Two local authors who have donated their books to your library’s collection help bring vibrant personalities and regional history to life in an interesting, enjoyable way.
“Patterson” by fourth-generation Pagosa resident Dean Cox is an 830-page nonfiction tribute to Julius Brice Patterson and his ancestors, descendants and associates with a multitude of drawings, pictures and even some beautiful paintings. Its subtitle, “Compelling times and events of a Rocky Mountain pioneer family,” is an apt description of what’s inside.
Much of this historical narrative is based on family stories plus an interview with Brice at age 92 by the Daughters of the American Revolution. As well, the author got help with research and site visits from friends and family.
Cox wrote much of the family saga over five years in a cabin he built in the mountains above Silverton which he visited every other week in summer and winter. There, Cox could look out the window and see two stunning 13,000-foot peaks that provided inspiration and atmosphere as he wrote.
Don’t let the length of this book or the fact that it covers so many decades of family history intimidate you. The author’s pleasant, unintimidating writing style helped by generous use of quotations and conversations make for easy reading.
Meanwhile, Sylvia McDaniel has donated “Desperate,” the initial book in her Lipstick and Lead series, to go along with the other four novels in her series, “Deadly,” “Daring,” “Determined” and “Dangerous,” already in our collection.
These stories feature three sisters burdened with the responsibilities of a homestead in a small town in west Texas who turn to bounty hunting to pay their bills and to save money so that they can pursue their dreams.
Sylvia has lived in Pagosa Springs for seven and a half years, after moving here from Dallas. Now that this series is complete, she plans to publish her newest book, a romance titled “Secrets of the Past,” very soon.
You will find both authors’ books in the Local Authors section at your library.
Book sale Oct. 11
Thanks to your generosity donating like-new books to their book drive in September, the Friends of the Library have accumulated enough treasures to host a pop-up book sale this Saturday, Oct. 11, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Pagosa Springs Church of Christ, 277 Lewis St.
Friends, teachers, nurses and first responders will benefit from a buy-one-get-one-free offer for up to 10 books.
We hope you’ll take this opportunity to purchase new or lightly used books from the Friends at this event. Proceeds from their book sales are vital to the ongoing health of your library.
New services
On Oct. 1, we joined the Across Colorado Digital Consortium, which offers Overdrive e-books and e-audiobooks through the popular Libby app.
This purchase is funded by the State Grants to Libraries program through the Colorado State Library. While our Cloud Library subscription offers access to 9,615 items in our digital collection, membership in the Across Colorado Digital Consortium offers access to more than 19,000 items, many of them unique.
You, our library users, rank No. 1 among AspenCat libraries in use of CloudLibrary. We’ll subscribe to both CloudLibrary and Overdrive in the coming year while we analyze your use of both services.
As well, we now are receiving a paper copy of The New York Times Sunday edition. The latest edition will stay at the library, but we will circulate past editions.
Construction news
Here’s the latest news on your library’s expansion construction project from Barb Brattin, library director:
“Rebar inspections have passed, with the first concrete truck on site and groundwater issues resolved. For the next several weeks we will see the foundation for the new addition come to life.
“The project remains on schedule, with a grand opening date expected sometime next summer.”
Activity locations are changed
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, https://pagosalibrary.org, for location changes throughout the construction. If no other location is mentioned, the activity will stay at your library.
Online author talks
Our free online author talks with New York Times bestselling authors continue in October with three talks for you to watch live on Zoom or via a recording. For details and to register, go to https://libraryc.org/pagosalibrary/upcoming.
Thursday, Oct. 9, at 5 p.m. will showcase Leigh Bardugo discussing “10 Years of Daring Heists and Loveable Outcasts in YA fantasy.”
Oct. 22 at 5 p.m. will feature Malala Yousafzai, the youngest-ever Nobel Peace Prize winner, who is also an educational activist, bestselling author and film producer from Pakistan.
