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
Arts & Culture
Pikes Peak Library District’s 19th Annual Mountain of Authors event is May 17 from 12:00 to 4:30 pm at Library 21c. This year’s event will showcase over 30 local authors who will be available for book sales and signings throughout the day. The day will also be highlighted by a Publishing Realities talk with Michael Covington and a keynote address by Coloradan Pete McBride, an award-winning photographer, filmmaker, author, and public speaker. Pete’s latest book, The Colorado River: Chasing Water, will be sold by Poor Richard’s Bookstore during the event.
Jefferson County Public Library welcomes the Kalama Polynesian Dancers to Columbine Library on May 10. Experience the rich traditions and vibrant dances of Hawaii, New Zealand, Samoa, and Tahiti, culminating in a spectacular LED “fire” finale.
The Smithtonian Handbell Ensemble will perform their Spring Concert at Bemis Public Library on May 10 at 11:00 am and 1:30 pm. The recital will feature songs of Shenandoah, ragtime classics, festive dances, and more.
Pueblo City-County Library District is offering an introduction to Japanese Obi Tying on May 13 at Pueblo West. Participants will learn about the time, place, and occasion for wearing different types of kimono and obi, then learn how to tie a Nagoya obi.
Arapahoe Libraries has issued a call for artists for their Teen Art Show 2025. Teens ages 12-18 are invited to submit original artwork in media such as painting, drawing, and photography now through July 1 at Smoky Hill Library.
Hands-On Learning
To Dye For is Alamosa Public Library’s opportunity for teens and adults to experiment with natural dyes like coffee, tea, and other pantry staples. Join them on May 16 at 5:30 pm.
Learn How To Host a Successful Garage Sale on May 10 at Aurora Public Library’s Central Library. Topics will include advertising, signage, and pricing.
Delta County Libraries hosting a Garden Starts Swap & Social at Hotchkiss Library on May 12 and Crawford Library on May 13. You are invited to swap plant starts, enjoy snacks and refreshments, and connect with fellow gardeners.
Honor and Celebrate
Garfield County Libraries is honoring U.S. service members at their Military Appreciation Day on May 10 at the Silt Branch Library. This special community gathering honors and celebrates all branches of the military with guest speakers, an honor ceremony, historical displays, family-friendly activities, veteran resource booths, live music, and more.
Montrose Library District is celebrating the National Science Foundation’s 75th anniversary with a STEM Day Celebration on May 10 at Montrose Regional Library. This all-ages event will feature fun, interactive water-themed activities.
West Custer County Library is hosting a Homeschool Field Day on May 13 at 10:00 am. Pre-K through 5th graders can enjoy this free sporting event complete with snacks and a souvenir water bottle.
Join Mesa County Libraries for an epic Summer Reading Kick-Off Party on May 15 at Gateway Branch Library. Kids will enjoy games, activities, crafts, fun, and summer reading sign-ups for all ages.
What’s New from the Colorado State Library
Library Research Service
How Well Do You Know Your Library’s Community?
Colorado State Publications Blog
Colorado state parks: Spinney Mountain
Book Club Resource
Fast Facts – Kits and Book Club Sets
Adult Services
Parks and Libraries: Another Year of Access to the Outdoors, and Enrichment and Education for All
Learning Opportunities
All events are online except where a location is noted.
- Social Security 101 with Benefits in Action
- May 12, 2:00 – 3:00 pm
- 2025 CLiC & Connect: In Person Rural Meetup – Fort Morgan
- May 15, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
- $30 registration
- Academic Librarian Conference and Networking Day
- May 16, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- University of Denver, Anderson Academic Commons
- $30-$40 registration
- Aligning School Library Selection Policy with New Colorado Law; Guidance for School Districts
- May 20, 3:30 – 4:30 pm
- Really Useful Library Evaluation
- May 21 & 22, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Adams State University, Nielsen Library (Alamosa)
- Adult Services Regional Workshop – Durango
- May 28, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Durango Public Library
- 2025 Colorado OER Conference
- May 30, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- University of Northern Colorado in Greeley
- SHIP Partners & Services Manager (State Health Insurance Program)
- June 5, 10:00 – 11:00 am
- Cultivating Library Joy: Finding Fulfillment in Everyday Work
- June 10, 1:00 – 2:00 pm
- HESTL EdCON 2025
- June 10, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
- DCSD Legacy Campus, Parker
- Find even more learning opportunities:
- Libraries Learn Calendar from Colorado State Library
- Continuing Education Calendar from Maine State Library (note: all MSL events are listed in Eastern time). A different view of these events is available at Free Online Learning Opportunities for May 2025.
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.
- Teacher Librarian – Arrowhead Elementary – Cherry Creek Schools
- Teacher Librarian – Pine Creek High School – Academy District 20
- Remote Librarian – Colorado Technical University
- Librarian Technician III – Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Fort Logan
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, hitchner_a@cde.state.co.us.
All images are from the Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection, a service of Colorado State Library.
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