1900 East Third Ave., 375-3380, www.durangopubliclibrary.org.
Thursdays 10:30 a.m.–11 a.m.: Family Storytime. Join us for stories, songs, rhymes, & other fun activities perfect for children ages 0-5 and their parents and caregivers.
Fridays 10:30 a.m.–11 a.m.: Baby Storytime. A lapsit storytime for infants- 18 months. Interactive fun with music, stories, fingerplays, counting rhymes and playtime. Babies should bring their parents or caregivers to join the fun.
Masks are highly encouraged for all events.
April 5 3:00 p.m.–5 p.m.: Chess Club. Drop-in chess games in a friendly environment. For ages 7-15. All skill levels are welcome. Bring your own set or use one of ours.
April 5 6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.: Word Honey Poetry & Zine Workshop. Join us at The Hive's indoor skatepark (1150 Main Ave. Suite A) and help us build a poetry zine.
April 6 10 a.m.–11 a.m.: Tech Tutoring: Need a little tech help? Questions on how to use email, Internet, basic Office apps? Then sign up today. The library offers free one-hr tutoring sessions with a member of our IT staff. Contact Dan Goldman at dan.goldman@durangogov.org to register.
April 7 3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m.: LEGO Club. Drop in to build, create and play with the library's LEGO collection.
April 7 6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.: Teen Night: Glow-in-the-Dark Egg Hunt. It's an egg hunt challenge for teens after-hours at the library. Bring your friends and see if your group will be the one to rule the eggs. Cosmic bowling, Mario Kart, snacks, and karaoke included. Dress code: Neon everything. For teens in grades 6-12. Space is limited. Registration is required.
April 11 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.: Early Literacy Playdate. Join us for a playdate at the library. Explore early literacy and learning through hands-on sensory activities. Be ready to move, build, play, and create. Perfect for children ages 0-5.
April 11 11 a.m.–2 p.m.: Great Decisions: Politics in Latin America. Presented by the League of Women Voters of La Plata County, Great Decisions is an annual nonpartisan briefing book that covers eight foreign policy topics.
April 12 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.: Braiding Sweetgrass Book Club #1 If you love to talk about books, then we've got a club for you. Join us in the DPL Reading Room. This month: Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Registration required.
April 13 5 p.m.–6:30 p.m.: Braiding Sweetgrass Book Club #2 If you love to talk about books, then we've got a club for you. Join us in the DPL Reading Room. This month: Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Registration required.
April 14 3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m.: STEAM Lab. Build, explore, create and problem solve. Join us for fun STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) based activities.
April 19 3 p.m.–5 p.m.: Chess Club. Drop-in chess games in a friendly environment. For ages 7-15. All skill levels are welcome. Bring your own set or use one of ours.
April 19 6 p.m.–7:30 p.m.: Word Honey Poetry Open Mic Night. Celebrate National Poetry Month with us. Join us at the library for a Word Honey open mic poetry night. We encourage all to take the mic and read an original work, or to come out and support local poets.
April 20 10 a.m.–11 a.m.: Tech Tutoring: Need a little tech help? Questions on how to use email, Internet, basic Office apps? Then sign up today. The library offers free one-hr tutoring sessions with a member of our IT staff. Contact Dan Goldman at dan.goldman@durangogov.org to register.
April 21 12 p.m.–1:30 p.m.: All things “Nature” Book Discussion. Do you love to read about the great outdoors? Come to share reviews of your recent reads. Discover new titles and meet other book lovers in the community. We will be meeting at Turtle Lake Refuge Cafe 848 E. 3rd Ave. Lunch provided. Registration required.
April 21 3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m.: LEGO Club. Drop in to build, create and play with the library's LEGO collection.
April 25 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Great Decisions: Iran at a Crossroads. Presented by the League of Women Voters of La Plata County, Great Decisions is an annual nonpartisan briefing book that covers eight foreign policy topics.
April 26 4:30 p.m.–6 p.m.: Great Garden Series: Planter Decorating Craft for Adults. Get ready for the Great Garden Series with this awesome garden crafts. We'll be making upcycling and decorating Decoupage Tin Can Planters, perfect for all your starters, windowsill herbs, and household decorations.
April 28 3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m.: STEAM Lab. Build, explore, create and problem solve. Join us for fun STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) based activities.
395 Bayfield Center Drive, Bayfield, 884-2222, www.prlibrary.org.
NEW: BAYFIELD COMMUNITY CALENDAR.
The Pine River Library will now be hosting a Community Calendar for Bayfield on the library website, www.prlibrary.org. In 2022, library staff interviewed over 70 members of the community during their strategic planning process and a recurring issue was the lack of information on what is going on locally without a Bayfield community calendar. So, in response to that issue, the library has decided to create, host, and manage a calendar for local events as one of their new strategic initiatives. The calendar will be hosted on the library website at https://prlibrary.org/bayfield-community-calendar/. The guidelines for submissions as well as the submission form can be found on the calendar page as well. For more information call the library at 970-884-2222 ext. 522.
