CSL News > Friday Grab Bag, October 17, 2025

Friday Grab Bag, October 17, 2025

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Three women in a library admire a new typewriter.
New type. The Estes Park Trail, October 23, 1985

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

Celebrating Community

A young woman at a library circulation desk checks out stacks of books to two young men.
Mid-Semester Exams. The Brown and Gold, October 21, 1955

Lone Cone Library is hosting a Community Ofrenda in honor of Día de los Muertos from October 17 through November 8. During the event, the Library will help participants print and copy photos of loved ones who have passed on.

Clearview Library District invites you to Join In, An Afternoon of Film, Conversation & Community on November 15 at the Windsor Community Recreation Center. The afternoon begins with a screening of ‘Join or Die’ at 1:00 pm, followed by a virtual Q&A with the directors, and finally a Join Fair—an opportunity to explore local clubs and get involved in your community.

Jefferson County Public Library welcomes families to Special Story Time with Jeffco Recorder’s Office on October 25 at Belmar Library. Special guest Amanda Gonzalez, Jefferson County Clerk & Recorder, will share how you play a role in building our local community. Afterwards, staff will be available to answer questions about voter registration and the upcoming election.

Halloween Treats

Boulder Public Library invites teens and adults to The Lafayette Vampire and Other East Boulder County Myths that Just Won’t Die on October 18 at the Carnegie Library for Local History. Doug Conarroe, local historian and author of Ghosts and Legends of Lafayette and Louisville, will dispel what you think you knew about Boulder County history.

Vail Public Library’s Scarecrow Building Contest is October 19 from 12:00 to 5:00 pm. Bring your family, friends, or come solo to create your own unique scarecrow using materials provided by the library.

Broomfield Library is throwing an After Hours Teen Halloween Party on October 24 at 6:00 pm. There will be plenty of food, Halloween crafts, and activities to enjoy throughout the evening, including a costume contest!

A boy and a girl attempt to bite the same apple on a string.
Halloween Could Be Interesting. The Spotlight, October 20, 1955

Englewood Public Library invites you to their annual JamBOOree on October 25. Wear your family-friendly costume and get spooky at the library with lots of games and crafts for kids of all ages.

Gilpin County Public Library’s Pumpkin Decorating Contest is October 1-27. Pumpkins must be decorated (not carved) and should represent a book or movie character. Winners of this all-ages contest will be announced October 31.

High Plains Library District’s Halloween Jamboree is October 18 at the LINC event center. Costumes are welcome at this spooktacular afternoon of Halloween crafts, games, and family-friendly activities!

Lyons Community Library announces The Spooky: A Teen Halloween Hangout on October 18. Enjoy ghoulish goodies, Halloween-themed crafts, scream-worthy games, and a scary (but fun) flick that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Poudre Libraries invites kids and teens to enjoy S’mores & Scary Stories on October 17 at The Nectary. Gather together with blankets and lawn chairs to share sweet treats and spooky tales, some written and read by teens, some just for thrills.

Pick ‘n’ Mix

West Custer County Library is hosting a Kid Star Party at the Smokey Jack Observatory on October 18 at 7:30 pm. Come out and see the planets Saturn and Neptune while you enjoy some hot chocolate.

Master a new baking skill at Buena Vista Public Library’s Challah Workshop on October 23. Learn to braid, shape, and bake challah bread, and discover its rich history and symbolism.

Alamosa Public Library invites you to attend a Saxophone Concert with Alfred D. on October 23 at 5:30 pm. Enjoy a variety of soul-soothing and toe-tapping genres, including Jazz, Rock, Country, and Blues.

A young woman, four young men, and a dog pose with a football.
Girl Coaches Husky Footballers. Rocky Mountain News Daily, October 18, 1945

What’s New from the Colorado State Library

Resource Sharing

Call for Proposals: 2026 Colorado Resource Sharing Conference

Colorado State Publications Blog

How many butterfly species live in Colorado?

Continuing Education Podcast

Sunshine & Stories Talks Trends in School and Public Libraries

CSL Resource Sets

Exploring Literary Movements with Your Book Club: Native American Renaissance

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.

A makeup artist applies a fake mustache to a man.
New Face. The Estes Park Trail, October 22, 1975

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, [email protected].

All images are from the Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection, a service of Colorado State Library.

Amy Hitchner
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