You are invited to two free special events to celebrate Children’s Book Day/El Dia de los Ninos.
On Friday, April 26, from 2 to 3:30 p.m., all ages are invited to the library to start creating your entry in a fun book art contest to reproduce the cover of a children’s book on a new surface such as a rock, a book stand or a plate. You also can make your entry at home. They must be turned in by 5 p.m. on Friday, May 3, and winners will be announced May 4. Prizes will be awarded for each of five age categories: 0-5, 6-8, 8-11, 12-17 and 18 and up. Entries may not exceed 36 inches by 36 inches by 36 inches and must be your own creation, not a kit or other pre-built structure. You must be able to carry your entry in and out of the building without help of library staff.
On Tuesday, April 30, from 3 to 5 p.m., children are invited to a celebration hosted by Sherry with a bilingual storytime presented by Jennifer that will also include face painting and crafts.
Special teen event tomorrow
Teens are invited to a free Great Stories Club event Friday, April 26, from 4 to 5:30 p.m., when we’ll hear from author Luis Rodriquez and create art based on his book “Always Running.” Pizza will be provided and everyone will receive a free book.
Lifelong Learning Lectures
The free spring Lifelong Learning Lecture series takes place Thursday evenings through May 23 from 6 to 7:15 p.m. with five more informative presentations:
• Today, April 25 will showcase Amy Nitchman from the Archuleta County Public Health Department talking about air quality in Colorado and ways to keep yourself informed of high pollution days during wildfire season.
• May 2 is “Knowing Our Ancient Puebloan Neighbors,” a presentation by Denise Fisk and Joanne Lucariello from the Chimney Rock Interpretive Association.
• May 9 will feature Dallas Weaver telling us about his experience hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro from trailhead to the summit.
• May 16 will showcase Cindi Galabota, library foundation executive director, discussing your library’s building campaign.
• May 23 is “North American Monsoon Outlook for Pagosa Springs,” a presentation by Arleen Prochazka of Pagosa Weather.
The lectures are free and no registration is required. For more details, pick up the Lifelong Learning Lecture brochure at your library.
Virtual author talks
Our highly popular free online author talks continue with three opportunities in May for you to interact with New York Times bestselling authors and ask questions in April.
For details and to register, go to https://libraryc.org/pagosalibrary/upcoming.
On Wednesday, May 1, at 1 p.m., we’ll focus on “Genius, Power and Deception on the Eve of World War I” with Douglas Brunt.
Wednesday, May 8, at 5 p.m. will highlight “A Murder Mystery, Family Story & Love Letter to Strong Women Everywhere” with Nina Simon.
Tuesday, May 21, at 5 p.m. will showcase Rebecca F. Kuang discussing Asian American representation in literature.
Preschool class tomorrow
Our free “Ready, Set, Learn” that helps build important preschool skills such as tracing a line, cutting, identifying letters and holding a pencil happens tomorrow, Friday, April 26, from 10 to 11 a.m.
Adult knitting Saturday
Join new and experienced knitters Saturday, April 27, 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 “Twelfth Night” on Monday, April 29, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Call Jenny at (240) 426-7887 for more information.
Teen/tween art camp
Each month we explore a different style or medium at this free event. In April it’s watercolor art. Join us Monday, April 29, from 4 to 5 p.m. Registration is required.
Elementary tutoring
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.
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.
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.
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 author
“Sacred Work” by Peggy Bodde is subtitled, “A Christian Woman’s Guide to Leadership in the Marketplace.” The author uses her knowledge of the Bible and her 25 years of business experience in the corporate world to provide advice on how to handle challenges such as when you disagree with the boss, are passed over for a promotion and more.
DVDs
“King in the Wilderness” is an HBO documentary focusing on the last three years of Dr. Martin Luther King’s life. “Gentle Yoga Plus Pilates” features Jessica Smith exercises for stretching and core strength. “Lancaster” is the story of the iconic World War II bomber. “Wednesday” is season one of this supernatural comedy. “Freud’s Last Session” features a conversation between Freud and C.S. Lewis on the future of mankind and existence of God. “Immediate Family” focuses on session musicians from iconic 1970s pop music. “Why Women Kill” is season one dealing with three wives’ reaction to infidelity. “The Iron Claw” is the story of two brothers who made history in the world of professional wrestling. “Evolution Earth” is a PBS documentary tracks how animals are adapting to keep pace with an ever-changing planet.
Large print
“The Truth about the Devlins” by Lisa Scottoline is a murder mystery about a family of lawyers. “Everyone is Watching” by Heather Gudenkauf is a suspense story about five contestants on a game show. “The Wild Side” by Fern Michaels features an undercover female investigator. “The Trail of Lost Hearts” by Tracey Garvis Graves is a romance between two people recovering from life-altering blows.
Nonfiction
“Bird-Friendly Gardening” by Jen McGuinness offers guidance and projects for supporting birds in your outdoor landscape. “Postdiabetic” by Eric Edmeades and Dr. Ruben Ruiz is a nine-week guide to reversing prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes. “Your Best Financial Life” by Anne Lester, former head of retirement solutions for J.P. Morgan Asset Management, shows you how to save for your retirement and the future. “Rebel Rising” by Rebel Wilson is a memoir by the actress in “Pitch Perfect,” “Bridesmaids” and “Isn’t It Romantic.” “Who Is Afraid of Gender?” by Judith Butler looks at how rhetoric can strip trans and gay people of their right to pursue life without fear of violence. “Nourish” by Gisele Bundchen provides 100 recipes plus advice for emotional and physical well-being.
Mysteries, thrillers and suspense
“The Genesis 6 Project” by Michael Ferguson is a biblical sci-fi action adventure featuring a Special Agent of Indian Affairs. “The Cradle of Ice” by James Rollins is a techno-thriller about a fellowship before a coming apocalypse. “The Good, the Bad and the Aunties” by Jesse Q. Sutanto begins when a gift is given by accident during a Chinese New Year celebration.
Other novels
“The Rachael Incident” by Caroline O’Donoghue is a comedic look at friends and lovers in Ireland. “Mobility” by Lydia Kiesling follows the life of a woman with a successful career in the oil industry. “City of Laughter” by Temim Fruchter features a young gay woman traveling back to her origins. “The Trail of Lost Hearts” by Tracey Garvis Graves is a romance between two people recovering from life-altering blows. “Clear” by Carys Davies follows a minister sent to a remote island in Scotland to evict a tenant.
Quotable quote
“Recalibrate your values to reward joy, not physical prowess. No one keeps score on what you’re doing except you. As I get older, I recognize my athletic achievements by the width of my smile.” — Avid skier, filmmaker and author Warren Miller.
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.
