Have you ever had the dream where you walk into a classroom on exam day and you’ve never attended the class?
It’s an extremely unsettling dream, the kind that makes you wake up with a start and spend the next hour convincing yourself it was, really, just a dream. In that dream state you are completely out of control. You know none of the subject matter, but it’s time to write the essay. And what you write will decide whether you pass or fail, whether you get the diploma, get the job and ultimately realize the life you’ve always wanted.
Today’s information environment is a lot like that dream. It’s complex and confusing, and we often find ourselves unprepared. How do we think about these big issues? Why are those countries at war? Is climate change real? Will grocery prices ever come down? You want to know, and you want to help. And the feeling of not knowing is unsettling.
But how do you wade through all the noise to understand the “why” behind the headlines?
There are three easy ways to wade through information overload. Librarians call this information literacy.
Next time you read or hear something that doesn’t sound true, ask yourself these three questions:
• Authority: Does the person delivering the information know enough about the subject to write or talk about it? For instance, I shouldn’t write a book about neck surgery. I don’t know anything about it. A board-certified neck surgeon has the authority to write that book. Along the same lines, someone who has lived and worked in the Middle East has authority to write about it, even if their analysis doesn’t match someone else’s with the same experience.
• Bias: Is the person writing or speaking trying to persuade you to think her way, or is she presenting verifiable facts in a neutral way to simply inform you so you can make your own decision? It may be a combination of the two.
• Accuracy: Can you verify those facts the speaker assures you are true? Good news organizations won’t run any story unless they can verify facts from three different sources. We are flooded with opinions, not only online but in print. Sometimes I feel like there’s more opinion published than hard facts. Just remember there is a difference between the two.
As the librarian assigned to developing the adult nonfiction collection, I use these three questions every day as I purchase new books for the collection. I aim to fill the shelves with verifiable facts from authors who have deep understanding of their subjects. Sprinkled in is opinion from people with a range of viewpoints. Many books on our shelves include opinions I don’t personally agree with. That’s the job of the librarian, to collect books that inform with authority and accuracy, sprinkled with a variety of opinions to help you decide with confidence just how to think about the world.
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 nearly finished and ready for inspection. Our storefront will be installed soon, and the clerestory windows will follow. Insulation and drywall are next. 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 February with new authors.
On Feb. 12, tune in for “Mojos, Mermaids, Medicine, and 400 Years of Black Women’s Magic” with Dr. Lindsey Stewart and, on Feb. 24, join us for “Smithson’s Gamble: The Incredible History Behind the World’s Largest Museum” with Smithsonian curator emeritus Tom Crouch.
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
Ruby’s Book Club 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 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 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 nonfiction
• “Big Book of Hatch Chile” by Kelley Coffeen.
• “The Montessori Homeschooler: A Practical Guide to Get Started with Confidence” by Lynda Apostel.
• “The Deserving: What the Lives of the Condemned Reveal About American Justice” by Elizabeth Vartkessian.
• “How to AI” by Christopher Mims.
New travel guides
• “Rick Steve’s Greece.”
• “DK Guide to Great Britain.”
• “Lonely Planet Egypt.”
• “Lonely Planet Oregon, Washington, and the Pacific Northwest.”
New in large print
• “All That is Hidden: A Molly Murphy Mystery” by Rhys Bowen.
• “The Next Day: Transitions, Change, and Moving Forward” by Melinda Gates French.
• “The Art of Power” by Nancy Pelosi.
• “Roctogenarians: Late in Life Debuts, Comebacks, and Triumphs” by Mo Rocca.
• “How to be Old: Lessons in Living Boldly from the Accidental Icon” by Lyn Slater.
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