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+.
Thursdays, 11-11:30 a.m.: Toddler Storytime. Stories, songs, rhymes and other fun activities. Perfect for children ages 1-2.
Fridays, 11-11:30 a.m.: Baby Time. A lap-sit storytime for infants-12 months Interactive fun with music, stories, fingerplays, counting rhymes and playtime. Babies should bring their parents or caregivers.
Aug. 1, 10:30-11:30 a.m.: Ann Lincoln’ Foam Party! Celebrate the completion of summer reading with a giant foam party.
Aug. 1, 5-8 p.m.: Legacy: Stories of Healing & Hope – Legacy: Historias de Sanación y Esperanza. A deep love for agriculture can be rewarding, joyful and at times, painful. Producers aim to destigmatize mental health in rural Colorado. Join us for an evening of camaraderie, food and meaningful discussion around the mental health needs of the Durango/La Plata ag community. Spanish language interpretation is available. Register today.
Aug. 2, 2-3 p.m. LEGO Club. Build, create and play with the library’s LEGO collection.
Aug. 6., 3-4:30 p.m.: Memoir and Biography Book Club. At our nontraditional book clubs there is no required reading. Discuss any biographical and memoir writing. Lunch is on us. Join us for a discussion around biographical and memoir writing, movies, podcasts, etc. Share your favorite books and film, and discover your next favorite read/listen. Meet at Bread – downtown location: 135 E. Eighth St. Seating is limited, register today.
Aug. 7, 4:30-6 p.m.: Great Garden Series – Build Your Own Wildflower Seed Bombs. Meet us at The Durango Tool Library, 278 Sawyer Drive, Unit 4A. Toss some flower power onto your lawn, garden, pots or anywhere you please. In this workshop, you’ll make a few seed bombs: seeds and compost packaged into papier-mache casings. Take them home, or give them away, then plant them to grow native wildflowers or native plants of your choosing. Instruction and materials, including seeds and compost, will be provided. Register online.
Aug. 7., 6-7:30 p.m.: Word Honey Poetry Workshop. Come and write with us at our new location: the Durango Public Library.
Aug. 8., Delayed Opening: Library will be open from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Aug. 8, 4-5:30 p.m.: Crafternoons (for adults). Crafting isn’t just fun, it’s fundamental for mental health, relaxation and happiness. Explore our craft supplies each month. Follow a suggested project or free play and create your own masterpiece. This space is reserved for adults (17+) This month: Book-folding crafts.
Aug. 9, 2-3 p.m. LEGO Club. Build, create and play with the library's LEGO collection.
Aug. 13, noon-1:30 p.m. DPL Book Club, “Running with Sherman” by Christopher McDougall. Join us in the reading room for a DPL Book Club. We offer two iterations of the same club, register for one.
Aug. 14, 6:15-7:45 p.m.: Writers & Scribblers. W&S is a group for writers of all kinds to learn, practice and share the art and craft of writing.
Aug. 15, 5:30-7 p.m.: DPL Book Club, “Running with Sherman” by Christopher McDougall. Join us in the reading room for a DPL Book Club. We offer two iterations of the same club, register for one.
Aug 16., 2-3 p.m. LEGO Club. Build, create and play with the library’s LEGO collection.
Aug. 21, 4:30-6 p.m.: Great Garden Series: Birdscapes – How to Attract Birds to Your Yard. In this presentation, you will learn about the importance of birds in the landscape, their relationship to and reliance on insects and native plants and steps you can take to attract more to your yard. You will also learn how to provide critical habitat for species that are on the decline. Whether you are an avid birder or would just simply like to have more visiting birds, then this presentation is for you.
Aug. 27, 6-7:30 p.m.: Word Honey Poetry Workshop. Write with us at our new location: the Durango Public Library.
Aug. 27, 4-5:30 p.m.: Durango Death Café. Objective is to increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives. Facilitated by Lola Montano. Seating is limited.
395 Bayfield Center Drive, Bayfield. Contact: 884-2222, www.prlibrary.org
Pine River Library will offer a new schedule of youth programs this semester.
