Barb Brattin arrived in Pagosa to take up her new job as your library’s director on Sept. 3, 2024, bringing with her an impressive record of educational and practical experience.
She has a BA in history from the University of Akron and a masters of library science from Kent State University, both in Ohio. For the previous 10 years, Brattin had been director of the Kenosha Public Library, named Wisconsin Library of the Year in 2020. From 2005-2013, she was director of the Telluride library, where she was named Colorado Librarian of the Year in 2007.
As 2025 begins, we thought it a good time to chat with Brattin about her experiences here so far and her priorities for the future.
“I’ve worked in several libraries, but never one so obviously appreciated by the community,” she said. “It’s also great to see how much the staff genuinely want to help everyone and how much they love their work. Another plus is the many contributions of the board, the foundation and the Friends of the Library. And I’m greatly impressed by the sophistication of our readers, based on the books they request.
“I especially like working in a smaller library, with less time sitting at a desk dealing with administrative paperwork and more opportunities to interact with people.”
As for 2025, Brattin has three priorities.
One is upgrading the library’s technology to better serve our patrons with faster computers and a more sophisticated network. Another is building our collection, especially adult and children’s nonfiction.
“We need more books helping kids with academic and homework requirements,” Brattin said. “An important example is supporting STEM (science, technology, engineering and math).”
As for adults, she has studied the books we most borrow from other libraries to meet their requests.
“Science, nature, travel, yoga, religion, the classics — these all are subjects we need more of here,” she said.
Brattin’s third major priority is continuing to raise money for the campaign to upgrade and expand your library.
“We’ve raised just over 50 percent of our $5 million goal, all from private donors and grants — with no increase in taxes,” she said. “Right now I’d like to get to 60 percent to be eligible for a Coors grant.”
On a personal level, Brattin is greatly enjoying the Pagosa lifestyle and people. She has purchased a house in the Chris Mountain area and expanded her animal family, adding Vic, a rez dog adopted from a Navajo Humane Society in Arizona, as a companion for dog Gigi and cat Garfield.
“I feel I belong here,” she said with a smile.
New Just Friends Book Club to meet Monday
The inaugural meeting of the Just Friends Book Club will take place Monday, Jan. 13, at noon at the library. The Friends of the Library group will discuss “Lost Birds” by Anne Hillerman and choose books to read the rest of the year. Copies are available at the library. Please feel free to bring a brown bag lunch for yourself.
If you have questions, email DonnaMosher@icloud.com, president of the Friends of the Library.
Healthy friendships advice tomorrow
Teens and tweens are invited tomorrow, Friday, Jan. 10, from 2 to 3 p.m., for a discussion with Rise Above Violence about making your friendships even more awesome.
Teen/tween takeover tomorrow
We are setting aside the large meeting room and some of the computers for tweens and teens to use and spend time with friends Friday, Jan. 10, from 2 to 4 p.m.
Chess Club Saturday
Learn how to play chess with free, quick lessons and game time to practice your skills on Saturday, Jan. 11, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. All ages and abilities are welcome.
Writing workshop Saturday
A new free writing workshop Saturday, Jan. 11, from 10 a.m. to noon will teach you how to launch your project by developing compelling characters, creating a story arc, structuring your plot, managing your project and time, and preparing a professional manuscript.
Adult knitting Saturday
Join new and experienced knitters Saturday, Jan. 11, for our free Knitters Circle from 1 to 3 p.m. It is aimed at anyone over the age of 18 who would like to knit together or get some help if you are stuck on your project.
Knitting and crochet lessons
Learn to knit or crochet on Monday, Jan. 13, at our free gathering from 2 to 3:15 p.m. for ages 8 and up. Supplies will be provided.
Shakespeare read-aloud
Shakespeare fans of all ages are invited to join in reading aloud “The Comedy of Errors” beginning Monday, Jan. 13, and continuing through Feb. 24 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at the free Shakespeare Read Aloud Club. This is an all-ages program. Call Jenny at (240) 426-7887 for more information.
High school math tutoring
Free high school math tutoring for ages 14 and up takes place Mondays from 4 to 5:30 p.m. for free tutoring. Registration is required.
Ruby’s Book Club next Tuesday
Ruby’s Book Club will meets from 2 to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 14, to discuss “Reading Lolita in Tehran” by Azar Nafisi. Copies are available at your library. This book club is held the second Tuesday of each month, alternating between fiction and nonfiction titles. Anyone is welcome to attend.
Dungeons and Dragons
Next Tuesday, Jan. 14, from 4 to 5:30 p.m., join our Dungeons and Dragons game free for teens and young adults. Preregistration is required because space is limited. Contact Josie@pagosalibrary.org to join.
Therapy dog visit
Next Wednesday, Jan. 15, from 11 to 11:45 a.m., all ages are invited to a free visit with a certified therapy dog. The visits will be limited to 10-15 minutes — just the right amount of time to pet the dog, read to the dog or just say “Hi.”
