1900 East Third Ave. Contact: 375-3380.
Jan. 1-Jan. 31: Page One Contest. We don’t care if you just started writing or just finished something, we want your first page. Winners receive a $100 Maria’s Bookshop gift certificate and have their work aired on the Page One radio program. Winning pages will be selected by mid-February and will be aired on KSUT and KDUR in March.
Contest rules: “One page” means approximately 300-500 words, typed. Submissions must be original works by locals only. Fiction, poetry, nonfiction, young adult and children’s genres are all welcome. This contest is for writers ages 14 and older. All submissions must include a title.
Submissions can be emailed to spenser.snarr@durangoco.gov or dropped off at Durango Public Library between Jan. 1-Jan. 31.
More about Page One: Each week DPL staff member Nancy Stoffer chooses a compelling first page from a book within the library’s collection and reads it on local radio stations KDUR and KSUT. The Page One Radio program airs on KSUT on Mondays at 9:30 a.m. and Saturdays at 7:56 a.m. and KDUR on Fridays 11:45 a.m. and Sundays at 10:30 a.m.
Events canceled on Dec. 24 and Dec. 31.
Tuesdays, 4-5 p.m.: Youth Chess Club. Drop-in chess games in a friendly environment. Meet fellow enthusiasts, improve your game and enjoy friendly competition. For ages 9 and older. All skill levels welcome.
Wednesdays, 11-11:30 a.m.: Preschool Storytime. Stories, songs, rhymes and other fun activities. Perfect for children ages 3 and older.
Wednesdays, 4-5 p.m.: Teen Advisory Group. Help the library meet your needs and interests, gain valuable experience, meet new friends and hang out.
Thursdays, 11-11:30 a.m.: Toddler Storytime. Stories, songs, rhymes and other fun activities. Perfect for children ages 1-2.
Thursdays, 3:30-4:30 p.m.: Teen Game Zone. Ages 12-17.
Fridays, 11-11:30 a.m.: Baby Time. Tailored for babies from birth-12 months together with an adult. 15-20 minutes of early literacy activities followed by a playgroup. Sing songs, bounce to action rhymes and share stories, providing a rich environment for babies to hear language and interact with others.
Fridays, 3:30-4:30 p.m.: Friday Fun. Building, playing, exploring and creating together. First Friday of the month: STEM; second and fourth: LEGO; third: art. If there's a fifth Friday, we'll let you know. Great for ages 5-12 and families.
Event canceled on Dec. 26.
Dec. 2, 10-10:45 a.m.: Stories in the Park. Free, family-friendly, outdoor storytime and nature journaling adventure. Recommended for ages 3-7 with an adult. Programs held at Santa Rita Park picnic shelter at 111 South Camino del Rio. If the weather’s iffy, it might move indoors. In case of rain, snow, extreme cold/heat, etc. on the day of the event, call 375-3380 to see if it’s at Santa Rita Park or inside at an alternate location.
Dec. 3 and 17, 6-7:30 p.m.: Word Honey Poetry Workshop. At the Hive (1175 Camino del Rio). Write and create original works.
Dec. 4 and 18, 5:30-6:30 p.m.: Spanish Conversation Hour. Practice Spanish in an informal setting. All language levels welcome.
Dec. 4, 6-8 p.m.: Friends of the San Juan Snow Series. Looking at last season’s snow, avalanche and accident history and discussing the current state of the snowpack with backcountry forecaster from the CAIC, Krista Beyer.
Dec. 10, 6:15-7:45 p.m.: Writers & Scribblers. Open to those interested in writing and the publishing process. Meetings are run by using a “pass the torch” method; everyone is encouraged to participate, but it is not a requirement. Main purpose is to try to help each other through what must be done as writers; from writing to editing to publishing and marketing. Discussion topics will vary and sometimes repeat depending upon the needs of the members at the time.
Dec. 13 and 27, 1-3 p.m.: Yarn Meetup. Knitters, crocheters and fiber artists of all ages and levels. Work on a current project in an informal group setting.
Dec. 13, 1-3 p.m.: Silent Book Club. Bring your own book or grab something new off the shelf and read alongside other readers. There are no assigned readings. All book genres and formats are welcome.
