1900 East Third Ave. Contact: 375-3380.
Wednesdays 11-11:30 a.m.: Preschool Storytime. Stories, songs, rhymes and other fun activities. Perfect for children ages 3-5.
Wednesdays 3:30-5 p.m.: Youth Chess Club. Drop-in chess games in a friendly environment. For ages 7-17. All skill levels are welcome. Bring your own set or use one of ours.
Thursdays 11-11:30 a.m.: Toddler Storytime. Stories, songs, rhymes and other fun activities. Perfect for children ages 2-3.
Fridays 11-11:30 a.m.: Baby Storytime. A lap-sit Storytime for infants-18 months. Interactive fun with music, stories, fingerplays, counting rhymes and playtime. Babies should bring their parents or caregivers.
April 2, 11 a.m.-noon: Kindergarten Readiness Play & Learn Workshop. A Way with Words: Early Language- Talking & Singing. The Early Childhood Council of La Plata County and Durango Public Library present a six-part series of free workshops for parents/caregivers and their preschool age children. The workshops will focus on key categories of kindergarten readiness and include activities that support growth in early literacy, math, motor and social emotional skills.
April 3, 6-7:30 p.m.: Word Honey Poetry Workshop. Join us at The Hive’s indoor skatepark (1150 Main Ave., Suite A) for a poetry workshop.
April 5, 3:30-4:30 p.m.: LEGO Club. Drop in to build, create and play with the library’s LEGO collection.
April 9, 11 a.m.-noon: Kindergarten Readiness Play & Learn Workshop. Breaking the Code: Early Literacy- Reading. The Early Childhood Council of La Plata County and Durango Public Library present a six-part series of free workshops for parents/caregivers and their preschool-age children. The workshops will focus on key categories of kindergarten readiness and include activities that support growth in early literacy, math, motor and social emotional skills.
April 9, 11:45 a.m.-2 p.m.: Great Decisions. 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 9, 4-5:30 p.m.: Poetry and Pizza Book Club. We‘re celebrating National Poetry Month. Join library staff members at Union Social House to eat pizza and discuss all things poetry. Share your favorite poems, discuss your favorite poets and learn recommendations from fellow poetry-lovers. No pre-reading required. This event is part of our “nontraditional” book clubs, which explore different themes/genres of writing, rather than one specific book. Seating is limited – register online.
April 10, 4-6:30 p.m.: Great Garden Series: The Soil is Alive! It Feeds Your Garden. Understanding the micro processes in soils and their interaction with soil biology – microbes and roots and their associated exudates – will lead to an enhanced appreciation for how small scale improvements in soil quality will help the plants in your garden grow better. Program by David McMillan of Grasshoppers Landscaping.
April 10, 6:15-7:45 p.m.: Writers and Scribblers – Dramatic Action: The Rock, and the Hard Place. At our regular monthly meeting of Writers and Scribblers, we'll discuss the different ways that a protagonist can be compelled to take action. Attendees are welcome to bring a page or two of their own work to share aloud, especially if it is a passage of text that shows their protagonist taking some kind of direct action in a difficult situation.
April 11, 4-5:30 p.m.: Crafternoons (for adults). Crafting isn’t just fun, it’s fundamental for mental health, relaxation and happiness. Come and explore our awesome craft supplies each month. Follow a suggested project or free play and create your own masterpiece. This space is reserved for adults (17 and older) This month: Create your own book wreaths!
April 12, 3:30-4:30 p.m.: STEAM Lab – Build, explore, create and problem-solve. Join us for fun STEAM-based activities. This week: Balloon Rocket Cars.
April 15, 5:30-7 p.m. Purging Plastics with Progression, Not Perfection – Celebrate Earth Week! Let’s deep dive into a discussion on plastic reduction and alternatives to single-use plastics with Crit Salaz, team captain of WeFill, your local solution to single-use pollution. “We don't need a handful of people doing zero-waste perfectly, we need billions doing it imperfectly.” Every action you take makes a difference, so let’s learn from each other. Spanish-language interpretation is available.
