Tag: community connections

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Resource Sharing

Friday Grab Bag, November 30, 2018

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!

Holiday Fun

Arapahoe Library District is hosting Carolers and Cookies on Dec. 8 – 12, 2018.  Ring in the holidays with the talented “What the Dickens? Carolers!” who have become a beloved tradition! You’ll be “Fa la-la la-la-ing” along to your favorite tunes. All ages welcome.  See web site for times and locations.

Buena Vista Public Library is hosting a Chocolate Walk on Saturday, Dec. 1st from  10 am-4 pm.  Community members can come to the library for chocolate and get their card stamped.  The library will also have fun photo props for guests to take pictures by the fireplace and Christmas Tree.

Clear Creek Library District:  

  • Is hosting Santa’s workshop at the Georgetown Library Dec. 1st & 8th from 11 am – 1 pm and the Idaho Springs Public Library Dec. 21 from 1 – 3 pm.
  • Adult craft night – Wreath Making.  Idaho Springs Public Library Dec. 10th  at 5:30 pm and Heritage Center Dec. 13th  at 5:30 pm.

Denver Public Library brings you DIY Holiday Crafts.  If you’re looking for a way to add some handmade touches to your holiday gift giving, the library can help! Handcrafted gifts are a great way to create something personalized, to save money, and support your local library! Some of the many possibilities: Use the Cricut to create a festive holiday card, sew a t-shirt into a bag for treats or gifts, 3D print an ornament, embroider a custom gift tag.  For more ideas and resources, check out the library’s crafting page.

Garfield County Library System has holiday fun happening at most of their branches.

  • Crafts and Cocoa:  Teens are invited to a fun evening of hot cocoa and holiday crafts! They will be making paperback Christmas trees and 3D snowflakes which are great to display at home or give as gifts. Dec. 14, 2018 4 pm at the Carbondale Branch Library.
  • Holiday Community Color In:  It’s time to treat yourself during this busy holiday season! Get together with friends and your neighbors for coloring, holiday goodies, and hot apple cider. Materials provided, and all adults and teens 12 and older are invited.  Dec. 5, 6:30 pm at the Glenwood Springs Branch Library.
  • Holiday Fun at the Library:  Children  of all ages are invited to enjoy crafts, cocoa, and get a chance to talk to Santa! Dec. 12, 2018 3 pm at the Glenwood Springs Branch Library.
  • Storytime with Santa:  For a special treat before Christmas,  there will be an extra special guest visiting at the New Castle Branch Library! Santa will make an appearance during our normal Storytime on Tuesday, Dec. 18 at 10:30 a.m., and then stay around for pictures and visit with kids until 12 p.m. when he will leave to go have lunch with Mrs. Claus.  New Castle Branch Library
  • Holiday Sing-A-Long: Burning Mountain Ukuleles invite you to a sing-a-long of familiar Christmas carols. Come sing with or just enjoy the music and camaraderie as we celebrate the festive holiday season! Free and open to all. Light refreshments will be served. Dec. 196:00 pm at the New Castle Branch Library.
  • Holiday Card Crafternoon:  Come share cute ideas for remaking old cards into new. Enjoy hot tea, cocoa, and cookies while you make new creations from 1 to 3 pm. Cardstock, old cards and other crafty stuff provided, but feel free to bring anything else you would like to use. Free and open to all ages. Dec. 1,  11:00 pm at the Parachute Branch Library.
  • Ornament Making at the Library:  The Rifle Branch Library will help kickoff the holiday season with ornament making, Christmas crafts, and treats for the kids during the Hometown Holiday celebration. Hayrides to and from other Hometown Holiday events will be available from the library.  Dec. 1, 11:00 pm at the Rifle Branch Library

Grand County Library District invites folks to come in and build and decorate their own gingerbread house.  This event will take place at the Kremmling Library on Dec. 17 from 4:15-5:15.  Supplies will be provided.

High Plains Library District invites you to join them for an evening on the Polar Express! Dec. 7, 2018 6- 7 pm. Come in your pajamas for a Polar Express Family Storytime. Snacks will be served as you “ride” the Riverside train and listen to the timeless classic book. Make “Snowman Soup” and other winter crafts. Santa will be visiting so bring your cameras! Registration is required; Polar Express will be limited to 100 people.

Jefferson County Public Library:  

  • ‘Tis the season! Celebrate the holiday season with a holiday open house at many of JCPL branches.  Visit the Jefferson County Public Library events site to learn about locations and times.
  • Teen Maker and DIY: Silhouette Vinyl, Paper Cutter Ornament making. Dec. 2, 2018 1 – 2 pm at Columbine Library.  Pick a computer design and see how our special paper cutter cuts out your shape. A little folding and gluing and you’re ready to decorate for the holiday season.
  • Handcrafted Holidays: Beer Can Ornaments making.  Dec. 3, 2018 at 6:30 – 8:00 pm.  Craft beer and crafting come together in one-of-a-kind decorations for your home or for gifting. Create upcycled beer can ornaments with crafter extraordinaire Shawn Bowman at Olde Town’s New Image Brewing. Materials provided.

Longmont Public Library:

  • Take a break from the holiday busy-ness to enjoy some beautiful harp music, courtesy of Glenda Grimmer, a harpist with the Colorado Celtic Harp Society. Glenda will be playing Saturday, Dec. 1, 1 to 3 pm. No registration required. A library tradition, this concert is always popular with patrons and sets the tone for a peaceful and warm holiday season.
  • Holiday Cookies and Storytime:  Join Library staff for a festive Winter Cookie Party complete with cookie decorating and cookie-themed storytelling! Various cookies will be provided to decorate with frosting, sprinkles, and special treats.  Librarians will perform and read stories, including a bilingual one, related to the beauty of the COOKIE! And, watch for a live performance of The Christmas Cookie Sprinkle Snitcher!  Dec. 10, 7 to 7:45 pm.
  • Winter Solstice Storytime: Celebrate the Winter Solstice with a special Bedtime Storytime, full of winter-themed stories, hot cocoa, cookies, and a make-and-take craft.  Children will go home with their own luminaries to light up the longest night of the year!  Dec. 20, 7 to 8 pm.

Pikes Peak Library District wants to help you Take Gluten Free to the Next Level for the Holidays.  Whether necessity or choice led you to eat gluten free, this eating style is helping many experience the health benefits: less bloating, less brain fog and better sleep because of it. What if you could take gluten free eating to the next level? Eating grain free may bring you the health benefits you’re seeking. Presented by Natural Grocers.  Registration is required for this free class.  The class will be held on Dec. 11 from 3 -4 pm at Library 21c.

Pueblo City-County Library System invites patrons to Make a Gingerbread House at the Library.  Dec. 7-22, 2018.  There are many days that this fun event is taking place – see the website for more details.

Vail Public Library offers  Santa & the Babies as an opportunity for children under three years who will benefit from a daytime, calm and casual Santa experience. There will be toys and snacks offered to make waiting for your turn a playful experience with friends and family. Dec 14, 2018 at  11 am.

Community Support

Comfort Soup: Creating Safe Places Together.  Dec. 2, 12:30 pm Boulder Public Library – Main location.  Everyone has ideas on what creates a feeling of welcome and safety.  BPL wants to bring people together to talk about how to create safe spaces in the city.

Clear Creek County Library District offers notary public services! Visit the Idaho Springs Public Library on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays, or the John Tomay Memory Library on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

The Clear Creek County Library District now offers after-school tutoring every Wednesday at the Idaho Springs Public Library. Students can get assistance with their homework or school projects, or practice their reading skills. Tutors are available from 3:30 to 5 pm.

Lincoln County Libraries provides access to free Colorado driving practice tests.  Before you drive to the Rocky Mountains or hit the slopes in Colorado, you’ll want to get a handle on the rules of the road. That way, you’ll be set when driving the steep and sometimes precarious mountain roads that populate the state. Colorado takes driver’s testing very seriously and getting a few wrong on the DMV written permit or driver’s license test means you’ll have to retake it later and pay fees again. Avoid the extra charges and pass on the first try with our hundreds of practice questions arranged into useful tests.

Learning for Everyone

Computer Science Education (CSED) Week – Dec. 1-8, 2018.  Now in its fifth year, Boulder CSED Week was founded by local companies and educators that want to share the joy of learning and making with code. CSED week boasts a wide range of programs for all ages, including workshops for adults who want to learn to code, and education for youth ages preschool and up. Programs are free and open to the public.

Experience the World of Virtual Reality – Grand County Library District Dec. 31st 2018.  VR events will be held at the Hot Sulphur Springs Library 10 am – 1:30 pm and the Kremmling Library 5:30 pm

Lamar Public Library is hosting a Winter Reading Challenge.  The challenge runs from Dec. 15 – Jan. 19.  Escape the cold this winter and snuggle up with a book!  Starting on Dec. 15th, patrons can stop by the library and pick up a reading log.  All ages welcome.

Grant Writing Workshops:  The Denver Regional Council of Governments and Grant Writing USA will present a two-day grants workshop in Denver, Dec. 6-7, 2018. This training is applicable to grant seekers across all disciplines.  Attend this class and you’ll learn how to find grants and write winning grant proposals.  For more information, see their website.

Grant & Scholarship Opportunities

Big Opportunities for Small Libraries: IMLS Launches New Special Initiative Seeking Applications for School Library, Community Memory, and Digital Inclusion Grants.  The Institute of Museum and Library Services has launched a new special initiative, Accelerating Promising Practices for Small Libraries (APP), and is accepting grant applications now through February 25, 2019. This new funding opportunity is designed specifically to strengthen the ability of small and rural libraries, archives, and related organizations to serve their communities, and awards sizes range from $10,000 to $50,000.  Learn more at IMLS.

Libraries Making News

Pick ‘n’ Mix

Arapahoe Library District:  Used Book Sale – Give the gift of books this season! Shop our exclusive selection of holiday, children’s and collectible books to find the perfect gift for everyone on your nice list.  Dec. 1-2 at the Koebel Library.

Anythink Libraries:  In continuing to provide its customers with the latest in technology and innovative services, Anythink has partnered with OCLC to become an early adopter of OCLC Wise, the first community engagement system for U.S. public libraries. Wise is a customizable system that transforms traditional library management with a holistic people-centric approach.  OCLC Wise has built-in tools to help the library develop and manage its collection in response to use patterns. The product relies on its internal, real-time data with automated processes based on policies and thresholds set by the library. These processes result in a customer-driven collection development strategy.  Learn more at the Anythink website.

Longmont Public Library:  Join Longmont Public Library for a You Belong 2018 Anthology release party on Saturday Dec. 1st from 10 am to noon.  They will be celebrating the incredible writers, poets, photographers, and artists who contributed to this year’s You Belong Anthology. Our annual publication showcases the work and creativity of Longmont neighbors of all ages. This year’s book release party will feature readings, book sales, and book signings. Refreshments will be served.

The Boulder Carnegie Library for Local History has a new website!  A whole new visual experience of Boulder’s past. The new website features a wide variety of high quality photos and maps that you can zoom in on to see stunning detail.  Also available is a collection of oral history interviews and streaming audio. Check it out!

Berthoud Community Library District:  On Nov. 24 – Dec. 7, the Friends of the Library will be having their yearly Silent Auction! Featured items will be gift baskets and gift cards from local businesses! All proceeds directly benefit the library. For more information, please check out their Facebook Page, or call at 970 532 2757.

Buena Vista Public Library hosts an artist reception on Friday, Dec. 7th from  4- 6 pm.  ‘Meet and Greet’ four local artists: Lance Sawyer, Alice Sawyer, Cheryl Rauschke, and Paul Rauschke

Colorado Association of Libraries:  Program proposal submission for CALCON 2019 is now open!! It is  recommend that you draft your submission in this handy dandy worksheet first: http://bit.ly/calwksht2019 ; and then can create your full submission here: http://bit.ly/2019calsubmit.  Remember, hands-on sessions, sessions that cross multiple library districts/branches, and sessions that help others replicate your successes are the most successful!  Proposals are due by Friday Mar. 1, 2019

Jefferson County Public Library:  Spread the holiday cheer with a book, CD or DVD from the Jefferson County Public Library Foundation’s holiday sale. Dec. 1, 2018 from 9 – 4 at the Columbine Library.  All proceeds fund the Jefferson County Public Library. Call 303-403-5079 with questions.

