“Adventure Begins at your Library” is the theme of this year’s free all-ages Summer Reading Program that kicks off next Friday, May 31, from 2 to 4 p.m. with a Mysto the Magician performance followed by snacks and activities.
Participants can choose their own adventure from the Smokey Bear reading challenge celebrating Smokey’s 80th birthday, a travel journal challenge where you document your experiences as you try new things and visit new places in the area, and a Camp Ruby Sisson bingo challenge that brings back our much-loved bingo sheets.
Prizes are available for all ages for each week of activities completed, and those results also put your name into a raffle for the grand prize at the concluding party on Aug. 9, Smokey’s birthday.
Sign up now in person or online and watch for details in this “Library News” column of all the fun free summer reading events coming your way.
Jane Austin 250th birthday series
From June 3 through July 1, local fans of Jane Austen can join booklovers and libraries across the globe in celebrating the 250th birthday of this beloved English author, whose works include “Pride and Prejudice,” “Sense and Sensibility” and “Emma.”
Your library is presenting a special five-week, all-ages series hosted by Jenny on Monday mornings from 10 a.m. to noon, which will provide opportunities for hand-on fun learning about one of the most published authors of all time. This multigenerational program will introduce themes relating to Jane Austen’s stories, books and film adaptations.
Each week will feature a different topic, including the author’s life as a woman in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Regency-era English history, fashion, food and dance. The series highlight will be a tea party and English country dancing. Call Jenny at (240) 426-7887 for more information.
Library closure
Your library will be closed Monday, May 27, for Memorial Day.
Lifelong Learning Lectures
The free spring Lifelong Learning Lecture series concludes this evening, Thursday, May 23, from 6 to 7:15 p.m. with an informative presentation on “North American Monsoon Outlook for Pagosa Springs,” a presentation by Arleen Prochazka of Pagosa Weather.
The lectures are free, and no registration is required.
Paws to Read tomorrow
Friday, May 24, 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.
Craftapalooza tomorrow
All ages are invited to create a variety of crafts Friday, May 24. We will have several free different craft stations set up. Stop by anytime from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Adult knitting Saturday
Join new and experienced knitters Saturday, May 25, 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.
Dungeons and Dragons
May 28 and 30 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.
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.
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.
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 Instruments of Darkness” by John Connolly is part of the Charlie Parker PI thriller series. “Summers at The Saint” by Mary Kay Andrews follows a new widow trying to return a landmark Georgia hotel to its past glory. “Only The Brave” by Danielle Steel is a historical novel about a courageous woman in World War II Germany.
“Home is Where the Bodies Are” by Jeneva Rose is a chilling family thriller that begins when an old video tape is found after the mother’s death. “Long Island” by Colm Toibin is the story of a woman who learns another woman is pregnant with her husband’s child.
Large print
“Cade at the Walls” by Robert Vaughan is book four in the Western Adventures of Cade McCall series. “The First Mountain Man: Preacher’s Bloody Ramage” by William W. and J.A. Johnstone is the latest in this series. “Infectious Generosity” by TED head Chris Anderson documents many people’s generous actions, some with world-changing impact. “The Counterfeit Countess” by Elizabeth B. White and Joanna Sliwa is the story of a Jewish woman who rescued more than 10,000 Poles imprisoned by the Nazis.
Nonfiction
“The Demon of Unrest” by Erik Larson describes the chaotic five months between Lincoln’s election and the Confederacy’s shelling of Sumter, a crucial period in American history. “Psilocybin Therapy” by Dr. J.J. Pursell is a guide to understanding how to use nature’s psychedelics for mental health. “Everest, Inc.” by Will Cockrell is a look at how guided climbing became a major industry on this famous Nepal mountain. “Life as We Know It (Can Be)” by Bill Weir is based on Earth Day letters to his son by the first chief climate correspondent in network news. “Shadow Diplomacy” by Lev Parnas and Jerry Langton is the story of a wheeler-dealer who lived the life of power and money before going to jail.
Local guidebook
“La Plata Mountains” by Debra Van Winegarden and Thomas Holt Ward is a comprehensive guide to the peaks and trails of some of the most rugged and picturesque mountains in Colorado.
Mysteries, thrillers and suspense
“Granite Harbor” by Peter Nichols begins when a local teenager is murdered in a town’s archaeological site. “Days of Wonder” by Caroline Leavitt follows a woman’s search for her adopted baby after completing her prison sentence. “Oracle” by Thomas Oldeheuvelt begins when the wreck of an 18th century ship is found and people start to disappear. “Women and Children First” by Alina Grabowski looks at a young woman’s death through the eyes of 10 local women.
Other novels
“Only The Brave” by Danielle Steel is a historical novel about a courageous woman in World War II Germany. “Long Island” by Colm Toibin is the story of a woman who learns another woman is pregnant with her husband’s child. “Midnight Harbor” by Davis Bunn is set in a seaside town that brings new opportunities to a classical guitarist and a painter running from ghosts. “The Museum of Lost Quilts” by Jennifer Chiaverini is an Elm Creek Quilts story. “Colton Gentry’s Third Act” by Jeff Zentner tells of a country music singer trying to rebuild his life after losing his fans and his marriage. “Sipsworth” by Simon Van Booy follows an elderly woman ready to die until an unexpected bond with a mouse.
Donation guidelines
We are grateful to Richard M. Sigller for his materials donations and to La Plata Electric Association for its monetary donation for a GED scholarship.
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
“Find something where you love the good part and don’t mind the bad parts too much. This is the golden path to victory in life.” — Jerry Seinfeld, comedian, actor and creator and star of the sitcom “Seinfeld,” in his Duke University 2024 commencement address on May 12.
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.