Dec. 16, 6-7:30 p.m.: Cookie Exchange. Bake three dozen of your favorite cookie, swap them with everyone else’s varieties and then you’ll go home with a diverse and delicious platter of cookies. Registration is required, visit event page at durangopubliclibrary.libnet.info/events.
Dec. 17, 4-5 p.m.: Teen DIY Gift Making, Scented Bath Salts. Ages 12 to 17.
Dec. 20, 1-2 p.m.: Folk Jam. An informal “jam session” of traditional and contemporary folk music. Bring your voice and/or an instrument (if you play one). Share the songs you know and learn new ones. Everyone is welcome even if you just want to listen but be ready to have a good time. Led by local educator and folk musician Dennis Lum.
Dec. 24 and 25: Library closed.
Jan. 1: Library closed.
Jan. 1: Page One Contest Begins.
395 Bayfield Center Drive, Bayfield. Contact: 884-2222, www.prlibrary.org
Winter Is Coming ... To Your Library. Join us for a winter medieval faire! If you dare, bring your best chili for a chili cook-off. We will enjoy music, food, crafts and activities. The party begins just as the library closes at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6.
Jane Austen’s 250th Birthday Tea: You are cordially invited to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birthday with a tea. We will have books, movies, puzzles, favorite quotes, crafts and more. Books and movies will be available all month, and we will culminate with a tea on Miss Austen’s birthday, Dec. 16 from 1-2:30 p.m.
Snapshots With Scarlett: Learn Over Lunch. Kathy Myrick has spent her weekends over the past 15 years photographing the 1,700-mile trail blazed by Franciscan friars, Dominguez and Escalante, the first white explorers of the Four Corners. While Escalante’s daily journal focused on food and water sources, Myrick (accompanied by her Aussie, Scarlett), aimed to capture the majestic mountains, monuments, waterways and wildflowers the explorers would have encountered 250 years ago. Join us for our final scheduled Learn Over Lunch on Thursday, Dec. 4 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Registration is required: Stop by the library or call 884-2222, ext. 1, to sign up.
* Note: no youth programs will be held or during the weeks of Dec. 22 or Dec. 29 because of winter break.
Playful Pals: Connect, Play, Explore: Mondays, 2 p.m. Connect with other families/caregivers and foster a playful environment for preschool-age kids. Tea, healthy snacks and a play space are provided.
Hopper’s Storytime: Thursdays, 11 a.m. Read books, meet new friends and make a craft together.
STEAM Power Hour (grades 3-5): Mondays, 4-5 p.m. Junior STEAM Power Hour (grades K-2): Wednesdays, 4-5 p.m. Explore new interests, delve into the wonders of learning science and create artistic masterpieces.
Kids’ Gamer Club (grades 3-5): Tuesdays, 4-5 p.m. Board games, console video games, Roblox, Minecraft and more. Some computers are provided, but gamers can bring their own laptop or gaming devices if they prefer. This program is geared for grades 3 and older, but younger children are welcome to attend with a caregiver.
Teen Time: Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 4-5:30 p.m. Cards, tabletop games and more. Ease into the after school time at the library with space to play, read, work on homework and chill.
Teen TGIT: Thursdays, 4-5:30 p.m. Games (Xbox, Oculus, Roblox, etc.), activities, music and snacks. On the third Thursday of each month, watch for something special: possibly cooking, maybe international snacks – who knows?! Check out the calendar for more details.
Teen D&D: Fridays, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.. New members are welcome, and no experience is necessary, but you will need to set up a character before you can join our ongoing Dungeons & Dragons campaign. Reach out to kelly@prlibrary.org to schedule a time.
Friday Fun Day: Fridays, 1-2 p.m. First Fridays: Lego Club; second Fridays: Crafternoon; third Fridays: Pokemon; fourth and fifth Fridays: Crafternoon. Drop in activity time is open to all ages. People are free to come and go, and we encourage caregivers to participate with their children, as these activities are not monitored in the way that our registration required programs are.
