Seniors aged 60 and over are invited to participate in a new free live online Senior Planet program on the first and third Fridays of the month starting March 1 at your library from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Judy will connect the group via the video conferencing platform Zoom so that you can join other seniors across the country in discussing aging issues such as loneliness, isolation, making new friends and learning in new hobbies.
This Senior Planet program was created by AARP. In addition to the aging discussions at the library, Judy will show you how to use Zoom from your home to participate in topics like finance, wellness, fitness, computers and technology on other times and dates if you are interested.
Curbside service available
As we progress further into the winter germ season, we wanted to be sure you know that we continue to offer curbside service for those of you who prefer to have us bring your items outside to you to help limit your exposure to — or sharing of — potential germs. Or, you may have concerns about walking on snow or ice.
To take advantage of this service, simply phone us at (970) 264-2209 when you’re outside in the parking lot and we will be happy to bring your items to you.
Virtual author talks
Our highly popular free online author talks continue with one more opportunity for you to interact with New York Times bestselling authors and ask questions in February.
For details and to register, go to https://libraryc.org/pagosalibrary/upcoming .
Wednesday, Feb. 28 at noon will showcase Kim Scott.
Friends of the Library event
The Friends of the Library will gather next Wednesday, Feb. 28, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. to mingle and then talk about plans for Friends’ events in 2024. Pizza, salad and sodas will be provided.
Online New York Times
We have purchased an online subscription to The New York Times that allows you 24/7 free access to the online version of the newspaper from your home or any personal device.
Go to the library website at https://pagosalibrary.org. Click on Online Resources on the gray top line on the home page. Scroll down to the Ns for New York Times and click on that icon. Your access code will automatically be generated, good for 24 hours each time you sign on. You then will be asked for your email address to log in or to create an account.
Dungeons and Dragons
Today, Thursday, Feb. 22, and next Tuesday, Feb. 27, 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.
Teen/tween murder mystery tomorrow
Teens and tweens are invited to solve the clues to discover who the real murderer is when every is a suspect at this free event on Friday, Feb. 23, from 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Paws to Read tomorrow
Friday, Feb. 23, from 2 to 3 p.m., youngsters are invited to share their favorite books with Muppet or Maple, therapy dogs who love stories, at a free Paws to Read session.
Board games tomorrow
Come play a favorite game or bring one of your own to share at this free all-ages event Friday, Feb. 23, from 3 to 4 p.m.
Adult knitting Saturday
Join new and experienced knitters this Saturday, Feb. 24, for our free Knitters Circle from 1 to 3 p.m. It is for anyone over the age of 18 who would like to knit together or get some help if you are stuck on your project.
Teen/tween art camp
Each month we explore a different style or medium at this free event. In February, it’s pastels. Join us Monday, Feb. 26, from 4 to 5 p.m. Registration is required.
Music fun Monday
Pagosa Unplugged is free from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 26, for amateur musicians of all ages to jam and sing with others. For details, contact Susan at (970) 946-3396.
Adult DIY
At the free adult DIY next Tuesday, Feb. 27, from 1 to 2:30 p.m., you will create jewelry with polymer clay with local artist Miranda. All supplies will be provided. Preregistration is required.
Adult strategy change sessions
“Strategize Change in Your Life in 2024” is a free weekly program for adults on Wednesdays from 1 to 2:15 p.m. that happens only in February.
Led by a licensed professional counselor named Jennifer, the group focuses on goal setting and making positive changes to identify and change unwanted behaviors. Attendance is limited, so preregistration is required.
New basic quilting classes
Adults are invited to a free quilting class every Wednesday until March 6 from 1 to 3 p.m. led by Wanita Martin, a local quilter. Preregistration is required and classes are limited to six participants.
You also need access to a sewing machine, a ruler, good scissors, a marking pen, straight pins, thread, an iron and an ironing board.
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.
Please note there is no tutoring Feb. 28.
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.
Writers’ guild
Thursdays from 9 to 11 a.m,. Ruby’s Writers Guild welcomes writers looking for opportunities, support, resources and camaraderie with other writers at this free gathering.
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. PALS stands for Pagosa Adult Learning Services.