What’s in Your Medicine Cabinet? Resources for Medication Safety:  A helpful resource posted by Dana Abbey that is worth sharing.  Ten percent of all hospital admissions are the result of patients not taking medications correctly. Twenty-eight percent of all hospital admissions for those over 65 are caused by medical non-compliance.  Many adults over 60 years of age take two or more prescriptions, with around 20{66eaadba41c14e7e553ffe7a4ee73fbae213b19704eda0514b3dd79e37e4c0c5} taking five or more in a single month. The health consequences of misunderstanding how to take a medication can be significant – even deadly. There are many free authoritative and reliable medication safety resources. The majority of resources provided are from institutes that comprise the National Institutes of Health, such as the National Library of Medicine (NLM) and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). Others are highly-respected non-profit or governmental organizations.  Read more here.

What’s New at the Colorado State Library

Hot Off the Presses

One Book is back for its 8th year!   The One Book Colorado program will be launching its 2019 book selection tomorrow.  The name of the program has changed, but the mission is the same  – to give away 75,000 copies of the same book, one to every four-year-old in the state. Pick up a free book for your four-year-old April 8 – 22, 2019, at a public library or Denver Preschool Program classroom!  Visit the web site to see the new partners, the new look – and learn which three books were short listed for the program.  Video recordings of reading in both English and Spanish are also available on the site. Voting starts December first and will remain open until the end of the month.

A new CSL Big Red Resource Kit is ready for prime time.  We are launching our latest Let’s Talk About It: CSL Big Red Resource Kit focused on LGBTQ awareness and programming in the library.  This kit is the second in our series of informational kits intended to help library staff better reach under served populations in their communities.  These kits are available for 6 week loan and contain program ideas, activities, community conversation guidance, resource suggestions, and plenty of ideas for library staff to use when engaging with the diverse communities around them. The first kit – Homelessness – was released this summer.  Both kits, along with other kits relating to STEAM learning and Early Literacy are also available for loan.  Check out our Resource Kit site for one stop shopping.

The Colorado Historic Newspaper Collection (CHNC) has added 6 new titles to the growing database.  These titles represent newspapers published in Adams, Alamosa, Clear Creek, Costilla, Jefferson, Montrose,  and Saguache counties.  Thanks to all of our partners in the Colorado cultural heritage community for making this digitization possible.  New content is being added all the time – so check it out.  For questions, contact Leigh Jeremias at ljeremias@coloradovirtuallibrary.org.

Learning Opportunities

2019 E-rate Training

CSL in Session: The Hidden Biases of Good People

  • Dec. 14, 2018, 12:00 to 1:00
  • Free! No registration required
  • Join online

The Learning Edge

The Learning Edge is a series written by CSL’s Digital Literacy Instructional Specialist, Christine Schein. It summarizes new professional learning events and opportunities, digital learning resources, and news from the education field. Read the November 2018 edition.

Colorado Virtual Library

Colorado’s Cultural Newspaper History: CHNC Welcomes New Foreign Language Titles to Our Online Catalog! Read about some of the new titles added to CHNC in the last quarter.

Book Club Updates: You Spoke and We Listened!  Maddie shares how a recent survey to users is informing the new direction of the Colorado Book Club Resource.

Bag of Tricks – Money, Money, Money.  Kieran shares info about several financial literacy websites that can help you personally as well as be ‘go-to’ resources for patrons.

Colorado State Publications Blog

The Colorado State Publications Blog is now at coloradovirtuallibrary.org! Check out these recent posts:

Thanksgiving Drawing of Family from 1965
This image courtesy of a November, 1965 issue of the Louisville Times and the Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection.

 

We hope that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends.

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 Regan Harper, harper_r@cde.state.co.us.  Also, be sure to follow Colorado State Library on Twitter and Facebook.

Categories
Resource Sharing

Friday Grab Bag, November 16, 2018

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.

“Ellen Terry as Lady Macbeth” [Image courtesy: Colorado Daily Chieftain, Feb. 10, 1889. Accessed via Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection.]
The Philosophy Club at Basalt Regional Library meets monthly to discuss life’s big issues. Join them at their next meeting on November 20 at 5:30 to discuss Utopia and the concept of a perfect world.

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.

Categories
Resource Sharing

Friday Grab Bag, November 9, 2018

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!

Art & Music

El Movimiento is on display at Pueblo Community College

Pueblo Community College is hosting El Movimiento, an exhibit from History Colorado that chronicles the Chicano movement in Southern Colorado, and more specifically the Pueblo region. The exhibit has already been popular with local middle schools and college groups. It is free and open to the public during the PCC Library’s hours of operation; group tours must be scheduled in advance.

Poudre River Public Library District is sponsoring An Evening with John Fielder & special guest Dave Beegle, November 15 from 7:00 to 8:30 pm at the CSU Lory Student Center Theater. This free event will include a multimedia presentation with John Fielder and his newest book, Colorado Black on White.

Enjoy an evening of musical theater at Basalt Regional Library’s Broadway to You, November 15 at 5:30 pm. Brittany von Stein and Michael Schoepe will perform popular and lesser-known Broadway tunes interspersed with stories.

Broomfield Library is offering Art as Stress Relief, a class taught by registered Art Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor Ann Noble on November 10 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. The workshop will explore art techniques that help lower stress levels. Register online.

Garfield County Libraries will host a reception for Rifle artist Carolyn McCann on November 17, 4:00 pm, at the Rifle Branch Library. Her Art in the Stacks exhibit will be on display in the library through the end of December.

Kids & Families

High Plains Library District’s Lincoln Park Singers are back for the winter season. Join this kid-friendly community vocal group for seven weeks of singing, dancing, and caroling. Their next meeting is November 13, 4:30 pm, at Lincoln Park Library.

Kids in grades K-5 are invited to Aurora Public Library’s Now We’re Cooking series, Thursdays at 4:00 pm the Aurora Central Library. Each week a cooking instructor will help kids prepare a new recipe that they can enjoy. Registration is required.

STEM & Makers

UNC Library’s Maker-in-Residence program “pairs skilled makers with undergraduate students interested in learning how to dream, design, & build.” Learn more about their current BeAM project that combines bee research with nest construction.

Get messy and creative at Pines & Plains Libraries’ Teen Craft Works series, held at the Elizabeth Library. Teens will create new craft each month using new and recycled materials. The next meeting is November 15 at 4:00 pm.

Jefferson County Public Library is seeking middle school students for their Epic STEM Challenge. Students can enter individually or in a group to propose a STEM-based solution to a real-world social issue. Participants will work with a mentor throughout December and January, then present their project at the competition on February 2 at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. Register by November 17.

Libraries Making News

Denver Post: Colorado millennials are booking it to their public libraries, mirroring a national trend

Sky-Hi News: Hooray for Library Volunteers | Grand County Library District

The Daily Sentinel: A Celebration of Diversity | Mesa County Libraries

Dodie Ownes from Denver Public Library reports that she is serving on the Readers’ Advisory Impact Committee of the Panorama Project, which aims to provide “data-driven insights on libraries and their impact on book discovery, author brand development, and sales”.

Pick ‘n’ Mix

Pine River Library will be Honoring Those Who Served at a special screening of video interviews from the Veterans’ Stories Projects. Join them on November 12 at 6:00 pm for a free soup dinner followed by the video interviews and a showing of the classic 1945 film, Pride of the Marines.

Do you have a personal story about Denver? Share yours at Denver Public Library’s I Am Denver Storytelling Lab, November 10 from 9:00 to 12:00 at the Central Library. This half-day event includes storytelling activities and an opportunity to write or record your story. To register, email: community@denverlibrary.org or call 720-865-2052.

Vail Public Library continues their month-long celebration of Jane Austen’s Mansfield Park with a special Books ‘n’ Bites discussion group meeting, November 14 at 5:00 pm. The group will be joined by English professor Dustin Doss, M.A.

Need a professional headshot? Stop by The Studio at Anythink Wright Farms on November 17 between 11:00 and 2:00 for a corporate headshot taken by a pro.

What’s New at the Colorado State Library

Learning Opportunities

RIPL Quarterly Webinar: “The Data We Don’t Collect: How it Drives Funding Decisions by People Who Don’t Use the Library”

  • Nov. 13, 2018, 10:00 to 11:00
  • Free! Limited to first 100 participants
  • Join online

CSL in Session: “The Hidden Biases of Good People”

  • 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

Otto Mears: Pathfinder of the San Juans
Read the mini biography of this Coloradan famous for building toll roads and railroads.

Bag of Tricks—The Ultimate Guide to Microsoft Windows 10 Troubleshooting
Kieran suggests another resource for your technology toolkit.

Colorado State Publications Blog

The Colorado State Publications Blog is now at coloradovirtuallibrary.org! Check out these recent posts:

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

Categories
Resource Sharing

Friday Grab Bag, November 2, 2018

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!

Artists & Authors

Meet and greet some of your favorite local authors at Loveland Public Library’s Local Author Showcase, November 10 from 1:30 to 4:30.

CU Boulder University Libraries invites you to Mapping Home / Collecting Truths: Works by Indigenous and International Artists, showing now through end of December at the Jerry Crail Johnson Earth Science & Map Library. Join them for a reception and panel discussion on November 15 at 4:00 pm.

Get to know three local artists—photographer Leigh Holloway, wood sculptor Will Jansma, and photographer Jim Greene—at Buena Vista Public Library’s Artist Reception, November 9 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm.

Grand County Library District is hosting an exhibit, The Art of Margaret Watts and Nancy Goes, October 1 through November 30 at Granby Library. All works are mixed water and papers on canvas.

“Synchronicity” from The Art of Margaret Watts and Nancy Goes, an exhibit at Granby Library

Celebrate the cultural diversity of the Grand Valley at Mesa County Library’s Culture Fest, November 2 & 3. The event features a juried art show, classical guitar music, dance performances, and even the library’s own Well Read wine!

Food with Friends

Enjoy this special time of year with your friends at the library. Summit County Library invites teens to a special Friendsgiving Dinner, November 14 at 5:30 pm at the South Branch Library.

Vail Public Library is celebrating the life and works of Jane Austen throughout November. Join them on November 13 at 4:30 for High Tea Embroidery, an afternoon of stitching, tea drinking, and discussing Austen’s Mansfield Park.

Fun & Games

Pitkin County Library will join thousands of libraries in celebrating International Games Week, November 5–10. Participants can choose from Dungeons & Dragons, Catan, Wii Just Dance, an escape room, and a variety of board games. See the events calendar for times.

Westminster Public Library’s Teen Dungeons & Dragons Club will meet on November 10 at 1:00 pm at the College Hill branch. Come learn this exciting game of swords, sorcery, and adventure.

Enjoy gaming year-round at Bud Werner Memorial Library’s Chess for Kids at the Library. The group meets every Saturday at 9:15 am. Children of all skill levels, ages 8 and up, are welcome to attend.

Join Denver Public Library in celebrating International Games Week with an afternoon of video games, board games, group games, prizes and more. Kids and teens are invited to the event at the Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales Branch Library, November 4 at 2:00 pm.

Pick ‘n’ Mix

Lyons Regional Library is hosting Youth Mental Health First Aid, November 10 from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. This program “teaches participants the risk factors and warning signs of a variety of mental health challenges that are common among adolescents and young adults.” Register online.

Don’t have time for a book club? Join the Stanley Reading Club from Aurora Public Library. Participants read a short story at the beginning of each meeting (provided by the library), then discuss! Join the meeting at November 9, 11:00 am, at the Stanley Marketplace.

Learn how to manage pain and improve the quality of life for your pet with osteoarthritis. Delta County Libraries will host a presentation by animal physical therapist Barbara Guse on November 8 at 6:00 pm at Paonia Library.

Rampart Library District is hosting Letters Home: A History of War Through Letters, an exhibit of wartime correspondence, journals, scrapbooks, photos, and memorabilia from the Mexican American War through Desert Storm. The exhibit will be on display at Woodland Park Public Library November 1 through December 30.

What’s New at the Colorado State Library

Learning Opportunities

CSL in Session: “Library Marketing 1.0: How to successfully market your library without getting another degree”

  • Nov. 8, 2018, 12:00 to 1:00
  • Free! No registration required
  • Join online

RIPL Quarterly Webinar: “The Data We Don’t Collect: How it Drives Funding Decisions by People Who Don’t Use the Library”

  • Nov. 13, 2018, 10:00 to 11:00
  • Free! Limited to first 100 participants
  • Join online

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

Colorado State Publications Library Blog

Colorado Virtual Library

DU’s Weekly Peanut and The Hesperus Student Newspapers Join the CHNC! Learn about the newest additions to the Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection.

