Excitement is building as our newly expanded and upgraded building continues to take shape both inside and out.
A beautiful building is something to celebrate, but even more important is what we’ll do there.
We’re furiously writing grant applications to furnish our new spaces, and one room in particular has us particularly excited.
Between the new teen room and the new children’s room we’re creating a room called a makerspace where people of all ages can come together to create, learn and invent. We’re planning a 3D printer, sewing and embroidery machines, robotics kits and a Cricut machine.
If the grant comes through, we’ll have GoPro helmets for skiers, snowboarders and mountain bikers to take with them and capture film, then return to the Makerspace, where they can use video-editing software.
Those of us with memories on VHS and old photographs will have access to a conversion kit to create digital files of these treasures and preserve them for generations.
As we approach Colorado’s 150th birthday, we think reading Jack London books and experiencing local landmarks that celebrate “the call of the wild” is a great way to mark the anniversary, so we have a grant application submitted to fund those activities. We’re admiring Red Hook (New York) Library’s Naturalist in Residence program and considering how we can duplicate that here.
And, we’ve launched our first of many reading challenges to celebrate the joy of reading by awarding badges and prizes for minutes read.
The possibilities are endless in our new interior spaces and outside gardens. With the addition of a new full-time children’s librarian in 2026, we are poised for an active, remarkable year ahead.
We hope to see you often, and, if you are so inclined, we welcome any and all gifts to fund all the wonderful things. Our building campaign is not complete — we need lots more money before we open our doors this summer. Naming opportunities are still available.
Happy new year, Pagosa.
Construction update
Despite our snow dances, we remain dry and warm in Pagosa, and that may be disappointing for outdoor enthusiasts, but it’s kept our construction schedule right on track.
Some of you may be wondering if that yellow coating on the exterior addition is the color you’ll see in the end. It’s actually weather moisture barrier. The outside will be blue and copper and, we believe, the most beautiful building in Pagosa. Follow us on Facebook for periodic pictures of progress.
Your donations go a long way toward making this new library exceptional. Please donate to the library this holiday season and make a long-lasting, positive impact on generations to come.
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, https://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, https://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
Our free online author talks with New York Times bestselling authors continue in January for you to watch live on Zoom or via a recording later.
For details and to register, go to https://libraryc.org/pagosalibrary/upcoming.
January’s lineup is superb, with David Brooks discussing his recent book, “How to Know a Person,” on Jan. 13, 2026, and Liz Moore presenting on her bestseller, “The God of the Woods,” on Jan. 28, 2026.
Conversational Spanish
The Conversational Spanish group will meet on Mondays in January 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 will resume in January.
Tutoring is for first through third grades and 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. Sign up now to join us in January.
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.
English as a second language classes
Free in-person evening classes happen on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 5 p.m. for students of all levels at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church, 225 S. Pagosa Blvd. Please help us pass the word about these classes.
Pagosa Adult Learning Services (PALS)
Make 2026 the year you finally get that GED diploma. 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.
New and notable
• “The Dharma of Healing: The Path of Liberation from Stress, Pain and Trauma” by Justin Michelson.
• “Becoming an Artist: How to Make Art Like a Human by Embracing Failure, Discovering Your Creative Voice, and Finding Joy in the Process” by Scott Sava.
• “The Complete Ant-Inflammatory Diet” from America’s Test Kitchen.
• “Nutrition for Outdoor Recreation” (Falcon Guides).
• “Launching Your Side Hustle: A Step-by-step Guide to Starting a Successful Side Gig and Earning More” by Jason Rich.
• “The Project: How Project 2025 is Reshaping America” by David A. Graham.
For a sneak peek of more to come, pick up a free copy of Booklist Reader at the library, also available online at Booklistonline.com.
Holiday wishes
Your Ruby Sisson Library staff is wishing you all a prosperous new year.
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