1900 East Third Ave. Contact: 375-3380.
Tuesdays, 4-5 p.m.: Youth Chess Club. Drop-in chess games in a friendly environment. For ages 9 and older. All skill levels are welcome.
Wednesdays, 11-11:30 a.m.: Preschool Storytime. Stories, songs, rhymes and other fun activities. Perfect for children ages 3 and older.
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. A variety of games. Ages 12-17.
Fridays, 11-11:30 a.m.: Baby Time. Tailored for babies from birth-12 months together with their favorite 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.
Aug. 1, 3:30-4:30 p.m.: Color Our World – with Circuits. Blend of science and creativity. Explore Squishy Circuits: Learn the basics of electricity and conductivity by building simple circuits using soft, homemade dough. Watch LEDs light up as you sculpt. Design LED Greeting Cards: Transform energy into art by creating vibrant paper circuit cards or pictures. Craft a colorful scene, embed mini LEDs and bring your artwork to life.
Aug. 8 and 11, 3:30-4:30 p.m.: LEGO Club. Drop in to build, create and play with the library’s LEGO collection.
Aug. 15, 3:30-4:30 p.m.: Color Our World – with Light. Scope out light and reflection with cool and colorful creations. We’re making scopes. Learn how light might look white but is really a mix of colors by making a spectroscope. Marvel at the colorful designs you’ll see when looking through your handmade kaleidoscope.
Aug. 15, 6-8:30 p.m.: Board Game Night. Choose from a selection of our board game collection and try something new or replay your favorites.
Aug. 5, 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. Held at Santa Rita Park picnic shelter, 111 South Camino del Rio. If the weather's iffy, event 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 usual spot under the picnic shelter at Santa Rita Park or at an alternate location.
Aug. 5, 6-7:30 p.m.: Book Club: “Why Fish Don't Exist,” by Lulu Miller. Register at the reference desk, then join us to discuss the book at the library. Free book is available for the first 15 people who register and attend. Planning ahead? Our September book will be “Sins of the Shovel,” by Rachel Morgan (books available six weeks before meeting date). Preregistration required.
Aug. 6 and 20, 6-7:30 p.m.: Word Honey Poetry Workshop. Write and create original works. All are welcome.
Aug. 7 and 21, 5:30-6:30 p.m.: Spanish Conversation Hour. Practice your Spanish in an informal setting. All language levels welcome.
Aug. 9 and 23, 1-3 p.m.: Yarn Meetup. Knitters, crocheters and fiber artists of all ages and levels. Work on your current project in an informal group setting.
Aug. 13, 4:30-6:00 p.m.: Great Garden Series: Preserving the Harvest. With Nicole Clark, Family and Consumer Science specialist and La Plata County Extension director. Details: https://tinyurl.com/yphzm9t5.
Aug. 13, 6:15-7:45 p.m.: Writers & Scribblers Writing Group. For writers of all kinds to learn, practice and share the art and craft of writing.
Aug. 14, 6-7 p.m.: Around the World not Counting Days: A Travelogue. Local author John Kessell recounts his 1958 ocean liner trip from San Francisco to Sydney and the adventures along the way.
Aug. 16, 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.
Aug. 18, 6-7:30 p.m.: Living with Deer, Elk and Moose. Curious about the ungulates in this area? Learn what to do when you see them on the highway and in your yard. This program is a part of the “Living with Wildlife” series presented by Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Aug. 19, 4:30-6 p.m.: Climate Café. A space to share thoughts and feelings about the climate crisis in community. Climate Cafes are not action oriented; rather, they’re an opportunity to build an ecosystem of community, to cultivate resilience and to continue to meet the unknown future from a place of connection. All are welcome. Program leader Hannah Smith holds a masters in Social Work as well as an advanced certificate in Ecotherapy. Details: www.climate.cafe.
Aug. 19, 6-7:30 p.m.: Nontraditional Book Club, Biographies & Memoirs. Join us at Bread's downtown location (135 E. 8th St.) for a “nontraditional” book club, where the discussion is based on a genre/topic rather than a specific book. There’s no required reading, just a topic/genre to discuss and plenty of snacks to enjoy. This month, we’ll chat about biographies and memoirs. Preregistration required.
Aug. 25, 4-5:30 p.m.: Death Café. A group directed discussion of death; it is not a grief support group. Objective is to increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives. Facilitated by Lola Montano, local hospice nurse and trained death doula.