Bag of Tricks: Toward Gigabit Libraries. Kieran suggests another valuable tool for your digital Bag of Tricks.

The Learning Edge. Christine Schein rounds up the latest news in digital literacy and educational technology.

Plains to Peaks Collective

Looking for amazing, local primary sources? The Plains to Peaks Collective has nearly 48,000 objects in the Digital Public Library of America, with more coming in January. Search the collection.

Homecoming queen candidates pose at the Clubhouse 1954

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Resource Sharing

Friday Grab Bag, October 26, 2018

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!

Celebrating Culture

Basalt Regional Library is celebrating Day of the Dead with a full week of events from October 29 to November 2. Families are invited to two movie screenings, a sugar skull decorating competition, and two themed craft events. See their events calendar for details.

La Calavera Catrina [Image courtesy: La Cucaracha, Oct. 31, 1978. Accessed via Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection.]
Join Boulder Public Library for a special Día de los Muertos storytime on Friday, October 27 at 10:15 at the NoBo Corner Library. This all-ages English/Spanish storytime will feature stories, rhymes, and songs.

Poudre River Public Library District is hosting a Día de los Muertos celebration on Friday, November 2 at the Northside Aztlan Community Center. The event features a bilingual storytime, music, dance, sugar skull decorating, and traditional Mexican food.

Montrose Regional Library District’s Día de los Muertos/Day of the Dead event includes lotería tickets, crafts, and stories from Pam Faro of Rocky Mountain Storytelling. The fun begins on November 2 at 3:00 pm.

Culture Fest returns to Mesa County Libraries on November 2 and 3. Join them at the Central Library for an Art Reception and Celebration featuring dance groups, food, and kids’ activities.

Longmont Public Library invites the whole family to Diversity Storytime: Native American Heritage Month on November 19 at 6:00 pm. This all-ages event focuses on stories from the Arapaho and Cheyenne tribes.

National Novel Writing Month

Bud Werner Memorial Library will kick off National Novel Writing Month 2018 (NaNoWriMo) with an introductory event on October 29 at 5:30 pm. Get motivated to write an entire novel during the month of November with support from the library, Off the Beaten Path Bookstore, and other local writers.

Aspiring novelists in Aurora are invited to the NaNoWriMo Pre-Party on October 28 at the Aurora Central Library. This event lays the groundwork for a month of writing and related activities at the library and around town.

Pick ‘n’ Mix

Are you curious about the benefits of meditation? Anythink Bennett will host Meditation to Manifestation, an informational presentation on the science behind the subconscious, on November 3 at 10:30 am.

Grand County Library District wants to help you stay safe in the high country this winter with the Know Before You Go avalanche education program that contains life-saving information taught by an instructor from the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. Join them at the Fraser Valley Library on November 7 at 5:30 pm.

West Custer County Library welcomes retired librarian and meteorologist Ted Ballard for Ted Talks Weather, a presentation on the unique winter weather conditions in the Wet Mountain Valley. Join him on Friday, October 26 at 10:00 am.

Role-playing enthusiasts in grades 6-12 are invited to Longmont Public Library’s Dungeons & Dragons Drop-In Adventure each Tuesday beginning November 20 at 6:30 pm. The group is run by the participants; the library will provide snacks and the meeting space. Registration required.

Libraries Making News

The Daily Sentinel: Library now patent, trademark center | Mesa County Libraries

What’s New at the Colorado State Library

Learning Opportunities

CSL in Session: “Library Marketing 1.0: How to successfully market your library without getting another degree”

  • Nov. 8, 2018, 12:00 to 1:00
  • Free! No registration required
  • Join online

RIPL Quarterly Webinar: “The Data We Don’t Collect: How it Drives Funding Decisions by People Who Don’t Use the Library”

  • Nov. 13, 2018, 10:00 to 11:00
  • Free! Limited to first 100 participants
  • Join online

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

Serving the Underserved

Mallory Pillard, Director of the Carnegie Public Library in Trinidad, authored a guest post on Colorado Virtual Library that reflects on homelessness and facing obstacles at the library. Read Serving the Underserved.

Colorado Blue Spruce Award

Blue Spruce is Colorado’s own young adult book award, where teens and educators select the nominees and vote for their favorite. Visit the Colorado Blue Spruce Award website for a list of nominees, printable posters and bookmarks, and the link to submit your vote by December 31.

Colorado State Publications Library Blog

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

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Resource Sharing

Friday Grab Bag, October 19, 2018

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!

Community Conversations

Arthur Lakes Library at Colorado School of Mines is celebrating Open Access Week (Oct. 22-28) with a series of events, including a screening and discussion of Paywall: The Business of Scholarship, October 23 from 12:00 to 1:30 pm, and an OER (Open Educational Resources) Student Panel Discussion on October 25 from 12:00 to 1:00 pm.

High Plains Library District invites you to their Signature Author Series with David Sheff, author of a Beautiful Boy: A Father’s Journey Through His Son’s Addiction, on November 4 at the UNC Ballroom. The event begins at 12:00 pm with TED-style talks about addiction and recovery, followed by a conversation with the author at 5:10 pm. Purchase tickets.

Food Science

Learn how nutrition affects brain health during Save Your Memory, part of the Nutrition Talk series at Basalt Regional Library. Troye Boone, a Nutrition Health Coach with Natural Grocers, will present the session on November 1 from 5:30 to 6:30 pm.

Broomfield Library’s series, The Science of Food, continues on October 25 with Tea. Learn about the different types of tea, how it is grown, and which are the most popular worldwide. Other programs in the series include Bread (Oct. 29) and Chocolate (Nov. 7). Register online.

Pick ‘n’ Mix

How do you know what’s real online? Attend Loveland Public Library’s Fight Fake News in 3 More Clicks on October 27 at 1:00 pm or November 1 at 9:30 am.

Jefferson County Public Library’s Fandomonium is a celebration of pop culture for all ages. Whether you’re a Potterhead, Trekkie, or Whovian, there’s something for you to geek out about, including costume contests, a silent disco, trivia, classic arcade games, fan meet-ups, and more! November 3, 4:00 to 8:00 pm at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds.

Celebrations!

Lyons Regional Library is breaking ground on their new building! Join them on Friday, October 19 at 3:00 pm for the groundbreaking ceremony at 4th and Railroad Avenues in Lyons.

The Clear Creek County Library District staff visited the Boulder Public Library on October 8 for a professional development day and to tour the Main Library. Clear Creek County Library staff reported that the Boulder Public Library staff was kind, welcoming, and incredibly helpful throughout the day, and the services and spaces the library provides are amazing. They wish to extend a big thank you to all who helped to make the day so great.

Teen Teamwork

Pikes Peak Library District is offering volunteer hours for teens who write book reviews as part of their Review Crew. Qualifying reviews are published on the Pikes Peak Library District’s Teen Web Page. Learn more and apply.

Poudre River Public Library District’s Teen Council is putting on a murder mystery party! Join them at Harmony Library on October 19 to solve the murder of Jughead Jones at the Riverdale Annual Masquerade Ball. Teens ages 12+ must register to attend.

Libraries Making News

Pine River Times: Library board requesting mill levy increase | Pine River Library

Shelley Walchak, director of the Pine River Library, gave a ringing endorsement of libraries as a “bedrock of a democratic society” in her article in The Durango Herald, Democracy is thriving at your community library.

What’s New at the Colorado State Library

Learning Opportunities

CSL in Session: “Curating your Best Collection”

  • Oct. 23, 2018, 12:00 to 1:00
  • Free! No registration required
  • Join online

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

New on Colorado Virtual Library

Colorado State Publications Library Blog

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Resource Sharing

Friday Grab Bag, October 12, 2018

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!

Game On!

Mancos Public Library is celebrating gaming for all ages during their fifth annual International Games Event.

  • Teen Fortnite Battle Royale, Nov. 3, 7:00-10:00 pm
  • Pokémon for Youth, Nov. 7, 4:15-6:15 pm
  • Community Gaming, Nov. 9 & 10, 10:00 am-5:00 pm
  • Gaming for Youth, Nov. 14, 4:15-5:15 pm
  • Teen Game Night, Nov. 16, 7:00-10:00 pm

The next meeting of Aurora Public Library’s Pokémon Go Club is October 21 from 11:45 to 3:00 pm. Meet other trainers to trade, catch, and walk with as you hunt Pokémon on the Aurora Municipal Campus. New and veteran players are welcome.

Science and Fiction

Poudre River Public Library District welcomes award-winning novelist Todd Mitchell for Making the Strange Believable: Secrets for Writing Sci-Fi & Fantasy, on October 19 from 2:30 to 4:00 pm. Registration required. This workshop is part of the 2018 Fort Collins Book Fest: The Big Think.

Arapahoe Libraries is holding a Geek Out Contest for teens from Oct. 1-31. Teens are encouraged to submit a representation of their favorite fandom for a chance to win a cool prize. Cosplay creators can show off their designs at a special Cosplay Catwalk event on Oct. 27. The awards ceremony will be held on Nov. 10.

Celebrate Star Wars Reads Day on October 12 at Lafayette Public Library. Families can stop by between 10:00 and 5:00 for Star Wars-themed crafts and books.

As part of their Brown Bag Science series, Broomfield Library will host astronomer Bill Bendel for Cruising Beyond Saturn, October 13 from 12:00 to 1:00 pm. Learn the latest news about distant planets beyond our solar system and whether any could support life. Ages 15+ ; registration required.

Community Art

Join Pine River Library for their Community Art Show Artist Reception on Friday, October 12 from 5:30 to 6:30 pm. The reception will kick off their Second Annual Community Art Show, which runs from October through December and features works from over 25 artists from the Bayfield area.

Anythink Wright Farms wants your help creating a community photography exhibit about the Kitchen Table, a celebration of family gatherings and community. Submit your digital pictures online, or stop by the library on October 15 between 10:00 am and 12:00 pm for help digitizing older photos.

Libraries Making News

Post Independent: Garfield Library District on local ballot to keep existing revenue

Fox 21 News: Find Out Why the President of the American Library Association Thinks Libraries are So Important

Congratulations to Sharon Nemechek on her new role as Director of Library & Museum Services for the City of Louisville. Her most recent position was Director of Archives & Collections for Douglas County Libraries. Read the announcement.

The Carnegie Public Library in Trinidad was recently awarded a CHRAB grant to improve their archive. They plan to protect, preserve, and catalog archival materials in order to improve accessibility for researchers. Read more about the CHRAB ReGrant program.

Boulder Public Library’s George Reynolds Branch is turning 50! Join the library on October 13 for a day of special events, including a historical photo game, sing-along, time capsule ceremony, music, and refreshments.

Pick ‘n’ Mix

“Wow! These are some pumpkins!” [Photo courtesy: Steamboat Pilot, October 28, 1971. Accessed via Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection.]
Pumpkin carving expert Scott “Stormin” Norman will share his tips and tricks for selecting, designing, and carving the perfect Halloween pumpkin. Join his demonstration at Vail Public Library on October 17 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm.

Reading expert Kim Schulz will present Reading on Their Own – Tips and Tricks for Parents, an informative session on strategies for guiding beginning readers. Join her at Bud Werner Memorial Library on October 21 at 1:30 pm.

UNC Libraries will host a public reception for their Reflections on Rwanda gallery exhibit, October 12 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. The exhibit will be on display in the Mari Michener Gallery through November 2, 2018.

Montrose Regional Library now accepts passport applications on behalf of the U.S. State Department. The service is available by appointment on evenings and weekends. Email or call the library at 970-964-2572 to schedule an appointment.

What’s New at the Colorado State Library

Digital Literacy

Learn the latest educational technology news and opportunities in the October edition of The Learning Edge.

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month! Digital Literacy Instructional Specialist Christine Schein shares resources to help educators and students stay safe online.

Learning Opportunities

CSL in Session: “Radical Cataloging: Using alternative subject headings locally to promote inclusiveness and diversity”

  • Oct. 16, 2018, 12:00 to 1:00
  • Free! No registration required
  • Join online

CSL in Session: “Curating your Best Collection”

  • Oct. 23, 2018, 12:00 to 1:00
  • Free! No registration required
  • Join online

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

Colorado Online High School

Kayah Swanson, Public Relations Specialist at Pikes Peak Library District, published a guest post on Colorado Virtual Library that highlighted two new graduates of the Colorado Online High School program. Read about their journeys and how COHS helped them achieve their goals. Locals Receive Diploma Thanks to Free Library Program.

