Friday Grab Bag, May 3, 2019

May the 4th be with you @ the library

Tomorrow is Star Wars Day, and there a lots of options around the state to celebrate with crafts, activities, dress-up and more.

Gather your fellow Jedi and celebrate Star Wars with snacks, games, crafts and other activities with Jefferson County Public Library for May the 4th Be With You tonight, May 3 from 5:30-7:30pm. Click here to register.

Clearview Library District invites you to their 6th annual Bookmobile Day and 3rd annual Chili Cook-Off at Windsor’s Boardwalk Park on May 4 from 12:00-1:00pm!  Sample chili that is out of this world, meet and greet Chewbacca (from Columbine & Company by Royally Enchanted) as well as the library’s own Page the Pelican, get your face painted by Fanciful Faces, and engage in Star Wars crafts and activities all while celebrating the Bookmobile in your community!

Kids are invited to a Star Wars Scavenger Hunt at the Paonia Library on May 4 from 12:00-2:00pm. Search the children’s area for you favorite Star Wars characters – find them all and get a prize!

Poudre River Public Library is hosting a couple of events that are bound to be a great time, in a galaxy far, far away.  On May 4 from 9:00am-12:00pm, all ages and abilities are welcome to join the non-competitive Kessel Run run/walk, which will follow the block around the Library, and feature some fun activities and obstacles along the way, plus after parties. Registrationn is required.

Or Build Your Own Lightsaber from 1:00-3:00pm. Leave with your very own light-up Star Wars prop usable for cosplay, geek cred, or just plain fun. At this program, everyone’s a Jedi! Well, except for those who are Siths, of course. And there will be snacks! Click here to register.

Celebrate Star Wars at the Parachute Branch Library and discover the power of The Force! Find your side with games of skill, photo opportunities, space ‘crafts’ and movie trivia. There will also be a costume contest for people of all ages. This event is Free and open to all.

Join High Plains Library District for Little Explorers: May the Fourth Be With You, a special Star Wars themed family storytime. Enjoy books, stories and crafts with your favorite characters from a galaxy far, far away. No registration is required, but this storytime is limited to the first 25 people. Families and children of all ages are welcome.

Pikes Peak Library District invites all ages to May the 4th be with you Hand-Sewn Chewbacca Plushy. Use felt to hand-sew a small Chewbacca plushy in commemoration of Star Wars Day on May 4, from 10:00am-1:00pm.

Come to Aurora Public Library on May 4 from 9:00am-7:00pm for Star Wars Crafts and Costumes All Day and Free Comic Books! Make a variety of Star Wars crafts and get a free comic book! Wear a Star Wars costume or mask and get a prize! With special guest Kylo Ren from 2:00-5:00pm.

Museums and Libraries in the News

Grand County Library District’s Library Services Specialist Tess Riley reminds us all that the library provides (for free!) in Library Corner: Get your free library card today from the Sky-Hi News.

The Greeley Tribune reports on the Centennial Village Museum’s  2019 season kick off, Centennial Celebration (May 25 & 26). The two-day celebration at will include blacksmithing and print shop demonstrations, along with tours of the historical Stevens-Reynolds, Carpenter and Bolin Houses, and much more.

The AG Journal peice New seed libraries scattered across rural Colorado covers the growing trend of seed libraries across the state, including Burlington Public Library, which will host events on seed saving and more in partnership with Colorado State University’s Golden Plains district.

Eats and Drinks

Summit County Library invites you to Eat. Drink. Give. And Help the Library! Grab a drink or dine out at Kenosha Steakhouse or Rita’s Specialty Margs & Taco Bar anytime throughout the day on May 8 and 5% of the total sales collected at both restaurants will be donated to the Friends of the Summit County Library. All ages are welcome. There will be a special library activity for children at 6 p.m. Have fun and raise some money for your favorite nonprofit. All money raised will go right back to materials and programs you love.

Join Vail Recreation District and Vail Public Library on May 8 from 6:30-8:30 for Cocktails and Canvas: Make a Colorado Flag from Recycled Wood where you’ll create a Colorado Flag constructed from recycled wood pallets. Instructor Caleb Eaton will walk you through the steps of constructing and painting your own state flag. Refreshments will be served. There is a $20 cost, and  space is limited, so click here to make your reservation.

Lafayette Public Library hosts a Homework Center Pizza Party on May 14 from 6:00-7:00pm as an end-of-year celebration for Homework Center students, tutors, and families. Pizza will be provided, but feel free to bring salad, dessert or drinks to share. Please RSVP to Kate via email or phone at 303-661-1175.

On May 27 from 4:30-5:30pm, teens are invited to join Loveland Public Library for Maker Monday: Ice Cream in a Bag. Learn how to use food science to make ice cream in a bag.

Ever dream of being a painter? Join Denver Public Library on May 7 from 6:00-7:00pm for Paint and Mocktails. You will be playing with similar painting techniques to create either a landscape or abstract piece that will be all yours! Chilled mocktail beverages will be server and all supplies will be provided, just make sure you’re one of the first to show up as these supplies are limited to 20 participants.

Grants and Funding Opportunities

Funds for Out-of-School Tech Skills Programs in Company Communities

Best Buy Community Grants Program

The Best Buy Community Grants Program provides support to community-based organizations that are located within 25 miles of a Best Buy facility. Grants focus on local organizations with a demonstrated track record of building skill proficiency in technology through out-of-school time programs. Programs should include hands-on learning opportunities and engage youth, ages 13-18, in experimenting and interacting with the latest technologies to close the digital skills gap. Examples of program activities include computer programming, website development, audio production, robotics, and gaming and mobile app development. Grants of up to $15,000 will be provided. Public and nonprofit community-based organizations (e.g., community centers, schools, and libraries) are eligible to apply. Online proposals may be submitted between May 1 and May 31, 2019. Visit the Best Buy website to review the program guidelines and take the eligibility quiz.

Program Supports Rural Minorities and Women in STEM

Department of Agriculture

The Women and Minorities in STEM Fields program supports research, education and teaching, and extension projects that increase participation by women and underrepresented minorities from rural areas in STEM. The program seeks to address educational needs within the broadly defined areas of food, agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences. The application deadline is May 21, 2019.

Funds Available for Economic Development Efforts

Department of Health and Human Services

The Community Economic Development Projects program supports well-planned, financially viable, and innovative projects to enhance job creation and business development for individuals with low income. The program encourages applications that target hurricane disaster areas, rural areas, and underserved areas. The application deadline is June 3, 2019.

Learning Opportunities

CSL in Session: The 2 Generation Approach to Eliminating Poverty

• May 7, 2019, 12:00 to 1:00
• Free! No registration required
• Join online

Free Continuing Education Opportunities for May 2019

Colorado State Publications Library Blog

• Looking for a Summer Job?
• Time Machine Tuesday: Eugene Field in Colorado
• Colorado Hazard Mapping Tools