For the littlest patrons, the library offers crafts, songs and stories at “Hopper’s Storytime” on Thursdays from 11 a.m.-noon.
On Mondays from 4-5 p.m., kids in grades 3-5 are invited to the “STEAM Power Hour,” where they can explore new interests, delve into the wonders of learning science and create artistic masterpieces. On Wednesdays from 4-5 p.m., the library is offering a “Junior STEAM Power Hour” for grades K-2 with the same themes.
On Tuesdays, the ever popular Gamer Club will return from 4-5 p.m. The “Club” celebrates all forms of gaming – board games, console video games, Roblox, Minecraft and more. Some computers are provided, but gamers can bring their own laptop or gaming devices. The program is geared for grades 3 and older, but younger children are welcome to attend with a caregiver. Parents or guardians of children younger than sixth grade must register their children in order for them to attend after school programs. Registration forms are available at www.prlibrary.org/after-school-programs.
For middle schoolers and high schoolers, the library will offer “Teen Table Top” on Tuesdays from 4-5:15 p.m., featuring games like Magic, Cthulhu and more. “TGI Thursdays,” also from 4-5:15 p.m., will feature music, food and pop-up programs. Every third Thursday of the month will be “Adventures in Eating” where teens can enjoy interesting, new foods from all over the world and blow off some steam taking turns playing “Beat Saber” on the Oculus. Every Friday from 11 a.m.-noon there will be a Dungeons and Dragons program. New members are welcome and no experience necessary, but participants must set up a character before they can join the campaign (email becky@prlibrary for more information).
All youth programs start the week of Aug. 18.
Hopper’s Storytime: Thursdays 11-11:30 a.m. Read books, meet new friends and make a craft together.
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.
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. This program is geared for grades 3 and older, but younger children are welcome to attend with a caregiver.
TGI Thursdays: Thursdays, 4-5:15 p.m. Music, snacks and shenanigans of all sorts! On the third Thursday of each month, enjoy interesting, new foods from all over the world and blow off some steam taking turns playing “Beat Saber” on the Oculus.
Teen Tabletop Club: Tuesdays, 4-5:15 p.m. Magic, D&D, Cthulhu and more.
Teen D&D: Fridays, 11 a.m.-noon. This is a continuation of our 2024 D&D group. New members welcome and no experience necessary, but know that you need to set up a character before you can join the campaign. Reach out at becky@prlibrary.org to schedule a time.
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 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 and light hand weights. If you don’t have them, there are extras that can be used. All ages and fitness levels are welcome.
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9-10 a.m.: (Taking a break for August, class will resume in September). In this informal, free meetup, 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.
Fridays, 8:30-10 a.m. Play pickleball in the library park. All levels are welcome. Learn the basics, or if you are more advanced, we can get a fun and competitive game in. Bring a paddle if you have one.
Friends of the Library Shed Book Sale, Tuesdays, 1-3 p.m. Weekly pop-up book sale.
Community Knitting and Crochet Group: 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.
Program calendar
Aug. 1, 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m.: Learn Over Lunch: The Little Pink Church at Tiffany. Join us the first Thursday of each month to enjoy 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. The August Learn Over Lunch topic will be: The Little Pink Church at Tiffany with Ruth Lambert. The Tiffany Catholic Church, the Iglesia de San Antonio, was built in 1928 to serve the small railroad town of Tiffany. Lambert will discuss the history of the church and the recent restoration efforts.
Aug. 5, 5:30-6:30 p.m.: Community Art Show Reception. Meet the artists, admire the art and enjoy refreshments. There will be a special toast at 6 p.m.
Aug. 5, 6:30-8 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.
Aug. 7, 10:30 a.m.: Delayed library opening because of monthly staff meeting.
Aug. 8, 6-7:30 p.m.: Fermentation Basics. This seemingly magical food-preservation technique has been around for thousands of years. Learn a bit of science to understand how fermentation keeps food safe and its health benefits, then participate hands-on and prepare a batch of sauerkraut to take home and enjoy in a couple of weeks. Preregistration required. Stop by the library or call 884-2222, ext. 1, to register.