Out and About

CSL staff members Melissa Carlson and Teresa Allen recently visited the Lookout Mountain Youth Services Center for Youth Library Staff Training Day; they presented sessions on the Colorado Blue Spruce Young Adult Book Award, seasonal reading programs, and managing magazines.

Colorado State Publications Library Blog

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

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CSL News

Locals Receive Diploma Thanks to Free Library Program

Ana Bojorquez and other Career Online High School students were honored at a graduation ceremony at Pikes Peak Library District on Wednesday, October 10, 2018.

This is a guest post by Kayah Swanson, Public Relations Specialist at Pikes Peak Library District.

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – Ana Bojorquez was beginning to think she’d never earn a high school diploma, no matter what she did. She bought preparation books, enrolled in classes and more, but nothing panned out.

“I’ve been trying to get my diploma for years, ever since I was forced to leave high school,” Bojorquez said. “I was trying everything to do it on my own.”

But then Bojorquez noticed an advertisement for a free program through Pikes Peak Library District in El Paso County that helps participants earn accredited high school diplomas online.

“The fact that it was free, that it was online, those were a big deal for me,” she said. “The GED class schedules just didn’t work for me.”

Bojorquez was brought to the United States from El Salvador as a very small child, and then adopted. Her adoptive mother, for reasons unknown, changed Bojorquez’s age on a lot of her documents and in the school system.

“They weren’t a very good family, so I ended up back in the foster system,” Bojorquez said.

After being placed in foster care and re-enrolled into the school system, the school district made a startling discovery.

“The school saw my birth certificate, and they said, ‘Why are you in the 9th grade when you are 17 years old?’”

The district took her out of high school, even though she begged to stay. Bojorquez was enrolled in a GED class at a community college instead.

At the same time, her social workers knew that her eighteenth birthday was approaching; Bojorquez would no longer be eligible for support from the foster care system and needed a job to survive.

“They did provide me with transitional housing at the time, but I had no food, so I had to work. I just did not have time to finish high school.”

After experiencing success as a realtor’s assistant, the thought of a high school diploma faded from her mind, until she met her future husband who was determined to support her in achieving her diploma dreams. He finally convinced her to focus on studying for a diploma full-time.

“For a long time, I said no when he told me to leave my job,” Bojorquez said. “I was so used to taking care of myself. Finally I gave into it, and I quit my job. Within a week of me finally deciding to leave my job, he got fired.”

The couple relocated from California to Colorado Springs in search of work, had children, and once again her hopes for a diploma were dashed.

That’s when she saw the advertisement on PPLD’s website for Career Online High School. For Bojorquez, who does custodial work for her church and volunteers at the school her two boys attend, an online program without a huge financial burden was an enticing option.

Ana Bojorquez with her new high school diploma.

She applied in March of 2017, and began to work tirelessly toward the goal she’d had for more than a decade. Less than two years later, Bojorquez is celebrating a huge educational milestone: she has completed the Career Online High School program, and was the proud recipient of an accredited high school diploma at a graduation celebration on Oct. 10 at East Library in Colorado Springs.

“I feel like I can accomplish anything,” Bojorquez said. “I feel really empowered.”

Ana Bojorquez is not the only one feeling empowered as a new recipient of a high school diploma. Five El Paso County residents celebrated newly received diplomas at the library’s graduation event.

“Stories like Ana’s are the reason why we want to provide this kind of program to our community,” said Lacey Miller, Adult Education Supervisor at PPLD. “We are here to provide people with the resources they need to achieve their goals, whatever those goals may be. Career Online High School meets people where they are, acknowledges and capitalizes on their life experience, and helps them to achieve a major educational milestone.”

The program costs about $2,000 per participant, but it is entirely free to the student. The Pikes Peak Library District Foundation provides scholarships to all those who qualify for participation.

Community members must first apply, complete a self-assessment online, and then come for an interview and placement test. After that, participants are in a 30-day probationary period while beginning their coursework to ensure that they are committed to completing the program.

Then, the PPLD Foundation commits to paying for that participant until they reach the finish line, along with help from a federal grant. Students have a maximum of eighteen months to finish the coursework.

“We work with students throughout their coursework, and every participant has a Career Online High School academic coach assigned to them to help motivate them through the program,” Miller said.

Beau Buren earned his Career Online High School diploma in less than 8 months.

One of the other graduates of the program is hoping his new diploma will help him excel at a higher level in his career. Beau Buren, a Colorado Springs native, finished the program in less than eight months. He set aside time after almost every full day of work, and did nearly six hours of coursework per day on the weekends.

“I feel good about finishing,” Buren said. “I’m really proud of how hard I worked at this.”

Both Bojorquez and Buren have their sights set on potential college careers now that they’ve received their diplomas. Bojorquez is hoping to achieve a college degree in psychology, to carry forward her desire to help others. Buren is hoping to bask in the glow of his achievement until the end of the year, then reassess his goals and consider going back to school for a business management degree.

“The library was definitely there to help me,” Buren said. “Lacey was really great. I really appreciated the tuition help, too, because otherwise I may not have been able to do the program at all.”

Before starting a college degree, Bojorquez plans to apply at her children’s school for a part-time position.

Ana Bojorquez received her Career Online High School diploma in a ceremony held at Pikes Peak Library District on Wednesday, October 10, 2018.

“I think this has shown them the value of perseverance,” Bojorquez said. “I had a study schedule, they would do learning time while I did learning time, but there were days where it was hard. They told me they couldn’t believe how quickly I did this.”

Now that the finish line has been reached, she’s certainly enjoying having more time to explore beautiful Colorado with her family. Most of all, she’s thankful to have finally achieved something she’s been working toward for years.

“I am very grateful to Pikes Peak Library District,” Bojorquez said. “I wouldn’t have graduated high school, something I’ve wanted to do for years now, without the library’s help.”

Categories
Resource Sharing

Friday Grab Bag, October 5, 2018

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!

Big Events & Celebrations

Fort Collins Book Festival

The Fort Collins Book Festival, The Big Think, is a free, two-day event held on October 19 &  20. This year’s festival features bestselling author Andy Weir (The Martian) alongside over 40 other authors, scientists, and visionaries. The event also includes writing workshops, book talks, readings, & panel discussions—learn more at focobookfest.org. The FoCo Book Fest is produced by Poudre River Public Library District in partnership with CSU Morgan Library.

The Colorado Springs Mini Maker Faire returns to Pikes Peak Library District Library 21C on October 20. This event brings together makers of all stripes to showcase their hobbies, experiments, and projects. The event is free but registration is preferred.

Montrose Library recently celebrated 20 years in their building with a cake party in the lobby!

Montrose Library 20th anniversary
Montrose Library celebrated 20 years in its current location.

Spooky Stories

Author and television personality Richard Estep will share stories taken from his experience as a paranormal investigator during Investigating Haunted Places, October 11 at Longmont Public Library. This program is for teens and adults, age 16 and up. Registration required.

Head over to Lake County Public Library for bone-chilling tales of Mines, Murders, and Mayhem. Janice Fox and Holly Henning will share spooky stories from Leadville’s history on October 29 at 6:30 pm. Pick up your free ticket at the library. This program is not suitable for children.

Spend a spooktacular evening at Nederland Community Library on October 29, when the Play-Ground Theatre players will perform their original Halloween Show, “Paranormal Pizza.” This one-hour interactive variety show is suitable for preschool and school-age children.

Music & Culture

Basalt Regional Library welcomes Matthew Gurney (aka the Kilted Man) for Celtic Hour, a performance of Irish and Scottish music played on concertina, psaltery, mountain dulcimer, bodhran, and pennie whistles. All are welcome at the concert on October 11 at 5:30 pm.

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a concert by the Colorado Youth Mariachi Group. They will perform at Anythink Commerce City on October 13 from 3:00 to 4:00 pm.

The Spirituals Project is coming to Denver Public Library’s Central Library Conference Center on October 13 from 3:00 to 4:00 pm. This award-winning choir, directed by M. Roger Holland II, performs sacred folk songs originally created and sung by African Americans in slavery.

Durango singer-songwriter Thom Chacon will perform a concert of original compositions at Pine River Library on October 12 at 7:00 pm. His style is rooted in the Americana and folk traditions of Kris Kristofferson, Steve Earle and Townes Van Zandt.

Libraries Making News

Susan Rice Montrose Library 2018

Susan Rice, Montrose Library’s Naturita Branch Coordinator, is being honored this week as the Telluride Foundation’s Outstanding Citizen of the Year for 2018. The award is given to a citizen for extraordinary contributions to the region’s quality of life.  Susan was selected not only for making a difference in the library, but also for her volunteerism with the Just For Kids Foundation, the Mountains to the Desert fundraising event, and tireless efforts in supporting youth programs.

Estes Park Trail Gazette: Local program honored as Colorado Library Project of the Year | Estes Valley Library

Colorado State University: Morgan Library opens Reflection Room

What’s New at the Colorado State Library

Learning Opportunities

CLEL (Colorado Libraries for Early Literacy) Conference

CSL in Session: “Radical Cataloging: Using alternative subject headings locally to promote inclusiveness and diversity”

  • Oct. 16, 2018, 12:00 to 1:00
  • Free! No registration required
  • Join online

CSL in Session: “Curating your Best Collection”

  • Oct. 23, 2018, 12:00 to 1:00
  • Free! No registration required
  • Join online

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

CHNC Proudly Welcome the Denver Voice!

The Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection recently added nearly 100 issues (1996-2006) of the Denver Voice, Denver’s own newspaper dedicated to issues surrounding homelessness written by those experiencing it. Learn more about this unique resource.

Improving Library Website Usability

Guest blogger Tiffany Clendenin, Operations Manager at Broomfield Library, shared how she applied a UX (User Experience) strategy to improve the relevance, value, and accessibility of the library’s website. Read her post.

Colorado State Publications Library Blog

Categories
Resource Sharing

Friday Grab Bag, September 21, 2018

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!

Celebrating Community

Pikes Peak Library District is hosting a variety of events celebrating culture, diversity, multiculturalism, immigration, and resiliency, in connection with the All Pikes Peak Reads 2018. One highlight will be a visit from ALA President Loida Garcia-Febo on October 5, 4:30-8:00 pm, at Sand Creek Library.

Lamar Public Library invites you to their Library Carnival, September 28 at 10:00 am. Enjoy a day of games, prizes, face painting, and more!

The 2018 Fort Collins Book Festival returns on October 19 & 20 with the theme The Big Think. This free, two-day event will feature more than 35 authors and 40+ sessions including writing workshops, presentations, readings, panel discussions, and much more. Former Colorado Governor Bill Ritter Jr. will deliver the opening keynote. The festival is produced through a partnership between Poudre River Public Library District, CSU’s Morgan Library, and numerous community supporters.

Bud Werner Library presents One Book Steamboat, an annual community read event enhanced with accompanying programs. This year’s title is Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath. Visit the One Book Steamboat site for a listing of events throughout October, including documentary screenings and book discussions.

Cast members from The Grapes of Wrath. [Photo courtesy: Craig Empire Courier, April 10, 1940. Accessed via Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection.]
One Book One Broomfield and the Broomfield Depot Museum invite residents to record their oral histories for the “You Are Broomfield” project. Each recording will be preserved in the Depot Museum archives and every participant will receive a free copy. Interviews can be scheduled every Wednesday in September and October from 3:00 to 7:00 pm. Register online.

Creating at the Library

Mesa County Libraries is seeking applicants for their Artist in Residence program, a 14-week residency that includes studio space, a stipend, and opportunities for community engagement. Visual artists, musicians, and writers are welcome to apply by October 8.

Kids ages 8-12 are invited to Drop In Scratch Computer Coding at Basalt Regional Library, Thursdays from 4:00 to 6:00 pm beginning October 11. Scratch is a software program that teaches coding through creativity, reasoning, and collaboration.

Delta County Libraries invites teens to learn about stop-motion animation on September 21 at 4:00 pm. Participants will use objects like LEGO and clay to create short films.

Going Fine Free

Denver Public Library has proposed going fine free in 2019. The plan goes to the City Council and Denver Public Library Commission for approval this fall.

Basalt Regional Library recently launched a pilot program to remove fines for youth and young adults.

Pick ‘n Mix

Join Montrose Regional Library and Backyard Wilderness for a nature walk at the Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park, Sept. 29 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Bring a camera or a smartphone to take pics. Registration is required.