Mountaintop Movement Full Body Fit Classes: Monday-Thursday, 8:15-9 a.m. Work out using your own body weight or light hand weights. The free classes are always similar in style but use different moves to keep it fun and fresh. You’ll need a yoga mat and light hand weights. If you don’t have them, there are extras that can be used. All ages and fitness levels are welcome. Classes are free, but donations are always welcome. Weather permitting, classes may be held outside. Hosted by local fitness instructors Brian and Tammy Williams. Follow them on the Mountaintop Movement Facebook page for more information.
Yoga for All: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:15-10:15 a.m. In this informal, free meetup, we create awareness and harmony between the mind and body that allows us to remove stress and anxiety. All you need is a yoga mat and a water bottle. Some yoga tools such as blocks, a blanket and a strap are encouraged.
Friends of the Library Shed Book Sale: Tuesdays, 1-3 p.m. Weather permitting, stop by the shed in the library parking lot for our weekly popup book sale.
Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, 10:30-11:30 a.m.: Sound Bath: Release, Restore & Rise. A rejuvenating sound bath designed to soothe your body, clear your energy and uplift your spirit. You’ll be immersed in the soothing tones of alchemy crystal bowls and other harmonic instruments. The resonant frequencies work on a cellular level to calm the nervous system, release stagnant energy and promote a profound sense of well-being. Bring a yoga mat, blanket or anything else for your comfort. Extra mats, blankets and eye pillows will be available. Classes are free, but donations are welcome. Michelle Bishop is a Sound Healing Practitioner and the owner of Zenergy – Breathwork and Sound Healing. She will host five classes in December.
Dec. 3, 10 a.m.: Delayed library opening.
Dec. 3, 1-2:30 p.m.: Dive Into Your Drive. If you have a Gmail address, you have access to free storage through Google Drive. This includes access to docs (word processing), sheets (spreadsheets), slides (slideshow creation), forms and more. Workshop will show you how to create and upload folders to drive and organize your files within folders. We will also take a look at the many templates that are available. Prerequisites: You must have a Gmail address. Bring your Gmail username and password so that you can sign in during the workshop. Register with the library front desk or at https://forms.gle/6jrGUfcmyz9AuqZe7.
Dec. 4, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.: Learn Over Lunch: Snapshots with Scarlett. Kathy Myrick has spent her weekends over the past 15 years photographing the 1,700-mile trail blazed by Franciscan friars, Dominguez and Escalante, the first white explorers of the Four Corners. While Escalante’s daily journal focused on food and water sources, Kathy (accompanied by her Aussie, Scarlett) aimed to capture the mountains, monuments, waterways and wildflowers the explorers would have encountered 250 years ago. Registration is required. Stop by the library or call 884-2222, ext. 1, to sign up.
Dec. 6, 5-7 p.m.: Winter Is Coming … To Your Library (holiday party). A winter medieval faire. If you dare, bring your best chili for a chili cook-off. We will enjoy music, food, crafts and activities.
Dec. 8, 6-8 p.m.: Classic Movie Series with Dennis Taylor: “The Man Who Came to Dinner” (1941). The peaceful home of an upper-class Ohio family turns utterly chaotic when it’s taken over at Christmas by a self-consumed New York radio personality. Based on the long-running Broadway play, the film stars Bette Davis, Ann Sheridan and Monty Woolley, who reprises his Broadway role.
Dec. 9, 10-11 a.m..: Card Making at the Senior Center. Create two beautiful handmade cards. Free.
Dec. 10, 2-3 p.m.: BookMarks Book Club. Library provides the books, the discussion leader and a place to meet. Stop by the front desk today to check out your copy of this month’s title, “The Serviceberry,” by Robin Wall Kimmerer.
Dec. 10, 5:30 p.m.: Pine River Library Board of Trustees Meeting. Agenda and minutes are available at www.prlibrary.org.
Dec. 11, 11 a.m.-noon: Easy Spanish Conversation. All ages and language levels are welcome. We meet by the fireplace or outside, depending on the weather.
Dec. 11, 1-3 p.m.: Community Music Makers. Musicians of all abilities and instruments (including voice) are welcome. Bring your instrument and a few copies of what you want to play and share. We usually go around the circle and each person shares a song with others joining in. Do not be intimidated; we truly are of all ability levels!
