By Barbara Brattin
PREVIEW Columnist
Have you ever wondered why your public library is called the Ruby M. Sisson Memorial Library? Our legal name is actually Upper San Juan Library District, and we are an independent special district library that serves all of Archuleta County. So, what is this Ruby Sisson name all about?
The library is named for Ruby Murel Cales Sisson — an educator, philanthropist and rancher who, through her will, donated trust funds to the library and Methodist Church.
Sisson taught school locally from 1929-1978, with the exception of one year during World War II. From 1936-1948 she alternated between teaching at the Blanco Basin school, a one-room schoolhouse where she taught all eight grades, and Pagosa Springs High School, where she taught math. The first school in Blanco Basin was held in a chicken coop at the Sisson ranch in 1905.
Sisson’s trust funds helped build the current public library in Pagosa Springs, and also provided for high school scholarships.
The collections for that first library came from an attorney, Frank Spickard, who made his personal library available to the members of a young ladies’ literary club, and a wealthy benefactor in New York whose estate donated 48 books. The library opened in February of 1907 in the basement of the Methodist Church.
Initially volunteers ran the library. The Pagosa Springs Civic Club took over operations in February of 1910, when the collection numbered 202 books. Between 1910 and 1960, the library resided in a church, a log cabin and the old town hall.
In 1960, the library moved into two small rooms in the new town hall that had been built at the corner of U.S. 160 and Lewis Street (now the location of Bell Tower Park). When Archuleta County took over the library in 1966, it became possible to hire a full-time librarian. The Upper San Juan Library District was formed in 1985 to give the library a stable funding base.
The library opened in its current location at U.S. 160 and 8th Street in February of 1989 after the Pagosa Springs Women’s Civic Club and the Friends of the Library raised more than $700,000 for a permanent building. Since then, the library has been expanded twice.
A 2026 expansion adds a large community room, a new children’s room with adjoining garden, and a dedicated teen room and makerspace.
For more history, don’t miss this short video from Bob and Livia Lynch with expertise from Spence Scott about Ruby Sisson and the library’s humble beginnings: www.pagosalibrary.org/our-history.
Library to be closed Feb. 5 for training
The library will be closed Feb. 5 for an all-staff training day.
GED by appointment only
As we gear up for the grand opening of our new library space, we’re taking a break from regular GED hours. If you are working toward your general education degree or a high school equivalency exam, 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.
Construction update
Electrical, plumbing and mechanical elements of the building are roughed in and exterior window installation is underway. You’ll see exterior doors by the first week in February and drywall will begin right after the insulation is completed. Follow us on Facebook for periodic pictures of progress.
Colorado Parks Passes for checkout
It may seem like the wrong time of year to visit Colorado state parks, but with our mild winter, why not get outside and enjoy the parks’ off-season?
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.
New Tumblemath for kids
Ask AI if good readers are good at math, and here’s the answer you get: “Yes, good readers are often good at math because reading skills like comprehension, vocabulary, and logical reasoning are crucial for understanding word problems, mathematical language, and complex concepts, with strong early reading ability being a key predictor of later math success. Both subjects rely on creating mental images, using context, and persevering through challenges, and brain areas used for reading are also involved in math tasks like multiplication, showing a deep connection.”
That’s the idea behind the library’s brand new online offering for kids, Tumblemath. Kids can learn math concepts through fun picture books that tell the story of why math works.
Concepts range from basic addition all the way through geometry for older readers. You can find Tumblemath in our digital library on the alphabetical list or in the homework section.
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, 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 with some notable authors, including David Brooks and Liz Moore, for you to watch live on Zoom or via a recording later this month.
For details and to register, go to https://libraryc.org/pagosalibrary/upcoming.
Conversational Spanish
The 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
Join us for Ruby’s Book Club from 2 to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 10, as we discuss “East of Eden” by John Steinbeck. 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
Free after-school 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 expand
Free in-person classes happen on Mondays from 10 a.m. to noon, Tuesdays from 3 to 5 p.m. and Thursdays, from 4 to 6 p.m. for students of all levels at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church, 225 S. Pagosa Street. Please help us pass the word about these classes.
New and notable
• Jamie Oliver’s “Eat Yourself Healthy.”
• “The Love Language That Matters Most” by Gary Chapman.
• “Mahjong for Dummies.”
• “Design Thinking: A Guide to Innovation” by Fred Estes.
• “The Cortisol Reset Plan: The Complete Guide to Balancing Your Hormones, Reversing Weight Gain, and Restoring Nervous System Health.”
• “Mayo Clinic Guide to Arthritis: Managing Joint Pain for an Active Life.”
• “Wilderness Knits for the Great Outdoors.”
• “Wild Basketry: Making Baskets and Natural Cordage From Foraged Plants.”
• “The Anthropology Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained.”
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