Take a Social Media Crash Course at Bemis Library, Sept. 24 at 9:30 am. Learn how to navigate three popular sites: Pinterest, Reddit, and YouTube. Registration is required.

Arapahoe Libraries presents an afternoon with Laurie Halse Anderson, author of Speak, Sept. 29 at Smoky Hill Library. Join her for an author talk from 2:00 to 3:00 pm and a book signing from 3:00 to 4:00 pm. Registration is required.

If you like your movies with a side of cheese, check out Berthoud Community Library’s new “So Bad It’s Good!” movie night. The inaugural event is September 21 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. Note: movies may not be suitable for children under 13.

The Friends of Wray Public Library have put together bags to welcome new community members, with goodies donated by local businesses. If you’re new to Wray, stop by the library to pick up your welcome bag!

Inform yourself about Colorado Midterm Elections! Tomlinson Library at Colorado Mesa University will be hosting a Midterm Election Literacy panel on Thursday, Sept. 27 from 7-8:30 pm in the Library Event Space (L-139). Know where to go for real facts and information about the candidates and their stance on important policy issues before you vote on November 6. Panelists will be from School District 51, The Western Colorado Alliance, Colorado Mesa University and the community.

What’s New at the Colorado State Library

Learning Opportunities

*Rescheduled* CSL in Session, Getting Unstuck: The Secret Life of Procrastinators

  • Sep. 26, 2018, 12:00 to 1:00
  • Free! No registration required
  • Join online

CLEL (Colorado Libraries for Early Literacy) Conference

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

Colorado State Publications Library Blog

Plains to Peaks Collective

The Plains to Peaks Collective (PPC) makes it possible for libraries in Colorado and Wyoming to share their unique, online collections with the Digital Public Library of America. It’s a fantastic resource for students, educators, researchers, and anyone interested in finding primary sources. Search | Learn

Categories
Resource Sharing

Friday Grab Bag, September 7, 2018

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!

Supporting Literacy

Jefferson County Public Library’s call-in series continues on Sept. 20 from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. Author Margo Catts will talk about her book, Among the Lesser Gods, and her writing process. To join, call 303-502-5189 or visit uberconference.com/jcplhomeservices.

The Reading Buddies program at Eagle Valley Library District starts at the end of September. This program pairs teen volunteers (grades 9-12) with younger kids (grades 1-3) for an hour of one-on-one shared reading, once a week. Sign up today!

Bud Werner Memorial Library’s popular summer Read to Dogs program is continuing this fall. On Sept. 8, Oct. 13, and Nov. 10, kids and/or their parents can read aloud to a dog from Heeling Friends.

Making Music Together

Celebrate the end of summer with Arapahoe Libraries and The Margarita Brothers Band. Enjoy an outdoor concert of beach party tunes at Smoky Hills Library, September 8 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm.

The Longmont Public Library Ukulele Club meets the second Tuesday of the month starting September 11. Kay Miller from Rocky Mountain Ukulele Orchestra will lead this meetup for strummers of all levels, ages 16 and up. Please bring your own instrument.

Pick ‘n’ Mix

Denver Public Library is joining organizations around the country for Welcome Week, September 14-23, which raises awareness of the benefits of welcoming immigrants and refugees. DPL’s lineup of events includes The Immigrant Refugee Experience: A Discussion on Sept. 18, and Voting Rights with the ACLU on Sept. 19.

Are you curious about the potential of space resources? Join Broomfield Library as they host Cosmic Quest, a program about the future of space travel and asteroid mining, presented by scientists, educators, and industry experts. September 13 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm.

Join the Discussion

At the Table Colorado brings together people from all walks of life during the same week to talk about what makes their communities great and what can be done to make them even better. Two Colorado libraries will be participating during the next ATTC event week, Sept. 17-20.

  • Mesa County Libraries is hosting a table on the topic “Should local governments be involved in public art?” Sept. 17, 6:00-7:00 pm.
  • Jefferson County Public Library is assisting with outreach to increase awareness of the event, has developed a reading resource list for Hosts and Guests, and has meeting space the public can use for Table discussions.

Learn more: watch an archived recording of a recent webinar about At the Table Colorado.

Libraries in the News

The Durango Herald: Libraries can help you realize your dreams, by Sandy Irwin | Durango Public Library

Craig Press: Craig City Council gets updates on Elkhead reservoir, museum, library | Moffat County Library

The College Fix: University library system adds ‘ethical’ search options so students can avoid the term ‘illegal aliens’ | University of Colorado Boulder

Congratulations to Donna Walker, newly appointed executive director of Jefferson County Public Library! Read the announcement.

Get Cookin’

Garfield County Libraries’ Food for Thought: A Cookbook Club brings together adventurous home chefs to make and try new recipes. The next monthly meeting is September 18, 6:00 pm, at Parachute Branch Library.

Improve your cooking skills with Hayden Public Library and Natural Grocers. They are partnering to present  Back to School “Clean & Healthy” with nutritional health coach Alicia McLeod, Sept. 13 at 4:00 pm.

Arts & Crafts

As a part of their monthly “Family First Friday” series, and in celebration of Heritage Days in Bayfield, Pine River Library will host their own celebration of local sheep culture on Sept. 7 from 6:00 to 7:00 pm. Create a woolen craft, learn about the wool-making process, or bring your own fiber arts projects to show off. All ages welcome.

“Colorado Leads Nation in Sheep.” [Image courtesy: Colorado Transcript, July 15, 1937. Accessed via Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection.]
Experience a live glass-blowing demonstration by local artist Jacqueline McKinny, Sept. 22 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at Anythink Commerce City.

Get tips for creating better costumes at Douglas County Libraries in Parker. They’re teaming up with Colorado Fabrics and members of the cosplay community to offer a special cosplay program on September 8 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. Registration is required.

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 September 2018. For Colorado-specific events check the Library Learning & Creation Center.

Colorado Blue Spruce Award

Blue Spruce is Colorado’s own young adult book award, selected by teens and educators. Visit the Colorado Blue Spruce Award website for a list of nominees, printable posters and bookmarks, and the link to submit your vote by December 31.

Book Challenges in Colorado

According to the Library Research Service, reported challenges in Colorado’s public libraries nearly doubled from 2016 to 2017, increasing from 22 to 41. It is unclear whether this is due to an actual increase in challenges or if it is the result of more thorough reporting. About half of Colorado’s challenged materials were intended for adults, and nearly three-quarters of all challenges resulted in no change.

Colorado State Publications Library Blog

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

Categories
Resource Sharing

Friday Grab Bag, August 31, 2018

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

Categories
CSL News

National Book Festival 2018

The 18th Library of Congress National Book Festival is Saturday, September 1 in Washington, D.C. This celebration of books and reading features hundreds of special guests, including former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and world-renowned authors Amy Tan, Dave Eggers, Jennifer Egan, and Isabel Allende, among others. We encourage you to follow the day’s festivities using the hashtag #NatBookFest. You can also watch live coverage of author interviews on the PBS Facebook page.

Thousands of families will attend this free event to see authors and take part in engaging activities such as the Parade of States, an opportunity to learn about each state’s unique literary history. The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), with additional funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), makes it possible for a representative from each state to attend this event.

This year, the Colorado State Library’s Melissa Carlson will represent Colorado at the Parade of States. Kids can participate in the Parade of States by visiting each state’s table to receive a unique sticker or stamp for their passbook, which can then be turned in for prizes. Melissa will be sharing information about Colorado with these young visitors and handing out a sticker designed by CSL staff member Mary Bills.

The CSL sticker for the 2018 National Book Festival, designed by Mary Bills, features a literary marmot carrying a Check Out Colorado State Parks backpack.
Categories
Resource Sharing

Friday Grab Bag, August 24, 2018

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!

Arts & Crafts

In honor of the Yampa Valley Crane Festival, aerialist Heidi Miller and students from Spirit Wind Aerial Arts will perform at the Bud Werner Memorial Library on August 30 at 5:00 pm. See more events related to the Crane Festival.

Sandhill Cranes [Photo: Steamboat Pilot, Sept. 17, 1970. Accessed via Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection.]
Basalt Regional Library is holding its 1st Annual Film Competition. All pre-registered participants will receive an email on August 24 with the requirements for their film, which they will have 72 hours to complete. Submissions are due by 9:00 am on August 27. Learn more and register.

Join Anythink’s Experiments in Sound and participate in the creation of a sound installation. Anythink Brighton is hosting the event on August 27 from 1:30 to 3:30 pm; participants can work on sounds creations and experiment in recording.

Whether you sew, crochet, quilt, or knit, you are welcome at Pines & Plains Libraries’ Witty Knitters, a group of friendly and knowledgeable crafters that meets every Tuesday at 3:45 pm at the Simla Public Library.

View the works of local artists Tina Duemler and Alice Billings at Ridgway Public Library’s ART at the Library ART Show. The exhibition will be open Sep. 8 through Nov. 9, with an artists’ reception on Sep. 8 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm.

UNC University Libraries invites you to “Colorado Inspirations: photography and more by three generations of the Harms Family.” The exhibit is open Aug. 20 through Sep. 21 in the Mari Michener Gallery.

Pick ‘n’ Mix

Last Saturday, Pine River Library held its fourth annual Zucchini Extravaganza in collaboration with Tour de Farms, Pine River Shares, and the Pine River Garden Club. The event included contests for best-dressed, best-carved, biggest, and ugliest squash, a zucchini-based potluck, and a zucchini slingshot.

Take a break in your day to participate in Midday Music Meditation. Boulder Public Library hosts this event every second Wednesday of the month, which features improvised music on the Turkish Oud, cello, zils, didgeridoo, autoharp, flutes, and more. The next Midday Music is September 12 at noon.

Become a library power user at Mesa County Libraries’ Library 101 presentation, August 29 at 9:30 am. Join staff from the Central Library for a tour of special spaces and information about the services and resources offered at the library. Registration is encouraged by not required.

Learn how to edit, crop, organize, and share images on your phone or tablet. Poudre River Public Library District is offering Photography and Photo Editing with Your Mobile Device, August 25 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Harmony Library.

Teens are invited to Nederland Community Library’s Escape Room, September 17 from 4:00 to 5:30. Using only their cunning and problem-solving abilities, teens will have to escape from a room built using BreakoutEDU materials.

Revisit the Great American Eclipse of 2017 with Eagle Valley Library District. On September 5 at 6:00 pm, photographer and naturalist Rick Spitzer will share pictures he took of the eclipse in Driggs, Idaho, and explain the planning that went into the project.

Small business owners are invited to Business and Breakfast, a free monthly series at Glenwood Springs Branch Library. The next meeting on Sept. 11 at 9:00 am features Trent Blizzard of BlizzardPress teaching Search Engine Optimization. Space is limited; be sure to register.

Libraries in the News

Pueblo Chieftain: Library’s Kid Parade successful in second run | Pueblo City-County Library District.

What’s New at the Colorado State Library

National Book Festival

Melissa Carlson will represent the Colorado State Library at the 2018 Library of Congress National Book Festival on Sept. 1 in Washington, D.C. Follow the event via the hashtag #NatBookFest.

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.

Plains to Peaks Collective (PPC)

National History Day events will be starting soon. Give student researchers a leg up by pointing them towards the Plains to Peaks Collective — it contains over 46,000 historic objects from Colorado and Wyoming. Search the PPC collection in the Digital Public Library of America.

Colorado State Publications Library

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

Categories
Resource Sharing

Friday Grab Bag, August 17, 2018

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.

Please help us improve the Friday Grab Bag by taking a short survey about your experience. Your response is anonymous. Thank you for your feedback.

Now, let’s open the Friday Grab Bag!

Learn Something New

Join Jefferson County Public Library for their next call-in program, The American Cowboy with Active Minds, on September 24 from 1:00 to 2:00 pm. Listen from anywhere as they peel back the mythology, explain the Spanish Colony’s influence, and trace the development of the American Cowboy. To join, call 303-502-5189 or visit www.uberconference.com/jcplhomeservices. Or, to be called at the time of the program, pre-register at 303-275-6173.

“What about a Hook?” [Photo courtesy: Louisville Times, June 29, 1944. Accessed via Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection.]
Join foresters Ryan McNertney, Brian Slagle and Jon Morrissey on August 24 at Granby Library for Meet Your Forest: Where Have All the Beetles Gone? Their one-hour program on healthy forests will be followed by a 2.5 hour forest tour beginning at 10:00 am.

