By Carole Howard/PREVIEW Columnist, and the library staff
As school reconvenes after the summer break, we want to be sure you know that your library has a multitude of resources for students of all ages.
You can find nonfiction books and periodicals on a variety of topics from archaeology to zoology. Importantly, you also can find online resources 24/7 at www.pagosalibrary.org. Select the tab “Online Resources” at the top of the home page. The resources are listed in alphabetical order.
Britannica School is an online resource where students can discover encyclopedia articles, multimedia, primary sources, e-books and other learning resources that support student research and reinforce curriculum standards.
Another useful online resource is Middle Search Plus, where students can access biographies, historical essays, encyclopedias and popular middle-school magazines.
Your library card number is needed to access this resource.
If you do not see what you are looking for in the Sisson Library collection or online, talk with one of our friendly library staff who can help you search our larger AspenCat database.
Save the date for CPR
The EMS team from Pagosa Springs Medical Center will be at the library on Saturday, Aug. 31, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a free hands-only CPR class.
They will review CPR and first aid knowledge, and you can practice skills and ask questions.
The session will also cover the Good Samaritan Law so that you will comfortable using these skills when they are needed.
Please note this is a knowledge-based program — you will not be certified in CPR by taking this class.
Writers Guild publishes anthology
Ruby’s Writers Guild has just published a new anthology, “Tales from the San Juans,” which the members say includes “life musings, creative short fiction, retrospectives, poetry, novellas and short observations — all inspired by the beauty that surrounds us.”
The book is available at the library for $21.50, with net proceeds going to the library’s building campaign.
Every Thursday from 9 to 11 a.m., the guild welcomes writers looking for opportunities, support, resources and camaraderie with other writers at this free gathering.
Dungeons and Dragons today
Today, Thursday, Aug. 22, and next Tuesday, Aug. 27, from 4 to 5:30 p.m., join our Dungeons and Dragons game free for teens and young adults. Create a character and join the adventure. Preregistration is required because space is limited. Contact Josie@pagosalibrary.org to join.
Owl pellet lab tomorrow
Friday, Aug. 23, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., all ages are invited to a free owl pellet dissection lab to learn about owl pellets and see what they contain.
Paws to Read tomorrow
Friday, Aug. 23, from 2 to 3 p.m., youngsters are invited to share their favorite books with Maple, a therapy dog who love stories, at a free Paws to Read session.
Friday Flix tomorrow
Enjoy a PG free movie and popcorn Friday, Aug. 23, from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Adult knitting Saturday
Join new and experienced knitters Saturday, Aug. 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.
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.
Tween rock hounds
Get together with tweens every Wednesday this month from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. for free sessions to uncover the mysteries of gems, minerals, crystals and rocks.
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.
Alert to Zane Grey fans
Thanks to a generous anonymous donor, we are adding nine books to our Zane Grey collection: “The Arizona Clan,” “The Border Region,” “Blue Feather,” “The Deer Stalker,” “The Last of the Plainsmen,” “The U.P. Trail,” “Under the Tonto Rim,” “Nevada” and “The Ranger.”
Nonfiction
“Knit & Wrap” contains 25 projects for capelets, collars and cowls. “Knitting Nature” by Norah Gaughan offers 39 patterns inspired by nature.
Large print
“An Unfinished Love Story” by Doris Kearns Goodwin recounts the author’s and her husband’s personal history of the 1960s from the point of view of two people deeply involved in the political world. “The Age of Grievance” by Frank Bruni examines the current state of politics in the U.S. “The Angry Land” by William and J.A. Johnstone is a Smoke Jensen western. “The Iron Horse” by James Reasoner is book one of a new Faraday western series.
DVDs
“The Boy and the Heron” fantasy was the 2024 Academy Award winner for best animated film. “Unsung Hero” is the true story of an Australian family who moved to the U.S. and make musical history. “The Fall Guy” follows a stunt man trying to revive his career. “Perfect Days” features the observations of a public toilet cleaner in Tokyo. “True Detective Night Story” is the fourth installment of the HBO series. “Back to Black” is a documentary about Amy Winehouse’s groundbreaking album. “The Taste of Things” is a love story about two chefs set in 1880s France. “Wicked Little Letters” is a mystery comedy. “Halo” is season one. “Ted Lasso: The Richmond Way” is a three-season compilation.
Spanish-language
memoir
“Incansable” (“Tireless”) is a personal and political memoir written by Luis A. Miranda Jr. with Richard Wolfe. The author is a Puerto Rican political strategist, philanthropist, advocacy consultant and author. The book includes a preface by his son, Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator of the Broadway musical hits “In the Heights” and “Hamilton” as well as the soundtrack music for the “Moana,” “Vista” and “Encanto” animated films.
Books on CD
“Fire and Bones” by Kathy Reichs features forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan. “The Lost Coast” by Jonathan and Jesse Kellerman begins when a PI is hired to investigate minor financial discrepancies. “House of Glass” by Sarah Pekkanen focuses on a family whose life is built on lies. “Arkangel” by James Rollins is a Sigman Force adventure.
Thrillers, mysteries and suspense
“Out For Blood” and “Fields of Fire” by Ryan Steck are Matthew Redd thrillers. “Fire and Bones” by Reichs features forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan. “Shadow of Doubt” by Brad Thor is a Scot Harvath thriller. “Death in the Air” by Ram Murali is a debut suspense story about a wealthy American son of Indian parents. “The Last Word” by Elly Griffiths is a murder mystery in the Natalka and Edwin series.
“Angel of Vengeance” by Preston and Child is a serial killer adventure featuring FBI Special Agent Pendergast. “Fragile Designs” by Colleen Coble begins when a woman uncovers a family secret as she opens a B&B. “A Calamity of Souls” by David Baldacci is a racially charged courtroom drama set in southern Virginia.
Other Novels
“Disappeared” by Rebecca J. Sanford tells of families separated searching for their loved ones in Argentina. “Flags on the Bayou” by James Lee Burke is a saga set in Civil War-era Louisiana in the 1860s. “Happy Harbor” by Rachel Hanna features a woman who returns to her small-town southern roots with her daughter. “Real Americans” by Rachel Khong follows a teen trying to find his biological father.
“Martyr” by Keveh Akbar focuses on a drunk, addicted poet exploring the mysteries of his past. “Loyalty” by Lisa Scottoline explores colonization and corruption on Sicily. “Meet Me at the Starlight” by Rachel Hauck is set in a quaint Florida beach town. “Summer Romance” by Annabel Monaghan features a single mom. “A Love Discovered” by Tracie Peterson is a Heart of Cheyenne romance.
Donation guidelines
We are very grateful to George Neil for his generous monetary donation, and to Joanne Ferko and Nancy Sheerer for their item donations.
When we are open, material donations are accepted for the Friends of the Library at the front desk — not down the outside returns slot at the library or the drop box at City Market, please.
Guidelines for donations: Yes to popular fiction books published in 2013 or later, nonfiction books published 2018 or later, and children’s and young adult books — all in excellent condition, please. No to CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray, VHS or cassette tapes; textbooks, outdated travel books or reference books because they do not sell. No more than two boxes at a time because of space constraints.
Quotable quote
“If you don’t go out there and put in the work, if you don’t go out and put in the effort, one, you’re not going to get the results, but two, and more importantly, you don’t deserve it.” —Tiger Woods, American professional golfer widely regarded as one of the greatest golfers of all time and one of the most famous athletes in modern history. He is tied for first in PGA Tour wins, ranks second in men’s major championships and holds numerous other golf records.
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.
