By Carole Howard | PREVIEW Columnist, and the library staff
Jen Doane is our new early literacy/children’s librarian. She replaces Josie Snow, who has moved to the teen services position, replacing Claire Spence, who resigned in November to take a job in a larger library in Bloomington, Ind.
Doane comes to us with an abundance of enthusiasm and a wide variety of experience in other Colorado libraries and educational settings. She has a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Colorado, a bachelor’s degree in technical journalism from Colorado State University and she is currently finishing an information and library science professional certification through the University of Maine.
She says she finds joy in teaching and working with children and families.
“My ultimate goal is to facilitate engaging programs that inspire library visitors to become leaders in their lives and communities,” Doane said.
Doane also is dedicated to giving back to others, especially to those less fortunate.
“As a low-income, first-generation college student, I have some understanding and experience with the institutional barriers that exist in society for some groups and not others,” she said.
Meg Wempe, library director, said she is delighted to have Doane join the Pagosa library team.
“She brings experience and an excitement to the position and we all look forward to working with her,” Wempe said.
For those of you keeping count, Wempe points out that adding Doane brings to five on our staff with names beginning with J — Josie, Judy, Jeanne, Jennifer and now Jen. There are four staff bucking the J trend — Carmelita, Dennise, Mark and Meg. Five staff are full time and four are part time.
Next time you are in the library, please welcome Jen to our library team.
Library closure
Your library will be closed on Monday, Jan. 16, for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.
Flu season protocols
The curbside service that we began for COVID safety continues — and it’s also a healthful option in the cold and flu season. To save your energy and lessen germ exposure to other patrons, we recommend you use our curbside service — or add a name to your account authorizing that person to pick up items for you while you recuperate. Library hours:
• Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, your library is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Tuesdays and Thursdays, your library is open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Saturdays, your library is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Activities calendar
To be sure you don’t miss any of the free library activities available to you and your family, we encourage you to pick up a copy of the events calendar each month. Its streamlined format combines all the activities and events for children, teens and adults on one handy, two-sided page.
Online author talk today
There are three events this month in our free online virtual series featuring New York Times bestselling authors and thought-leaders giving live, professionally moderated book discussions you can view on your computer, tablet or smartphone with Internet access. You also have an opportunity to ask questions.
Today, Thursday, Jan. 12, at noon, we’ll interact with Namina Forna, author of “The Gilded Ones,” an epic fantasy young adult series.
Tuesday, Jan. 17, at noon showcases Dana K. White, creator of the popular podcast and blog “A Slob Comes Clean” as she imparts tips from her books “Organizing for the Rest of Us” and “Decluttering at the Speed of Life.”
On Tuesday, Jan. 31, at noon, we’ll meet with Randall Munroe, creator of “XKCD: What If,” a webcomic of romance, sarcasm, math and language.
Go to https://pagosalibrary.org/adult-services/ to learn more.
Legal clinic tomorrow
The free legal clinic this month is happening by appointment tomorrow, Friday, Jan. 13, from 2 to 3 p.m.
Come into the library to meet privately via Zoom with our volunteer attorney, who will answer your questions, show you legal documents and help you fill out the necessary forms.
To schedule an appointment, at the beginning of the month send an email titled “Sign-up for Free Legal Clinic,” with your first name and phone number, to ruby@pagosalibrary.org, or phone (970) 264-2209 or stop by the library. The volunteer attorney’s time is limited so it’s first-come, first-served. This clinic takes place on the second Friday of every month.
Gaming tomorrow
Enjoy free all-ages video gaming on the Xbox 360 Kinect tomorrow, Friday, Jan. 13, from 3 to 4 p.m.
LEGO Club on Saturday
Kids aged 6 and up are invited to bring your imaginations — LEGOs are provided — on Saturday, Jan. 14, from 11 a.m. to noon for the free LEGO Club.
LEGO challenges also are posted on Facebook if you can’t make it to the library.
Adult DIY next
Wednesday
At the free in-person adult DIY next Tuesday, Jan. 17, from 1 to 2 p.m., we invite you to come to make a greeting card for any occasion.