Legal clinics resume
This month’s free legal clinic is by appointment Wednesday, Jan. 15, from 2 to 3:40 p.m.
Come to the library to meet privately via Zoom with our volunteer attorney. To schedule an appointment, phone (970) 264-2209.
When you call, let us know if you need a translator. Registration opens the first of the month and is required as space is limited.
Online author talks
Our highly popular free online author talks with New York Times bestselling authors will continue next Wednesday, Jan. 15, at 5 p.m. when TJ Klune will discuss “The Magic of Found Family in Conversation.”
For details and to register, go to https://libraryc.org/pagosalibrary/upcoming.
Tween Knowledge Bowl
Our free middle school Knowledge Bowl will take place next Thursday, Jan. 16, from 4 to 5 p.m. Tween participants form teams of up to six people to compete against each other by answering questions that cover a range of topics from math to spelling to pop culture.
Family storytimes
Wednesdays from 10 to 11 a.m. join a free educational hour of reading, singing and free play to build early literacy skills.
Elementary tutoring sessions
Children ages 6-11 are welcome at these free sessions on Wednesdays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. where they will build essential skills in core subjects. Preregistration is required.
Writers Guild
Every Thursday from 9 to 11 a.m., the Ruby’s Writers Guild welcomes writers looking for opportunities, support, resources and camaraderie with other writers at this free gathering.
ESL classes
Free in-person evening classes take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with 4 to 5 p.m. reserved for beginners, 5 to 6 p.m. for intermediate and 6 to 7 p.m. for advanced students. Please help us share the word about these classes.
Tech Time
Free in-person slots are available from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and 2 to 4 p.m. Thursdays. Judy helps you with basic questions relating to computers, smartphones and tablets, and also provides assistance in accessing the library’s online resources.
No appointment is needed for these drop-in sessions, but please bring your device’s charger and passwords with you.
Pagosa Adult Learning Services (PALS)
Join Mark or Sally for free 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.
Activities calendars
Pick up monthly events calendars at the library so you don’t miss any of the free activities available to you and your family.
Downloadable books
CloudLibrary has a wide variety of downloadable e-books and audiobooks for all ages. To access this free digital collection, download the cloudLibrary app, answer a few simple questions, select AspenCat Union Catalog for the name of your library, then enter your library card number and four-digit PIN. Library staff are happy to help you set up your device if you need assistance.
Nonfiction books on CD
“Out of the Darkness” by sports biographer Ian O’Connor explores the life of NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers. “Be Ready When the Luck Happens” by Ina Garten is a memoir of the Barefoot Contessa TV host and cookbooks author. “The TMJ Handbook” by Cator Shachoy is a therapeutic guide to relieving jaw tension and pain with yoga and mindfulness. “A Future We Can Love” by Susan Bauer-Wu is inspired by conversations between the Dalai Lama and Greta Thunberg. “Rocks and Minerals of North America” is a National Geographic pocket guide. “By Your Side” by David Richo provides tools to find soulful allies and become one to others.
Mysteries, suspense and thrillers
“All the Colors of the Dark” by Chris Whitaker features the daughter of a wealthy family and an unlikely local hero who saves her. “Our Little Secret” by Lisa Jackson follows a couple after the woman is trying to end their brief affair. “Like Mother, Like Mother” by Susan Rieger is a multigenerational family saga shaped by past secrets.
Other novels
“Lady Macbeth” by Ava Reid is a reimagining of Shakespeare’s most famous villainess. “North Woods” by Daniel Mason is set in a New England house with its inhabitants across the centuries. “Becoming Madam Secretary” by Stephanie Dray features Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s most-trusted lieutenant. “Night Watch” by Jayne Anne Phillips tells of a mother and daughter seeking refuge after the Civil War.
DVDs
“The Doris Day and Rock Hudson Comedy Collection” contains three comedies. “Cool Runnings” is a Walt Disney comedy inspired by the true story of Jamaica’s first Olympic bobsled team. “White Bird: A Wonder Story” tells of a young man transformed by the heroic life of his grandmother. “The Nightmare Before Christmas” is a Disney Tim Burton musical fantasy. “I Heard the Bells” is the true story of the beloved Christmas carol.
Material donations
Thanks to our anonymous donors for their donations of books.
When we are open, material donations are accepted for the Friends of the Library at the front desk — not down the outside returns slot at the library or the drop box at City Market, please.
Guidelines for donations: Yes to popular fiction books published in 2013 or later, nonfiction books published 2018 or later, and children’s and young adult books — all in excellent condition, please. No to CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray, VHS or cassette tapes; textbooks, outdated travel books or reference books because they do not sell. No more than two boxes at a time because of space constraints.
Quotable quote
“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing” — George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950), Irish playwright, critic, political activist and winner of the Nobel Prize in literature.
Website
For more information on library books, services and programs — and to reserve books, e-books, books on CD and DVDs from the comfort of your home — please visit our website at https://pagosalibrary.org.