Aug. 27, 4:30-6 p.m.: Great Garden Series: Incorporating Colorado Native Plants into Your Garden. With Kenar Houghton and Maggie Gaddis. For full event details, visit www.durangobotanicgardens.org/events.
395 Bayfield Center Drive, Bayfield. Contact: 884-2222, www.prlibrary.org
Summer Learning Program Final Party: All Ages Color Run: Aug. 1, 10 a.m.-noon. Get ready to run, walk or dance your way through a rainbow of fun at the Library 2.5K Color Run. Whether you’re into books, fitness, or just looking for something different to do, stop by and take part. Wear something white, bring a friend or two, and enjoy a relaxed, colorful way to connect with the community. Once you’re finished, enjoy some cool down time with popsicles and prizes.
Youth Services Programs. Pine River Library will have familiar and new offerings in its schedule of youth programs this semester, beginning Aug. 18. 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 Tuesdays from 4-5:30 p.m.
Playful Pals: Connect, Play, Explore, Mondays, 10 a.m. Connect with other families/caregivers and foster a playful environment for preschool-aged kids. Coffee, 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.
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 Tuesdays, Tuesdays, 4-5:30 p.m. Hang out in the teen area for cards, tabletop games and more. Ease into the after-school time at the library with space to play, read, work on homework and chill. You choose what works for you.
Teen Gamers, Thursdays, 4-5:30 p.m. Games, music and snacks. On the third Thursday of each month, enjoy interesting food from all over the world and try something new.
Teen D&D, Fridays, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. New members welcome, no experience is necessary, but you will need to set up a character before you can join our ongoing campaign. Contact kelly@prlibrary.org to schedule a time for that.
Maker Club, Fridays, 1 p.m. Craft and create everything from Lego builds to quilling, pony beady buddies and more. Open to all ages, usually held in the teen area.
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, 8:15-9 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 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 welcome. These classes are free, but donations are always welcome. Weather permitting, all classes are currently held outside.
Yoga for All: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:15-10:15 a.m.: In this informal, free meetup, create awareness and harmony between 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 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.
Friends of the Library Shed Book Sale, Tuesdays, 1-3 p.m.: Weather permitting, stop by the shed in the library parking lot for weekly popup book sale.
Aug. 1, 10 a.m.-noon: Summer Learning Program Final Party: All Ages Color Run. Get ready to run, walk or dance your way through a rainbow of fun at the Library 2.5K Color Run. Wear something white and enjoy a relaxed, colorful way to connect with the community. Once you’re finished, enjoy some cool down time with popsicles and prizes.
Aug. 4, 6-8 p.m.: Typeset Writers’ Group. 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. To read your own writing, bring it in manuscript format.
Aug. 6, 10 a.m.: Delayed Library Opening. Delayed opening for monthly staff meeting.
Aug. 7, 11 a.m.: Pony Power. Fun and energetic, evoking power and playfulness with a stick horse. Cardio, dance, yoga, plus games and prizes. For ages 4-8. Space is limited: register at https://tinyurl.com/4ttbcc6s for a spot.
Aug. 8 and 22, 4-5:30 p.m.: Beginning Mahjong Meetup. 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 relatively easy to learn. All are welcome.
Aug. 8 and 15, 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.
Aug. 11, 6-8 p.m.: Classic Movie Series with Dennis Taylor (Fall is an Alfred Hitchcock theme): “Rear Window” (1954). Photo journalist L.B. Jefferies becomes a peeping Tom while confined to a wheelchair after an on-the-job accident. Starring James Stewart, Grace Kelly and Thelma Ritter, with a pre-Perry Mason Raymond Burr.
Aug. 12, 10-11 a.m.: Card Making at the Pine River Senior Center. Create two beautiful handmade cards. Free.
Aug. 13, 2-3 p.m.: BookMarks Book Club: “The Measure.” Library provides the books, the discussion leader and a place to meet. Stop by the front desk to check out your copy of this month’s title: “The Measure,” by Nikki Erlick.
Aug. 14, 10:30-11:30 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!
Aug. 14, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Friends of the Library Meeting. Join the Friends. Quarterly potluck lunch meeting. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/9b9cmfxn.
Aug. 14, 1:30-3:30 p.m.: Community Music Makers. Local 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.
Aug. 14, 5:30-6:30 p.m.: Against Disease: The Writing of Resilience: A Generative Writing Intensive. Cancer survivor and prize-winning poet Pam Uschuk will lead this workshop for people who have had, have or live with a life-threatening disease. This includes family members who take care of or are affected by such diagnoses. Participants will receive a writing prompt and time to write and share their work with other participants.
