I grew up in a European household. My parents were post-war immigrants to America, members of the worldwide diaspora that occurs after every major war.
And, as with all immigrants to a new country, they never quite fit in. They adored the easygoing nature of Americans and their extraordinary idealism, and having suffered through war as children they were forever grateful for the security America provided to their family.
They made sure my sister and I understood what we owed this country in return. We were expected to use whatever gifts we were given toward the common good.
And so it is no surprise that my sister and I both entered public service, she as a psychiatrist, me as a librarian. Our work has brought us great satisfaction, no doubt the reason that we are both still working past retirement age.
Make no mistake, there are many days when that alarm goes off that I wish I was retired, but when that first patron walks through the door each morning, I know the library is where I belong. I have seen the impact of a public library over and over. And I have met exceptional people along the way.
This past week, we lost a dear friend and co-worker unexpectedly.
Jeanne Hanson Colburn embodied everything good about public service. She was consistently kind to everyone who walked through our doors, extra patient with people confused by technology, ready to help anyone who needed it. She fed homeless dogs and bought them warm vests to help them through the winter. She knew everyone’s name. Jeanne was excited to see this library expand because she knew with a bigger building, we could do so much more to support our community.
Libraries do change lives, and Jeanne changed ours. Thank you, Jeanne. You will always be in our hearts.
Matching grant funds needed
We are furiously submitting grant applications to fully fund our new library construction project, but the target keeps moving.
Water has been the main culprit, but hidden concrete pylons and old retaining walls in the parking lot also cost us lots of money to remove.
This month a faulty sump pump in the old crawl space released unwelcome water. The fix involves piping a new sump pump to the other side of the building’s exterior — an expensive job.
You may remember we won funding last year from the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) in the amount of $840,000. DOLA is willing to provide us with up to $160,000 in supplemental funds, but we need to match the grant dollar for dollar.
Donations in any amount will help us leverage these state funds. You can donate online at www.pagosalibrary.org/donate-to-the-library-foundation, write a check to the Ruby Sisson Library Foundation or drop some cash in the conscience jar next time you visit the library.
Thanks so much for your help.
Construction update
So much is changing so quickly. Our roof is finished, blue siding is transforming the exterior, stucco is underway, and the drywall is up inside.
There will be a big transition in late June as we switch sides. We’ll transfer service to the new section while the old section gets a facelift.
In late August, the two portions will be combined into one big, beautiful building. Our grand opening is tentatively set for Labor Day weekend.
Follow us on Facebook for periodic pictures of progress.
Collecting for local food banks
If you have an extra can or two of food you can share, or some dried food in sturdy packaging, please bring it to the library. Our local agencies will pick up and distribute the food where it’s needed.
Tax forms and booklets available
Pick up Colorado tax forms and booklets, as well as federal 1040 and 1040A forms and instructions.
Tax help is still available by appointment. Contact Kathy at (970) 553-9150 or kathy.taxhelp@gmail.com to make an appointment.
GED by appointment only, citizenship classes added
If you are working toward your general education degree or a high school equivalency exam, if you’re working toward your U.S. citizenship test, or if you could use a tutoring session to help you with your educational goals, give the library a call at (970)264-2209 and we’ll connect you with our instructor.
Colorado Parks Passes for checkout
The Ruby Sisson Library has free Colorado Parks passes for checkout that include a backpack with nature guides, binoculars and fun activities. Reserve yours today.
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, 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, 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 April with new authors.
Sign up to watch live or shop the archives to watch to later. Get started at pagosalibrary.org/adults.
Thursday, April 2, at noon will feature “On a Mission: The History of US Women Astronauts” with Smithsonian Curator Emerita Valerie Neal.
April 14 at 5 p.m. will feature “On Writing Action-Packed and Suspenseful Spycraft” with Brad Taylor.
Conversational Spanish
Our popular Conversational Spanish group continues on Mondays 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.
Ruby’s Book Club
Ruby’s Book Club is held the second Tuesday of each month, alternating between fiction and nonfiction titles.
Our April title, “The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise” by Colleen Oakley, is a novel about an unlikely friendship between 21-year-old college dropout Tanner and 84-year-old Louise, who go on a cross-country road trip after Louise’s past as a jewel thief catches up with her.
Anyone is welcome to attend the book club.
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
Free after-school tutoring for first through third grades 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 on hold
We’re pausing our ESL classes for a few months. They will resume this summer.
New books collections brimming with interesting titles
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.
New fiction
• “Jigsaw” is the 41st novel in Jonathan Kellerman’s Alex Delaware series, featuring psychologist Alex Delaware and Detective Milo Sturgis as they investigate two seemingly unrelated murders in Los Angeles that turn out to be connected, forcing them to solve a complex and deadly puzzle.
• “The Director” by Daniel Kehlmann is a historical novel based on the life of Austrian film director G.W. Pabst exploring his moral compromises while making films for the Nazis after fleeing to Hollywood.
• “Between the Clouds and the River” by Dave Mason is a tale of time, friendship, family and war.
New large-print biography
• “Paul Newman: The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Man” is a memoir of compiled interviews with the actor.
• “Jackie: Public, Private, Secret” is a new biography of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis by J. Randy Taraborrelli.
New nonfiction
• “Arctic Traverse: A Thousand-Mile Summer of Trekking the Brooks Range” is winner of the National Outdoor Book Award.
• “How to AI” is by Wall Street Journal technology columnist Christopher Mims.
• “The Glass Constellation: New and Selected Poems” is from Arthur Sze, poet laureate of the United States.
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