April 16, 11 a.m.-noon: Kindergarten Readiness Play & Learn Workshop. 1, 2, Buckle My Shoe: Early Math. The Early Childhood Council of La Plata County and Durango Public Library present a six-part series of free workshops for parents/caregivers and their preschool-age children. The workshops will focus on key categories of kindergarten readiness and include activities that support growth in early literacy, math, motor and social emotional skills.
April 16, 6-7 p.m.: Body Compass Calibration with Brook Smith. The Body Compass workshop will help you build the connection between your mind and body, so you can learn to make moment-by-moment choices based on your integrity and truth.
April 17, 10-11:30 a.m.: Mary Oliver Book Club at the Library. April is poetry month and we’re celebrating with a Mary Oliver Book Club. Sign up online – there are two sessions to choose from – and stop by the Reference Desk (on the second floor of the library) to pick up a free copy of “Devotions” – available while supplies last.
April 17, 6-7:30 p.m.: Word Honey Poetry Workshop. Join us at The Hive's indoor skatepark (1150 Main Ave., Suite A) for a poetry workshop.
April 18, 1-2 p.m.: Unveiling Histories – Boarding Schools and the Southern Ute Tribe. Gain a deeper understanding of the impact of these educational institutions on the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and explore the narratives that shape our collective understanding. Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your knowledge and engage in a meaningful presentation and conversation. Presented by the Southern Ute Cultural Center & Museum.
April 18, 3:30-4:30 p.m.: Teen Game Zone. Enjoy gaming in the library. We will have the library’s Nintendo Switch with a variety of games, board games and, of course, snacks. For teens in grades six-12.
April 18, 5:30-7 p.m.: Mary Oliver Book Club at the Library. April is poetry month, and we're celebrating with a Mary Oliver Book Club. Sign up online – there are two sessions to choose from – and stop by the Reference Desk (on the second floor of the library) to pick up a free copy of “Devotions” – available while supplies last.
April 23, 11 a.m.-noon.: Kindergarten Readiness Play & Learn Workshop. More than Scribbles: Early Writing – Fine Motor Skills. The Early Childhood Council of La Plata County and Durango Public Library present a six-part series of free workshops for parents/caregivers and their preschool-age children. The workshops will focus on key categories of kindergarten readiness and include activities that support growth in early literacy, math, motor and social emotional skills.
April 23, 11:45 a.m.-2 p.m.: Great Decisions. 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 23, 5:30-6:30 p.m.: Exploring Culture and Legacy – The Southern Ute Indian Tribe. Explore the history, traditions and contemporary significance of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. Join us for an engaging session to explore traditions, governance, economic development and the environmental stewardship of the Southern Ute people. Presented by the Southern Ute Cultural Center & Museum.
April 24, 4-6:30 p.m.: Great Garden Series: Great Garden Crafts! Seedling Kits. Come out to create some cute and functional seedling starters for your garden this year. This program is bilingual for Spanish and English language speakers.
April 26, 3:30-4:30 p.m.: LEGO Club. Drop in to build, create and play with the library’s LEGO collection.
April 30, 11 a.m.-noon: Kindergarten Readiness Play & Learn Workshop. All By Myself: Gross Motor Skills & Independence. The Early Childhood Council of La Plata County and Durango Public Library present a six-part series of free workshops for parents/caregivers and their preschool-age children. The workshops will focus on key categories of kindergarten readiness and include activities that support growth in early literacy, math, motor and social emotional skills.
April 30, 3:30-4:30 p.m.: Teen Game Zone. We will have the library’s Nintendo Switch with a variety of games, board games and, of course, snacks. For teens in grades six-12.
395 Bayfield Center Drive, Bayfield. Contact: 884-2222, www.prlibrary.org
Hopper’s Storytime: Thursdays 11-11:30 a.m. Read books, meet new friends and make a craft together.