Local historians and published authors Dr. Sandra Mather, Bill Fountain, and Rick Hague will present an informational session on nonfiction research methods and processes, August 28 from 7:00 to 8:00 pm at Summit County Library’s South Branch.

Are you curious about learning more about bitcoin and similar online currencies? High Plains Library District is offering a friendly introduction during Cryptocurrency: What is it and how do I use it to buy a pizza? Join them on September 14 from 10:15 am to 12:15 pm at Centennial Park Library.

Libraries in the News

Congratulations to Elektra Greer, the new director of Nederland Community Library! The library announced the appointment in their August 2018 Newsletter.

The Lyons Recorder reported that Lyons Library Director Katherine Weadley will be leaving the library to join the Colorado Library Consortium (CLiC). Read Library Director Advancing to New Position.

Supporting Families

Lafayette Public Library is hosting Comfort Quilts, a monthly program where anyone can help create quilts that will be handed out to children in need by Lafayette fire and police officers. Even if you don’t sew you can still write encouraging words on a quilt square. The next meeting is September 8 from 1:00 to 5:00 pm.

Poudre River Public Library District’s latest blog post promotes their home school resources for students, families, and educators, including a brand-new home school resource portal. Learn even more at their Homeschool Fair on August 23 from 5:30 to 7:30 at the Old Town Library.

Arapahoe Libraries presents Dr. Dipesh Navsaria, nationally renowned pediatrician and early literacy advocate, August 29 at Smoky Hill Library and August 30 at Koelbel Library. His workshop, Prescription for Early Learning: Small Ways to Make a Big Impact, explores the role of reading in brain development. Reserve your spot.

Recycled Art

Bemis Public Library is hosting Altered Art, a teen craft class using repurposed objects, August 18 at 2:00 pm. The library will provide supplies and instruction. Registration required.

Lake County Public Library also invites participants to make art with re-purposed materials including old computers and other electronics. Join them this Saturday, August 18 at 9:00 am for Take Apart Make Some Art.

Pick ‘n’ Mix

Celebrate the opening of the Colorado International Chinese Calligraphy Exhibit, which includes 70 pieces of art that capture the essence of the art and beauty of Chinese calligraphy and painting. The Aurora Public Library is hosting a reception on August 25 from 2:00 to 3:30 pm at the Central Library.

The tomato harvest is upon us! Pay your homage to this delectable fruit (or is it a vegetable?) by entering Delta County Libraries’ 2018 Tomato Haiku Contest now through August 31.

Rampart Library District is hosting a Death Cafe on August 29 from 2:00 to 3:00 pm. The event is intended to create awareness about death and to help people make the most of their lives. Refreshments will be served.

What’s New at the Colorado State Library

Book Club Resource Survey

Does your library check out book club sets from the Colorado State Library? Please help us improve this service by answering this short survey. Thank you!

ALA Conference: STEM and Rural Libraries

ARSL President Kieran Hixon presented a poster session at the ALA Annual Conference on the challenges and opportunities of STEM in rural libraries. Read his reflections.

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.

#GetToKnowCSL Wrap-Up

From March to June 2018 we ran #GetToKnowCSL, a social media campaign designed to put a human face on the Colorado State Library. We hope this campaign helped you feel more connected to the staff members who make this such a vibrant organization. All of the profiles are now available in in this wrap-up post.

Plains to Peaks Collective (PPC)

School is back in session, and soon students and teachers will be looking for primary sources for their research projects. Did you know that the Plains to Peaks Collective (PPC) has over 46,000 digital objects (photos, oral history recordings, maps, etc.) available in the Digital Public Library of America? This free resource is great way to discover unique collections held by libraries and museums across the country—including Colorado and Wyoming! Search the DPLA.

Colorado State Publications Library

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

Categories
Resource Sharing

Friday Grab Bag, August 10, 2018

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.

Survey

Please help us improve the Friday Grab Bag by taking a short survey. Your response is anonymous. Thank you in advance for your feedback.

Now, let’s open the Friday Grab Bag!

Festivals and Cons

Boulder Public Library is seeking volunteers for their upcoming ZEE Jaipur Literature Festival on September 21-23. The festival is a celebration of world literature that features features author talks, community conversation and more. Volunteer opportunities include author liaisons, children’s program help, event photography, ushers, book signing/authors’ lounge assistance, and much more.

CU Boulder Libraries invites students, professors, and librarians to Open Con, September 7 from 9:00 to 4:00 at the CU Boulder Rec Center. Spend the day learning about open educational resources and developing a plan to advocate for open research and more affordable textbooks. Register online for this free event.

Teens: rock your cosplay at Poudre River Public Library District’s Teen Nerd Prom, August 24 at Old Town Library. Get nerdy with retro video games, an anime room, crafts, snacks, a dance party, a musical instrument petting zoo, and more. The prom is in conjunction with the Fort Collins Comic Con. Teens must be 12-18 years old and have a free ticket that can be downloaded from this website.

Mesa County Libraries are seeking program proposals for their upcoming Comic Con, to take place on Saturday, October 6, at Two Rivers Convention Center. They’re looking for great panels covering comics, sci-fi, games, cosplay, literature, filmmaking, art demonstrations and much more! Submit a proposal.

Pick ‘n’ Mix

Learn how to build your own solar food dehydrator, August 11 from 10:00 to 11:00 am at Pine River Library. These dehydrators are easy to make and a great addition to your self-sufficient home.

Enjoy a cold brew while you sign up for a library card! Denver Public Library’s Wheelie the Book Bike is celebrating Denver Days at Declaration Brewing, August 11 & 12 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. See the Denver Days website for even more events.

Anythink Wright Farms is hosting an open house for The Studio on Saturday, August 18. Stop and in get acquainted with the tools in the Studio, then stay for a session (or more) on photography, virtual reality, parallax, and YouTube production, presented by local creators.

As part of the Summer Sidewalk Astronomy program, Jefferson County Public Library is hosting a Perseids Meteor Shower Watch Party on August 13. Gather around the sundial in front of Stanley Lake Library around 7:00 pm, when astronomer Aric Vyhmeister will assist participants in using their telescopes and provide additional details about the wonders of the cosmos.

The Grand County Community of Writers will hold their monthly Writers Workshop on Sunday, August 26 from 3:00 to 5:00 pm at the Granby Library. Send your submission to annawinkel@hotmail.com by August 18 in order to receive thoughtful feedback at the August 26th meeting. All types of writing are welcome.

Connecting Communities

Arthur Lakes Library at Colorado School of Mines is starting the school year stress-free with Mindful Mondays. Every Monday beginning August 20, drop in from 3:00 to 3:30 to learn the benefits of practicing mindfulness and to participate in a guided meditation led by Mines students & staff.

The Dementia Caregiver Support Group meets the fourth Thursday of every month at Lafayette Public Library. The group is a safe place to receive support from fellow caregivers and volunteer facilitators, who have been trained by the Alzheimer’s Association. The next meeting is August 28 at 6:00 pm.

Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath is this year’s One Book Steamboat title. Pick up a copy at Bud Werner Memorial Library and visit their One Book Steamboat website to see upcoming events related to the book.

Eagle Valley Library District, Vail Public Library, and Eagle Valley Schools continue their partnership to offer seamless access to library resources for K-12 students. One Valley, One Card is a program that allows students to use millions of free EVLD and VPL resources with their school ID. Learn more.

August Tunes

Jam with fellow uke players at High Plains Library District’s monthly Ukulele Strumming Circle. The group meets the third Thursday of each month from 6:00 to 7:00 pm at Carbon Valley Regional Library. The next meeting is on August 16, so bring your uke, learn some new tunes, and play along with other enthusiasts.

“Mutual” [Illustration courtesy of the Steamboat Pilot, August 18, 1926. Accessed via the Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection.]
Summit County Library is celebrating the finale of their adult summer reading program with an outdoor concert by The Pine Beatles (the band, not the pest). Bring your friends and family to the South Branch Library in Breckenridge on August 30 from 6:30 to 7:30 pm.

Libraries in the News

Craig Press: Moffat County commissioners file intent to place museum, library mill levy on November ballot (Moffat County Libraries)

Broomfield News: Library considers going fine-free (Broomfield Library)

CBS Denver: Fundraising Event Combines The Library & Tattoos: ‘It Was Worth It’ (Denver Public Library)

Alamosa News: Capulin welcomes community library (Conejos Library District)

What’s New at the Colorado State Library

‘Let’s Share’ Forum

Do you have ideas about community engagement, early literacy, and programming to share with your library colleagues across the state? Let’s Share is an online space to post experiences, questions, and comments. The forum is part of the expansion of the CSL Kits program, which you can learn more about in “Let’s Talk About It!” – Community Conversations in a Big Red Box.

Learning Opportunities

Digging into Assessment Data: Tips, Tricks, and Tools of the Trade, with Linda Hofschire and Lynn Silipigni Connaway.

  • Aug. 14, 2018, 1:00 to 2:00 pm
  • Free! Register to join online

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

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

Plains to Peaks Collective (PPC)

Last week, Leigh Jeremias and Amy Hitchner travelled to the Wyoming Library Association Conference in Casper to represent the PPC. They spoke with attendees about how to participate in the PPC, and encouraged them to share this resource—filled with valuable historic collections from Colorado and Wyoming—with educators, students, and researchers in their communities. Learn more: ppc.cvlsites.org

Amy Hitchner (L) & Leigh Jeremias (R) represented the Plains to Peaks Collective at WYLA18.

Colorado State Publications Library

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

Categories
Resource Sharing

Friday Grab Bag, July 27, 2018

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!

Sounds of Summer

Polish up those ruby slippers—Poudre River Public Library District is hosting a Wizard of Oz Sing-a-long, July 28 from 2:00 to 4:00 at Old Town Library. No musical talent required!

Join Bud Werner Memorial Library for an outdoor concert featuring San Diego-based mariachi band Jarabe Mexicano, July 30 at 12:00 pm on the library lawn. Bring a lunch and enjoy this energetic concert, which will include an opportunity for kids to make their own egg shaker maracas. Jarabe Mexicano will also perform at the Basalt Regional Library on July 27 from 5:30 to 6:30 pm.

The Delta/Grand Junction Women’s Choir will perform Grand Mesa A Cappella, a free concert at Delta Library on July 28 from 1:00 to 2:00 pm.

Garfield County Libraries is hosting an air guitar competition for tweens and teens ages 10-18, July 31 at 2:00 pm at the Rifle Branch Library. Teens are encouraged to strut their stuff in this epic competition of riffs, solos, and lip-syncing skills. Air guitars will be provided to the first 24 participants.

Montrose Regional Library District is celebrating their summer learning program with a Rockin’ Readers Concert. Enjoy music, food, games, and a photo booth on Friday, July 27 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm on the library’s east lawn.

Pick ‘n’ Mix

The Native Voices traveling exhibit is coming to the Ignacio Community Library. This interactive exhibition, developed and produced by the National Library of Medicine in partnership with ALA, examines concepts of health and medicine among contemporary American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawai’ians and features interviews with more than one hundred tribal leaders, healers, physicians, educators, and others. Attend the grand opening on Saturday, July 28 beginning at 1:00 pm.

In collaboration with the City of Thornton, Tri-County Health Department, Palizzi Farm and the American Heart Association, Anythink is now hosting a Farmer’s Market at their Huron Street branch every Tuesday through October 9. In addition to fresh food, the events will feature cooking demos and health and wellness information, as well as preventative health screenings on the second Tuesday of each month.

Join Attorney General Cynthia Coffman and AARP Foundation ElderWatch Colorado for 10 Scams Targeting Older Coloradans and How to Prevent Them, a program to be held at Mesa County Library’s Main Branch, July 31 at 1:00 pm. Register online.

Science & Technology

Broomfield Library is starting a new Code Club for kids ages 9-18, where they will learn to make games, animations, apps, or their own inventions. Join the launch party on August 22 from 4:00 to 5:30 at inventHQ. The group will meet every other Wednesday. Registration recommended.

The latest edition to the Elizabeth Library is a Weather Tech weather station. Patrons can monitor the humidity, wind speed and direction, rain amounts, barometer, etc. Future plans call for a second console so data can be posted on Weather Underground and the library’s webpage.

Weather Tech station at Elizabeth Library.

Curious about virtual reality and how it can be used for gaming, music, and exploring the world? Grand County Library District is offering the opportunity for tweens, teens, and adults to experience virtual reality on July 28 at Kremmling Library and July 29 at Hot Sulphur Springs Library. Sign up for a 25-minute slot that includes a tutorial and a chance to try some applications.