On Oct. 29 at noon, we’ll interact with Philippa Gregory, historical fiction author, on “Courtly Intrigue and Whispers as Weapons.”
Adult knitting and needlework
Join new and experienced knitters Saturday, Oct. 11, for our free Knitters Circle from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Natural Grocers back room. 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. Any type of needleworker is welcome.
Conversational Spanish
The Conversational Spanish group will meet Monday, Oct. 13, 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 group setting. No minimum skill level is needed.
Ruby’s Book Club
Ruby’s Book Club will meet from 2 to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 14, to discuss “The Women” by Kristin Hannah. 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.
During construction it is taking place at the new Harman Park Transit Center, 83 Harman Park Drive, next to the Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office.
Therapy dog visit
Next Wednesday, Oct. 15, from 11 to 11:45 a.m., kids are invited to a free visit with a certified therapy dog after storytime. Visits are limited to 10-15 minutes — just the right amount of time to pet the dog, read to the dog or just say “Hi.”
Elementary school tutoring
Free after-school tutoring for kids in first through third grade 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.
English as a second language classes
Free in-person evening classes happen 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 at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church, 225 S. Pagosa Blvd. Please help us pass the word about these classes.
Pagosa Adult Learning Services (PALS)
Join Mark or Sally for free individualized 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.
Two sources for downloadable books
CloudLibrary has a wide variety of downloadable e-books and audiobooks for all ages. To access this free digital collection totaling 9,615 items, download the CloudLibrary app on our website, 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.
As well, on Oct. 1, we joined the Across Colorado Digital Consortium, offering Overdrive e-books and e-audio books through the popular Libby app. This collection offers you free access to more than 19,000 items, many of them unique.
Visit https://coloradodc.overdrive.com on your computer or download the Libby app to your device. To get started, enter your location, select Across Colorado Digital Consortium, and select Ruby Sisson Library – Upper San Juan Library District to enter your library card number and four-digit PIN.
Library staff are happy to help you set up your device if you need assistance.
DVDs
“Matlock” starring Katy Bates is season one. “Dark Winds” is season three. “The Hoenician Scheme” features a ruthless wealthy European. “Outrageous” is based on the true story of the Mitford sisters who played by their own rules. “What are UFOs?” is a PBS Nova program.
Short stories
“An Oral History of Atlantis” by Ed Park is a collection of 16 short stories spanning a quarter century.
Mysteries and thrillers
“Twist of Fate” by Se-Ah Jang features two women, both running away, whose meeting on a train changes their lives. “Milo’s Reckoning” by Joseph Oldhan follows a grad student tracking the mysterious death of his mentor. “The Good Liar” by Denise Mina tracks a widow who has to decide what to do when she learns her trial testimony was wrong. “We Solve Murders” by Richard Osman features a retired investigator and his daughter-in-law PI.
Other novels
“Animal Farm” is the classic George Orwell novel. “Tomlinson’s Wake” by Randy Wayne White is a Doc Ford story. “Caledonian Road” by Andrew O’Hagan explores British class, politics and money through five interconnected families. “Playground” by Pulitzer Prize-winner Richard Powers explores the complex relationship between humanity, technology and the ocean through the interconnected lives of four characters. “Worth Fighting For” by Jesse Q. Suitanto features a woman working for a private equity firm. “Among Friends” by Hal Ebbott follows lifetime family friends dealing with an unexpected act. “Beasts of Carnival” by Rosalia Rodogo is a historical fantasy.
Quotable quote
“There are never right or wrong decisions. The wrong decisions are the ones you never made. So whatever decision you make, go with it. You will always have time to correct yourself, because if you’re on the move you will have other opportunities. If you stay in one place, you won’t get that chance. ... So if you’re going to make a mistake, just make sure you’re still moving: going somewhere, believing in something, moving forward.” — Jose Andres, Spanish-American chef, restauranteur, cookbook author and TV host. He is the founder of World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit organization devoted to providing meals in the wake of natural disasters.
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.
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