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. 20, noon-1 p.m.: Cookbook Club: Cooking Light. 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 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). In August, we will create recipes from Cooking Light cookbooks.
Aug. 20, 5:30 p.m.: Pine River Library Board of Trustees Meeting. Agenda and minutes available at www.prlibrary.org.
Aug. 21, 5:30-6:30 p.m.: Colorful Craft Night: Reverse Coloring. Colors are already on the paper – you add the lines. Doodle, trace and draw over the color to create art with no rules and no need to stay within the lines. Open to all ages.
Aug. 22, 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).
Aug. 25, 6-8 p.m.: Pine River Garden Club Meeting. In the Community Room or in the garden, depending on weather. Learn strategies for growing under cover. Find out about the benefits of hobby greenhouses, high tunnels, low tunnels, row covers and raised beds.
Aug. 25, 6-7 p.m.: Trivia Night at Lost Goat Tavern: Science Fiction. Meet us at the Goat to put your knowledge of sci-fi books, TV shows, movies, etc., to the test.
Aug. 28, 11 a.m.-noon: Spanish Conversation Hour. Practice Spanish in an informal setting. All ages and language levels are welcome. Meet at the fireplace or patio, depending on weather.
Fort Lewis Mesa Library, 11274 Highway 140, Hesperus. Contact: 375-3816, ext. 1, chris@swlplibrarydistrict.org. Library located inside Fort Lewis Mesa Elementary School and has books for all ages. Summer hours: Open to the public Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; contactless pickup and drop off available. School year hours begin Aug. 19: 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: 375-3816, ext. 2, ssmanager@swlplibrarydistrict.org. Library located inside Sunnyside Elementary School and has books for all ages. Summer hours: Open to the public Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; contactless pickup and drop off available. School year hours begin Aug. 19: Monday, 2-7 p.m.; Tuesday-Friday, 3-7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Board member sought. Email director@swlplibrarydistrict.org to help shape Southwest La Plata Library District’s future. Estimated time commitment: four hours per month. You must live within the SWLPLD boundaries.
CreativiTEA. 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: Tuesdays noon-2 p.m. at Fort Lewis Mesa Library and Tuesdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Sunnyside Library. 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 Tuesdays at 11 a.m. 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 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.
Friday, Aug. 1: Outdoor Movie Night at Sunnyside Library. Bring the family and join us for popcorn and an outdoor showing of the 1939 classic “The Wizard of Oz.” Bring chairs or blankets to sit on. Costumes encouraged!
Monday, Aug. 4, 2 p.m.: Movie Monday at Fort Lewis Mesa Library. Free family-friendly movies each Monday until school starts. This week’s movie: “The Minecraft Movie” (rated PG).
Tuesday, Aug. 5: Wee Read toddler story time: 10 a.m. at Fort Lewis Mesa Library and 11 a.m. at Sunnyside Library.
Tuesday, Aug. 5: Technology Tuesday: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Sunnyside Library and noon-2 p.m. at Fort Lewis Mesa Library. Appointments encouraged.
Tuesday, Aug. 5, 3:30 p.m.: CreativiTEA at Sunnyside Library.
Friday, Aug. 8, 5:30 p.m.: Game Night at Sunnyside Library. For adults, teens or tweens accompanied by an adult.
Monday, Aug. 11, 2 p.m.: Movie Monday at Fort Lewis Mesa Library. Free family-friendly movies each Monday until school starts. This week’s movie: “Mufasa: The Lion King” (rated PG).
Tuesday, Aug. 12: Wee Read toddler story time: 10 a.m. at Fort Lewis Mesa Library and 11 a.m. at Sunnyside Library.
Tuesday, Aug. 12: Technology Tuesday: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Sunnyside Library and noon-2 p.m. at Fort Lewis Mesa Library. Appointments encouraged.
Tuesday, Aug. 12, 6 p.m.: Compass Points speaker series at Sunnyside Library. A representative from Colorado Legal Services will discuss how their organization can help senior and low-income Coloradans with various civil legal challenges.
Wednesday, Aug. 13, 3-5 p.m.: Fort Lewis Mesa Library Book Club. All are welcome.
Thursday, Aug. 14, 5:30 p.m.: Spanish Conversation Hour at Sunnyside Library. A casual gathering to develop Spanish conversational skills. All levels of ability are welcome.
Friday, Aug. 15, 5:30 p.m.: Game Night at Sunnyside Library. For adults, teens or tweens accompanied by an adult.