Dec. 11, 6-7 p.m.: Living Room Conversations: Holidays & Traditions. Come together to discuss issues using guides that foster connection and understanding, one conversation at a time. For more information, contact joanna@prlibrary.org.
Dec. 12, 4-5:30 p.m.: Beginning Mahjong Meetup. Mahjong is a tile-based table-top game developed in 19th century China. Similar to the Western card game rummy, mahjong is a game of skill, strategy and luck. Like dominoes, is relatively easy to learn. All are welcome.
Dec. 12, 6-11 p.m.: 4 Corners Tabletop Night. We play a variety of games and welcome players of all skill levels. We strongly encourage joining our Discord Server for event information, hobby inspiration and tabletop chat. Group Discord Server: 4 Corners Tabletop (https://discord.com/invite/eckX7hdJfR). For more information, email Blake Johnson at blakekjohnson@gmail.com or Byron Munda at byronallen175@gmail.com.
Dec. 13, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., and Dec. 14, noon-3 p.m.: Model Railroad Open House. The Silver San Juan Division of National Model Railroad Association will host a Model Train Open House at the Pine River Library. The group will have an HO Scale railroad set up all day in the Community Room. You can even learn how to operate trains. All ages are invited to come explore the hobby of model railroading.
Dec. 15, 1:30-3 p.m.: Women’s Group. Goal is to provide a safe space for women to connect, share experiences, mentor one another in various areas of experience and find encouragement. Women will help other women to provide emotional support, practical advice and a sense of community, helping them navigate various challenges and build confidence.
Dec. 15, 6-8 p.m.: Classic Movie Series with Dennis Taylor: “Miracle on 34th Street” (1947). Starring Edmund Gwenn, Maureen O’Hara, John Payne and 8-year-old Natalie Wood as the child who doubts the existence of Santa Claus.
Dec. 16, 1-2:30 p.m. : Jane Austen’s 250th Birthday Tea. The honor of your presence is requested at an afternoon tea in celebration of the 250th anniversary of Miss Jane Austen’s birth. Tea, snacks, crafts, music and more will be provided.
Dec. 17, noon-1 p.m.: Cookbook Club: Cookie Exchange/Charcuterie Board remix. Each month, we gather together and share a potluck of recipes from a chosen cookbook, chef or cuisine. Stop by the library and pick up a copy of that month’s cookbook and then call or email Joanna to RSVP and let us know what recipe you’ll be making for the potluck (884-2222, ext. 517, joanna@prlibrary.org).
Dec. 18, 10-11 a.m.: Kaffeeklatsch! An hour of German conversation. Meet others who have ties to Deutschland, to the German language and want to practice their skills. Bis bald!
Dec. 18, 11 a.m.-noon: Advanced Spanish Conversation. A lively exchange of ideas and discussions about interesting topics. All ages and language levels are welcome. Meet at the fireplace or patio, depending on the weather.
Dec. 18, 6-7 p.m.: Killer Reads: A True Crime Book Club. The ultimate book club for fans of real-life mysteries, criminal investigations and psychological suspense. Stop by the front desk today to check out your copy of “The Five: The Untold Lives of the Women Killed by Jack the Ripper,” by Hallie Rubenhold. Questions? Email Michaela at michaela@prlibrary.org.
Dec. 19, 11 a.m.: Pine River Senior Center Outreach. Books and DVDs available for check out, delivered to the Senior Center with an extended loan period (four weeks, rather than the standard one to three weeks).
Dec. 25 and 26: Library will be closed.
Fort Lewis Mesa Library, 11274 Highway 140, Hesperus. Contact: 425-5610, ext. 1, flmpatron@swlplibrarydistrict.org. Located inside Fort Lewis Mesa Elementary School and has books for all ages. Open to the public Monday 1:30-7 p.m., Tuesday-Friday 2:30-7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sunnyside Library, 75 County Road 218, Durango. Contact: 425-5610, ext. 2, ssmanager@swlplibrarydistrict.org. Located inside Sunnyside Elementary School and has books for all ages. Open to the public Monday 2-7 p.m., Tuesday-Friday 3-7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Board members sought. Email director@swlplibrarydistrict.org if you would like to help shape Southwest La Plata Library District’s future. Estimated time commitment is four hours per month. Great opportunity for those interested in grassroots politics. You must live within the SWLPLD boundaries.
