026, and Liz Moore presenting on her bestseller, “The God of the Woods,” on Jan. 28, 2026.
Conversational Spanish
The Conversational Spanish group will meet one more time this month on Dec. 29 from 4 to 5 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church at 225 S. Pagosa Blvd. This is a great opportunity to practice your Spanish in a free, friendly group setting. No minimum skill level is needed.
Family storytime
Wednesdays from 10 to 11 a.m., join a free educational hour of reading, singing and free play to build early literacy skills.
Elementary school tutoring
Free after-school tutoring is taking a winter break the month of December.
Tutoring is for first through third grades and takes place on Wednesdays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Registration is required because of limited space, so call your library now at (970) 264-2209 to enroll your child. Sign up now to join us in January.
This invaluable tutoring involves one-on-one and small-group help for math, literacy, writing and spelling.
Note that because of construction at the library these sessions will take place at the elementary school.
Writers Guild
Thursdays from 9 to 11 a.m., 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 Pagosa Senior Center, 451 Hot Springs Blvd. Enter through the left side of the building.
Tech Time
Free in-person slots are available from 2 to 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.
English as a second language classes
Free in-person evening classes happen on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 5 p.m. for students of all levels at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church, 225 S. Pagosa Blvd. Please help us pass the word about these classes.
Pagosa Adult Learning Services (PALS)
Join Mark or Sally for free individualized 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. No appointment is necessary.
New and notable
“Best American Short Stories 2025,” “The Anthony Bourdain Reader,” “You, Your Husband, and His Mother” by Tracy Dalgleish, “1929” by Andrew Ross Sorkin, Dolly Parton’s “Star of the Show,” “The American Revolution” by Geoffrey Ward and Ken Burns, and “Book of Lives: A Memoir of Sorts” by Margaret Atwood.
Holiday wishes
Your Ruby Sisson Library staff is wishing you all a very lovely holiday season and a prosperous new year.
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