Donations of books to your library have always been vital to our health. They add breadth and depth to our collection. They also provide pleasure to buyers and profits at the Friends of the Library’s book sales, with all funds benefiting library programs and operations.
Recent donations provide dramatic examples of Pagosa generosity.
When Director Barb Brattin spread the word that the library’s classics section was woefully sparse, about 40 new and gently used classics arrived from multiple generous patrons, along with a donation of $1,000 to buy more. Another example: a recent donation of lavishly illustrated books featuring the works of great artists whose painting are hanging in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City transformed our adult art collection.
As well, the book drive June 28 in the library parking lot brought wonderful contributions to the forthcoming Friends of the Library book sale July 17-19.
“These gifts have a remarkable impact on our ability to provide the best possible service with our limited budget,” Brattin said.
That’s why she was so reluctant to make the decision to cease accepting book donations for a year beginning immediately. But the reality of preparing to operate in a much smaller space while construction happens on the first phase of your library’s long-awaited expansion made the action a necessity.
Library staff are deep into planning to minimize disruption to programs and patrons during construction. Digging up the current parking lot will be the first step, signaling the start of the project on Aug. 4, which is expected to continue through June 2026.
Initial construction involves creating a new entrance to the library on the west side of the building, where you’ll enter through the community garden.
The new addition will feature a large program room that can accommodate 100 people or be divided in two for smaller groups, as well as a children’s room and an adjacent children’s garden.
Eagerly awaited improvements like these will happen only with some temporary dislocation to library operations as construction proceeds, according to Brattin.
“But, the good news is that we are staying in the building during construction,” she said.
The circulation desk will remain in place with your dedicated, knowledgeable staff there to help you, but you’ll enter the building by a different route. Parking will move to a new lot west of the library, on property donated by Margaret and Jim Wilson, which you’ll enter off U.S. 160.
You’ll have the same copy, fax and print services available, but fewer computers and no meeting rooms during construction. Children’s programs will move temporarily to the Turner Reading Room, and the Hershey and Chimney Rock Collections will go into storage to make this happen. Inside bathrooms cannot be accessed, so porta-potties will have to do.
Brattin pointed out that she and her team are looking for space elsewhere in the community to temporarily house programs like after-school tutoring, adult crafts and book clubs.
“We’re determined to keep disruptions to a minimum as construction proceeds over the next two years,” Brattin said. “We’re excited because we know the end result will make the temporary interruptions more than worthwhile as the new building will provide so many of the facilities our patrons have requested for a very long time.”
Brattin pointed out that the expansion is totally paid for by private donations and grants — not taxpayer money — that has raised $4.2 million. As an example, she cited a $840,000 grant from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs. Fundraising continues for upgrades to the existing building.
“All of us on staff are already dreaming of the new and improved programs and services we’ll be able to offer when the construction is complete,” she said.
Library closure
Your library will be closed Friday, July 4.
As well, we will close Aug. 4-9 while we create a new entrance and walkway from the new parking lot to the west (see above for details). To keep you safe, we are closing the library while we construct that new entrance and build a temporary wall to separate our service area from construction activity. We will welcome you back to a reduced space on Aug. 11.
Save the date for free musical fun
Next Friday, July 11, from 1 to 2:30 p.m., a local musician, Kim, will play her favorite instruments — bass, violin or viola. Patrons will use tambourines, shakers and bells to accompany Kim and her songs.
Writing and storytelling advice
Today, Thursday, July 3, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. is a special free session on writing and storytelling with Ruby’s Writers Guild authors where you’ll enjoy creative exercises to hone your skills.
New yoga session for all ages
Next Wednesday, July 9, will be a free yoga session for all ages from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. when instructor Janice McIntyre will lead us in moves suitable for all ages and abilities in the library courtyard as weather allows. Bring your own mat or use one of ours.
Ruby’s Book Club
Ruby’s Book Club will meet from 2 to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, July 8, to discuss “The Ride of Her Life” by Elizabeth Letts. Copies are available at your library.
This free adult book club is held the second Tuesday of each month, alternating between fiction and nonfiction titles. Anyone is welcome to attend.
Legal clinic
This month’s free legal clinic is by appointment Wednesday, July 9, from 2 to 3:40 p.m. Come to the library to meet privately via Zoom with our volunteer civil 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.
