The Friday Grab Bag is a weekly series that highlights fun, unique, and interesting happenings in Colorado libraries, and includes news from the Colorado State Library.
Let’s open the Friday Grab Bag!
Trivial Pursuits
Have you ever said to yourself, “If I were on Jeopardy, I’d win!” Do you solve the puzzle on Wheel of Fortune before the contestants? Then, rejoice because you can join Denver Public Library for Trivia Night at the Eugene Field Branch on July 24 from 6:30-7:30 pm. There will be snacks and refreshments along with some friendly competition and prizes. Play as a single or bring friends and compete as a team.
What is the longest known game of Quidditch ever played? Which spell unlocks doors? How many horcruxes did Lord Voldemort create? Join the Clear Creek County Library District for Harry Potter Trivia Nights at the Alpine Restaurant and Bar July 22 at 5:00 pm and at Westbound & Down Brewing Company on Thursday, July 25 at 5:00 pm. Books and the movies are fair game! All ages welcome.
On the second and fourth Thursdays each month from 6:00-8:00 pm, Clearview Library District’s Pub Trivia @ Hops Brewery brings the community together for an exciting evening of edutainment. Head down on July 25 at 5:30, or click here to register your team in advance.
Pick ‘n’ Mix
Aurora Public Library invites all ages to put on their red shirts and grab their light swords for Starry Trekkie Wars on July 20 at 4:00 pm! Why pick one universe when you can enjoy them all? Battle with sabers, build your own spaceship, negotiate alien peace, and more! May the Force live long and prosper.
Join Basalt Regional Library and Colorado wildlife artist Nicolette Toussaint for a Plein Air Colored Pencil Workshop on July 20 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. In this free workshop, you will find a subject that lifts your spirits and then capture it in an artwork to keep as a reminder, long after the summer has faded away. Colored pencils and paper will be provided to use for this class, though you are welcome to bring your own materials or sketchbook if you wish. Space is limited and registration is required. To register email Hannah Condon, call 970-927-4311 ext 1003, or visit the front desk.
Get inspired at Boulder Public Library’s Improvisational Music & Movement Workshop with Members of the Mmmwhah! Ensemble on July 22 from 5:30-7:00 pm. Adults and teens explore how to create spontaneous, collaborative compositions with music and movement with the Mmmwhah! Ensemble, a dedicated 9-person improvising collective of musicians, dancers and artists, all committed to deep listening and attunement. They have discovered a unique chemistry that gives birth to spontaneous compositions, often riveting, poignant or hilarious and full of surprises. Click HERE to register.
The Rampart Library District Foundation board will hold a “Love Your Libraries” Fiesta fundraiser from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm July 21, at the Country Lodge, 730 Country Drive, Woodland Park (80863). Tickets for the annual library fundraiser are $10 and will be available at the door. Seating is limited.
Teen Time
There is still time for teens to enter the 2019 Teen Video Challenge, an annual video contest that is open to all teens (librarian and teacher support is encouraged). The challenge is for teens to create a public service announcement-type video that shows their unique interpretation of the 2019 CSLP slogan “A Universe of Stories”. Videos are to be no longer than 60 seconds and should promote libraries and reading.Videos will be accepted June 1 through August 2, 2019. For additional info and all the forms, click here.
Delta County Libraries invite teens are to Paonia Library to celebrate the end of summer with an after hours lock-in on July 24 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm! There will be Nerf gun wars, a Polaroid camera station, pizza, a 3D printer pen, a space movie, and games. Registration and permission slip are required to attend. Contact the library at 970.399.7881 for more information and to register.
Join Jefferson County Public Library for Celestial Henna for Teens on July 20 at 2:30 pm. Explore the art and history of henna with Henna Jes. Roll a cone, practice designs, then create a work of art on yourself or a friend.
Hone your public speaking skills and build your confidence in a fun, low-stakes environment at Mesa County Libraries’ Charisma & Confidence: Teen Public Speaking Meetup on July 29 from 5:30-7:30 pm.. Excellent for seasoned Debate Clubbers, absolute beginners, and everyone in between. Registration required.
Wilkinson Public Library hosts Teen Friday Afternoon Anime each Friday from 3:00-5:00 pm. Watch a different Anime movie, and enjoy snacks from Japan!
Museums and Libraries in the News
The Denver Channel (ABC7) | This might be the first photograph of Denver: Library’s collection holds clues to photo’s origin
A patron at the Denver Public Library, browsing the library’s Digital Collection, came upon an extremely early picture of the Mile High City – fascinating research ensued.
American Libraries Magazine | To Space Education … and Beyond
Westminster Public Library got a nice write up for their Explore Space exhibit, produced in partnership with the Space Science Institute, which features interactive displays and equipment to help patrons of all ages learn about gravity, space weather, and other elements of space exploration.
Education For All
Denver Public Library hosts Conducting the Reference Interview: How to Ask Better Questions to Make Customers Happy on August 22 from 8:30-10:00 am at the Central Branch (10 W. Fourteenth Ave. Pkwy., Denver, CO 80204). This class is intended to give an introduction and basic overview of the reference interview and is aimed at front-line staff and librarians who want a refresher. To attend this training, please email Robin Filipczak with your name, organization, and preferred contact information.
What’s New at the Colorado State Library
Learning Opportunities
Free Archives and Digital Collections 101 Workshop (in person at the Durango Public Library in Durango, CO)
- September 10 & 11
- Free!
- Space is limited, so register soon!
State Publications Library
Colorado Virtual Library
The Trustee Corner is a monthly series featuring information of interest to public library boards. Topics include training opportunities, legal issues, helpful information, and relevant news impacting public library governance.
Games For Change – Bag of Tricks
If you’ve got patrons that love video games, check out Games For Change. They promote games that help people to learn, improve their communities, and contribute to make the world a better place. Oh, and the games are fun!
Library Related Employment:
Are you thinking of making a change this year in your job? Check out Library Jobline for hot new library employment opportunities.
- Library Security Monitor: City of Loveland / Loveland, CO
- Technology Specialist: Arapahoe Library District / Englewood, CO
- Library Program and Outreach Services Manager: City of Lafayette / Lafayette, CO
- Web Services Manager: Auraria Library- University of Colorado Denver / Denver, CO
- Material Handling Technician – Lead: Douglas County Libraries / Lone Tree, CO
- Resource Services Specialist – Acquisitions: Boulder Public Library / Boulder, CO
- Curator of Photography: History Colorado / Denver, CO
- Part-Time Library Specialist: Boulder Public Library / Boulder, CO
- Academic Engagement and Open Education Librarian: Fort Lewis College / Durango, CO
- Library Custodian: Clear Creek County Library District / Idaho Springs and Georgetown, CO
This post is part of the Spotlight on Sharing initiative, which aims to increase the visibility of resource sharing in Colorado libraries. Do you have a story from your library to share? Email Marisa Wood, mwood@coloradovirtuallibrary.org. Also, be sure to follow Colorado State Library on Twitter and Facebook.
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