Pikes Peak Library District, in partnership with several other organizations, is putting on the 5th Annual Colorado Springs Mini Maker Faire on October 20. The event is a venue where engineers, artists, scientists, crafters, and other makers can showcase their hobbies, experiments, and projects. This year’s Mini Maker Faire will also include an art contest, Ars Technica. Registration is optional but encouraged.

Libraries in the Media

Red Feather Lakes Community Library was one of five public libraries to receive funding from the National Network of Libraries of Medicine, MidContinental Region (NNLM MCR) to develop creative public library health information outreach projects. Read about their project, which allowed participants to learn about food and its connection to healing chronic disease, living longer, and living better.

9News recently covered two items from Denver Public Library. On July 16 they published a story about Wheelie the Book Bike, a vehicle that visits outreach events. Then, on July 17, 9News visited the Park Hill Branch during the #Book4Tat event, when folks could upload their G-rated tattoos to DPL’s Facebook page and receive book recommendations from librarians. Nearly 200 tattoos photos were submitted over 72 hours. Read the story.

What’s New at the Colorado State Library

Learning Opportunities

Tackling Wicked Problems through Deliberative Engagement, with Martin Carcasson.

  • August 6 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
  • Loveland Public Library
  • Free; lunch provided
  • Register

CSL in Session: Create a Knock-out Collection in 60 Minutes a Week or Less, with Bob Bennhoff.

  • August 8, 2018 from 12:00 to 1:00 pm
  • Free! Join online

Digging into Assessment Data: Tips, Tricks, and Tools of the Trade, with Linda Hofschire and Lynn Silipigni Connaway.

  • August 14, 2018 from 1:00 to 2:00 pm
  • Free! Register to join online

Colorado Public Library Association (CoPLA) Mini Conference: Privacy and Intellectual Freedom in Libraries.

  • August 3, 2018 from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm
  • Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library (Denver)
  • CAL members: $30. Non-CAL members: $40.

View these and other learning opportunities at the Library Learning & Creation Center. The Wyoming State Library also maintains a professional development calendar. View offerings for July 2018.

Plains to Peaks Collective (PPC)

With school is just around the corner, teachers and students will be looking for primary sources, especially related to Colorado history. Did you know that the Plains to Peaks Collective (PPC) contains over 46,000 digital objects, including photographs, oral history recordings, postcards, yearbooks, pamphlets, quilts, clothing, and other cultural artifacts? Check out the PPC collection in the Digital Public Library of America.

Strategies for Coaching & Consulting

CSL’s Sharon Morris recently authored an article for the Global Family Research Project, Learning from Library Leaders: Strategies for Coaching and Consulting. In it she outlines the 5 principles that guide her team’s work with their constituents.

Colorado State Publications Library

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

Categories
Resource Sharing

Friday Grab Bag, July 20, 2018

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!

Summer Learning, Summer Fun!

Thanks to a grant from the Bessie Minor Swift Foundation, the Grand County Libraries ramped up their summer reading programming for teens. Showcasing the “Libraries Rock” theme, students in middle school and older can attend a karaoke party, hip-hop dance lessons, a creative journaling workshop, or produce a radio piece for the local community radio station.

Grand County librarians Cindy Hald and Anna Szczepanski “testing” the karaoke equipment to make sure it is ready for teen programs.

Join Grammy-nominated songwriter Katherine Dines for Hunk-Ta-Bunk-Ta, a concert of toe-tapping music, at Bud Werner Memorial Library on July 23. This highly interactive event is perfect for the whole family.

On July 28, historical performer Connie Neumann will portray Beatrix Potter, sharing tales of her beloved childhood character Peter Rabbit at the Longmont Public Library. Kids ages 6 and up will enjoy stories, crafts, garden-themed snacks, and photos with “Miss Potter”. Registration required.

Poudre River Public Library District invites teens to Game On!, a program where they can design their own games using recycled board game parts and craft supplies. Join the fun on Saturday, July 21 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at Harmony Library.

Go on a Bug Safari with the Butterfly Pavilion! Aurora Public Library is hosting this event for all ages on July 25 from 3:00 to 4:00 pm. Attendees will learn about invertebrates from around the world and have the opportunity to hold Rosie the tarantula.

Boulder Public Library and Boulder Parks and Recreation are producing SummerFest 2018 on Saturday, July 28, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Join them at the new Civic Area by Boulder Creek for a day of magic, music, food, and fun for all ages.

Get your groove on at Pine River Library’s World Music Dance Party, July 26 from 10:00 to 11:00 am. This program features a family-friendly playlist from Latin America.

Prepare to get messy and have fun! Pines & Plains Libraries is hosting a Teen Bubble Party on July 26 and August 3, complete with bubbles, bubble wrap, paint, glitter, shaving cream, food coloring.

Health and Wellness

As part of their Healthy Lifestyle Series, Vail Public Library is offering Introduction to Country Western Dance, July 26 to August 30 from 5:30 to 6:30pm. Maria Barry will teach this six week course that will include the Two Step, Double Two and Cowboy Cha Cha. Come as a single or a couple.

Learn about proper running form to prevent injury during Total Wellness: The Runner’s Foot, a program led by foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Eric Kuhlman, July 25 at Erie Community Library. His presentation will include an opportunity for audience questions.

Out and About in the Community

Poudre River Public Library District debuted their new book bike – named the REO Readwagon – at Fort Collins Open Streets back in June and have had a great time showing it off at other outdoor community events like Bike to Work Day and the CSU Lagoon Concert Series. They’ve also had librarians ride it to storytimes and use it as part of their Summer Reading Community Vehicles Day. It’s been a big hit!

The REO Readwagon – Poudre River Public Library District’s new book bike.

Carnegie Public Library is popping up around town this summer. On June 21, find them at the Farmers’ Market in Cimino Park, then they’ll be at at the Trinidad History Museum on August 1 for Colorado Days. Stop by and get a library card, check out books, and learn about library programs.

Pick ‘n’ Mix

Marlowe Cassetti will share his experiences working at NASA and putting the first US astronauts into space and on the moon. Join him at the John C. Fremont Library District on July 26 at 5:00 pm.

Nederland Community Library is growing their collection of nontraditional circulating items, known as the Library of Things. Check out a thermal camera, VHS to DVD converter, State Parks pass, museum pass, and their newest item, an Epson photo and film scanner.

To coincide with the Underground Music Showcase on South Broadway (July 26-29), Westword contributor Tom Murphy will share his firsthand experience and research on Denver’s evolving underground music scene, June 28 from 2:00 to 3:30 at Denver Public Library’s Ross-Broadway branch.

Arapahoe Libraries and Greenwood Village have teamed up to offer Village Read, a community book and discussion series. This year’s book is White Plains by Colorado author David Hicks. Borrow a copy of the book or e-book from Arapahoe Libraries, and join them for related events in August.

Fans of Friends: how much do you really know about Joey, Rachel, Ross, Chandler, Monica, Phoebe, and smelly cat? Clearview Library District is partnering with High Hops Brewery for a Friends pub trivia night, July 26 at 6:00 pm.

Libraries in the Media

Fox31 reported that Red Feather Lakes Library is one of three libraries to receive a $100,000 grant from EBSCO to convert their library to solar energy. Read the story.

The Business Times reported that Mesa County Libraries is hosting a traveling bilingual health exhibit, Discover Health/Descubre la Salud, now through Sept. 28. The exhibit was developed by the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, the Star-Net Library Education Network, and the Centro Latinamericano para las Arts, Ciena y Educacion. Read the story.

The Oxford University Press’s OUP Blog published a story on the eastern Colorado and Kansas libraries that cyclists Beth Cramer and John Boyd visited on their bicycle tour across the United States. They specifically mentioned Kiowa County Public Library in Eads and Rawlings Public Library in Pueblo. Read the story.

What’s New at the Colorado State Library

Learning Opportunities

Tackling Wicked Problems through Deliberative Engagement, with Martin Carcasson.

  • August 6, 2018 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
  • Loveland Public Library
  • Free; lunch provided
  • Register

CSL in Session: Wake Up! Are You Sleepwalking Through Your Day? With Jean Heilig.

  • July 26, 2018 from 12:00 to 1:00 pm
  • Free! Join online

CSL in Session: Create a Knock-out Collection in 60 Minutes a Week or Less, with Bob Bennhoff.

  • August 8, 2018 from 12:00 to 1:00 pm
  • Free! Join online

Digging into Assessment Data: Tips, Tricks, and Tools of the Trade, with Linda Hofschire and Lynn Silipigni Connaway.

  • August 14, 2018 from 1:00 to 2:00 pm
  • Free! Register to join online

Colorado Public Library Association (CoPLA) Mini Conference: Privacy and Intellectual Freedom in Libraries, with Jamie LaRue, Erin Boyington, & Pat Wagner.

  • August 3, 2018 from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm
  • Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library (Denver)
  • CAL members: $30. Non-CAL members: $40.

View these and other learning opportunities at the Library Learning & Creation Center. The Wyoming State Library also maintains a professional development calendar. View offerings for July 2018.

Plains to Peaks Collective

The Plains to Peaks Collective is officially live in the Digital Public Library of America! We hope you’ll visit the DPLA and explore the collections of our partner organizations: Marmot, University of Wyoming, American Heritage Center, Colorado College, Denver Public Library, History Colorado, and the Colorado State Publications Library.

Is your institution interested in participating in the PPC? See our PPC Digital Readiness Checklist and contact Leigh Jeremias <ljeremias@coloradovirtuallibrary.org> with any questions you have. She would love to hear from you!

Libraries and Wildfires

How can libraries help their communities during times of wildfires and other natural disasters? In his blog post, Libraries, Technology, and Disaster, CSL staff member Kieran Hixon shared how the library became a hub in his community while the area was under threat from the Adobe Wildfire.

Historic Postcard Collection

In 2002, collector and philanthropist Nina Heald Webber donated about 4,500 historic postcards from southwest Colorado to the Center of Southwest Studies at Fort Lewis College in Durango. Learn more about this robust collection in Touring Colorado’s Collections: Greetings from Southwest Colorado!

Colorado State Publications Library

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

Categories
Resource Sharing

Friday Grab Bag, June 29, 2018

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.

Please note: the Friday Grab Bag is taking a short summer hiatus and will return on July 20, 2018.

Out and About in the Community

Every Friday through September 14, Aurora Public Library is bringing a Pop-Up Library to the Stanley Marketplace’s Community Area. From 10:00 am to 1:00 pm you can sign up for a library card, discover your next great read at their mobile library, and learn more about their year-round library programming.

Laureen Cantwell, librarian at Colorado Mesa University, is the host of Readers Radio, a monthly program on KAFM Community Radio. Her most recent broadcast, I’ll Be Gone in the Dark, aired on June 18. The archived programs are available as podcasts.

Progress of Radio Through the Years. [Photo courtesy of Routt County Sentinel, May 19, 1922. Accessed via Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection.]
Durango Public Library’s Books and Brews is a non-traditional book club that meets at Animas Brewing Company. Join the next meeting on July 16 at 7:00 pm.

Dance the night away to music through the decades at Wray Public Library’s Libraries Rock Street Dance. The festivities get underway July 13 at 7:00 pm.

Libraries in the News

Pikes Peak Library District invites you to the Penrose Library 50th Anniversary Celebration, July 15 from 12:30 to 4:00 pm. The event will include a tribute to past PPLD Director Bernie Margolis, as well as live music, photo exhibits, children’s activities, trivia, and costume contests.

ALA President Loida Garcia-Febo will visit Pikes Peak Library District on October 6, 2018 as part of a nationwide tour to launch “Libraries = Strong Communities,” a national advocacy effort aimed at highlighting the value of academic, public and school libraries. Elected officials, community-based organizations, state library associations, ALA divisions and chapter members, and the public will be invited to participate. Read the press release.

Wave Your Fandom Flag

Jefferson County Public Library is accepting creative submissions for their 4th Annual Fandom Contest. Teens can submit written, visual, or digital representations of their favorite fandom to the Lakewood Library teen librarian through July 26. The winners will be announced during a costume party on July 27 at 6:00 pm.

Poudre River Public Library District’s AnimeCon is June 30 from 12:00 to 4:00 pm. Kids and teens ages 10+ are invited to learn about Japanese culture and indulge in their anime fandom during this afternoon of workshops, games, and a cosplay contest. The event kicks off at 12:15 with a performance by Japanese drumming group Denver Taiko.