LEGO play Saturday
Kids aged 6-11 are invited to the free LEGO play on Saturday, July 5, from 11 a.m. to noon. Bring your own LEGOs or use ours.
Conversational Spanish
The Conversational Spanish group will meet July 7 from 4 to 5 p.m. This is a great opportunity to practice your Spanish in a free group setting. No minimum skill level needed.
Music fun Monday
Pagosa Unplugged is free from 4 to 6 p.m. on Mondays, July 7 and 21, for amateur musicians of all abilities to play, sing and jam with other people. Also note a special session outside in the library garden on July 28.
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.
Hiatus for bilingual
storytimes
Please note that Hora de Cuentos, the bilingual storytime for children, will take as break in July and return in August.
Writers Guild
Every Thursday 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.
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 for these drop-in sessions, but please bring your device’s charger and passwords with you.
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.
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.
Summer book sale plans
Mark your calendar for the hugely popular Friends of the Library book sale in July at the Community United Methodist Church located downtown at 434 Lewis St., when you can take advantage of great bargains on books of all genres for all ages while helping the Friends raise money for your library.
July 17 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. is the members-only early shopping opportunity — and if you are not a member, you’re welcome to join at the door. Annual memberships are $15 per person or $25 per family. Lifetime memberships are $150 per person.
July 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and July 19 from 9 a.m. to noon, the book sale is open to the public.
Reading rewards
Pick up your free Summer Reading Program bingo sheets every week at the library through Aug. 1. Then, complete activities to earn rewards throughout the summer and a chance to win a grand prize. There will be awards for different age groups: infants and preschool, youth aged 5-11, tweens and teens, and adults.
Watch for details with dates and times of Summer Reading events and activities in future “Library News” columns throughout the summer. And, pick up the Summer Reading Program flyer at the library so you don’t miss any of the free programs, events and 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.
Large print fiction
“The Love Haters” by Katherine Coulter features a video producer facing her own fears. “Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave” by Elle Cosimano is book five in the mystery series. “Jilted” by Vi Keeland tells of a bride magazine writer dealing with a complicated personal situation. “Halfway to Hell” by William W. and J.A. Johnstone is book one of a new Slick Parker western series. “A Death in Diamonds” by S.J. Bennett features a young Queen Elizabeth II investigating a murder. “Speak to Me of Home” by Jeanine Cummins follows an American family returning to their Puerto Rico homeland after a hurricane.
“My Friends” by Fredrik Backman focuses on a search for three tiny figures featured in a famous painting. “The Yellowstone” by Win Blevins is book one of the new Rivers of the West series about the American West. “The Grapes of Wrath” by John Steinbeck is the classic Great Depression epic by this Nobel and Pulitzer Prize-winning author. “FDR Drive” by James Comey is a legal thriller by the former FBI director.
Large print nonfiction
“Cleavage: Men, Women and the Space Between Us” by Jennifer Finney Boylan examines and divisions and common ground between genders and reflects on her own experiences as a transgender American. “Sisters in Science: How Four Women Physicists Escape Nazi Germany and Made Scientific History” by Olivia Campbell explores the extraordinary lives of Hedwig Kohn, Lise Meitner, Hertha Sponer and Hildegard Stucklen.
Books on CD
“Hidden Natural” by Nora Roberts is a mystery featuring a female natural resources police officer. “The Children of Eve” by John Connolly is a thriller featuring PI Charlie Parker. “Ride the Moon Down” and “Death Rattle” by Terry C. Johnston are books seven and eight of the series featuring mountain man Titus Bass.
DVDs
“Agatha Raisin” is series two. “Lost Soul” features an aspiring rapper touring through Texas. “The Unbreakable Boy” is based on the true story of a child with a genetic condition. “Inspector Ellis” is a black female officer in rural England. “Oscar Micheaux” is a documentary about the most influential African American filmmaker of the first half of the 20th century. “Mohammad Ali” is a Ken Burns documentary.
Thanks to our donors
We are hugely grateful for a generous donation from Canada in memory of Bob Howard from his sister Pat Howard and husband Don Logan in support of Lifelong Learning lectures and the purchase of books and DVDs.
Quotable quote
“There are always flowers for those who want to see them.” — Henri Matisse (1869-1954), one of the most important French painters of the 20th century.
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.