School Readiness Workshop: Thursdays through May 2, 11-11:30 a.m. Childhood developmental experts from the Early Childhood Council will host weekly school readiness workshops for children ages 3-5 and their caregivers. Participants will also receive a free book and other goodies to help support their readiness to thrive in school while supplies last.
STEAM Power Hour (Grades 3-5): Mondays, 4-5 p.m. Explore new interests, delve into the wonders of learning science and create artistic masterpieces.
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.
Yoga for Kids: Tuesdays, 10:15-11 a.m. Children will work on breathing, stretching, balance (both body and mind) and learn mindfulness techniques that they can take off of the mat. This child-centered and literacy-based class will include stories, songs, games and a mindful bite. For home-schooled and elementary kids, ages 5-11. Donation based. Classes are taught by Evelyn Van AntwerpM. Ed., E-RYT 500.
Teen Free Play: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4-5 p.m. Tabletop games, PlayStation, Oculus, food and fun.
Teen Tabletop Club: Monthly on the first Friday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Monthly tabletop gaming session. Magic, D&D, Cthulhu and more – you choose the adventure.
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.: Work out using your own body weight or light hand weights to work all 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 and light hand weights. If you don’t have them, there are extras that can be used. All ages and fitness levels are welcome.
Full Body Stretch: Fridays, 8:15-8:50 a.m.: After a week of workouts, work, stress and just life ... let’s stretch and release! Join us for a small warm up followed by 20-30 minutes of deep stretching for the entire body.
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9-10 a.m.: This class lets us move dynamically from one posture to another. We create awareness and harmony between the mind and body that allows us to remove stress and anxiety. We use our breath to move deeper into our body while warming, lengthening and strengthening our muscles. 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 Evelyn Van Antwerp M.Ed., E-RYT 500.
Tuesdays, 1-3 p.m.: Come stop by the shed in the library parking lot for our weekly pop up book sale.
Sundays, 2-4 p.m.: 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 1, 6-8 p.m.: Typeset Writer’s 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, bring it in manuscript format.
April 3, 10 a.m.: Delayed library opening because of monthly staff meeting.
April 4, 11:30 a.m.: New monthly program: Learn Over Lunch: Local Stories: A Ute family history you didn’t know: Join us the first Thursday of each month for a free lunch and a presentation from a local expert. RSVP by calling the library at 884-2222, ext. 1, or the Senior Center at 884-5415. You can also RSVP by stopping by both the library or Senior Center. RSVP by the Monday before each presentation. This month, longtime Ignacio resident Johnny Valdez will tell his family’s story. Valdez is an expert on Southern Ute history and a descendant of Ute tribal leader Kitty Cloud and John Taylor – a former enslaved person who served in the Civil War and went on to become a local Buffalo Soldier, landowner and tribal interpreter.
April 4, 6 p.m.: Community Poetry Slam: Support local poets. The library will host a community poetry slam in partnership with the Bayfield School District. Members of the community and students in middle school and high school are invited to participate. Readings must be kept to a limit of four minutes and participants are asked to sign up ahead of time. The recommended audience age is 12 and older. For more information, contact Roxann Henderson at (970) 501-0044 or Brian Sleevi at 844-1134. Call the library at 884-2222, ext. 1, to sign up to read.
April 5, 1:30 p.m.: First Friday Matinee: Join us for an afternoon film on the big screen at the library. Note: This program shows PG-13 and R rated films. In April, we are showing “Ferrari” (Rated R).
April 9, 10-11 a.m.: Card Making at the Pine River Senior Center: Create two beautiful handmade cards. Free.
April 9, 6 p.m.: Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia: Join Kelly Osthoff from the Colorado chapter of the Alzheimer's Association to learn about the impact of Alzheimer’s, the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia, disease stages and risk factors. She’ll also share Alzheimer’s Association resources and talk about current research and treatments to address some symptoms.