Aug. 8, 3-5 p.m.: Community Music Makers. Local musicians of all abilities and instruments (including voice) are welcome every second Thursday of the month. 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!
Aug. 9 and 23, 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. It is entertaining to play and, like dominoes, is relatively easy to learn. All are welcome, join us twice monthly to play!
Aug. 9 and 16, 6-11 p.m.: 4 Corners Tabletop Night. A place for tabletop gamers to meet up and get their miniatures to the table. 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. Join us at the library every second and third Friday of the month. 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.
Aug. 13, 10-11 a.m.: Card Making at the Pine River Senior Center. Create two beautiful handmade cards. Free.
Aug. 14, 2-3:30 p.m.: BookMarks Book Club. 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, “Bittersweet: How Sorrow and Longing Make Us Whole,” by Susan Cain.
Aug. 19, 1-2:30 p.m.: Death Café. 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.
Aug. 21, 1 p.m.: Cookbook Club. 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 August, we’ll be cooking recipes with green chiles.
Aug. 21, 6:15 p.m.: Library Board Meeting. Regular monthly meeting of the library’s board of trustees.
Aug. 22, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Spanish Conversation Hour. Practice Spanish in an informal setting. All ages and language levels welcome.
Aug. 22, 6-7 p.m.: Hawaiian Hula Demo with Ka Pa Hula I Na Mauna Hula. The local Durango group will provide a demonstration of this unique form of storytelling through song and dance and discuss the history and cultural significance of Hawaiian hula.
Aug. 23, 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.
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 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. Contactless pickup and drop off available.
Sunnyside Library, 75 County Road 218, Durango. Contact: 375-3816, director@swlplibrarydistrict.org. Library is located inside Sunnyside Elementary School and has books for all ages. Open to the public 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. Contactless pickup and drop off available.
Wee Read Toddler Storytime at Fort Lewis Mesa Library – Every Wednesday at 2 p.m. Stories, movement and songs for kids 2-4 and their caregivers. For more information, contact cindy@swlplibrarydistrict.org.
Sunnyside Storytime – Will resume in September.
Powerhouse Pass Program – Sunnyside and Fort Lewis Mesa libraries 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.
Aug. 5, 1:30 p.m.: Pokemon club at Fort Lewis Mesa Library. Learn Pokemon characters, evolution and the Pokemon trading card game. Participants are welcome to bring their own cards. For ages 7 to 13. For more information, contact cindy@swlplibrarydistrict.org.
Aug. 12, 1:30 p.m.: Pokemon club at Fort Lewis Mesa Library. Learn Pokemon characters, evolution and the Pokemon trading card game. Participants are welcome to bring their own cards. For ages 7 to 13. For more information, contact cindy@swlplibrarydistrict.org.
Aug. 14, 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.
Aug. 16, 7 p.m.: Sunnyside Library’s Summer Sunset Celebration. Bring a picnic, lawn chairs and blankets. Warm, fuzzy jammies optional. Enjoy fun family games and activities outside until the sun goes down. An outdoor movie, “The Super Mario Bros Movie,” will begin at dusk.
Aug. 19, 1:30 p.m.: Pokemon club at Fort Lewis Mesa Library. Learn Pokemon characters, evolution and the Pokemon trading card game. Participants are welcome to bring their own cards. For ages 7 to 13. For more information, contact cindy@swlplibrarydistrict.org.
Aug. 19, 4 p.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 www.swlplibrarydistrict.org.
Aug. 20: School year hours begin. Fort Lewis Mesa Library is open to the public Monday-Friday 2:30-7 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunnyside Library is open to the public Monday-Friday 3-7 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m. while 9-R schools are in session. Curbside pickup is available Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Aug. 26, 5:30 p.m.: Sunnyside Book Club meeting in the Sunnyside Library. Contact nycole@swlplibrarydistrict.org for more information. All are welcome.
