As a relative newcomer to this community, I am amazed on a daily basis at the ways this community rallies around a cause. Pagosa Springs is a relatively small town and Archuleta County’s population is below 13,000. Yet, the community achieves so much.
When the campaign to build a new library began five years ago, the steering committee, led by the phenomenal Jann Pitcher, set out to raise enough money through private grants and donations to avoid any new taxes.
She and her team have worked tirelessly, even though the pandemic tried to blow them off course. The recent 100 Extraordinary Women campaign raised nearly $300,000, a new national record for that fundraising effort.
And even though the price of wood and steel has increased dramatically since the day the campaign started, we are getting closer to our goal every day. The walls are going up and we will open a beautiful, expanded library this coming summer.
Thank you, Jann, and thanks to every person who has contributed their time or their money to making this dream a reality.
Now that winter is creeping in, our regular visitors who have no home to return to in the evening are coming to the library more often to stay warm. Recently, when we learned that they were in need of more blankets and sleeping bags, I put out the call on NextDoor and soon we had piles of warm blankets and sleeping bags and offers of extra help from compassionate community members. Thank you to all of you with big hearts who selflessly share what you have with people who need a little help to keep going. Your kindness is inspiring.
And so it seems fitting that on this Thanksgiving weekend, I tell you all how much you mean to the library and how grateful we are to live in this community with you.
We wish you laughter, joy and the warmth of family this holiday season! Come see us often. We look forward to seeing you.
Construction update
Roof framing is complete, right on schedule with a temporary membrane to keep the snow and rain at bay. Interior framing begins the first week in December to get ready for mechanical, electrical and plumbing installations beginning Dec. 9. Follow us on Facebook for periodic pictures of progress.
Your donations go a long way toward making this new library exceptional. The Colorado Gives campaign is underway, and monthly donations are matched through Dec. 9th. We have a ways to go to meet our fundraising goals. Thanks from all of us. You can donate at https://www.coloradogives.org/organization/RubySissonLibraryFoundation.
Library Thanksgiving closure
The library will be closed over Thanksgiving weekend, Nov. 27-30.
Normal hours and activities resume Monday, Dec. 1.
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 at 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 December with one more talk scheduled for you to watch live on Zoom or via a recording later in the month.
For details and to register, go to https://libraryc.org/pagosalibrary/upcoming.
Join us Tuesday, Dec. 2, at noon (or watch the recording later) when we hear “Scheming Wives and High-Stakes Hilarity” with Sue Hincenbergs, author of “The Retirement Plan” and award-winning television producer.
Conversational Spanish
The Conversational Spanish group will meet Mondays in December 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 group setting. No minimum skill level is needed.
Ruby’s Book Club
Join us for Ruby’s Book Club from 2 to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 9, as we discuss “On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous” by Ocean Vuong. Copies are available at your library.
This free book club for adults 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 Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office.
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
Note: We are taking a few weeks off from tutoring, but will return in December.
Free after-school tutoring for kids in first through third grade 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.
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.
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