Spanish conversation next Tuesday
Next Tuesday, Jan. 17, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., we will gather at the library to practice speaking and listening skills together at this free session. No minimum skill level is required to attend.
You also can learn Spanish and many other languages using the Transparent Language Learning database available at https:pagosalibrary.org/online-resources/.
Therapy dog visit
next Wednesday
Join us next Wednesday, Jan. 18, from 11 to 11:45 a.m. for 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.” This activity is for all ages.
Virtual Dungeons
and Dragons
Next Thursday, Jan. 19, from 4 to 6 p.m., join our Dungeons and Dragons game free for teens and young adults on Discord. Registration is required because space is limited. Contact Josie@pagosalibrary.org to join.
Homework and
tutoring help
Our highly popular free homework assistance and elementary tutoring are available for students in kindergarten through fourth grade on Wednesdays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. There is a registration packet for parents and guardians to fill out to enroll your child that you can get by emailing the library or coming in. This program has been a big hit because it helps build essential skills in core subjects. You still can register your child, but you may be put on a wait list.
Family storytimes
Wednesdays from 10 to 11 a.m. join us for free in-person children’s stories, games and plenty of reasons to get up and move.
ESL classes
Free in-person evening classes take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with 4 to 5 p.m. reserved for beginners and 5 to 7 p.m. for both intermediate and advanced students. Please help us spread the word about these classes to others in our community who would be interested and contact us by phone or email if you have any questions.
PALS/GED adult
education
Mark is available for his free PALS sessions on 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 registration is required.
Tech Time
Free in-person slots are available from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and 2 to 4 p.m. Thursdays. Judy will help you with basic questions relating to computers, smartphones and tablets and also provide assistance in accessing any of the library’s online resources. You do not need an appointment for these drop-in sessions.
Writing challenge
A new all-ages writing challenge will be posted Jan. 16 on the library’s Facebook page. We hope you will challenge your creativity by participating in this free activity.
Downloadable books
CloudLibrary has a wide variety of downloadable e-books and audiobooks for all ages, and accessing this free digital collection is very easy. You just need to 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. You are now ready to browse, borrow and read e-books and audiobooks using cloudLibrary. Library staff are happy to help you set up your device if you need assistance.
DVDs
“Taken Hostage” is a film about the Iran crisis where 52 Americans were held hostage in Tehran. “Becoming Frederick Douglass” is a PBS documentary about this former slave who became a leader of the abolitionist movement. “The Banshees of Inisherin” stars Colin Farrell and Brendon Gleeson and is set on a remote island off the coast of Ireland. “Lifemark” is inspired by a true story of a birth mother seeking her 18-year-old son. “Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters” is a heartwarming story of faith.
Nonfiction
“1001 Deductions and Tax Breaks 2023” by Barbara Weltman is a J. K. Lasser tax guide. “2023 Chase’s Calendar of Events” is a guide for special days, weeks and months in this new year. “The Benham Book of Palmistry” by William G. Benham is a reformatted edition with more than 100 illustrations and photos. “Injustice” by John Paul Mac Isaac is the story of the man who made Hunter Biden’s laptop public.
Thrillers, suspense
and mysteries
“The Last Invitation” by Darby Kane is about an exclusive club of women who mete out justice to men who have behaved badly.
Other novels
“The Dressmakers of Prospect Heights” by Kitty Zeldis is set in Brooklyn in 1924 as New York City enters the Jazz Age. “Blood of the Serpent” by S.M. Sterling is a stand-alone fantasy featuring Conan. “At Certain Points We Touch” by Lauren John Joseph is a story of first love.
Donations
Many thanks to our anonymous donors for their materials donations.
When we are open, material donations are accepted for the Friends of the Library at the front desk — not through the outside returns slot at the library or the drop box at City Market, please.
The Friends take fiction published in 2013 or newer and nonfiction that is 2018 or newer. Limited workroom space means we can only accept one or two small boxes at a time.
Quotable quote
“We should slow down, let life surprise us and embrace the significance in the everyday” — Joshua Hicks and Frank Martela, co-authors of a series of studies showing that people who have a strong appreciation for moments of beauty are more likely to feel that their existence is meaningful.
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.
