A second National Endowment for the Arts study in four years has found that Americans of all ages are reading for pleasure less than before.

The finding – spanning fiction and nonfiction in books, magazines, newspapers and on-line services – should be troubling for everyone. As the report notes, this trend has major implications beyond the written word. People who do not read by choice are less likely to succeed at work. In fact, 38 percent of employers these days consider current high school graduates deficient as readers. Non-readers also are less likely to be involved in civic life – not a good sign for the health and welfare of our communities.

A small glimmer of light in this negative national picture: Sales at our nation’s bookstores were up for the third straight month. Hopefully this is a sign that the country is starting a new chapter.

We’re delighted to report that locally the picture here in Archuleta County is much brighter. If you look at key statistics as of the end of December 2007 at the Sisson Library, you’ll see nothing but positive indicators:

• We had more library cards being used than ever before, and more than twice as many new cards (2,043) issued as in 2006 (970).
• We had a record number of patron visits in 2007 (79,493) than in 2006 (73,269).
• We had more books and other materials checked out in 2007 (59,245) than 2006 (53,783) – again, a record.
• Our computer usage continues to jump every year.
• Visits to our web site are increasing rapidly, up more than a factor of four in 2007 (178,000 visits) over 2006 (41,124 visits). The address is www.pagosalibrary.org.
• Our programs for children, teens and adults continue to grow, with corresponding increases in attendance.

We have lots of new books, CDs, DVDs and other materials at the library. We have a large magazine collection for your reading enjoyment. We also have interesting – and, we hope, fun – programs for all ages, with particular emphasis on youngsters and teens. If you are not familiar with our services, please come in and check them out for yourself. Or talk to our staff. We will welcome you with open arms.

Religious books

“3:16 – The Numbers of Hope” by Max Lucado is based on the famous 26 words from the gospel according to St. John, “For God so loved the world…” and includes a 40-day devotional. “The Two Marys: The Hidden History of the Mother and Wife of Jesus” by Sylvia Browne describes the lives of Jesus, Mary and Mary Magdalene based on visions the author says she had. “God’s Crucible: Islam and the Making of Europe, 570-1215” is a new interpretation of Islamic Spain and the birth of Europe from Pulitzer Prize winner David Levering Lewis.

Young adult fiction

“What Happened to Cass McBride” by Gail Giles is the story of a young man who plots the punishment of the most popular girl in school for the death of his brother. It is aimed at seventh graders and older.

Large print mysteries and thrillers

“Riders of the Pale Horse” by T. Davis Bunn is about a dangerous international smuggling operation that threatens to transform militant Islamic regimes into nuclear powers. “Winter of Discontent” by Agatha Award-winning author Jeanne M. Dams is another in the popular Cozy mystery series. “Witch Hunt” by Ian Rankin is about the search for an ingenious assassin. “The Morning After” by Lisa Jackson is a psychological thriller about a police detective and a journalist on the trail of a serial killer. “To Catch a Cat” by Marian Babson is about the search for a young boy who stole a cat and witnessed a murder.

Large print true crime

“Too Late to Say Goodbye” by Ann Rule is a true story of murder and betrayal set in Gwinnett County in the aftermath of a rich woman’s apparent suicide.

Adult non-fiction

In “The Late Great U.S.A.: The Coming Merger with Mexico and Canada,” Jerome R. Corsi explores the possibility of a European Union-type regional government for North America. “The Rest is Noise: Listening to the 20 th Century” by music critic Alex Ross takes the reader inside the labyrinth of modern sound, with stories of contemporary composers and their music.

Adult novels

“The Pillars of the Earth” is an extraordinary epic set in 12 th century England by Ken Follett. “The Savage Detectives” by Chilean author Roberto Bolano is the story of two modern-day Don Quixotes, the last survivors of an underground literary movement. “Monte and the Newcomers” is the third book in the western Monte trilogy by Eugene C. Vories about the fight between land developers and cattlemen in southern Colorado. “Out Stealing Horses” by European novelist Per Petterson records the views of a 67-year-old looking back on the aftermath of World War II. “Between Sundays” by Karen Kingsbury is a story of redemption and love where the real victories for two NFL players are won off the field. “In Plain Sight” by C. J. Box is a mystery about the disappearance of a rich ranch owner and matriarch in Wyoming.

Thanks to our donors

For books and materials this week we thank Don Brinks, Lisa Brown, Scottie Gibson, Bob Hite, Lisa Jensen, Pam Kircher, Sheila Lane, Dick Moseley, Allen Sander and David Swindells.

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