With spring here and summer not too far away, we wanted to remind you that we have two backpacks available for free checkout that contain a state park pass, binoculars, a wildlife guide, a trees and wildlife guide, a book about the 42 state parks, and more.
This library benefit is thanks to a partnership between the Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and the Colorado State Library.
The backpacks can be checked out for a full week and renewed for an additional week. They cannot be placed on hold. Consider it a “Lucky Day” pickup item, meaning that if you come in and it’s available, you can check it out.
Early library closure
Your library will close early on Monday, May 13, for a staff meeting at 5 p.m. This is our regular staff meeting schedule — on the second Monday of the month.
Save the date for bagpipes event
Next Friday, May 17, from 2 to 3:30 p.m., you are invited to a free all-ages event featuring the St. Patrick’s bagpipers. You’ll learn about bagpipes, kilts and their history, and you will be treated to a demonstration of bagpipe sounds as you explore the unique and beautiful music of this Scottish instrument.
Lifelong Learning Lectures
The free spring Lifelong Learning Lecture series continues Thursday evenings through May 23 from 6 to 7:15 p.m. with five more informative presentations:
• 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 two opportunities in May for you to interact with New York Times bestselling authors.
For details and to register, go to https://libraryc.org/pagosalibrary/upcoming.
Tuesday, May 21, at 5 p.m. will showcase Rebecca F. Kuang discussing Asian American representation in literature.
Dungeons and Dragons
Today, Thursday, May 9, plus May 14 and May 28, from 4 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 playdough tomorrow
Join us for free playdough exploration and fun tomorrow, Friday, May 10, from 10 to 11 a.m.
Chess Club Saturday
Learn how to play chess with free quick lessons and game time to practice your skills on Saturday, May 11, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. All ages and abilities are welcome.
Adult knitting Saturday
Join new and experienced knitters Saturday, May 11, 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 Mondays, May 13 and 20, 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 May it’s wood burning with guest artist Peg Snyder. Join us Mondays, May 13 and 20, from 4 to 5 p.m. Registration is required.
Ruby’s Book Club next Tuesday
Ruby’s Book Club will meet from 2 to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14, to discuss “The Elephant Whisperer” by Lawrence Anthony. Copies are available at your library. This book club is held the second Tuesday of each month, alternating between fiction and nonfiction titles. Anyone is welcome to attend. Snacks will be provided.
AARP senior program tomorrow
Seniors aged 60 and above are invited to a free live online Senior Planet AARP program on the first and third Fridays of the month, this month on May 17, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Judy will connect the group via the video conferencing platform Zoom so that you can join other seniors across the country in discussing aging issues such as loneliness, isolation, making new friends and learning in new hobbies.
Knowledge Bowl today
Our free Knowledge Bowl for tweens and teens is today, Thursday, May 16, from 4 to 5 p.m. Test your trivia skills on a wide range of subjects.
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.
Books on CD
“The Cemetery of Untold Stories” by Julia Alvarez combines historical fiction, magical realism and family drama in this story set in the Dominican Republic. “Close to Death” by Anthony Horowitz is a Hawthorne and Horowitz mystery set in an idyllic gated community. “The Second Law of Cultivation” by KrazeKode is an Xianxia Progression fantasy. “Darling Girls” by Sally Hepworth is a thriller about three fostered girls and their controlling foster mother. “Lucky” by Jane Smiley focuses on the life of a talented female rock star.
Mysteries, thrillers and suspense
“Lost Birds” by Anne Hillerman is the latest in the Leaphorn, Chee and Manuelito Tribal Police series.
Donation guidelines
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
“Love does not consist in gazing at each other but in looking outward together in the same direction.” — Antoine de Saint-Exupery (1900-1944), French writer, poet, journalist and pioneering commercial aviator.
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.
