September 3, 2025

If you visited the library this week, you were treated to the ambient noise of large machines breaking up concrete on the south side of the building. A new foundation for the library addition will take shape there over the next few weeks, replacing half the former parking lot. This morning the public parking lot on 160 west of the library that we currently use for library parking was filled with LPEA trucks.  Expanding the building requires us to expand our electrical infrastructure. Our new transformer is being connected to the grid this week.

August 26, 2025

A Green Mountain Library

Living in a mountain town, we prize our clean water and clean air, and cringe at the idea of filling up a landfill with waste that could otherwise be reused. Ruby Sisson Library has long been proud of our sustainable geothermal heating system and we recycle everything we can. Our old books go to Book Barns throughout the county for reuse. And when space allows (not right now)  we gladly accept your donations of almost new books to add to the collection.

Now that we are under construction, we have new concerns. Where is all this construction debris ending up? Is there a way we can have less negative impact on the environment in our new building?

I thought you might have the same questions, so here are some of the ways we are making our project and the new library more sustainable:

1. All the construction debris is collected in dumpsters headed for Phoenix Construction Recycling. They sort through the materials and sell what can be reused.

2. Our geothermal system will be expanded into the new addition, keeping the whole building on geothermal heating.

3. The building is being built for solar panels and we are pursuing grants that would add a 45 Kw system, supplying most of our electric needs throughout the year and maybe even sending some extra into the grid.

4. The building plans provide electrical conduit to the parking area for the purpose of adding electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. We are pursuing grants to add 2 EV charging stations among the parking spaces, both accessible to people of all abilities.

5. We're using natural mineral wool insulation in lieu of more toxic fibers.

6. We're donating the beautiful front doors on the old library to Habitat for Humanity for use in their future projects.

7. We're framing the stained glass panels that were positioned above the old entryway doors. We'll use them as artwork in the new library where they will catch all the light from the new windows and continue to bring us joy for many years.

8. We're keeping all the old woodwork in place- it's in great shape and won't need refinishing.

I hope these green initiatives make you proud of your library. We invite you to share any additional ideas you might have about how we can do even better to keep our mountain town pristine.

August 14

This week's FAQs:

Are you open and how do we get in?

Yes we are open, and here is a map for parking and entrance directions.

August 11

We're open for business and have plenty of new books for all ages. Come see us!

August 5, 2025

LIBRARY CLOSED FOR THE WEEK. BACK OPEN MONDAY AUGUST 11TH. Click here for a list of alternate places around town for printing, faxing, etc. while we're closed.

July 29, 2025

New Program Locations During Construction

Storytimes Wednesdays at 10am @the library in the new children's room

Conversational Spanish Mondays 4-5pm @St. Patrick's Episcopal Church, 225 S. Pagosa Blvd.

Knitters' Circle Saturdays starting August 23rd 1-3pm  @St. Patrick's Episcopal Church, 225 S. Pagosa Blvd.

Pagosa Unplugged musicians Mondays 4-6pm in the garden, weather permitting

Ruby's Book Club monthly @ Pagosa rec center 451 Hot Springs Blvd.

Ruby's Writers Guild Thursdays 9-11am at the Senior Center

Tech Time Thursdays 2-4pm at the Library

ESL classes Tuesdays and Thursdays @St. Patrick's Episcopal Church, 225 S. Pagosa Blvd.

GED Classes Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Library

CONSTRUCTION FYIs
July 18, 2025

One more week until we begin construction! Here are some common questions answered:

Q: Will the beuatiful stained glass panel in the ceiling remain?
A: Yes! That lovely panel will be preserved in the same spot in the new building.

Q:  I have mobility challenges. Will I be able to use the library while it is under construction?
A: Yes! Our construction company is building a new accessible walkway from the western parking lot on HWY 160.

Q: Will I be able to return things at the library during the week you are closed?
A: There will be no access to our parking lot during the week of August 4-9. Please return your items to the drop box at City Market  (by the propane tanks) or hold on to them for an additional week- there are no overdue fines at the Ruby Sisson Library.

Q: Do you have all the funds necessary to complete construction?
A.  Donations are still welcome! We have raised enough for Phase 1 (the addition) and Phase 2 (the interior remodel.) We are actively seeking funds to complete the landscaping including the community garden. 

Q: Will your hours remain the same during construction?
A. Yes, beginning August 11, we will return to normal library hours 

Q: Where will I attend library programs?
A: Children's storytime will be held in our bright beautful children's library space (the Turner Reading Room). Other program series will be held in community spaces graciously lended by our friends. English as a Second Language (ESL) , Spanish Language Conversation classes and our Knitters Group will relocate to St. Patrick's Episcocal Church on South Pagosa.  Ruby's Book Club is still seeking a temporary home. After school tutoring will be held at the Pagosa Elementary School for the coming school year.

Q: Where will the free books shelf go?
A: Our Friends of the Library volunteers stock many book barns around town where you can find free books. 

Here are the locations of Book Barns:

Archuleta County DHS

Archuleta County Health Dept.

Archuleta County Extension Office

Archuleta Housing Corporation

Archuleta Housing for the Elderly

Archuleta County Courthouse 

Pagosa Visitor Center

Ross Aragon Community Center

The Lift Coffee House

Pagosa Medical Center

Beehive Homes of Pagosa

Pine Ridge Nursing Home

Archuleta Integrated Healthcare

Hilltop Laundry

Senior Center

CONSTRUCTION NEWS
June 20, 2025

LIBRARY TO CLOSE MONDAY AUGUST  4th through SATURDAY AUGUST 9th TO PREPARE FOR CONSTRUCTION

Staying in our current building during construction will require us to fashion a new entrance and walkway from the new parking lot to the west. In order to keep you safe, we are closing the library while we construct that new entrance and build a temporary wall to separate our service area from construction activity. We will welcome you back to a reduced space  ready to serve you on Monday, August 11th.

Thanks for your patience!

CONSTRUCTION NEWS
June 9, 2025

FCI Constructors, with offices in Durango, has won the bid to provide construction services on our new library building.  Construction is set to begin August 2nd and is expected to continue through June 2026. We will remain in the building during construction but will be restricted to smaller spaces.

Here’s what we’re doing:

·       PHASE I constructs a new addition to the library on the east side that will provide a new children’s room and adjoining children’s garden plus a large program room to accommodate up to 100 people.

·       PHASE II updates the inside of our existing building and creates two new spaces- a dedicated teen room and a makerspace lab.

·       PHASE III constructs and landscapes a community garden for community gatherings and peaceful natural enjoyment.

Here’s what to expect during construction:

·       Our entrance during construction will change. You will park on the west side of the building in the new small parking lot adjacent to library property off Hwy 160 and enter through the community garden on the west side of the building.

·       Access to seating will be greatly reduced.

·       The number of public computers will be reduced.

·       The children’s room will temporarily relocate to the Turner Reading Room.

·       No meeting rooms will be available for the duration of construction.

·       No book donations will be accepted.

·       The free shelf will disappear

·       Public restrooms will be port-a-johns on the outside of the building.

Here’s what else you need to know:

·       At this time, we are short funds to finish the community garden. Your continued gifts are gratefully accepted!

·       Our new building will be designed for future EV solar power. We are actively seeking grant funding to complete that project. Going solar for electric power will make the library 100% green, as our current heating system is based on geothermal power.