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.
This is a very special issue of the Friday Grab Bag because it is the last one I will write. November 15 is my last day at the Colorado State Library; I will soon be joining the faculty of the Arthur Lakes Library at Colorado School of Mines.
I am extremely thankful to all the readers of the Friday Grab Bag, a series I started two years ago on November 4, 2016 as a way of highlighting resource sharing in Colorado libraries. (Check out the first post in the series to see how it has changed.) Over 80 issues later, the readership has grown significantly, and I consistently hear from library staff who contribute their own news and events to the column. Readers tell me that the FGB is a unique resource that helps them feel connected to other libraries in Colorado, and that is music to my ears.
The good news is that the Friday Grab Bag isn’t going anywhere! Regan Harper, Director of Networking & Resource Sharing at the State Library, is going to forge ahead as its weekly curator and writer. I hope you will continue reaching out to her at <harper_r@cde.state.co.us> with your news, events, and celebrations. Thank you for all your sharing and support these last two years.
Now, let’s open the Friday Grab Bag!
Creative Culture
The Shakespeare Reading Group at Bud Werner Memorial Library is tackling Macbeth during a 6-week program starting January 9. During the sessions, participants will have the opportunity to read aloud, act, and present. Register online.
Join Longmont Public Library for the launch of this year’s You Belong Anthology, a collection of works by Longmont writers, poets, photographers, and artists. The book release party on December 1 at 10:00 am will feature readings, book sales, and book signings.
Pikes Peak Library District is celebrating Native American Heritage Month with a day of dancing, singing, storytelling, food, and crafts. This family-friendly event is Saturday, November 17 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm at the Ruth Holley Library; Native American dancers and singers will perform from 2:00 to 2:30.
Fun for Your Brain
Durango Public Library invites kids ages 5-12 to their STEAM Lab on November 15 at 3:30 pm, when presenters from the Durango Arts Center will lead an exploration of Leonardo da Vinci and his Amazing Machines.
Teens are invited to Eagle Valley Library District’s escape room on November 27, 6:00 pm at Avon Public Library. Players will have one hour to Escape the Library by deciphering clues, solving riddles, and working as a team.
Explore the natural history, habitat, and diet of real creatures featured in popular fantasy novels. High Plains Library District invites learners of all ages to Animals of the Wizarding World, November 24 from 2:00 to 3:00 pm at the Riverside Library and Cultural Center. Register online.
Writers of Grey Havens Philosophy will lead the Teen Writing Workshop on November 17, 5:00 pm, at Lyons Regional Library. Teens will work on character development, word choice, setting, and more, while enjoying free pizza.
Pick ‘n’ Mix
Make your home cozier this holiday season with some homemade decorations and possibly a new furry friend. Anythink Wright Farms is hosting DIY Décor and Pet Adoption in partnership with Adams County Animal Shelter on November 15 from 9:30 to 11:30.
Dancers of ages are welcome at Douglas County Libraries’ Dancing in the Starlight, November 15 from 6:00 to 8:30 pm. The dance kicks off the annual Castle Rock Starlighting event.
Berthoud Community Library is celebrating Small Business Saturday on November 24. Participate in the scavenger hunt around town to win prizes, and bring your locally purchased gifts to the library for free gift wrapping.
What’s New at the Colorado State Library
Learning Opportunities
Learning Edge – November 2018 #1
Christine Schein shares digital literacy news, tips, and tools for educators in her Learning Edge series.
CSL in Session: “The Hidden Biases of Good People” (webinar)
- Dec. 14, 2018, 12:00 to 1:00
- Free! No registration required
- Join online
View other upcoming online learning opportunities for November 2018. For Colorado-specific events check the Library Learning & Creation Center.
Colorado Virtual Library
Topics in History: Colorado’s Homegrown History
Learn the history of Colorado’s own Palisade peaches, Rocky Ford melons, and Pueblo green chilies.
Colorado’s Role in World War I
Read about the 43,000 Coloradans who served in the military during World War I, and the countless others who supported the war efforts at home.
Bag of Tricks – NewsGuard
Kieran Hixon shares his latest tech tool discovery in the Bag of Tricks series.
Time Machine Tuesday: Penmanship Lessons
Before typing became the norm, handwriting was taught in Colorado schools.
- Friday Grab Bag, November 16, 2018 - November 15, 2018
- Friday Grab Bag, November 9, 2018 - November 9, 2018
- Friday Grab Bag, November 2, 2018 - November 2, 2018