CreativiTEA at Sunnyside Library. A meetup for crafty and creative people. Bring a portable hand craft you’re working on or need help with and tap into the community of crafters for inspiration. Check the calendar below for the dates and times at your local library.
Technology Tuesdays. Assistance with phones, tablets, or laptops. Email flmpatron@swlplibrarydistrict.org to schedule an appointment at Fort Lewis Mesa or sspatron@swlplibrarydistrict.org to schedule an appointment at Sunnyside.
Wee Read Toddler Story Time: Tuesdays at 10 a.m. at Fort Lewis Mesa and Wednesdays at 10 a.m. at Sunnyside. Stories, movement and songs for 2- to 4-year-olds and their caregivers.
Powerhouse Pass Program. Sunnyside and Fort Lewis Mesa Libraries have Powerhouse Passes available for check out. Pass will allow you and your immediate family free entry to the Powerhouse Science Center. Passes can be checked out on an adult library card for one week.
Check Out State Parks Program. Fort Lewis and Sunnyside Libraries have “Check Out State Parks” backpacks available. Packs include a pass for free entry to Colorado state parks, binoculars, wildlife viewing guides and park information. Packs can be checked out on an adult library card for one week.
Monday, Dec. 1, 5:30 p.m.: ASL Learners Group at Sunnyside Library. Learn and practice American Sign Language communication. All levels of ability are welcome.
Tuesday, Dec. 2: Technology Tuesday at Fort Lewis Mesa Library and Sunnyside Library. Appointments encouraged.
Tuesday, Dec. 2, 10 a.m.: Wee Read and Move toddler story time at Fort Lewis Mesa Library. Stories, movement and songs for 2- to 4-year-olds and their caregivers.
Tuesday, Dec. 2, 3:30 p.m.: CreativiTEA at Sunnyside Library.
Wednesday, Dec. 3, 10 a.m.: Wee Read toddler story time at Sunnyside Library. Stories, movement and songs for 2- to 4-year-olds and their caregivers.
Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2:30-4 p.m.: STEAMsters Maker Club in the Fort Lewis Mesa Maker Lab for grades 2-5. Registration required.
Friday, Dec. 5, 2:30-6:30 p.m.: Homemade for the Holiday. Ornament making party at Fort Lewis Mesa Library. Stop by and craft some ornaments for your home.
Friday, Dec. 5, 3-6:30 p.m.: 25th-Annual Wreath Extravaganza at Sunnyside Library. Materials will be provided to build a free holiday wreath or swag.
Saturday, Dec. 6, 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.: Homemade for the Holiday. Ornament making party at Fort Lewis Mesa Library. Stop by and craft some ornaments for your home.
Saturday, Dec. 6, 10:30 .am.-3:30 p.m.: 25th-Annual Wreath Extravaganza at Sunnyside Library. Materials will be provided to build a free holiday wreath or swag.
Tuesday, Dec. 9: Technology Tuesday at Fort Lewis Mesa Library and Sunnyside Library. Appointments encouraged.
Tuesday, Dec. 9, 10 a.m.: Wee Read and Move toddler story time at Fort Lewis Mesa Library. Stories, movement and songs for 2- to 4-year-olds and their caregivers.
Wednesday, Dec. 10, 10 a.m.: Wee Read toddler story time at Sunnyside Library. Stories, movement and songs for 2- to 4-year-olds and their caregivers.
Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2:30-4 p.m.: STEAMsters Maker Club in the Fort Lewis Mesa Maker Lab for grades 2-5. Registration required.
Thursday, Dec. 11: Both libraries will close at 5:30 p.m. for an all-staff event.
Friday, Dec. 12, 5 p.m.: Table Top Game Society at Fort Lewis Mesa Library for grades 6-12. Play D&D and other fun games.
Saturday, Dec. 13, 10 a.m.-noon: Photos with Santa at Sunnyside Library. Bring the family for a meet and greet with Santa. Our photographer will email you free digital photos.
