Friday Grab Bag, January 26, 2024

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!

The Write Stuff

Jefferson County Public Library announces that #1 New York Times-bestselling author Marissa Meyer will be at the Belmar Library on Saturday, February 17 at 6:00 pm. Meyer will share insights into her work and creative process. Registration is recommended.

Trinidad Carnegie Public Library welcomes award-winning journalist Nick Pappas, author of “Crosses of Iron,” for a presentation and book signing on January 27 at 1:00 pm. His book recounts the history of two mine explosions in Dawson, New Mexico, in the early 20th century.

Salida Regional Library is hosting a Junior Author Workshop every Friday in February from 2:00 to 3:00 pm. Join local kid authors Ryan & Jeremy Good, along with author Pam Good, to learn how to publish your own book.

Come Together

January 31 is National Hot Chocolate Day, and High Plains Library District is celebrating with free cocoa and stir-ins like mini marshmallows and candy cane bits. Stop by Kersey Library from 1:00 to 4:30 to enjoy your cup while supplies last.

Nederland Community Library is launching a Miyazaki Club! Meet monthly with other fans to watch, read, review, and discuss Studio Ghibli movies and related books. The first meeting is January 28 at 6:00 pm.

Join Pitkin County Library for their next Art at the Library event as you paint along with an episode of Bob Ross’ The Joy of Painting. Materials and snacks will be provided. The event is on February 1 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm.

Southwest La Plata Library District invites former students and employees of Fort Lewis Mesa Elementary to Old Home Night on January 26 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm or January 27 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. They are looking for help identifying people from yearbooks dating back to 1971. Light refreshments will be served at this sleuthing party.

Pick ‘n’ Mix

Pueblo City-County Library District’s February Check Out Basket Raffle is a chance to win a Valentine’s Day basket full of fun from Pueblo West Library. Check out 10 items to receive an entry form for the drawing on February 29.

Broomfield Library is accepting donations from January 21 through March 8 for their second annual Prom Swap. Bring in a clean, gently used formal wear item to receive a credit to spend at the swap on March 9 from 12:00 to 4:00 pm.

Basalt Regional Library welcomes Jeff Derry, Executive Director at the Center for Snow and Avalanche Studies, for his presentation From Flakes to Flow: Unveiling the Dynamics of Snow, Water, and Climate in Colorado on January 30 at 5:00 pm. Derry will discuss the factors that influence snow accumulation and give an overview of the research conducted by his organization. Registration is required.

What’s New at Colorado State Library

Historic Newspapers

• Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection 2023 Fast Facts. CHNC now has 4 million digitized pages, representing more than 735 individual newspaper titles!

Program Spotlight

• Pikes Peak Library District’s Life-sized Game Night (Intergenerational Edition)

Learning Opportunities

• New Mental Health & Wellness Discussion Group for Library Professionals!
  • Applications are now closed for this group because we reached our maximum participants. If you would like to be placed on a waitlist, please email Christine Kreger directly at kreger_c@cde.state.co.us.
• Adventure Begins at the Library Summer 2024 Workshops
  • January 31, 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm
  • Registration required
• CSL in Session: Trends & Libraries
  • February 8, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
  • No registration needed
• Colorado’s Talent Pipeline Report: Workforce Stats and Essential Info for Libraries
  • February 9, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
  • Registration required
• De-escalation Skills Workshop (Colorado staff only)
  • February 22, 1:00 – 3:00 pm
  • Registration is full
• Find even more learning opportunities by browsing the Libraries Learn Calendar from Colorado State Library or the Continuing Education Calendar from Maine 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.

• ESL Instructor (Part-Time, Littleton Immigrant Resources Center) – Bemis Library
• Library Associate Part-Time – High Plains Library District
• Library Page Part-Time – High Plains Library District
• ILL Library Assistant – High Plains Library District
• Friends & Foundation Associate – High Plains Library District
• Part Time Library Supervisor – Harvest University, Joseph R. Tallman Library
• Facilities Technician II – Boulder Public Library District
• Facilities Technician I – Boulder Public Library District
• Teen Librarian I – Boulder Public Library District
• Marketing and Communications Generalist I – Boulder Public Library District
• Library Assistant/Youth Services – Dolores Public Library
• Library Assistant/Adult Services – Dolores Public Library
• Head of Youth Services – Mesa County Libraries
• Research and User Services Coordinator/ Liaison Librarian (Assistant Professor of Library Services) – Colorado State University Pueblo
• LINC/Outreach Librarian (Assistant Professor of Library Services) – Colorado State University Pueblo
• Part-time 25 hour Concierge (Spanish speaking candidates preferred) – Anythink Commerce City

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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.