Friday Grab Bag, August 13, 2021

Natural Discovery

Similar to the Check Out Colorado State Parks program, the Department of Natural Resources alongside five libraries across Larimer County are excited to present the Discover Pack. This pack is designed to make the parks and open spaces of Larimer County accessible to everyone. Visitors of Larimer County can check out these packs from Larimer County Natural Resources offices and libraries across the county for free.The program officially began on August 6. The five libraries include Colorado State University Libraries, Estes Valley Library District, Loveland Public Library, Poudre River Public Libraries, and Red Feather Lakes Community Library.

Children ages 2-5 and their caregivers are invited to join Arapahoe Libraries for Nature Play on August 18 from 10:00-11:00 am for an hour of exploration, discovery and fun in an outdoor setting. Working with materials such as fruit, seeds and rocks, children will practice observation skills, explore cause-and-effect, build their senses and use new words. Poor weather could delay or cancel this event. Please bring water and sun protection.

Families are invited to join Loveland Public Library on August 19 at 10:00 am for Science with Kites Day @ the Library. Attendees will enjoy science fun including solar bags, wind bags, and the Bernoulli effect.

Museums & Libraries in the News

Olympic spirit shines at Colorado Springs museums | The Gazette (Cheyenne Edition)
As home to the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum, as well as the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame, Colorado Springs is a great place to experience the spirit of the Olympics.

GCLD director earns Distinction in Library Services from Colorado Association of Libraries | Sky-Hi News
The Colorado Association of Libraries has awarded Grand County Library District Executive Director Polly Gallagher with the CAL Distinction in Library Services. Congrats!

Boulder Library Foundation hires first executive director | Colorado Daily
The Boulder Library Foundation recently hired Chris Barge, its first executive director, to help aid its mission of maintaining a base of avid readers while attracting a new generation.

Meet Cortez’s newest library director | The Journal
New Cortez Public Library Director Isabella Sharpensteen is excited to make the haven of books a welcoming space for all.

Opinion: Denver’s November bond election should include funds to finish Central Library renovation | The Colorado Sun
To boost the economic recovery of Denver, the City & County of Denver will be asking voters to approve a proposed $450 million RISE bond package in November. However, still missing from the list are needed renovations to the Central Library that remain unfunded.

Pick ‘n’ Mix

Stop by the Dolores Public Library for free comic books and school supplies in celebration of Free Comic Book Day 2021 (August 14 from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm). Donations of school supplies or comics are welcome at the library prior to the event.

Canning and food preservation are essential to securing access to healthy food year round. Mesa County Libraries hosts The Joys of Canning and Preserving with Ann Duncan (CSU Extension) on August 17 at 1:00 pm to discuss the basics of food preservation and to teach participants how to get started. Seating is limited, and registration is required.

Get ready for a preposterously good time with a Victorian soiree that provides a historical look into leisure activities and games. Join Anythink Libraries (York Street) for Victorian Parlor Games and participate in engaging activities of a bygone era and enjoy a spot of tea with an expert from the Molly Brown House Museum on August 14 from 10:00-11:30 am  Space is limited; registration is required.

Curious about the history of barbecue in the United States? Join Broomfield Public Library on August 26 from 7:00-8:00 pm for Black Smoke: A History of Black BBQ with Author Adrian Miller. Learn about Black pit masters and barbecuers as Miller discusses his latest book, Black Smoke: African Americans and the United States of Barbecue. Whether you prefer Kansas City or North Carolina style, gather to hear this “smoke-filled story of Black perseverance, culinary innovation, and entrepreneurship.” No registration—just drop in for the duration of the lecture!

On August 19, 4:00 pm, Denver Public Library invites all to virtually join investigative journalist Jason Dearen as he discusses his book Kill Shot, which recounts the true story of America’s deadliest drug contamination outbreak. Dearen’s in-depth medical thriller recounts how fungal meningitis spread from a compounding pharmacy in Massachusetts to multiple states throughout the country, killing more than 100 people and infecting thousands. This book is an indictment of self-regulation and a call to action to protect patients from even greater harm. No cost, register here!

Learning for All

The Basics of Intersectionality | August 16 @ 10:00 am PT
Intersectionality provides a lens to identify where power or oppression interlocks and intersects with individuals in society. Originally designed to explain the oppression of African American women, it has become a framework for understanding how multiple social identities such as race, gender, sexual orientation, social-economic status, and disability intersect at the individual level resulting in the experience of privilege and/or oppression at the social-structural level.

OurStoryBridge: Creating Community Through Stories | August 17 @ 1:00 pm MT
Our communities are made up of people and their stories. And what better place is there to help tell, share, and preserve these stories than the library! Sparked by the efforts of the Keene Valley Library in New York, OurStoryBridge is a project which helps libraries capture and share the rich social and cultural history of their communities. The project has released a free toolkit of resources for library staff and volunteers to create online, three-to five- minute oral histories, a format that appeals to young and old today. The toolkit includes everything a library needs to know to start a story project, such as step by step instructions, “how-to” videos, sample documents, and a guide to help teachers engage their students in community stories. Join the creator of OurStoryBridge and staff at two libraries who have implemented the program to hear their experiences with this inspiring and impactful project and learn how your library can participate.

Colorado Virtual Library

Evaluating Copyright and the Use of Standardized Rights Statements
In this guest post Helen Baer, from the Colorado State University Libraries discusses the Libraries’ experience with the implementation of standardized rights statements.

2021-2022 ARPA Grant Offering – Round 2 Open to Schools
CSL is distributing non-competitive LSTA ARPA grant funding (provided by Institute of Museum and Library Services)! Round 2 is currently open to state supported School Districts with applications due October 1, 2021..

Learning Opportunities

Upcoming CSL in Session – That’s Not What I Meant: Improving Your Online Communication Skills

• August 26, 12:00 – 1:00 pm
• FREE, no registration required
• Join Online

August’s free online continuing education opportunitiesThanks as always to Wyoming State Library for this fantastic list of free online learning opportunities!

State Publications Library

• How Transportation Projects Help Tell the Story of Colorado’s Past