Friday Grab Bag, January 9, 2026

Four men ski with linked arms. — *Winterskol activities begin Wednesday. Aspen Daily News, January 13, 1986*

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!

Library Events & Programs

Something New in 2026

Summit County Library invites teens to Learn Beginner Guitar at the Main Library on January 9 at 3:00 pm. This beginner class will provide instruction on scales, strings, and basic chords.

A young woman poses with skis. — *Miss Ski Country USA. The Vail Trail, January 14, 1966*

Delta County Libraries will host financial literacy specialist Karla Cline for Budgeting for Real Life on January 14 at Delta Library. Learn the fundamentals of budgeting and how to use it to achieve your goals.

Get the motivation you need to finish a project at Berthoud Community Library District’s Work-in-Progress Night on January 22. Bring your writing, art, craft, or other unfinished project for constructive feedback from other creatives.

Pine River Library invites you to Winter Wellness: Chemical-Free Cleaning for the Cold & Flu Season on January 17. Learn how to eliminate germs and clean your home with a few non-toxic supplies. You’ll leave with your own bottle of all-purpose cleaner or room spray.

Join La Veta Public Library for a Vision Board Workshop on January 9. All materials will be provided for this facilitated event.

Buena Vista Public Library invites their community to Journaling: Finding the Treasures Within on January 15. Participants will use prompts to explore their strengths and express themselves.

West Custer County Library welcomes Colorado Parks & Wildlife Officer Justin Krall for Get Hooked: Alpine Lake Fishing 101 on January 13. This could be your new hobby in 2026!

Stories & Storytellers

Arapahoe Libraries is hosting an evening with graphic novelist Tony Weaver Jr. on January 13 via Zoom. The author of ‘Weirdo’ will share his inspiration for writing middle grade graphic novels and give tips on taking your dreams from idea to execution.

Garfield County Libraries welcomes families to Fantasy Fest on January 17 at the Parachute Branch. Show off your magical cosplay while you enjoy enchanted crafts, photo ops, and snacks.

Pikes Peak Library District will host local author Erin Taylor for Ghost Stories of Colorado’s Mining Frontier, January 10 at High Prairie Library. Journey into Colorado’s Wild West past through chilling tales from some of the mining towns where boom met bust.

A group of boys follow a ski instructor. — *Getting Ready. The Estes Park Trail, January 14, 1976*

What’s New from the Colorado State Library

Learning Opportunities

All events are online except where a location is noted.

Talking Teen Services: Seeing Our Unseen Caregiving Youth
- January 13, 11:00 am – 12:15 pm
Talking Teen Services: How Could We Serve Caregiving Youth?
- January 20, 11:00 am – 12:15 pm
Shine a Light on Innovative Practices | Focus on the Spark: Creating Interactive Lessons
- January 21, 4:15 – 5:15 pm
The Reading Culture Advantage: Assessing Opportunity for Change and Impact
- January 28, 4:00 – 5:00 pm
The Reading Culture Advantage: Partnering with Families & Caregivers
- February 10, 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Find even more learning opportunities:
- New Year, New Learning
- Libraries Learn
- Maine State Library’s Continuing Education Calendar (note: all MSL events are listed in Eastern time). A different view of these events is available at Free Online Learning Opportunities for January 2026.

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.