Lifelong Learning

Do you want to learn more about Social Security and retirement? Join High Plains Library District for Money Matters: Understanding Social Security Choices on July 5, 6:00 pm, at Erie Community Library. Registration required.

Learn or practice your sewing skills during Burlington Public Library’s next Life Skills class. Drop in on June 29 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm for the opportunity to sew your own stuffed monster.

Pick ‘n’ Mix

Visit the Early Literacy Fair at the Broomfield Library, July 21 from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. The event is perfect for kids ages newborn to 5 and will include hands-on literacy activities that parents and caregivers can replicate at home. Each participating child will receive a free book, courtesy of Bal Swan Children’s Center.

Each month the John C. Fremont Library features a new exhibit from artists in their community. Next month, meet stained glass artist Kevin Johnson during a reception on July 14 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm.

Families heading outdoors can check out an Adventure Pack from Eagle Valley Library District. Curated by Walking Mountains Science Center, these backpacks contain tools, games, and gear to enliven outdoor science, exploration, and environmental education.

Anythink is offering Guitar Lessons with the help of City Strings Guitar every Thursday from July 5 to August 10. In addition to learning the basics of the instruments, students will also learn to perform in an ensemble and compose original songs.

What’s New at the Colorado State Library

Farewell, Gene!

This is Gene Hainer’s last week at the State Library, and we’ve made a website to honor and commemorate his service to our state: https://gene.cvlsites.org/. We invite you to read the tributes and submit your own. We wish you a fond farewell and a happy retirement, Gene.

State Librarian Position Posted

With Gene’s retirement at the end of June, the CDE and the State Library are seeking applicants for his position. Please help us spread the word! The opening is posted on Library Jobline; applications are due July 6.

Learning Opportunities

CSL in Session, Wake Up! Are you sleepwalking your way through the day? Presented by Jean Heilig. July 26, 2018, 12:00 – 1:00 pm MT. Join online, no registration required.

View upcoming learning opportunities at the Library Learning & Creation Center. The Wyoming State Library also maintains a professional development calendar. View offerings for June 2018.

New CHNC Title: Holy Cross Trail

Thanks to the Eagle Valley Library District, the Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection now has 913 issues of the Holy Cross Trail, spanning 1924-1941. This is the only newspaper named after a Colorado 14er! Learn more.

Colorado State Publications Library Blog

#GetToKnowCSL

Learn more about CSL staff in our weekly social media campaign on Facebook and Twitter. This week we’re featuring Lori Smith, SWIFT Coordinator. She helps libraries expand their collections and support their users through SWIFT interlibrary loan.

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

Categories
Resource Sharing

Friday Grab Bag, June 22, 2018

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!

Strengthening Communities

Find your next job with the help of Anythink Perl Mack. Visit the Job Search Drop-In during one of the upcoming dates in June and July and learn how to narrow your search, edit your resume or cover letter, and put your best foot forward during a mock interview.

High Plains Library District wants to help you understand the new nutrition labels rolling out next month. Attend Nutrition Labels Decoded on July 24, 6:00 pm at Carbon Valley Regional Library, when dietician Marian Ruge will explain the changes and how they can help us make better choices about what we eat.

Gunnison County Libraries is hosting Intimate Partner Violence & Sexual Assault in the LGBTQ Community, June 27 from 7:00 to 8:00 pm at Crested Butte Library (see the events calendar). Join Project Hope in learning more about how sexual assault and intimate partner violence affect the members of the community.

National Poetry Slam Semifinalist and TEDx speaker Meta Sarmiento will present Mahal, a spoken word workshop, on June 27. Basalt Regional Library will host the Filipino poet and rapper as he explores the role that LOVE plays in our own cultures and weighs what that might cost.

Boulder Public Library is seeking Adult Literacy Volunteers for its BoulderReads program. Their tutors provide critical literacy support to adults in need. Orientation is June 29, 6:00 pm, at the Main Library. Learn more about BoulderReads.

Exploring Our Past

Get 1-on-1 help with your genealogy research at Delta Library. Instructor Mickey Watts teaches this ongoing class every 2nd and 4th Monday. The next meeting is June 25 at 5:00 pm (see the events calendar).

Bud Werner Memorial Library’s Genealogy Club consists of patrons and library staff interested in genealogical research, family histories, and other ancestral investigation. The group meets monthly to discuss their research and share resources. The next meeting is June 28 at 9:30 am.

Fun for Kids & Families

Lafayette Public Library is hosting a Terrarium Building event for kids in grades 3-12. Create a miniature world with plants, rocks, and your own special touches. June 27, 1:00 pm, registration required.

Andy Rice of 105.7 KPMX will emcee Let’s Get Quizzical, a music trivia night at Sterling Public Library. Join the fun and test your music knowledge on June 26 at 6:00 pm. Teams must register by June 24.

Get Ink’d at Lyons Regional Library! Teens are invited to create their own henna tattoos on July 17 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. Registration is required.

June 22 is Family Game Night at Bemis Library. Bring the whole family and enjoy an evening of new and classic board games from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.

Folks Gather ‘Round for Parlor Games. (Courtesy Aurora Democrat, November 11, 1944. Accessed via Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection.)

Pick ‘n’ Mix

Are you Dealing with Pesky, Noxious Weeds? Experts from CSU’s Extension Office will be at Grand County’s Juniper Library on June 27 to provide information about identifying and eradicating noxious weeds from your neighborhood.

We’ve all heard of TED Talks, but have you heard of ED Talks at Arthur Lakes Library? Ed Raines, Collections Manager at the Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum, presents an in-depth look at the most significant Mining Districts of Colorado with talks focusing on History & Geology. The next ED Talk is August 2 at 4:00 pm.

Did you know that Poudre River Public Library District publishes a blog? Each week you’ll find a new post, such as Reading Provides a Lifetime of Benefits and You’ve Graduated—Now It’s Time to Adult. The content is a mix of information about literacy and lifelong learning, plus links to related library resources. Check it out!

What’s New at the Colorado State Library

Are You Ready to Participate in the DPLA?

The Plains to Peaks Collective (PPC) is officially live in the Digital Public Library of America (DPLA)—search our collection. We know that there are more potential partners out there who are eager to join us. Review our checklist to see where your library is on the road to participating in the PPC.

State Librarian Position Posted

With Gene Hainer’s retirement at the end of June, the CDE and the State Library are seeking applicants for his position. Please help us spread the word! The opening is posted on Library Jobline; applications are due July 6.

Bag of Tricks—Padlet

In his continuing Bag of Tricks series, Technology & Digital Initiatives Consultant Kieran Hixon introduces Padlet, an online “corkboard” for collecting and organizing contributed content.

Learning Opportunities

CSL in Session, Wake Up! Are you sleepwalking your way through the day? Presented by Jean Heilig. July 26, 2018, 12:00 – 1:00 pm MT. Join online, no registration required.

View upcoming learning opportunities at the Library Learning & Creation Center. The Wyoming State Library also maintains a professional development calendar. View offerings for June 2018.

CSL Speakers at ALA New Orleans 2018

Are you heading to New Orleans for the ALA Annual Conference? Check out these sessions presented by CSL staff:

The Path Forward on Fines: Removing Barriers to Access | Beth Crist | June 24 | 1:00 – 2:00 pm.

Collaboration is Key: steps to building great partnerships with outside organizations | Linda Hofschire | June 25 | 9:00 – 10:00 am.

Colorado State Library Publications Blog

#GetToKnowCSL

Learn more about CSL staff in our weekly social media campaign on Facebook and Twitter. This week we’re featuring Amy Hitchner, Collaborative Programming Coordinator. She supports several statewide resource sharing initiatives and loves connecting Colorado libraries with each other through the Friday Grab Bag.

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

Categories
Resource Sharing

Friday Grab Bag, June 15, 2018

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!

Sweet Summer Tunes

Aurora Public Library invites you to explore the film music of legendary composer John Williams, June 23 at Mission Viejo Library. Dig into the scores of such films as Jaws, Star Wars, and Schindler’s List, and discuss the changing role of music in American cinema.

Heginbotham Library’s teen summer programming continues on June 15 at 1:00 pm with a Retro Reading Party. Enjoy 1950s diner fare and sing along to karaoke hits from the decade.

Bud Werner Memorial Library is launching a new ukulele loan program and they’re inviting patrons to try out the instruments at an event on June 18 at 7:00 pm. The evening will begin with a live demo and overview of the instrument, then the kits will be available for checkout. Patrons are encouraged to bring their ukes from home to play along.

Nederland Community Library is getting into the spirit of this summer’s Libraries Rock theme with a percussion instrument making program on June 19, followed by a guitar making program on July 10. Learn more.

Bring your family to a free, all-ages concert sponsored by Arapahoe Libraries. Enjoy the pop/rock sounds of The Nacho Men, June 16 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Sheridan Library. There will also be carnival games for the kids and space to enjoy a picnic during the concert.

Pick ‘n’ Mix

Kids and teens can test their baking skills at The Great Basalt Bake Off, June 21 from 3:00 to 4:00 pm at Basalt Regional Library. Bring your home-baked creations in either the cake or cookie category, and stay for the filming of a mini-TV show.

D&D is more popular than ever, and now tweens and teens can get up to speed with Dungeons & Dragons 101, hosted by Longmont Public Library, Tuesdays, June 19 through July 31, 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Registration required.

Dungeons & Dragons [Courtesy Louisville Times, October 28, 1981. Accessed via Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection.]

Support & Strengthen

Social Services Help is available at Arvada Library monthly through November 8. Jeffco Human Services outreach workers will be on hand to provide information on resources, help enroll attendees into programs, and provide referrals for other types of aid. The next event is July 12 from 12:00 to 4:00 pm; registration is strongly encouraged.

Hearing loss affects the lives of millions of Americans, which is why High Plains Library District is offering ASL (American Sign Language) for Adults, June 19 at Centennial Park Library. Bring a friend and learn the basics of ASL in a friendly, relaxed environment.

Small families can make delicious, healthy meals without breaking the bank. Personal Chef Matthew Curry will share his favorite recipes and tips during Cooking for One or Two on a Budget, June 25 at Bemis Library.

Denver Public Library and Bayaud Services are bringing a laundry truck to the Central Library on Jun 27 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Those in need can bring laundry to be washed, dried, and picked up the same day. In addition to the benefits the service provides to users, it is also a job training opportunity and an avenue for outreach and education.

Boulder Public Library is seeking volunteers for its Homebound Program, a rewarding opportunity to serve those who cannot visit the library in person. The next Homebound Volunteer Training is on Wednesday, July 18 from 12:00 to 1:00 pm at the Main Library.

Libraries in the News

CU Boulder’s Archives are turning 100 this year, and as part of the celebration they are publishing 100 Stories for 100 Years. The latest post, The Future of the Archives: Jane Thaler and Katelyn Morken, features an interview with two CU archivists.

The Durango Herald features Shelf Life, a monthly column written by library directors of La Plata County. In this month’s column, Sandy Irwin, Directory of Durango Library, explains that When combating summer slide, ‘Libraries Rock!’. She includes resources and tips for parents who want to keep their child’s brain active over the summer.

Mesa County Libraries is partnering with Atlasta Solar to install an electric vehicle charging station at their 970West Studio. Read the story in The Daily Sentinel.

What’s New at the Colorado State Library

State Librarian Position Posted

With Gene Hainer’s retirement at the end of June, the CDE and the State Library are seeking applicants for his position. Please help us spread the word! View the posting on Library Jobline.

New on Colorado Virtual Library

Learning Opportunities

CSL in Session: Job Hunting Like a Boss. June 15, 2018. 12-1pm. This webinar is free; no registration required. Join online.

Successful Supervision Workshops with Pat Wagner, June 19 & 20 in Rifle. Learn more.

View upcoming learning opportunities at the Library Learning & Creation Center. The Wyoming State Library also maintains a professional development calendar. View offerings for June 2018.

Launch of the Plains to Peaks Collective

The Plains to Peaks Collective (PPC) is officially part of the Digital Public Library of America (DPLA). Through this program, anyone can search collection information from member institutions through a single portal. The PPC will continue to grow as we add more members in the coming months and years. Learn more.

Colorado State Library Publications Blog

#GetToKnowCSL

Learn more about CSL staff in our weekly social media campaign on Facebook and Twitter. This week we’re featuring Leigh Jeremias, Digital Collections Coordinator. She heads up two growing initiatives: the Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection and the Plains to Peaks Collective.

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