Our first free tax help session earlier this month was such a success that two more are now scheduled — with longer hours that go into the evening to accommodate more people.
If you would like help with your taxes, please call Kathy at (970) 553-9150 or email her at kathy.taxhelp@gmail.com for an appointment for a free session at your library.
A representative of VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) will meet with those who have signed up in individual sessions next Tuesday, March 26, and April 9 between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. Registration is required in advance.
Free tax forms
We have 1040 federal tax forms and instructions, as well as 0104 Colorado tax forms and instructions, available free while supplies last.
If you need other forms, we will pull them up online and print them out for you for free, but there is likely to be a charge for the instructions when they are long, multipage documents.
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 two more opportunities for you to interact with New York Times bestselling authors and ask questions in March.
For details and to register, go to https://libraryc.org/pagosalibrary/upcoming.
Today, Thursday, March 21, at 5 p.m., we’ll interact with Madeline Miller discussing “On Retelling Greek Classics: An Exploration of Modern Epics.”
Cardboard construction contest
Creative people of all ages are invited to show off your building skills by competing in our free cardboard construct-a-thon that offers prizes for each of five age categories: Ages 0 – 5, ages 6-8, ages 8-11, ages 12-17 and ages 18 and up.
Entries need to be brought to the library by Friday, March 29, at 5 p.m. You must be able to carry your entry in and out of the building without help of library staff. Winners will be contacted on March 30.
Entries may not exceed 36 inches by 36 inches by 36 inches and must be built ahead of time. Your creation must be made entirely of cardboard — but tape, glue, paperclips or brads may be used to hold pieces together. While you are welcome to decorate your creation, please note that we will be judging based on construction and not final decorations.
Entries must be your own creation, not a kit or other pre-built structure.
Cardboard is available at the library, or you are welcome to use your own. One entry per person.
Dungeons and Dragons
Today, March 21, from 4:30 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.
Preschool learning
tomorrow
Preschoolers are invited to a free Ready, Set, Learn session tomorrow, Friday, March 22, from 10 to 11 a.m. to build preschool skills.
Paws to Read tomorrow
Friday, March 22, 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.
Teen Great Stories Club tomorrow
Our free Great Stories Club for teens tomorrow, Friday, March 22, from 2 to 4:30 p.m. for ages 13 and up celebrates Indigenous voices and artists in our community. They will share their work and help teens create artwork of their own. Everyone also will come away with a free book. Pizza and beverages will be provided.
Adult knitting
Join new and experienced knitters this Saturday, March 23, 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.
Puzzle swap
Bring a puzzle, take a puzzle on Monday, March 25, at 2:30 p.m. We will have puzzles for all ages.
All-ages watercolor painting
All ages are invited to explore different watercolor techniques at a free session Tuesday, March 26, from 1 to 2 p.m.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Two local authors
“The Adventures of a Horse Named George” is a collection of stories by multiple authors for ages 8-80 compiled by local author Lynn Moffett about George, a swayback Appaloosa, and his best friend Nancy, a white miniature horse.
“Messengers: Two with a Guide” by Julie Loar explores if the sands of Giza in Egypt hide secrets of the lost civilization of Atlantis through the eyes of a trio who risk it all to fulfill an ancient promise.
As well, there are many other books by these two talented and prolific local authors available for your reading pleasure in your library’s collection.
Local history
“My Pioneer Life: The Memories of Abner E. Sprague” is a collection of writings and photographs by this Colorado pioneer. He came with his family from the Midwest in a covered wagon to settle in Estes Park and then played a role in America’s railway expansion and operated two successful ranch resorts. You’ll find his autobiography in the Hershey Collection section of your library along with other local history books.
Large print
“Six Gun Justice” edited by Richard Prosch is a collection of 13 stories by some of the best of western writers. “Gunmetal Mountain” by John Shirley is book two in the Cleve Trewe western series. “The Longmire Defense” by Craig Johnson features Sheriff Walt Longmire and Dog. “No Reserve” by Felix Francis is a Dick Francis horseracing mystery.
Novels
“Pelican Girls” by Julia Malye features young French women sent to New Orleans in 1720. “The Great Divide” by Christina Henrequez is a novel about the people involved in constructing the Panama Canal. “Remember Me” by Mary Balogh is book two of the Ravenswood historical romance series. “Redwood Court” by DeLana R.A.
Dameron explores the lives of a Black family living in a working-class suburb of Columbia, S.C. “A Love Song for Ricki Wilde” by Tia Williams tells of two people meeting in 1920s Harlem.
“The American Daughters” by Maurice Carlos Ruffin features a clandestine society of enslaved spies. “Family Meal” by Bryan Washington follows a man trying to recover after the death of the love of his life. “Lioness of Boston” by Emily Franklin is the story of the life of American art collector Isabella Stewart Gardner. “How to Love Your Daughter” by Hila Blum begins with a grandmother spying on two granddaughters she has never met.
DVDs
“Dunkirk” features soldiers and their families who were involved the Allied war effort. “Four Daughters” is a nonfiction film in Arabic with optional English subtitles. “Mayor of Kingstown” is season two.
Nonfiction
“Grief is For People” by Sloane Crosley is a memoir by a woman dealing with the death of a friend and mentor. “The Darkest White” by Eric Blehm explores the death of legendary snowboarding pioneer Craig Kelly in an avalanche. “White Rural Rage” by Tom Schaller and Paul Waldman looks at the views and power of white rural voters.
“Supercommunicators” by Charles Duhigg explores the skills necessary to unlock the language of connection through conversation. “The House of Hidden Meanings” by RuPaul is a memoir by this artist who brought drag into the cultural limelight.
“Steve Kerr” by sports journalist Scott Howard-Cooper is a biography of the championship NBA player and head coach of the record-breaking Golden State Warriors.
“Tough Broad” by Caroline Paul explores the science and psychology of the outdoors and its value to women’s physical and emotional health as they age. “Protect Your Peace” by Trent Shelton puts forth principles, strategies and tools to help you thrive in a chaotic world. “Fifty Places to Fly Fish Before You Die” by Chris Santella contains 50 essays with photographs that share recommended locations, how-to hints and anecdotes about the meccas of the fly-fishing world.
Quotable quote
“Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is like going home, that wilderness is a necessity, and that mountain parks and reservations are useful — not only as fountains of timber and irrigating rivers but also as foundations of life.” — John Muir (1838-1914), Scottish-born American naturalist, author and environmental philosopher. He founded the Sierra Club and was an early advocate for the preservation of wilderness areas in the U.S.
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.
