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.
Before we open the Friday Grab Bag, take a moment to consider nominating a person, a library, or a program for a Colorado Association of Libraries award. It is for all sizes and shapes of libraries and library adjacent companies and folks. If you’ve never nominated before or have any questions, contact Katherine Weadley, at kweadley@clicweb.org. For a list of 2019 Award Descriptions click HERE. Awards will be presented at CALCON 2019, Sept. 19-21. For the nomination form click HERE (you may need to scroll down a bit). Deadline for nominations is June 15th.
Don’t hesitate — nominate! Now into the bag.
I want to ride my bicycle….
May is National Bike Month and Colorado libraries are peddling (sorry) some fun events around the state. Get on your bikes and ride! And maybe bring along a friend or three…
Kids and tweens can test out their wheels on a bicycle course and learn about bike safety at Jefferson County Public Library’s Bicycle Rodeo and Giveaway. Presented in partnership with Active Transport Advisory Team (ATAT) on June 15 from 1:00-3:00 pm, participants will receive a new, refurbished bicycle from ATAT or can bring their own from home.
Join Pikes Peak Library District and Allen Beauchamp of Bike Colorado Spring to learn about the bike trails around Colorado Springs, area bike lanes, and staying safe on your bike on May 28 from 6:30-8:30 pm. This event is appropriate for Adults and Seniors – no registration required.
Stop by the Elois May Branch of Arapahoe County Libraries on June 19 from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm for Kids Safety Academy with South Metro Fire Rescue! South Metro Fire Rescue will offer demonstrations on bicycle safety and first aid, plus tips for cooking safely. They will talk with kids about smoke alarms and when to call 911. Great for the whole family!
Youth ages 6 through 14 are invited to register for Biking Bonanza, a day of summer cycling fun on June 8 from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm, brought to you by Delta County Libraries! This program will cover basic bike maintenance skills taught by The Nature Connection’s (TNC) staff. Following the lesson, participants will be given the chance to experience the feeling of freedom and empowerment that comes with riding a bike. There is a $10 registration fee to cover transportation and equipment costs. Register with the Cedaredge Branch (970-399-7674).
Learning for Everyone
Free Webinars on Demand from EveryLibrary Institute
These webinars from EveryLibrary cover a wide range of topics and subject areas around politics and library funding, are FREE and available on demand.
Free Archives and Digital Collections 101 Workshop (in person at UNC campus in Greeley, CO)
- June 27 & 28
- Free!
- Register Soon!
Photogrammetry, a way to build 3D models (in person at UW campus in Laramie, WY)
- May 20
- Free – no registration required!
Museums and Libraries in the News
Congratulations are in order! The Wellington Public Library turns forty this year, as reported by the North Forty News. Community members are invited to celebrate with the library between 10 am and 6 pm. on June 13. There will be refreshments, fun activities for kids and an opportunity to thank the library staff for their service.
If you are looking for a happy ending, look no further than this piece in the Pine River Times: Tourist loses $6,000 at Pine River Library. Kudos to the staff at Pine River Public Library for making libraries and Colorado look so good.
After years in the making, the new Lone Cone Library in Norwood is now open to patrons, while a grand opening celebration is set for June 8, as reported by the Telluride Daily Planet. Read about the journey here – it looks like a beauty!
Moffat County library board votes down privatization plan, reports the Craig Press. The Moffat County Libraries Board of Trustees rejected a plan that would have outsourced library management to an East Coast firm, Library Services and Systems, LLC.
Elsewhere in the Craig Press, Craig visitors have historic ghostly encounters during the Craig Historic Mini Ghost Walk Saturday, May 11, with help from the Museum of Northwest Colorado.
Pick n’ Mix
The Cortez Public Library, in partnership with the United Way of Southwest Colorado, will be having a Food for Fines drive from May 13 – May 25. During this period, Library patrons can bring undamaged and unexpired boxed or canned non-perishable food item to the Library in exchange for credit toward existing overdue fines. All food items will be given to local charities.
Kids and teens are invited to join Garfield County Libraries for a fun-filled afternoon of Book Bingo on May 22 at 2:00 pm. For every bingo, you win a book! Register for Summer Reading and get a sneak peek at some of the prizes. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.
See things a brand new way – through Virtual Reality, with Grand County Library District on May 22! VR is a new technology that’s fun for gaming, creating music or traveling to new worlds – all without leaving your library. Sign up for a 40 minute slot from 10:15 am – 12:15 pm to complete a basic Virtual Reality tutorial and try an application or two. This program is designed for those new to VR and 6th grade or older. All equipment and instruction is provided.
Kids are invited to Montrose Public Library’s “Cans” Film Festival on May 23 from 5:00-6:45 pm. Strut your stuff on the red carpet and bring a donation for the food bank. Then stay for a movie just like the real Cannes Film Festival.
All ages and their families are welcome to Pueblo Public Library on May 31 at 4:00 pm to learn about raptors and their life cycles with the Nature and Wildlife Discovery Center- and meet some of these cool birds in person!
Join the Bemis Library for Cell Phone Photography on May 20 from 9:30-11:00 am. Learn how to capture moments and memories beautifully, with just your smartphone! Note: registration required and class size limited to 10 people, and you’ll need to bring your smartphone with you. Click here to register.
What’s New at the Colorado State Library
Colorado State Publications Library Blog
- National Foster Care Month
- Tips for Avoiding Road Construction Delays
- When and Where to View Mountain Goats
Digital Literacy
Christine Schein rounds up the latest news in digital literacy and educational technology
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.
- Public Services Manager – Digital Experience and Call Center: Jefferson County Public Library / Jefferson County, CO
- Adult Education Instructor: Pikes Peak Library District (Penrose) / Colorado Springs, CO
- PT Patron Experience Associate – Library to You: Jefferson County Public Library (Lakewood Library) / Lakewood, CO
- Resource Services Specialist – Cataloging: Boulder Public Library / Boulder, CO
- Library Clerk: Aurora Public Library (Martin Luther King, Jr. Library) / Aurora, CO
- Youth Services Coordinator: Garfield County Libraries / New Castle, CO
- Hampden Center Project Technician I: University of Denver (Hampden Center) / Denver, CO
- Support Team Member-Account Executive: ByWater Solutions / Telecommute position
- Full-time Adult-Tech Guide: Anythink Libraries (Anythink York Street) / Thornton, CO
- Reading Buddies Coordinator: Boulder Public Library / Boulder, CO
- Director of Strategy and Engagement: Jefferson County Public Library / Lakewood, CO
- Library Page: High Plains Library District / Greeley, CO
Have a great weekend everyone!
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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