LIBRARY NEWS

Civic Club donates funds for new staff furniture

By Carole Howard and the Library Staff

Books were not the only things on the minds of library staff last week. That’s because an extremely generous donation from the Woman’s Civic Club specifically designated for staff furniture resulted in a truck full of many huge boxes arriving at the library.

A cadre of boys and men -- Chance Adams, Ralph Gibson, Dick Hamilton, Brad Iverson, Dave Krueger and Shane Tuller – set to work unloading and assembling the treasures in those boxes. A few days later staff members were reorganizing their space and putting their work things into their new furniture – desks, credenzas and book shelves.

For many, many years our library employees have worked at makeshift desks that were nothing more than folding tables or oak planks set atop file cabinets. No drawers. No shelves. No proper place for computers and related hardware. The result was inefficient and often messy work spaces.

The Pagosa Springs Woman’s Civic Club was founded in February 1910 to staff and raise money for a local library. Their major fundraising effort is the annual Holiday Bazaar held the first Saturday in November. Over the years their generosity has gone to library buildings, books and other materials – a critical source of funds because the Sisson library is not included in the county budget but rather is a separate taxing district with a levy of only 1.5 mills.

Scottie Gibson, the club’s president, said that when the members learned the library’s limited budget allowed the staff to buy only a portion of furniture they needed, the ladies decided to fund the rest of purchase.

“We’re incredibly grateful for this donation from the Civic Club,” said director Jackie Welch. “Now the library staff area looks more professional and we can be much more productive.”

Christian fiction

Fans of Christian fiction will enjoythree newnovels by Lynn and Gilbert Morris in their bestselling series featuring Cheney Duvall, M.D. and Shiloh Irons-Winslow: “There Is a Season” is a mystery set in St. Augustine, Florida; “The Moon by Night” tells of their adventures in New York City; and “Where Two Seas Meet” describes their adventures in the West Indies on their honeymoon.

Biographies: Reagan and Rickles

“The Reagan Diaries” is one of this summer’s most talked-about books – the 780-page volume of President Reagan’s daily diary handwritten during his two terms in office. “Rickles’ Book” is a humor account of comedian Don Rickles’ life and advice, complete with lots of humor.

Large-print books

“Jesus of Nazareth” is a new biography by Pope Benedict XVI, his first book written as pope. “The Overlook” by Michael Connelly is another in the highly popular Harry Bosch series. “The Woods” by Harlan Coben is a mystery about the aftermath of the disappearance of four teens at summer camp. Nelson DeMille’s “Wild Fire,” about a group of men set on retaliating for 9/11, was inspired by a rumor on the internet.

World affairs

“Islamic Imperialism: A History” by Efraim Karsh is an analysis of the history and place of Islam in the modern world. “Hubris: The Inside Story of Spin, Scandal and the Selling of the Iraq War” by Michael Isikoff and David Corn is billed by the publisher as “the real story behind the invasion of Iraq.”

Self-help books

“Soulcraft: Crossing into the Mysteries of Nature and Psyche” by psychologist Bill Plotkin lays a map for those seeking to launch beyond the psychic and social limitations assumed in modern society. In “Reposition Yourself: Living Life Without Limits,” T.D. Jakes shares insights that will help readers adjust to the many changes that life brings and offers a wakeup call to take charge of your life now. “Natural ‘Cures’ Revealed: Previously Censored Brand Name Products That Cure Disease” by Kevin Trudeau offers new ways to look at your health and make changes to your lifestyle for a naturally healthier you.

Thanks to our donors

For books and materials this week, our thanks to Doug Carrouth, Bob Chase, Armando Garza, Ron Green, Dave Krueger, Bamma Laizuri, Edda Litherland, George Love, Susan McAdams, Pat Mitchell, Lynda Van Patter, Anna Royer, Frank and Rita Slowen, Ron Tinsley, Bill Wetzel and Margaret Wilson.

Quotable quote

“Libraries are both physical and electronic gateways for all citizens in a democracy. Every day, thousands of people use their public library computers to look and apply for jobs, research and apply to colleges, connect with loved ones faraway and research health issues.”

-- Carol Robinson, Carnegie Library of Pittsburg, in The Wall Street Journal.

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