LIBRARY: The perfect back-to-school gift

Do you know the value of a home library for your young people? Research shows that children who have books at home have improved their vocabulary and overall reading performance; do better in math, science and social studies; score better on standardized tests and are more likely to go to college.

These are awesome skills for your child to cultivate – and they are especially relevant now that the children of Archuleta County will soon be returning to school amid the lingering uncertainties and potential school losses of the COVID-19 coronavirus environment. .

Another great tip to help your child succeed in school and in life: read aloud. You stimulate language and literacy skills, as well as motivation, curiosity and memory.

Free storytelling hours at your library can help develop a love of reading in your children. Family storytelling hours for kids of all ages take place Wednesdays at 10 a.m. in the Library Garden and Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. on Facebook. Storytelling hours are a great way for kids to have fun while developing the skills they need to become independent readers.
As we prepare to start the new school year, maybe now is a good time for parents, grandparents and other caregivers to make a personal resolution to help build home libraries for your loved ones.

In person activities
We are delighted that the strong local immunization program for our community means that most of our programs can now take place in person. Plus, our hours have returned to pre-COVID levels – and even more so on weekdays:

Monday, Wednesday and Friday open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. It’s an extra hour on Friday.
Tuesdays and Thursdays are open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. It’s an extra hour per day.
Saturdays open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It’s two hours less that day – but a total of 55 open hours each week, up from 54 in the pre-COVID era.
For those who are uncomfortable entering the building, curbside service continues. Call 264-2209 when you are in the parking lot so the staff can bring the items for you. If you put something on hold, please wait for your usual alert (email, phone call or SMS) before coming to pick it up.

Literary ladies tomorrow
This free book club resumed face-to-face meetings on the fourth Friday of each month from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Tomorrow, Friday August 27, the ladies will discuss Scott Graham’s “Mesa Verde Victim”. Pick up a copy at your library.

LEGO Club on Saturday and new LEGO contest
Children ages 6 to 12 are invited to use their imaginations – LEGOs provided – Saturday, August 28 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. for the free LEGO Club. LOGO challenges are also posted on Facebook.

Submissions must be returned between August 30 and September 3 for the Free LEGO Contest for All Ages. The winners will be announced on September 4 at 12:15 p.m. with prizes for different age groups. Entrances must be built in advance and they must be your own creation, not a LEGO kit or other source. Details and instructions are outlined in the calendars for children and adolescents available at your library.

Writing challenge
On August 23, we posted a new writing challenge for all ages on the library’s Facebook page. We hope you will challenge your creativity by participating in this free activity for all ages.

Family story time
Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., join us in the Library Garden for in-person children’s stories, games, and plenty of reasons to get up and get moving. On September 1, we will have a special story hour where Diann Tator will be the host. Saturday’s Discovery Times continues on Facebook at 2:30 p.m. with games, artistic ideas, science experiments, history and more.

Dungeons & Dragons
Join us Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. for our ongoing free Dungeons & Dragons game for teens and young adults on Google Meet. Contact [email protected] to find out how to join. If you don’t have internet access, contact us anyway – we may be able to accommodate you in the library.

Technical time
Free in-person slots are available from 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesday and from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday. Brad will help you troubleshoot issues with your computer, smartphone, tablet, and other electronic devices. No Tech Time on Tuesday August 24th.

Large print
Stuart Woods’ Class Act is Stone Barrington’s adventure. “The Bourne Treachery by Robert Ludlum” by Brian Freeman is a thriller by Jason Bourne. Ed Slott’s “The New Retirement Savings Time Bomb” is a guide to taking financial control, avoiding unnecessary taxes, and tackling threats to your retirement savings. “Ralph Compton: Calvert’s Last Bluff” by EL Ripley is a western by the Sundown Riders. Joanne Fluke’s “Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Murder” is a Hannah Swenson mystery. Mary Alice Monroe’s “Summer of Lost and Found” is a romance.

non-fictional works
“The Return of the God Hypothesis” by Stephen C. Meyer examines three scientific findings with theistic implications. David A. Price’s “Geniuses at War” describes the great minds behind the machine that broke the Nazis’ toughest code.

Mysteries, suspense and thrillers
Charlotte McConaghy’s “Once There Were Wolves” is the story of a woman desperate to save the creatures she loves. Megan Abbott’s “The Tryout” is a dance school mystery. Catherine Steadman’s “The Disappearing Act” is a psychological thriller starring young actors auditioning for roles in television shows. Laura Lippman’s “Dream Girl” is a psychological suspense story.

DVD
“Book Club” stars Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen and Mary Steenburgen. “Wrath of Man” stars Jason Statham. “Defend Jacob” is a thriller.

Books on CD
Jennifer Weiner’s “That Summer” begins with misdirected emails. Kathy Reichs’ “The Bone Code” is the latest in the series starring forensic scientist Temperance Brennan. “The Therapist” by BA Paris is a story with psychological suspense. Kristan Higgins’ “Pack Up the Moon” describes a unique and loving way of a dying woman who works to help her husband. “The Guilt Trip” by Sandie Jones is a suspenseful story that takes place during a destination wedding. Michelle Richmond’s “The Wonder Test” features a single mom detective. Laura Lippman’s “Dream Girl” is a psychological thriller about a novelist incapacitated by injury.

Donations
Many thanks to our many anonymous donors for their book donations. Please drop off your donated materials in the library drop box – not the City Market, which is for returns only.

Library foundation
Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to the Ruby M. Sisson Memorial Library Foundation to support and enhance your library by raising funds for information resources, programs, services and facilities. Send checks to PO Box 2045, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147 or call Cindi Galabota at 970-264-2209.

Quote quote
“Don’t be so busy making a living that you forget to make a living from it. – Dolly Parton, American country music singer-songwriter, songwriter, businesswoman and humanitarian.

Website
For more information on the library’s books, services and programs – and to reserve books, eBooks, books on CDs and DVDs from the comfort of your home – please visit our website at https://pagosalibrary.org.