By Carole Howard and the Library Staff

If you have noticed the huge heads of George Washington and Christopher Columbus on display now at the library, you can thank local artist Roberto Garcia. He lives in Aspen Springs but his artwork is on display all over the world. These two works are the plaster casts from which he created full-size sculptures of these two famous men.

Garcia is one of many local artists whose creations will be on display at the library in coming months, thanks to a new program being organized by Denny Rose. She promises artwork including drawings, paintings, sculptures and photographs – all created by talented artists who live right here in our community.

“There are many local artists who are celebrities around the world because of their talent,” Rose said. “Our plan is to showcase their work so that everyone who knows them as friends and neighbors will now also see them as famous artists. We are very proud to have so many gifted artists living and working in Archuleta County.”

Artists who wanted to be included should contact Rose at 946-0696 or library director Jackie Welch at 264-2208. Watch for more details in future library columns about this wonderful new program and a special artists open house at the library, planned for October.

Lifelong Learning lectures

The highly popular Lifelong Learning lectures resume in October, thanks to the dedication and organizational skills of volunteer Biz Greene. Mark your calendars for October 6, when the initial fall presentation, “Pagosa Springs: The beginning years,” will be given by historian John Motter, author of “Pagosa Country: The First Fifty Years.” The second lecture on October 13 will be “Speaking truth to power: The art of political cartooning, the presidency and the run-up to the 2008 presidential election,” presented by Judith Reynolds, who is a journalist, history professor and political cartoonist. All lectures take place on Saturday afternoons at 3 p.m. at the library and are free to the public.

Book for dog lovers

“The Art of Raising a Puppy” is a comprehensive guide by the monks of New Skete, who are also the authors of “How To Be Your Dog’s Best Friend.” This book is available in hardback, cassette talking book and on video.

Stories of real people

“Biggest Brother: The Life of Major Dick Winters” by Larry Alexander is the biography of the man who led the Band of Brothers. “To Be or Not To Be Amish: Rumspringa” by Tom Shachtman is a portrait of the Amish people and their faith, focusing on a little-known coming-of-age ritual that begins for Amish youth at age 16. “Uncommon Carriers” by John McPhee is a book about those who drive trucks, captain ships, pilot towboats, drive coal trains and carry lobsters through the air – people who work in freight transportation. “Fire Lover” by master crime writer Joseph Wambaugh chronicles the search for one of the worst serial arsonists in history.

New novels and mysteries

“Scent of Darkness” by Christina Dodd is the latest in her “Darkness Chosen” series. “Mr. Lucky” by James Swain is the story of a small-town loser who suddenly starts winning big in Las Vegas. “When the Women Come Out to Dance” is a collection of short stories by Elmore Leonard, praised by The New York Times Book Review as “the greatest crime writer of our time, perhaps ever.” “Soul Circus” by George P. Pelecanos is the story of a Washington, D.C. drug czar on trial for murder, with a female witness whose testimony may or may not save his life. “The Harlequin” by Laurell K. Hamilton is the latest in the Anita Blake, vampire hunter series.

How-to and self-help

“The Little Book That Beats The Market” by Joel Greenblatt is a financial guide to beating the stock market for all ages. “Affluennza: The All-Consuming Epidemic” by John DeGraaf, David Wann and Thomas H. Naylor is a look at our epidemic of over-consumption, showing how we can live simpler and more meaningful lives.

Looking inside ourselves

“The Beckoning Silence” is about the motivation, joys and terror of climbing by renowned mountaineer Joe Simpson. “Strange Pieces of Paradise” by Terri Jentz, telling of her return to the place where she was almost murdered, is a journey into the heart of American violence. “The World Without Us” by Alan Weisman looks that what the earth would be like if people were no longer here.

Thanks to our donors

For books and materials this week we thank Bob Bigelow, David Bright, Lenore Bright, Trish Davis, Jane Ellsworth, Maria Feht, Jim and Judy Horky, Cher Logsdon, Karl Irons, Bamma Laizure, Lolita Manring, Ted McGinn, Pat Mitchell, Helen Richardson, Kern Stafford, Bonnie Stamford, Maria Valencia, Theodore Webb and Sara Wilson.

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