Do you know the value of a home library for your youngsters? Research shows that kids who have books in their home have improved vocabulary and overall reading performance; do better in math, science and social studies; perform better on standardized tests; and are more likely to go to college.
Those are impressive skills for your child to cultivate — and they are especially relevant now that Archuleta County kids are back in school.
Another valuable tip to help your youngster be successful in school and in life is reading aloud. You are stimulating language and literacy skills, as well as building motivation, curiosity and memory.
The free storytimes at your library can help build a love of reading in your children. Storytimes are a great way for kids to have fun while building the skills they need to become independent readers.
As school is underway again, this may be a good time for parents, grandparents and other caregivers to make a personal resolution to help build home libraries for your loved ones.
Grant funding advice Sept. 30
Next Monday, Sept. 30, from noon to 1 p.m., we are hosting a free educational presentation on how to navigate the world of grant funding. Bring your lunch and take advantage of Marcy’s expertise on how to best use the Colorado Grants Guide.
Registration is required at (720) 644-9887.
Save the date for book fair
Friends of the Library will host a mini book fair at the library on Oct. 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
New Lifelong Learning Lectures coming soon
The free fall Lifelong Learning Lecture series will begin Thursday, Oct. 10, from 6 to 7:15 p.m. with four interesting presentations, starting with Pagosa Weather.
Watch for more details in future “Library News” columns this month.
Online author talks
Our highly popular free online author talks continue with three opportunities in October for you to interact with New York Times bestselling authors and ask questions.
For details and to register go to https://libraryc.org/pagosalibrary/upcoming.
Wednesday, Oct. 2, at noon we will take a journey into the hidden world of bats thanks to the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute.
Wednesday, Oct. 9, at 5 p.m. will showcase Silvia Moreno-Garcia discussing liberating Latin America genre fiction.
Tuesday, Oct. 22, at noon will feature Lori Gottlieb examining the truths and fiction we tell ourselves.
Craftapalooza tomorrow
All ages are invited to create a variety of crafts Friday, Sept. 27, from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Adult knitting Saturday
Join new and experienced knitters Saturday, Sept. 28, 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.
Spanish conversation
Practice your Spanish in a free group setting on Tuesday, Oct. 1, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. There is no minimum skill level needed.
Note this group now meets twice a month, on the first and third Tuesdays.
Dungeons and Dragons
Next Thursday, Oct. 3, 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 storytime
Wednesdays from 10 to 11 a.m., join a free educational hour of reading, singing and free play to build early literacy skills.
Teen/tween activity
Join us in the teen area every Wednesday after school from 4 to 4:30 p.m. this month for a fun craft or challenge. Activities will range from taste tests to art challenges to minute-to-win-it-style games.
Writers Guild
Every Thursday from 9 to 11 a.m., the Ruby’s Writers Guild welcomes writers looking for opportunities, support, resources and camaraderie with other writers at this free gathering.
The guild has 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, with net proceeds going to the library’s building campaign.
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. Note there will be no Tech time Oct. 3, 8, 10 or 15.
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.
Large print
“House of Glass” by Sarah Pekkanen follows a young girl who stopped speaking after a murder in her household. “The Days I Loved You Most” by Amy Neff is about a couple who’ve decided to end their lives on their own terms. “Robert Ludlum’s The Bourne Shadow” by Brian Freeman is a Jason Bourne adventure. “The Missing Witness” by Allison Brennan is a Kara Quinn-Matt Costa mystery.
Nonfiction
“Fox and I” by biologist Catherine Raven documents her amazing friendship with a wild fox. “Gullah Geechee Home Cooking” by Emily Meggett is a collection of more than 100 recipes by this descendant of West African slaves featuring lowcountry seasonality, rice and seafood. “Paper Quilling for Beginners” is a guide to creating paper flowers, plants, vegetables and more with 800 step-by-step photos.
DVDs
“Mad Max” is a five-film collection. “Treasure” explores the ups and downs of a father-daughter road trip in 1990s Poland. “If” is a comedy about a girl who can see everyone’s imaginary friends. “Dark Winds” is a Navajo Country mystery featuring Lt. Leaphorn and Chee.
Books on CD
“Capture or Kill” by Vince Flynn is a Mitch Rapp thriller. “Break Every Rule” by Brian Freeman is the latest in Robert Ludlum’s Jason Bourne thriller series. “First Do No Harm” by Joe Kenda is a debut thriller set in Colorado Springs by a former homicide detective. “The Mercy of Gods” by James A. Corey is book one of a new space opera sci-fi fantasy series.
Donation guidelines
We are grateful to Dave Pinkus for his generous monetary donation.
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
“Mistakes are part of the dues one pays for a full life” — Italian actress Sophia Loren.
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.
