Friday Grab Bag, May 9, 2025

A girl puts her hands to her face in excitement while a second girl looks on.
Denver Girl Wins 2-State Spelling Bee. The Rocky Mountain News Daily, May 9, 1965

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

Three Japanese women pose in mod-style checkboard kimonos.
Junior Jacl’ers of San Francisco. Rocky Mountain JIHO, May 12, 1965

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

A young boy in a western-style hat sits with his mother.
‘My Mom’s an Angel’ Contest Winners. Westminster Journal, May 13, 1965

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.

A boy and girl pose with their trophies.
Colorado Marbles and Jacks Champions Crowned. The Rocky Mountain News Daily, May 17, 1965

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.

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.


Three young men stick their heads through a piece of wood at a carnival booth.
Vet’s Club sponge booth at Regis Bazaar. The Brown and Gold, May 13, 1955

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.

Amy Hitchner
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