Mysteries, suspense and thrillers
“Northwoods” by Amy Pease begins when a body is found in a lake in a midwestern resort town. “The Missing Witness” by Allison Brennan features Det. Kara Quinn and an FBI special agent. “The Lock-up” by John Banville brings two detectives together to solve a globe-spanning mystery. “Chenneville” by Paulette Jiles follows an injured Civil War soldier who arrives home to discover a brutal family murder. “Holmes Marple & Poe” by James Patterson and Brian Sitts focuses on a team of brilliant PIs in New York City. “Weapons of Opportunity” by Dale Brown is a Nick Flynn adventure. “Midnight” by Amy McCulloch takes place on a luxury cruise ship in Antarctica. “The Ascent” by Dam Plantinga reveals the aftermath of a malfunction in a prison’s security system.
Other novels
“Invisible Woman” by Katia Lief follows events after the surfacing of a long-held secret between estranged best friends. “The Book of Fire” by Christy Lefteri tells of Greeks trying to recover after a forest fire and suspicious death. “A Council of Dolls” by Mona Susan Power is a tale of three extraordinary women from midcentury Chicago to a Dakhota reservation and brutal Native American boarding schools. “Library for the War-Wounded” by Monika Helfer explores the mysterious life of a German soldier in the aftermath of World War II, especially his remarkable library. “Talking at Night” by Claire Daverley tells of two teens who can’t let go of what might have been. “House of Flame and Shadow” by Sarah J. Maas is a Crescent City fantasy.
Pagosa-based novel on CD
“All Rhodes Lead Here” by Mariana Zapata is a romance set in Pagosa. It features a young woman who has broken up with her longtime, famous musician boyfriend and decides to move back to the small mountain town that was once her home but is full of bittersweet memories of her late mother.
Other books on CD
“Come and Get It” by Kiley Reid follows two young women combining skills in an unusual way to meet their individual goals. “Tree of Aeons” by SpaizZzer is book three in the Isekai LitPRG series about a man who becomes a tree. “Harbor Lights” by James Lee Burke is a collection of eight short stories. “Random in Death” by J.D. Robb is an Eve Dallas crime thriller. “Upside Down” by Danielle Steel is about a highly successful mother-daughter team who want to repair their relationship. “Dead Man’s Hand” by Brad Taylor is a Pike Logan special services adventure. “The Bad Weather Friend” by Dean Koontz begins with an inheritance from an unknown uncle.
DVDs
We have three Great Courses DVDs: “An Introduction to Genealogy,” “How to Play the Piano” and “How to Sing.” “Vivo” is an animated musical adventure. “A Silent Voice” is a coming-of-age movie about schoolyard bullying of a deaf girl. “Trolls Band Together” in the DreamWorks sing-along version. “The Lost City” is a jungle adventure comedy. “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” stars Harrison Ford. “Happy Valley” is a thriller starring Sarah Lancashire.
Nonfiction
“The Hunger Habit” by Dr. Judson Brewer provides tips on how to stop when you eat when you’re not hungry. “Resilient” by Brooke Wells is a memoir about the author’s comeback after a serious accident at the 2021 CrossFit Games. “Infectious Generosity” by Chris Anderson documents the powerful impact of acts of generosity. “Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day” by Kate Bowler contains daily meditations for the ups, downs and in-between days.
“The End of Race Politics” by Coleman Hughes offers intellectual tools to create a colorblind America. “Dear Black Girls” by A’Ja Wilson is a guide to not letting racism keep you down by providing stories and examples to use as inspiring models. “The War Below” by Reuters reporter Ernest Scheyder explores the war for critical minerals. “5 Ingredients Mediterranean” by Jamie Oliver contains quick and easy Mediterranean recipes.
Quotable quote
“When another person is talking, you want to be listening so loudly that you are practically burning calories. Watch Oprah, a true master of conversation, as she interviews someone. You can see her feeling, in her highly reactive way, the emotions the other person is describing. ... When the conversation takes a happy turn, she volleys back ... a subtle chorus of encouragements. ... When the conversation takes a sad or serious turn, she wears a concerned look on her face and sits in attentive silence. ...” — David Brooks, writer and commentator, in his new book, “How To Know a Person,” available at your Ruby Sisson library.
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.
