The Farmington Public Library hosted New York Times bestselling author Douglas Preston as part of its ongoing effort to connect the Four Corners region to the wider world. Preston, who lives part of the year in New Mexico, visited the library with support from the Farmington Public Library Foundation, which covered his speaker fee.

The library, open to anyone who visits Farmington regardless of home address, is funded through the gross receipts tax rather than property tax. It has served the community since it opened in 2003 and offers programming from baby story times to teen zones, plus book clubs, online databases and public computer access. For events and more information, visit infoway.org.

By Tanner Waite

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This story is sponsored by Home2 Suites by Hilton and Durango Motor Company.

Montezuma County has a packed month ahead with the Ute Mountain Roundup PRCA Rodeo, Monster Truck Militia at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds, and the Cortez Celtic Fair at Parque de Vida.

By Sadie Smith

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This story is sponsored by Big O Tires and Blondie's Trophy Room.

Durango's event calendar this week includes the Women's Resource Center's Inaugural Golf Open, KSUT's 50th Anniversary Party at Ska Brewing, and Manna's Beyond the Plate fundraising evening at Destination Ranch.

By Sadie Smith

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This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino Resort and Kroegers Ace Hardware.

Madison Smith moved back to San Juan County after nine years and found a community short on resources for young families. She opened Piper's Play Cafe in Aztec, a sensory-inclusive indoor toddler play space offering free-range exploration for kids and a rare moment of rest for parents. The cafe includes a slide structure, dramatic play areas, a pretend kitchen and market, free snacks, free drinks and coffee, a free little library and an outdoor clothing donation bin. Smith built it for the parents as much as the kids, particularly those without a support network nearby.

By Tanner Waite

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This story is sponsored by Sunray Park & Casino and The Big Idea Makerspace at San Juan College.

Durango has a packed weekend ahead with the Mesa Verde Foundation's 120th Anniversary Celebration of Mesa Verde National Park at the EsoTerra Arboretum on Friday, June 5, the 4-Corners Rough Stock Challenge at the La Plata County Fairgrounds on Saturday, June 6, and the Durango Cowboy Gathering's 12th Annual Barn Dance, Picnic, and Silent Auction at River Bend Ranch on Sunday, June 7.

By Sadie Smith

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This story is sponsored by Dunkin Donuts and RMW Tafoya Barrett & Associates

A San Juan County program called UmattR is putting high school seniors in front of younger kids, not with lectures, but with their own stories. The program gives $1,000 scholarships to selected seniors who then spend the year visiting elementary and middle schools across the county. This cycle drew more than 300 applicants; 24 made the cut. Together they log about 650 service hours. The younger kids do not forget them. At community events around the county, elementary students bring trading cards featuring the seniors and stop them with questions about hard situations they are facing. The program accepts donations and sponsorships at umattr.com.

By Tanner Waite

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This story is sponsored by Ace Hardware in Farmington and Boon’s Family Thai BBQ.

One of the earliest San Juan River peaks on record has whitewater guides and river engineers watching closely. Here is what it means for rafting and recreation this summer in Pagosa Springs.

By Christi Bode

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This story is sponsored by Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers and Happy Pappy's Pizza & Wings.

There are several events happening in Durango this week including the Durango Bluegrass Train, the 43rd Annual Animas River Days at Santa Rita Park, and the Durango Barbershoppers annual show at the Durango High School Auditorium.

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This story is sponsored by the Payroll Department and the FLC Center for Innovation.