Monday, Aug. 18, 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 or www.swlplibrarydistrict.org.
Monday, Aug. 18, 2 p.m.: Movie Monday at Fort Lewis Mesa Library. Free family-friendly movies each Monday until school starts. This week’s movie: “Dog Man” (rated PG).
Tuesday, Aug. 19: Wee Read toddler story time: 10 a.m. at Fort Lewis Mesa Library and 11 a.m. at Sunnyside Library.
Tuesday, Aug. 19: Technology Tuesday: noon-2 p.m. at Fort Lewis Mesa Library and 3-6 p.m. at Sunnyside Library. Appointments encouraged.
Tuesday, Aug. 19, 3:30 p.m.: CreativiTEA at Sunnyside Library.
Thursday, Aug. 21, 5:30 p.m.: Trivia Night at Sunnyside Library. See what random information is hiding in the folds of your gray matter.
Saturday, Aug. 23, noon-3 p.m.: Dungeons and Dragons at Sunnyside Library. No previous experience or materials necessary. Open to beginners and experienced players.
Monday, Aug. 25, 5:30 p.m.: Sunnyside Book Club at Sunnyside Library. This month’s book is “The Wedding People,” by Alison Espach. All are welcome.
Tuesday, Aug. 26: Wee Read toddler story time: 10 a.m. at Fort Lewis Mesa Library and 11 a.m. at Sunnyside Library.
Tuesday, Aug. 26: Technology Tuesdays: noon-2 p.m. at Fort Lewis Mesa Library and 3-6 p.m. at Sunnyside Library. Appointments encouraged.
Tuesday, Aug. 26, 6 p.m.: Compass Points speaker series at Fort Lewis Mesa Library. A representative from Colorado Legal Services will discuss how their organization can help senior and low-income Coloradans with various civil legal challenges.
Thursday, Aug. 28, 5:30 p.m.: Spanish Conversation Hour at Sunnyside Library. A casual gathering to develop Spanish conversational skills. All levels of ability are welcome.
Thursday, Aug. 28, 6 p.m.: The Poets’ Corner at Fort Lewis Mesa Library. Share your poetry or poems written by others that have impacted you.
Saturday, Aug. 30: Fort Lewis Mesa Library and Sunnyside Library are closed for the Labor Day weekend.
470 Goddard Ave. Ignacio. Contact 563-9287, www.ignaciolibrary.org.
Build Your Own Miniature Gnome Garden: Thursday, Aug. 4 at 2 p.m. We’ll provide the supplies, but feel free to bring your own to make your project even better. Each participant will receive a mini animal, a mushroom and a mini gnome. All ages are welcome.
Crafternoon: Tuesday, Aug. 12 at 3:30 p.m. An afternoon full of crafts.
Glowforge Class – Glass Engraving & Introduction: Wednesday, Aug. 13 at 2 p.m. In this class, we explore glass engraving with the Glowforge. People who have not been to a Glowforge class should choose the 5:30 class. Class times are: 2, 3:15, 4:40 and 5:30 p.m.
Make Your Own: Tortillas: Tuesday, Aug. 19 at 4:30 p.m. Come to the library to learn how to make tortillas from scratch. We’ll have all the supplies you’ll need and the recipe used for you to take home. All ages welcome.
Extending the Gardening Season: Tuesday, Aug. 19 at 6 p.m. Learn strategies for growing under cover. Learn the benefits of hobby greenhouses, high tunnels, low tunnels, row covers and raised beds. Presented by Diana Kirk, La Plata County Master Gardener.
Estate Planning 101: Wednesday, Aug. 27 at 6 p.m. Learn the essentials of estate planning, including the differences between a will and a trust; how to pass assets to loved ones tax-free; and ways to create a legacy for your family. Hosted by Karina Guerrero of Foundational Wealth Partners
Mondays at 1:30 p.m.: Sewing Workshop. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, you’re invited to join us every Monday for some fun around sewing projects and crafts.
Tuesdays at 10 a.m.: Storytime. Stories, songs, crafts and more to encourage literacy in your young ones.
Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.: Open Art Studio. Work on your art projects, receive help and advice, and enjoy conversation with other local artists. Guests and new members always welcome.
Tuesdays at noon: Electronics Hour. Electronic-based projects and more.
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. An opportunity to stay informed about all the resources available at the library.
Fridays at 1 p.m.: IDEA LAB Classes. Learn and experiment with Junkbots and Mindstorms Robots.