April 10, 2-3:30 p.m.: BookMarks Book Club: BookMarks is open to all adults in the Pine River Valley. The library provides the books, the discussion leader and a place to meet each month Stop by the front desk to check out your copy of this month’s title, “The Alice Network,” by Kate Quinn.
April 11, 3 p.m.: New monthly program: Community Music Makers: Local musicians of all abilities and instruments (including voice) are welcome. We share our songs and love of music of all kinds. 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!
April 11, 6 p.m.: Ask a Gardener: Come with all your garden-related questions and get answers from our panel of local garden experts.
April 12, 4-5:30 p.m.: 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. It is entertaining to play and, like dominoes, is relatively easy to learn. All are welcome.
April 16, 1-2:30 p.m.: Death Café: Pine River Library is one of many groups in 79 countries 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.
April 17, noon-1 p.m.: Cookbook Club: 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 Darcy to RSVP and let the library know what recipe you’ll be making for the potluck (884-2222, ext. 522, darcy@prlibrary.org). In April, we’ll be cooking recipes from our “featured chef” Julia Child.
April 19, 1:30 p.m.: Family Friday Matinee: Join us for a family film on the big screen at the library. In April, we are showing “Wish” (2023).
April 23, 6-8 p.m.: Life Coaching Series: Wildly Imaginable Goals: There are goals and then there are #GOALS. Most of us have an idea about something we’d like to achieve personally or in business. We fantasize about the thing we’ve envisioned, but what if we could expand our imaginations beyond what we are currently able to think up? This is what Master Certified Life-coach and author Brooke Smith, does daily. Join her in this incredible playshop and see what goals you can dream up and begin achieving this very day.
April 25, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Spanish Conversation Hour: Practice Spanish in an informal setting. All ages and language levels welcome.
April 25, 5-6:30 p.m.: Find Your Adventure: Make Your Passion Your Paycheck: This joint Bayfield High School, R.O.A.R, Bayfield Education Foundation and Pine River Library event gives participants the chance to hear from local community members who have made careers out of their interests rather than college degrees. This event is geared toward teenagers but is open to all.
April 26, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.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) each month.
April 26, 4-5:30 p.m.: 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. It is entertaining to play and, like dominoes, is relatively easy to learn. All are welcome.
Fort Lewis Mesa Library, 11274 Highway 140, Hesperus. Contact: 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 2:30-7 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday; contactless pickup and drop off available 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday.
Sunnyside Library, 75 County Road 218, Durango. Contact: 375-3816, cheryl@swlplibrarydistrict.org. The library is located inside Sunnyside Elementary School and has books for all ages. Open to the public 3-7 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday; contactless pickup and drop off available 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday.
Book Bop at Sunnyside – Toddler story time every Tuesday at 2 p.m. Stories, movement, songs and fingerplays for toddlers ages 2-4 and their caregivers. For more information, contact patty@swlplibrarydistrict.org.
Wee Read at Fort Lewis Mesa – Toddler story time every Wednesday at 2 p.m. Stories, movement, songs and fingerplays for toddlers ages 2-4 and their caregivers. For more information, contact cindy@swlplibrarydistrict.org.
Adult Knitting Club at Sunnyside – Fridays at 3 p.m.. Bring your knitting or other portable craft project and join us for this fun and social group (all ages welcome).
Both Sunnyside and Fort Lewis Mesa Libraries will offer Kids Krafternoon Adventures on Tuesdays through the end of April. The crafty adventures will take place at Fort Lewis Mesa Library on the first and third Tuesdays, while Sunnyside’s adventures will happen on the second and fourth. Kids may sign up for one or all of the sessions. There is no cost. Complete and return the registration form on our website.
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.
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.
Tuesday, April 2, 2 p.m.: Growing Readers Together at Sunnyside Library. This six-week program for kids ages 2-5 and their caregivers will focus on literacy and kindergarten readiness. For more information, contact patty@swlplibrarydistrict.org.
