CSL News | Resource Sharing

Friday Grab Bag, July 28, 2017

By Amy Hitchner: Published on
CSL News, Resource Sharing

Friday Grab Bag July 28, 2017Friday Grab Bag is a weekly Spotlight on Sharing series that highlights fun, unique, and interesting happenings in Colorado libraries. News from the Colorado State Library is at the end. Let’s open the Grab Bag!

Fun for Readers

Harry Potter fans have a weekend of fun ahead at Poudre River Public Library District. Stop by the Council Tree Library on Friday, July 28 at 7:00 for a magic-inspired craft and game night, sponsored by Fort Collins Comic Con. Then on Saturday July 29, bring Fido down to the Old Town Library for the Harry Potter Pet Walk. Pet costumes are encouraged but not necessary.

Broomfield Library has partnered with several community organizations to sponsor StoryWalk. Pages from children’s books will be mounted on posts around Broncos Park, encouraging kids and families to read while taking a walk. Go on a StoryWalk this Monday, July 31 from 10:00 to 11:00 am.

Let your inner geek shine at Arapahoe Libraries’ 3rd annual Koelbel Con, July 30 from 1:00 to 6:00 pm at the Koelbel Library. This year’s pop culture event is fairytale themed. Attendees are encouraged to come in costume for a day of trivia, crafts, comic books, and more.

Arts at the Library

Enjoy Shakespeare on the lawn at Bud Werner Memorial Library. The Great American Laughing Stock Company will perform The Merchant of Venice on Sunday, August 6 at 6:00 pm. Bring a blanket and a picnic.

Create your own unique jewelry design at Louisville Public Library on August 5. Learn to carve a design into cuttlefish bones, then cast your design in copper or bronze. No metalworking skills required, though people with shellfish allergies should not attend.

Each month, John C. Fremont Library features the work of a local artist. August’s artist is Jennifer Gerring, creator of the series Origami Travels. Meet Ms. Gerring during an artist reception on August 12 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm.

Health and Wellness (and Kittens)

Cooking healthy meals for one or two doesn’t have to be a chore. Learn how to prepare nutritious meals for smaller households on August 3 from 2:00 to 3:30 pm at Riverside Library and Cultural Center in High Plains Library District.

First there was Kitten Yoga at Aurora Public Library, and now Kitten Therapy is debuting at the RiNO Art District Headquarters, sponsored by Denver Public Library. Spend some time relaxing with adorable, adoptable kittens on Friday, August 4 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm.

Libraries in the News

Bustle online magazine featured Boulder Public Library in The Most Gorgeous Libraries in Every Single State, Just in Time for Your Book-Themed Road Trip.

CU Boulder Today published a story about the new CU Boulder library outreach bike called InfoMotion, which will transport promotional materials and books for checkout around campus.

What’s New at the Colorado State Library

Scholarships & Grants

The Colorado State Library is pleased to offer four registration scholarships to CALCON 17. Our goal is to help students and staff from small/rural libraries who might otherwise not be able to attend. Please submit your scholarship application by 5:00 pm on Friday, July 28.

CSL is partnering with CLiC to offer 12 registration scholarships to the CLEL Conference on September 8, 2017 in Longmont. The deadline to submit an application is Friday, July 28. Conference registration closes on August 25.

State Grants to Libraries funding is available for 2017-18! Eligible public, school, and academic libraries are encouraged to submit a short eligibility form by September 15. Funds can be used books, e-books, database subscriptions, and other educational resources.

Professional Development Opportunities

CSL in Session is a free online learning series from the Colorado State Library with new sessions monthly. Here’s what’s coming up:

CSL is partnering with the state libraries of Georgia, Iowa, and Maryland to sponsor a free, virtual conference, Libraries as Community Catalysts, on August 16, 2017 from 9:00 to 3:00 MDT. All Colorado library staff are encouraged to join. Register online by August 15.

Fun & Informative

The CSL Book Club Resource has 11 new titles available for checkout to libraries. Learn how your library can check out a book club kit.

Have you submitted a photo to the #LoveMyCOLibrary campaign? The campaign launched on July 1 and will continue through August 31. Help us spread the word within your networks! Posting is easy: simply tag your pic with #LoveMyCOLibrary and share it with the Colorado State Library on Facebook and Twitter.

New this week on the Colorado State Publications Library Blog:

  • Human-bear conflicts – Brush up on your bear safety skills with resources from Colorado Parks & Wildlife.
  • Disaster Preparedness for Pets – Create a plan that will keep your pets safe in case of flood, fire, or other emergency.
  • 1997 Fort Collins Flood – 20 years ago, a major flood hit Fort Collins causing major damage and loss of lives. Read reports and reflections from that event.

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 Amy Hitcher, ahitchner@coloradovirtuallibrary.org. Also, be sure to follow Colorado State Library on Twitter and Facebook.

Amy Hitchner
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