CSL News | Resource Sharing

Friday Grab Bag, June 16, 2023

By Amy Hitchner: Published on
CSL News, Resource Sharing
Bien Venidos! 1973 UMAS Summer Students
El Diario de la Gente, June 15, 1973

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!

Live In Concert

The City of Aurora Library and Cultural Arts Division presents two summertime music series at local parks and libraries. Summer Jams and Story Time runs from June 9 through August 9 and features live storytimes from the bookmobile, crafts and activities, dance performances by Aurora Dance Hearts, and various musical acts. The 2023 Aurora Rhythms Concert Series kicks off June 20 and runs through December, featuring a new performer each month at Mission Viejo Library. Learn more about both series.

Garfield County Libraries is hosting an old-fashioned hoedown with Burning Mountain Ukulele Strummers on June 21 at Newcastle Branch Library. Don your favorite Western gear and come on down for a sing-along of cowboy classics. Learn more.

Boulder harpist Kathryn Harm will perform a Solo Harp Concert on June 20 at 6:30 at Gilpin County Public Library. See the library calendar for details.

PPLD’s Manitou Springs Library Lawn Concert Series continues on June 21 with the big band sounds of the Academy Jazz Ensemble. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy an evening of classic and contemporary jazz starting at 6:00 pm. Learn more.

Summer Stories

Huck Finn Day for Wray Youngsters
The Wray Gazette, June 18, 1953

Durango Public Library’s Literary Festival is June 19-30, with a full lineup of writing workshops, book clubs, open mics, and author events. Check their events calendar for listings.

Mancos Public Library’s community writing project, Everyone Has a Story, meets twice a month during the spring. Join them on June 22 at 5:30 pm to share your story and mingle with other writers. Learn more.

Longmont Public Library is hosting a Young Writers Masterclass with Author Nyasha Williams on June 18 from 2:30 to 4:30 pm. The workshop, geared towards older teens and young adults, will include dynamic writing exercises and insights into the publishing process. Register online.

Indoor Fun

High Plains Library District’s Riverside Board Game Club meets the third Wednesday of each month at Riverside Library and Cultural Center. The group plays a variety of games from traditional to trending. Join their next meeting on June 21 at 4:00 pm.

Pueblo City-County Library District invites tweens and teens to join them for the first Repurposed Art Show on June 22 at Giodone Library. Create something silly or absurd using repurposed materials — no talent required! Event details.

Security Public Library is hosting a friendship bracelet making class for teens on June 21. Drop in for some crafting and conversation. See the library calendar for details.

Pitkin County Library will host the Aspen Science Center for a STEM Exploration Hour on June 20. Learn more about this special Summer Reading Program event.

Ignacio Community Library invites families to Pachanga Delicioso, a delicious hullabaloo on June 22. Enjoy an evening of Latin American cuisine, salsa music, and more! Contact the library to register.

Pick ‘n’ Mix

The 7th annual Aurora Craft Brews Tour is June 15 – October 7! Pick up a passport at any participating location and collect 1 stamp per purchase. After 7 stamps, receive a prize at any Aurora Public Library. The program website has details and book pairing recommendations.

World Refugee Day is June 20! Join Denver Public Library at 3:00 pm for The Immigrant Culinary Journey, a virtual afternoon of lively discussion on the impact the immigrant experience is having on the world culinary scene with Mayukh Sen, author of Taste Makers. Sen will be joined by Seynabou of the Comal Heritage Food Incubator, which supports immigrant and refugee entrepreneurs in the Denver community. There will also be a watch party at the Bob Ragland Branch.

Learn the basics of grilling and smoking at Westminster Public Library’s BBQ 101, presented by Lew Miller, Kansas City Barbecue Society Certified Judge, on June 17 at College Hill. The class will cover equipment, fuel, and spices, and will include a live grilling demonstration. Registration is required.

Look Alikes
The Falconews-Air Force Academy, June 21, 1963

Loveland Public Library is offering Linux for Everyone Part 1: A Free Alternative to Microsoft, Apple, & Google on June 17. The class is geared towards beginners; participants will receive a free boot drive that they will create during class. Registration required.

Montrose Regional Library District welcomes park ranger Matt Johnson for his presentation Exploring the National Parks on June 21. Learn about the history of the national parks and explore various volunteer opportunities. Event details.

West Custer Community Library and their community partners are hosting a Touch a Truck event on June 16, 10:00 am, at Hermit Park. Kids are invited to visit up close with some of their favorite heavy machinery. Learn more.

Clearview Library District, in collaboration with the Town of Windsor, is hosting the Windsor Grind Skateboard & Scooter Competition on June 16 at Eastman Park Skate Park. Kids and teens ages 9-18 must register and complete a waiver to compete.

Bemis Public Library invites kids in grades 1-5 to meet the Arapahoe County Mounted Patrol on June 22. Learn about the important work of these deputies and their horses. Registration is required.

Estes Park’s Rodeo Royalty
The Estes Park Trail, June 21, 1963

What’s New at Colorado State Library

Colorado State Publications Library Blog

Learning Opportunities

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.

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.

Amy Hitchner
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