For the Youngest Patrons
Hopper's Storytime, Thursdays 11-11:30 a.m.: Drop in every week to read books, sing songs, and make a craft. All ages welcome.
For Elementary Ages
Gamer Club, Mondays, 4-5 PM: Come and celebrate all forms of gaming. Tabletop gaming, console video games, Roblox, Minecraft, Pokémon Go, and more. Computers are provided, but gamers can bring their own laptop or Switches if they prefer. This program is geared for grades 3+ but younger children are welcome to attend with a caregiver.
After School Adventure Hour, Tuesdays (Grades K-2), Wednesdays (Grades 3-5), 4-5 PM: Join us to explore hands-on science, create Lego masterpieces, and more.
NOTE: Please arrange transport with the School District if you would like your child to ride the bus to the library after school. Parents or guardians of children below 6th grade must register their children in order for them to attend after school programs. Register your child at www.prlibrary.org/kids-programs/ or stop by the library.
Teen Programs
Tournament Tuesdays, Tuesdays, 4-5 PM: Every Tuesday join a new tournament and play for prizes. Trivial Pursuit, Spelling Bees, Card Games, Guitar Hero/Injustice, and lots more.
Free Play Thursdays, Thursdays, 4-5 PM: Every Thursday join us for Xbox, PlayStation, Oculus, food, and fun.
Thursday, April 13, 4:30-6 PM: Self Care Fair: Attention all Bayfield Teens. We know you work hard. Between school and sports and life in general you are really busy. You deserve some “you’ time. Come enjoy Pine River Library’s Teen Self Care Fair. Come chill out and check out different activity stations including a Break Space, DIY body care, a Zen corner, Occulus, Smile Jars, and more.
YOGA FOR ALL
Mondays and Wednesdays, 9-10 AM: This class combines the cool stillness of yin yoga and heat and flow of movement to create a balance that can be modified to work for every body. All you need is a yoga mat and a water bottle. Some yoga tools such as blocks, a blanket and a strap are encouraged. These classes are on a donation basis. Taught by Colleen Theobald and Robin Rogers. For more information email colleen1yoga@gmail.com or robin53174@gmail.com.
MOUNTAINTOP MOVEMENT FITNESS CLASSES
These classes are hosted by local fitness instructors Brian and Tammy Williams. Follow them on the Mountaintop Movement Facebook page for more information.
Full Body Fit Class: Monday-Thursday, 8:15-8:50 a.m.: Workout using your own body weight or light hand weights to work all the body parts. The free classes are always similar in style but always different moves to keep it fun and fresh. You’ll need a yoga mat & light hand weights. If you don’t have them, there are extras that can be used. All ages and fitness levels are welcome.
COMMUNITY KNITTING AND CROCHET GROUP
Sundays, 1-3 PM: All are welcome. Whether you have been knitting and/or crocheting for years or you would like to learn, we are happy to have you and will do our best to help you get started.
April 3, 10-11 AM: Rambling Readers: The Pine River Library presents “Rambling Readers” on the first Monday of each month. Those interested will meet at the gate to Saul’s Creek just off Highway 160 in Bayfield to walk and talk books. Call the library at 970.884.2222 ext. one if you need directions.
April 3, 6-8 PM: Typeset Writers’ Group: No rules, just writing. Each month a member of the group will bring an article for discussion. Participants also have the option to bring two pages of their own writing to read aloud, but it’s not required. If you’d like to read your own writing, please bring it in manuscript format.
April 4, 5:30-6:30 p.m.: Rebecca Koeppen Artist Reception: Pine River Library will be hosting an artist reception with light refreshments for painter Rebecca Koeppen. Rebecca's unique pastel painted landscapes will be on display at the library until the end of June.
April 6, 4-6 PM: County Commissioner Matt Salka Office Hours: La Plata County Commissioner Matt Salka will hold in-person office hours from 4 to 6 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at Pine River Library, 395 Bayfield Center Drive, Bayfield. Members of the public are invited to meet with Salka to discuss county issues of interest or concern. For more information, call 970-382-6219.
April 7, 6:30 p.m.: First Friday Flicks: Join us for a movie on the big screen the first Friday of each month. In March we’ll be showing the 2022 film “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” (PG-13)
April 9: Library Closed
April 11, 10-11 AM: Card Making at the Pine River Senior Center: Join us at the Pine River Senior Center every second Tuesday of the month and create two beautiful handmade cards. 100% free.
