Friday Grab Bag, August 31, 2018

This week, learn about library programs geared towards strengthening communities and inspiring kids & teens

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!

Building Strong Communities

The opioid crisis isn’t a new topic for libraries, just one that keeps reaching new heights as addiction to opioids, meth and other drugs sweep the nation. As part of its annual Signature Author Series, High Plains Library District will host a half-day community symposium to address the myths surrounding addiction and recovery, featuring David Sheff, author of Beautiful Boy: A Father’s Journey Through His Son’s Addiction. Tickets are on sale now.

Cybersecurity expert Dr. James Phelps will host a presentation at the West Custer County Library on how to prevent becoming a victim of cybercrime. Join him on September 12 at 5:00 pm.

The Laundry Truck, a service of Denver Public Library and Bayaud Enterprises, is visiting the Central Branch on September 26. Anyone in need can drop off their laundry, and it will be laundered and returned on the same day. Donations of laundry soap, socks, and underwear are gladly accepted.

Pick ‘n’ Mix

Artwork by Mesa County Libraries’ Studio Artist in Residence Pavia Justinian is currently on display at the 970West Studio now through December 3. Pavia also hosts open studio hours from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm every Wednesday, and she teaches art classes for all ages.

“Roots of Wisdom: Native Knowledge. Shared Science,”a Smithsonian exhibition featuring stories from four indigenous communities, is coming to the Aurora Public Library. Join them for the exhibit opening, September 15 from 2:00 to 3:00 pm at Aurora Central Library.

Lyons Regional Library is hosting a program in honor of The Blister Sisters, two women who walked 104 miles across England to raise money for the new library building project. Stop by on September 12 at 6:30 pm to thank them and hear stories from their journey.

Unique Programs for Kids & Teens

Lake County Public Library wants your dirt — literally! Their kids’ Storyhour will be studying dirt this year, so they are looking for unique dirt samples to compare and contrast. Send your sample to Lake County Public Library Attn: Storyhour 1115 Harrison Ave. Leadville, CO 80461.

Teens: join the Blue Spruce Book Club at Clear Creek County Library District to read and discuss this year’s Blue Spruce nominees. The club meets Mondays at 4:00 pm at John Tomay Memorial Library and Tuesdays at 4:00 pm at Idaho Springs Public Library from August 27 & 28 through October.

The Rocky Mountain Ukulele Orchestra will lead a series of Parent and Child Ukulele Workshops at Farr Regional Library in High Plains Library District. The workshops will be offered Sep. 14, Oct. 5, Nov. 2, and Dec. 7 from 6:00 to 7:00 pm. Registration opens on Aug. 31 at 8:00 am.

Poudre River Public Library District has unveiled a new podcast series promoting their “Answer Cache” (aka databases and eResources). Captain Cache’s Curiosities Podcast is narrated by the library’s mascot, the pirate Captain Cache, and is aimed at school-age kids. Listen on iTunes or on the library’s website.

Boulder Public Library is seeking teen volunteers to be Big Pal role models for kids in grades K-3 as part of the Reynolds Reading Pals program, which runs Sep. 11 – Nov. 10 at the George Reynolds Branch Library. Learn more and apply.

Libraries in the News

The Daily Sentinel: US patent database available at library | Mesa County Libraries

Colorado Springs Independent: Local intern facilitates LGBT Roundtable discussion at Cheyenne Mountain Library | Pikes Peak Library District

Paul Mascareñas and Janet Leigh from Regis University wrote the chapter “Regis University and Arrupe Jesuit High School” in Successful Campus Outreach for Academic Libraries: Building Community Through Collaboration, edited by Peggy Keeran and Carrie Forbes.

Congratulations to Terry Zarsky, Business Services Librarian at Pikes Peak Library District, who received the Accolades 2018 “Member of the Year” award from the Southern Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce.

What’s New at the Colorado State Library

CALCON18

Are you going to CALCON18, Sep. 13-15 in Loveland? Visit the Colorado State Library booth and meet some amazing service animals, plus attend a CSL-presented session.

Learning Opportunities

CSL in Session, Getting Unstuck: The Secret Life of Procrastinators, with Jean Heilig & Christine Kreger.

  • Sept. 20, 2018, 12:00 to 1:00 pm
  • Free; no registration needed; join online

CLEL (Colorado Libraries for Early Literacy) Conference

  • Oct. 12, 2018, 8:00 to 4:30
  • Arvada Center for the Arts & Humanities

View other upcoming learning opportunities for August 2018. For Colorado-specific events check the Library Learning & Creation Center.

Colorado Blue Spruce Award

Here’s how your library can help promote the Colorado Blue Spruce Young Adult Book Award:

  1. Visit http://www.coloradobluespruceaward.org/
  2. Make sure you have the 2018 nominated books.
  3. Download and print posters and/or bookmark ballots from the website.
  4. Create a Blue Spruce display and/or booktalk the nominees.
  5. Submit votes by December 31.

Colorado State Publications Library

Amy Hitchner
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