Monday, Dec. 15, 4 p.m.: Southwest La Plata Library District monthly board meeting. Held in the Sunnyside Farms Market conference room, 300 South Camino del Rio, Durango. Additional information can be found at either library location or www.swlplibrarydistrict.org.
Monday, Dec. 15, 5:30 p.m.: ASL Learners Group at Sunnyside Library. Learn and practice American Sign Language communication. All levels of ability are welcome.
Tuesday, Dec. 16: Technology Tuesdays at Fort Lewis Mesa Library and Sunnyside Library. Appointments encouraged.
Tuesday, Dec. 16, 10 a.m.: Wee Read and Move toddler story time at Fort Lewis Mesa Library. Stories, movement and songs for 2- to 4-year-olds and their caregivers.
Tuesday, Dec. 16, 3:30 p.m.: CreativiTEA at Sunnyside Library.
Wednesday, Dec. 17, 10 a.m.: Wee Read toddler story time at Sunnyside Library. Stories, movement and songs for 2- to 4-year-olds and their caregivers.
Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2:30-4 p.m.: STEAMsters Maker Club in the Fort Lewis Mesa Maker Lab for grades 2-5. Registration required.
Friday, Dec. 19, 5 p.m.: Table Top Game Society at Fort Lewis Mesa Library for grades 6-12. Play D&D and other fun games.
Friday, Dec. 19, 5:30 p.m.: Game Night at Sunnyside Library. For adults, teens or tweens accompanied by an adult.
Saturday, Dec. 20, noon-2 p.m.: Cookie Exchange at Sunnyside Library. Bring two dozen cookies and wear a fun holiday hat!
Monday, Dec. 22 and Tuesday, Dec. 23: Special Library hours during Durango School District holiday break. Libraries open to the public 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 24 and Thursday, Dec. 25: Libraries closed.
Friday, Dec. 26; Monday, Dec. 29; Tuesday, Dec. 30: Special Library hours during Durango School District holiday break. Libraries open to the public 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 27, noon-3 p.m.: Dungeons and Dragons at Sunnyside Library. No previous experience or materials necessary. Open to both beginners and experienced players.
Wednesday, Dec. 31: Special library hours during Durango School District holiday break. Libraries open to the public 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 31, 10 a.m.: Wee Read toddler story time at Sunnyside Library. Stories, movement and songs for 2- to 4-year-olds and their caregivers.
Thursday, Jan. 1: Libraries closed.
470 Goddard Ave. Ignacio. Contact 563-9287, www.ignaciolibrary.org.
Stuffie Sleepover Storytime: Friday, Dec. 5, 4 p.m. Bring your stuffies to the library for a special holiday Storytime, in conjunction with the Taste of Christmas and the Stuffie Sleepover.
Make Your Own Hot Cocoa Mix: Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 4:30 p.m. Cozy up with a fun DIY class, create, stir and sip your way to sweetness.
Holiday Craft Time: Friday, Dec. 12 and 19 at 11 a.m. We will provide supplies for several projects, so bring the whole family.
Glowforge Winter Crafts: Wednesday, Dec. 17 at 3 p.m. Create beautiful snowflakes and winter crafts.
Mondays at 1:30 p.m.: Sewing Workshop. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, you’re invited for some fun around sewing projects and crafts.
Mondays at 4:30 p.m.: Teen Café. Movies, snacks, games, crafts, homework help and more with peers in the community.
Tuesdays at 10 a.m.: Storytime. Storytime is on a new day. Stories, songs, crafts and more to encourage literacy in young ones.
Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.: Open Art Studio. Work on your art projects, receive help and advice, and enjoy conversation and good times with other local artists. Guests and new members are always welcome.
Tuesdays at noon.: Electronics Hour. Tune up your skills or learn something new. Electronic-based projects and more can be found weekly.
Thursdays at 1 p.m.: Knitters Group. Join our lovely group of knitters for a beverage and a chat in our Community Room.
Fridays at 9 a.m.: Community Coffee and Donuts. Opportunity to stay informed about the resources available at the library.
Fridays at 1 p.m.: IDEA LAB Classes. New skills to learn with highlighted classes.