April 12, 2-3:30 p.m.: Bookmarks Book Club: BookMarks is open to all adults. The Library provides the books, the discussion leader, and a place to gather outside. Stop by the library to request a copy of the April book (Mary Jane by Jessica Anya Blau) or the May book (A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik)
April 12, 19, 26, & May 3, 1-3:30 p.m.: Beginning Quilting: Join Melinda Malone every Wednesday afternoon starting April 12 and running through May 3rd. The class will meet weekly to learn modern quilting methods in cutting, piecing, and quilting. The first class will be a casual gathering to view the quilt we will be making (called “Red Hots”) and to review the supply list including fabric, rotary cutter, ruler, cutting mat, batting, and miscellaneous sewing supplies. We will discuss fabric quality, batting options, and generous Q&A time will be provided. Each student is expected to bring their own sewing machine and accessories to the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th class. It may be possible to use a “loaner” sewing machine; ask about this directly with Melinda at first class. Sewing homework is entrusted to each student so progress on the quilt can be attained. There is no direct fee for this class, but you will need to buy your own supplies. Preregistration is required, stop by the library or call 970.884.2222 ext. one to register.
April 17, 6-7:30 p.m.: Postpartum and Birth Doula, Leah Ryder, is hosting a free “Postpartum Prep” course at the Pine River Library. During this class we will be discussing significant points in postpartum planning such as breastfeeding, sleep, supplies, postpartum depression, and more. You will also gain access to a list of local resources & professional support, to help you and your baby after birth. Please, bring yourself and your support system-whoever that may be. Let’s get excited and prepared for your postpartum journey, you deserve to feel empowered and informed during this time.
April 18, 1-2:30 p.m.: Death Café: Pine River Library is one of many groups in 79 countries across the world that host Death Cafés. A Death Cafe is a time and place where people come to share food, drink tea or coffee, and discuss death openly and honestly. The aim is to increase awareness about death in order to help people make the most of their (finite) lives. Join us every third Tuesday of the month.
April 19, 6-8 PM: Brusho Crystal Watercolor Class: Brusho crystals are heavily pigmented powdered watercolors. They have the same intensity as ink but are activated by water. Cindy Shelton, who is teaching the class, says she loves hearing the ooo’s and ahhh’s when students first see the magic happen when water is added to these powders. In this class we will work on canvas paper surfaces and a canvas. You will learn several techniques to create your own unique pieces. All materials are furnished and you will share Cindy’s Brusho crystal collection. There is a $20 materials fee for this class. Preregistration is required, stop by the library or call 970.884.2222 ext. one to register.
April 27, 11:30-12:30 p.m.: Spanish Conversation: Join us for an hour of conversation en español at the library. Come practice your Spanish in an informal setting. All ages and language levels welcome.
April 28, 11:30-12:30 p.m.: Pine River Senior Center Outreach: Enjoy books and DVDs available for check out, delivered to you at the Senior Center with an extended loan period (4 weeks, rather than the standard 1-3 weeks) each month.
Fort Lewis Mesa Library, 11274 Highway 140, Hesperus. Contact: 970-375-3816, chris@swlplibrarydistrict.org. The library is located inside Fort Lewis Mesa Elementary School and has books for all ages. Open to the public M-F, 2:30-7 p.m.; contactless pickup and drop off available M-F, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Sunnyside Library, 75 County Road 218, Durango. Contact: 970-375-3816, cheryl@swlplibrarydistrict.org. The library is located inside Sunnyside Elementary School and has books for all ages. Open to the public M-F, 3-7 p.m.; contactless pickup and drop off available M-F, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Growing Readers Together Program–This six week program for kids ages three to five and their caregivers begins April 5/6 and will focus on Kindergarten readiness. More information on dates and times in the calendar below.
Yoga at Fort Lewis Mesa–Free yoga each Tuesday from three to 4 p.m. in the Fort Lewis Mesa Elementary Cafeteria. All ages/all levels welcome for an Ashtanga-inspired class. Please bring your own mat.
Powerhouse Pass Program–Sunnyside Library and Fort Lewis Mesa Library have Powerhouse Passes available for check out at each library. The 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 for check out. Each pack includes a pass for free entry to Colorado state parks, binoculars, wildlife viewing guides and park information. The pack can be checked out on an adult library card for one week.
April 3–6: Great PEEP-o-Rama Challenge at Fort Lewis Mesa and Sunnyside Libraries. Stop by for viewing and voting of Peep themed dioramas. Diorama submissions due by March 31, lots of prizes awarded. For participation information see our website www.swlplibrarydistrict.org.
Wednesday, April 5, 12, 19, 26 at 1:30 p.m.: Growing Readers Together workshop at Fort Lewis Mesa Library. For more information contact cindy@swlplibrarydistrict.org.
Thursday, April 6, 13, 20, 27 at 2 p.m.: Growing Readers Together workshop at Sunnyside Library. For more information contact patty@swlplibrarydistrict.org.
Monday, April 17, 4 p.m.: Southwest La Plata Library District board meeting, please go to swlplibrarydistrict.org for location details.
Monday, April 24, 5:30 p.m.: Sunnyside Book club meeting in the Sunnyside Library. Contact cheryl@swlplibrarydistrict.org for more information. All are welcome.
Wednesday, April 26, 3 p.m.: Fort Lewis Mesa Book club meeting in the Fort Lewis Mesa Library. Contact chris@swlplibrarydistrict.org for more information. All are welcome.