Tuesday, April 2, 2:45 p.m.: Kids Krafternoon Adventure at Fort Lewis Mesa Library. This month is Fab Food Fun. Open to 8- to 12 year-olds. Contact cindy@swlplibrarydistrict.org for more information.
Thursday, April 4, 2 p.m.: Growing Readers Together at Fort Lewis Mesa Library. This six-week program for kids ages 3-5 and their caregivers will focus on literacy kindergarten readiness. For more information, contact cindy@swlplibrarydistrict.org.
Tuesday, April 9, 2 p.m.: Growing Readers Together at Sunnyside Library. This six-week program for kids ages 2-5 and their caregivers will focus on literacy and Kindergarten readiness. For more information, contact patty@swlplibrarydistrict.org.
Tuesday, April 9, 3 p.m.: Kids Krafternoon Adventure at Sunnyside Library. This month is Fab Food Fun. Open to 8- to 12 year-olds. Contact patty@swlplibrarydistrict.org for more information.
Wednesday, April 10, 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.
Thursday, April 11, 2 p.m.: Growing Readers Together at Fort Lewis Mesa Library. This six-week program for kids ages 3-5 and their caregivers will focus on literacy kindergarten readiness. For more information, contact cindy@swlplibrarydistrict.org.
Thursday, April 11, 3 p.m.: Edible Books 2024 at Sunnyside Library. Choose a book, represent it with edible items and bring your creation to share. All are welcome, with or without an edible book.
Monday, April 15: Libraries open to the public 10 a.m.-7 p.m., 9-R schools closed for teacher work day.
Monday, April 15, 10 a.m.: Southwest La Plata Library District monthly board meeting, held in the Ecosphere Environmental Services conference room, 776 East Second Ave., Durango. Additional information can be found at either library location or swlplibrarydistrict.org.
Tuesday, April 16, 2 p.m.: Growing Readers Together at Sunnyside Library. This six-week program for kids ages 2-5 and their caregivers will focus on literacy and kindergarten readiness. For more information, contact patty@swlplibrarydistrict.org.
Tuesday, April 16, 2:45 p.m.: Kids Krafternoon Adventure at Fort Lewis Mesa Library. This month is Fab Food Fun. Open to 8- to 12 year-olds. Contact cindy@swlplibrarydistrict.org for more information.
Thursday, April 18, 2 p.m.: Growing Readers Together at Fort Lewis Mesa Library. This six-week program for kids ages 3-5 and their caregivers will focus on literacy kindergarten readiness. For more information, contact cindy@swlplibrarydistrict.org.
Monday, April 22, 5:30 p.m.: Sunnyside Book Club meeting in the Sunnyside Library. Contact cheryl@swlplibrarydistrict.org for more information. All are welcome.
Tuesday, April 23, 2 p.m.: Growing Readers Together at Sunnyside Library. This six-week program for kids ages 2-5 and their caregivers will focus on literacy and kindergarten readiness. For more information, contact patty@swlplibrarydistrict.org.
Tuesday, April 23, 3 p.m.: Kids Krafternoon Adventure at Sunnyside Library. This month is Fab Food Fun. Open to 8- to 12 year-olds. Contact patty@swlplibrarydistrict.org for more information.
Thursday, April 25, 2 p.m.: Growing Readers Together at Fort Lewis Mesa Library. This six-week program for kids ages 3-5 and their caregivers will focus on literacy kindergarten readiness. For more information, contact cindy@swlplibrarydistrict.org.
Friday, April 26, 5 p.m.: Books and Blankets at Fort Lewis Mesa Library. Bring a blanket and your family and we’ll provide dinner. Each family will receive a copy of the book “Charlotte’s Web.”
Tuesday, April 30, 2 p.m.: Growing Readers Together at Sunnyside Library. This six-week program for kids ages 2-5 and their caregivers will focus on literacy and kindergarten readiness. For more information, contact patty@swlplibrarydistrict.org.
