Friday Grab Bag, December 15, 2023

The Friday Grab Bag is a weekly series that highlights fun, unique, and interesting happenings in Colorado libraries, and includes news from Colorado State Library.

Let’s open the Friday Grab Bag!

Seasonal Treats

High Plains Library District invites you to make a traditional Holiday Figgy Pudding with British Chef Amanda James-Roxby, December 16 at Carbon Valley Regional Library. Figgy pudding is a rich, fruity dessert, made predominantly with dried fruit and spices, and is eaten around the holidays in Britain.

At Pikes Peak Library District’s Seasonal Baking class on December 18 at Library 21c, participants will bake fig newtons. These delicious and comforting treats are perfect for warming up the winter kitchen.

Begin a family tradition at Pueblo City-County Library District’s Gingerbread & More, December 15 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at Rawlings Branch. The all-ages event includes gingerbread house making, a hot chocolate bar, holiday photo station, crafts, and other activities.

Cool & Crafty

Delta County Libraries is hosting a Holiday Crafternoon for families on December 22, 2:00 to 4:00 pm, at the new Delta Library. They will have several fun crafts for all ages; all supplies will be provided.

Adults and teens can create visually stunning card designs at Durango Public Library’s Pop-Up Card Craft Program on December 21. These cards aren’t as complicated as they look! The library will provide the materials and instructions.

Estes Valley Library invites adults and teens to make 3D LED Snowflakes on December 21 at 5:30 pm. Create sparkling, festive decorations using only paper bags, glue, and fairy lights.

Get in the spirit of the season at Park County Public Library’s Holiday Craft Fair and Movie Marathon, December 16 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at Fairplay Library. Come enjoy some crafts, gift making, wrapping, snacks, and much more!

Pitkin County Library’s next Teen & Tween Creativity Workshop will feature snow globes made from mason jars. Create a winter wonderland scene on December 18 at 4:30 pm.

Holiday Get-Togethers

Aurora Public Library invites viewers to a screening of the holiday classic “It’s a Wonderful Life” on December 22 at Martin Luther King Jr Library. Bring pillows and blankets and enjoy some hot drinks and treats during the movie.

Jefferson County Public Library is hosting a Holiday Movie Party on December 18, 5:30 pm, at Golden Library. Come watch “The Muppet Christmas Carol” while you enjoy snacks and a musical singalong.

Lamar Public Library is partnering with Lamar Rotary to host Kids’ Christmas on December 16, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Cultural Events Center. This free event will include crafts, train rides, Christmas books, snacks and hot chocolate, entertainment, and a visit from Santa.

Visit Broomfield Library’s Winter Open House on December 16 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Enjoy light refreshments, a gift wrapping station, live harp music from Erin Newton, and more!

Summit County Library invites their community ages 10+ to a Game Night Potluck on December 20 at South Branch Library. Bring a dish to share and a game to play, or choose from one of the library’s board or video games.

Teens can help solve Loveland Public Library’s Holiday Whodunit on December 20 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. This mystery is themed around Ugly Christmas Sweaters, so dress appropriately!

Gather your friends and family for a cozy, hot chocolate-fueled Holiday Uke Jam at Wilkinson Public Library on December 18 at 5:00 pm. Bring your own uke or borrow one from the library.

What’s New at Colorado State Library

Guest Blog Post

• “Things have really changed…” REFORMA Colorado’s 2023 Conference through the eyes of travel reimbursement recipient

Book Club Resource

• Author Diversity in the Book Club Resource

Learning Opportunities

• Growing Readers Together: Garfield County Public Libraries
  • December 20, 12:00 – 12:30 pm
  • Registration required
• Cultural humility: A pathway to improving libraries (Colorado only)
  • January 9, 12:00 – 2:00 pm
  • Registration required
• Denver’s Plaza Conversation Maps: Transforming English Language Learning with Empowering Discussions
  • January 18, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
  • Registration required
• Adventure Begins at the Library Summer 2024 Workshops
  • January 24 & 31, 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm
  • Registration required
• CSL in Session: Sticky Situations: Patron privacy, and customer service
  • January 25, 12:00 – 1:00 pm
  • No registration needed
• Online Learning Opportunities in December 2023 for Library Staff. Browse this calendar of free online learning opportunities shared with us by Wyoming State Library.

Library Jobline

Are you considering a job change this year? Check out Library Jobline for hot new library employment opportunities, like this selection from around Colorado.

• Specialist -Teen – Eagle Valley Library District
• Associate, part-time Gypsum – Eagle Valley Library District
• Associate, part-time – Eagle Valley Library District
• Librarian, Mobile Library Services – Arapahoe Library District
• Library Assistant (Bookmobile/Special Events) – Aurora Public Library
• Supervisory Librarian – National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
• Part-time 25 hour Concierge (Spanish speaking candidates preferred) – Anythink Perl Mack
• Creative Lead Special Projects – Anythink Support Services (Wright Farms branch)
• Customer Service Supervisor – Clearview Library District

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This post is part of the Spotlight on Sharing initiative, which aims to increase the visibility of Colorado library programs and resource sharing. Do you have a story from your library to share? Email Amy Hitchner, ahitchner@coloradovirtuallibrary.org.

All images are from the Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection, a service of Colorado State Library.