As we prepare to open our new library addition, we’re especially excited to introduce a dedicated space just for teens.
Why does that matter?
Teens need room to grow into themselves — spaces that support independence, creativity, meaningful peer connections and a sense of ownership. In the past, our teen area was shared with infants and young children, which made it challenging to create an environment where teens could truly connect, explore and develop their independence.
Adolescence is a time of major transformation — emotionally, mentally and socially. It’s when young people begin asking one of life’s most important questions: Who am I? The answer unfolds gradually, shaped by their experiences, relationships and evolving sense of self. During this stage, friendships, identity, belonging and dreams for the future take center stage.
The Ruby Sisson Library’s new teen space is designed to support that journey. It offers a place where teens can continue discovering who they are — outside of home, school and work — while building confidence and resilience along the way. Our goal is to create an environment where teens feel welcomed, empowered and at home.
To make this vision a reality, we need your help. We’re seeking comfortable seating and computers to fully equip the space. Will you consider contributing to help bring this important community resource to life?
Contact Katie Dobbins with the Ruby Sisson Library Foundation at (970) 264-2102 or foundation@pagosalibrary.org. Ready to make a gift online? Donate on our home page, www.pagosalibrary.org.
Thank you.
Thank you, Town of Pagosa Springs
We are grateful to the Town of Pagosa Springs, its staff and elected officials for their tremendous support during this construction process. Their good advice has been instrumental in our success, and they have generously waived multiple fees to help us afford this expansion.
Local benefactor purchases appliances for new library
We continue to be amazed at the generosity of our community in getting this expansion and remodel completed.
This month, a former board member took us on a shopping spree to purchase all new appliances for the library. What a lovely gift. Huge thanks also go out to Brian Hart for providing our appliances at wholesale prices. Brian, your commitment to community is heartwarming.
This week we’re fundraising for carpet
Have you seen the tired, worn-out carpet in our current library space? We need a refresh, and the price tag is $100,000.
Anything you can contribute will help us reach out goal. Easily donate online at pagosalibrary.org, drop off a check at the library or drop some change into the jar at the front desk. Together we can. We are grateful for you.
Construction update
Have you noticed the beautiful blue building coming to life? Behind those gorgeous exterior walls are new rooms with lovely cabinetry, countertops for computing, fresh drywall and paint, and tiled floors. May will be a busy month as flooring and lighting will be installed.
June marks a big transition as we switch from the old side to the new side. 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.
Get ready for Summer Reading
It won’t be long till we kick off Summer Reading 2026. This year’s theme is “READ WILD!” and features books filled with action and adventure, plus lots of fun field trips and activities for all ages.
Collecting for local food banks
Are you heading out for the summer? Are you moving away? 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.
GED adds citizenship classes
Join our test prep classes for the U.S. Citizenship test on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 to 4 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church on South Pagosa Boulevard.
Colorado Parks Passes for checkout
It’s almost summer, and it’s time to get outside. 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
Join us live or catch the presentation later. Reserve your spot at libraryc.org/pagosalibrary.
Thursday, April 30, at 5 p.m. will be “On Writing Beloved Characters and Powerful Portrayals of Resilience in Virtual Conversation” with Jason Reynolds, award-winning and New York Times bestselling author.
May 7 at 5 p.m. will feature “On Courage, Turmoil, and the Transformative Power of Love” with Marjan Kamali, bestselling author of “The Lion Women of Tehran.”
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.
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.
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.
Don’t forget, if there is a waiting list for the book, it may be available now as an e-book or e-audiobook on CloudLibrary or Libby.
New books for your health
• “No-Nonsense Skincare: An Expert Guide to Healthier Skin” is by Erum Ilyas, M.D.
• “The IVF Blueprint: Everything You Need to Know About In-Vitro Fertilization, Egg Freezing, and Embryo Transfer” is by Abby Eblen, M.D.
• “Mayo Guide to Gut Health” is by Sahil Khanna, M.B.B.S.
Immersed in the spiritual
• “To See Beyond,” by former war correspondent Anna Badkhen, probes the ways we ward off despair as she imagines the language we need for survival.
• “The Meaning of Your Life: Finding Purpose in an Age of Emptiness” is by social scientist Arthur Brooks.
• “The Glorians: Visitations from the Holy Ordinary” is from Utah author Terry Tempest Williams.
Walks on the wild side
• “My Life with Wolves: How I Became the Storyteller for the Yellowstone Packs” is by Rick McIntyre.
• “The Peregrine Falcon: The Epic Life and Times of the World’s Fastest Creature” is by Jim Wright.
• “Nature Speak: Signs, Omens, and Messages in Nature” and “Animal Wise: Understanding the Language of Animal Messengers and Companions” are by Ted Andrews.
New fiction
• “The Counting Game” by Sinead Nolan is described as “a chilling blend of mystery and dark folklore.”
• “Yesteryear” by Caro Claire Burke is described as a “clever excavation of motherhood and faith.”
• “Guilt” is a new mystery from Edgar Award finalist Keigo Higashino.
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