We have just purchased a new data base called A to Z World Food that gives you free access to recipes from countries and cultures around the world. It is a bonanza of information for anyone who loves preparing and eating good food at home or enjoys dining in restaurants while traveling.
You’ll find more than 7,000 popular recipes from 174 countries from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, along with information on global food cultures, explanations of diverse ingredients, cooking preparation and techniques, hints on how to stock your pantry, and much more.
For access to this culinary treasure trove, go to your library’s website at https://pagosalibrary.org and click on “Digital Collection” at the top of the home page.
There you’ll find all our online resources in alphabetical order, so A to Z World Food is at the top. You’ll need to enter your library card number to explore the site.
Enjoy.
Friends book sale Saturday
This Saturday, Feb. 8, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Friends of the Library will host a popup book sale in the large meeting room of the library with the theme “Cabin Fever.”
The Friends’ book sales are an ideal way for you to expand your home library and also purchase reading treasures for your loved ones, with all proceeds used to supplement the library collections and fund other projects that benefit your library.
Buy one, get one free if you are a teacher, nurse, first responder or Friend of the Library with proof of membership or employment.
Online author talks
Our highly popular free online author talks with New York Times bestselling authors continue in February with two opportunities for you to interact with bestselling authors.
Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 5 p.m. will showcase Waubgeshig Rice, author of “Moon of the Turning Leaves,” speaking on dystopian tropes from an Indigenous perspective.
Feb. 18 at noon will feature Lee Hawkins, author of “I am Nobody’s Slave,” discussing “How Uncovering My Family’s History Set Me Free.”
For details and to register, go to https://libraryc.org/pagosalibrary/upcoming.
Healthy relationships for teens
This Friday, Feb. 7, from 2 to 3 p.m. is the latest in the free monthly healthy relationships series hosted by Rise Above Violence, a local nonprofit organization.
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, Feb. 7, 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, Feb. 8, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. All ages and abilities are welcome.
Adult knitting Saturday
Join new and experienced knitters Saturday, Feb. 8, 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.
Shakespeare read-aloud
Shakespeare fans of all ages are invited to join in reading aloud “The Comedy of Errors” that began Jan. 13 and will run Mondays 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. Registration is required.
Music fun Monday
Pagosa Unplugged is free from 4 to 6 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 10, for amateur musicians who would like a safe, supportive, non-bar setting to play, sing or both with other people. For information, contact Susan at (970) 946-3396.
Ruby’s Book Club next Tuesday
Ruby’s Book Club will meet from 2 to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 11, to discuss “The Girl with the Louding Voice” by Abi Dare. 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. Snacks will be provided.
Dungeons and Dragons
Next Tuesday, Feb. 11, and Thursday, Feb. 13, 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, Feb. 12, 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, Feb. 12 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.
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 to 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.
Ruby’s 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.
Local authors
“A Marathon of Purpose: A Journey Through Life, Love and Legacy” by Dr. Michael J. Marx, with his family and friends, is a memoir of a life marked by resilience, compassion and unwavering faith. He recounts his experiences from growing up in New Jersey with immigrant roots to a career as executive coach and mentor, as well as his battle with brain cancer.
“A Window to Happiness” is a collection of poetry by Joy Wiersma. As she writes, “I want to smooth over the sharp angles in my eyes, polish the surface with the tears that I cry, till everything I see sparkles and shines. Life. I want to see it.”
Spanish language books
“Tratado de Culinaria para Mujeres Tristes” (“Culinary Treaty for Sad Women”) by Columbian author Hector Abad addresses female psychology with subtle humor. “Abuelita Fe” (“Grandmother Faith”) by second-generation Cuban-American author Kat Armas, who lives in Miami, combines personal storytelling with Biblical reflections, focusing on marginal voices.
Books on CD
“Never Say Never” by Danielle Steel is a romance set in France. “Dark Hope” by Christine Feehan is a Carpathian paranormal romance. “Die. Respawn. Repeat.” is book one in a new fantasy series. “Four Ruined Realms” by Mai Corland is book two in the Broken Blades fantasy trilogy.
Large print
“Sherlock Holmes and the Telegram from Hell” by Nicholas Meyer contains extracts from Dr. John H. Watson. “Where the Creek Bends” by Linda Lael Miller is a southern romance. “Shattering Dawn” by Jayne Ann Krentz is the final book in the Lost Night Flies paranormal romantic suspense trilogy.
Mysteries, suspense and thrillers
“Furever After” by Sophie Kelly tells of a librarian and her two cats solving an art heist mystery. “The Texas Murders” by James Patterson and Andrew Bourelle features a Texas Ranger and a Tribal policewoman. “One in a Million” by Janet Dailey begins when a wealthy Texas rancher’s body is discovered.
New donations
guidelines
The Friends of the Library have announced new guidelines for donations to the library.
Books on time-sensitive topics that can quickly become out of date are wanted only if they have been published within the last five years. These subjects include politics/current events, health and medicine, sports/exercise, business, technology, science, education and travel guides. Not accepted are reference materials, textbooks and non-print material like CDs, DVDs, Blu Ray, VHS or cassette tapes because they do not sell at Friends of the Library sales.
When the library is open, high-quality used book donations are gratefully accepted at the front desk – not down the outside returns slot at the library or the dropbox at City Market, please. No more than two boxes at a time because of space constraints and all books in excellent condition, please.
Quotable quote
“Cooking is at once child’s play and adult joy. And cooking done with care is an act of love.” — Craig Claiborne (1920-2000), former food editor and restaurant critic for The New York Times, author of numerous cookbooks and winner of the James Beard Award for Lifetime Achievement.
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.
