Friday Grab Bag, February 5, 2021

Heart Warmers

Who doesn’t need a good excuse to eat chocolate? You’ve heard it can be good for you, but is there any truth to it? Join Durango Public Library and Nicole Clark from the La Plata County CSU Extension on February 10 from 6:00-7:00 pm for Chocolate: Good for the Heart and Soul – just in time for the biggest chocolate holiday of the year! This mouth watering discussion will conclude with a cook-along to make a delicious chocolatey treat – for your health!

Join Garfield County Libraries this February for Warm Hearts in Cold Months. Help your neighbors by donating new personal hygiene supplies and non-perishable food at any of the six Garfield County Libraries branches. All food will be given to the local LIFT-UP (non-expired food only). All personal hygiene supplies will be given to various local charities (new, with packaging). For suggested items and supplies, click HERE.

Can practicing philosophy free you from worry and anxiety? This was the promise the Hellenistic schools of philosophy made to their students. Join Longmont Library on February 22 at 7:00 pm for The Happy Stoic: How Stoicism Can Help You Live Better Today for a fascinating discussion of the roots of this philosophy, and how we can all use ancient thought to help us live more happily.

One kind word can change someone’s entire day, so spread kindness by giving away some hand-made delights to see the difference you can make using Kind Kids Card Kits from Anythink Libraries. Each kit contains everything you need to create three one-of-a-kind greeting cards that you can personalize with your own thoughtful messages.

Get your jump  with Arapahoe Libraries on February 9 at 4:00 pm with Punk Rope Fitness Class, the longest running punk rock fitness class in the world. Punk Rope blends jump rope and calisthenics for a total body workout. For maximum enjoyment, borrow or purchase a jump rope if you don’t already have one. Click HERE to register.

Museums & Libraries in the News

Loveland library’s Laptop Lab to pop up in Housing Authority communities again starting next week | Loveland Reporter Herald
Loveland Public Library’s pop-up Laptop Lab will be returning to Loveland Housing Authority communities to make it easier for older adults to sign up for vaccinations, get in touch with family, and access the internet.

Fort Collins library offering Chromebooks for checkout in digital equity initiative | Coloradoan
Visitors to Fort Collins’ Old Town Library can now check out Chromebooks as part of a city and library initiative to enhance digital equity.

Kirkland Museum Retools Exhibitions to Bring Patrons Back Again and Again | Westword
The Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art has launched a series of shows with short runs to encourage people to return regularly.

Reduce, Reuse, Conserve

In 2021 make recycling your resolution.  Stop by Wray Public Library for information.  And…..for fun take a look at how to make shrinky dinks out of recycled materials and display them at the library for all to enjoy! All you’ll need is clean #6 plastic, permanent markers, a paper bag, and an oven preheated to 325 degrees!

You think alpine plants are small? You should see the seeds! Join Vail Public Library and the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens on February 17 for Saving the Alpine One Seed at a Time, and introduction to the intricacies of conserving the alpine through the plants that are the backbone of this fragile ecosystem.

High Plains Library District invites 1st-5th graders to Kids Club: Animals and the Environment on February 24 from 4:00-5:00 pm. Attendees will learn about the Beef and Pork industry and the by products that we use in everyday life to avoid any waste. Grades 1st to 5th. Registration required. After you register, you will receive a link for this online class.

Explore innovation and robots with Pine River Library’s Upcycled Dancin’ ‘Bots kit, coming the week of February 7. Kids ages 8 and over will exercise cognitive and problem solving skills through troubleshooting and receptive language skills through following written instructions by building a dancing robot with natural or recycled materials like pinecones, sticks, bottles, containers, etc.

Learning for All

Media Literacy for Adults: Misinformation and Disinformation (Programming Librarian) | February 10 @ 12:00 pm MT
Now more than ever, information literacy is a critical resource to have in your intellectual toolbox. With the closures of many school systems, the role of librarians in a community will be more important than ever. The tools you gain from this webinar will prepare you to guide your community through a minefield of misinformation during a time when facts are of the most importance.

How to Combat COVID-19 Related Misinformation (EveryLibrary Institute) | On Demand
This webinar provides valuable insights on how to counsel patrons when they ask you COVID-19 related questions. Now more than ever, information literacy is a critical resource to have in your intellectual toolbox. With the closures of many school systems and the imminent closure of many libraries, the role of librarians in a community will be more important than ever.

The Accidental Cataloger  (TRAILS) | February 9 @ 10:00 am MT
If you feel like you’ve been tossed into the deep end of cataloging without a life-preserver, this webinar is for you! Review  the fundamentals of cataloging, including the basics of creating a minimal level record, and what to look for when using a pre-existing record. You’ll also talk about differences in cataloging records for different material formats, and provide some resources to help you continue your cataloging journey.

Learning Opportunities

GRT Quick Bites: Mindful Moments in Storytime with Melody Garcia

• February 9 @ 12:00 pm
• Free, no registration required!
• Join Online

GRT Quick Bites: Sibling Care and Teens as FFNs with Kate Brunner

• February 16 @ 12:00 pm
• Free, no registration required!
• Join Online

Virtual Learning for Library Trustees
There are plenty of opportunities for library trustee learning in early 2021 and we’ve rounded up a few for January-March.

Free Online Learning Opportunities for February
Feel the love with these free training opportunities for February, compiled by our friends at Wyoming State Library.

 State Publications Blog

• Colorado Airports
• Vote for Colorado’s New Driver License Design
• Late Winter is a Great Time for Viewing Bald Eagles

Library Research Service

The Dynamic Data Duo: Quantitative and qualitative data, part 2
Just like Batman and Robin, who balance out each other’s strengths and weaknesses when they’re together, quantitative and qualitative data can also have solo careers.

Colorado Virtual Library

Trustee Corner – January 2021
January’s Trustee Corner covers New Trustee Orientation, Patron Privacy and Policy, and more!

New StoryWalk Resources
We’ve compiled StoryWalk ideas and how-tos from libraries around the state in one place! Get inspired, share, and encourage families in your community to get outside and read!

Touring Colorado’s Collections: University of Colorado Boulder University Libraries Joins the DPLA
The Plains to Peaks Collective welcomes CU Boulder Libraries to the DPLA!

Intellectual Freedom & Public Library Policy
Intellectual freedom is a core value of library work, but what exactly is it, and how can it be put into practice from a policy perspective?  We’ve got resources to help.

LGBTQ History Now Included in CHNC
The 1st 15 years of OUT FRONT Magazine – the 2nd-oldest independent LGBTQ publication in the US, are now available in the Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection!

Interview with OUT FRONT Magazine Co-owner, Addison Herron-Wheeler
Addison Herron-Wheeler reflects on the continuing legacy of OUT FRONT.

A Window to History: Roarin’ 20s Newspapers
As we live through our own third decade of the century, let us cast our minds back to that glittering decade of the twentieth century.