1900 East Third Ave. Contact: 375-3380.
Tuesday, Jan. 7, 6-7:30 p.m.: “The Artist’s Way,” by Julia Cameron. Pick up a free copy at the reference desk, then join us to discuss the book at the library – a book available for everyone who registers and attends. About the book: Since its first publication, “The Artist’s Way” has inspired Elizabeth Gilbert and millions of readers to embark on a creative journey and find a deeper connection to process and purpose. Cameron’s novel approach guides readers in uncovering problem areas and pressure points that may be restricting their creative flow and offers techniques to free up any areas where they might be stuck, opening up opportunities for self-growth and self-discovery.
Tuesday, Jan. 21, 6-7:30 p.m.: “Cookbook Club: Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat,” by Samin Nostrat. Let’s get together and cook a potluck of recipes from our chosen cookbook. How it works: 1. Register for the club. 2. Check out a copy of the cookbook from the reference desk. 3. Choose a recipe. 3. Email darcy.poletti@durangoco.gov to let her know what recipe you’ll be making. 4. Cook the recipe for a group potluck at the library. Plus, we’ll be raffling off copies of the cookbook at the meeting. More about the cookbook: “In the tradition of ‘The Joy of Cooking’ and ‘How to Cook Everything’ comes ‘Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat,’ an ambitious new approach to cooking. By explaining the hows and whys of good cooking, ‘Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat’ will teach and inspire a new generation of cooks how to confidently make better decisions in the kitchen and cook delicious meals with any ingredients, anywhere, at any time.
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 at the library. 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. Gaming in the library with a variety of games. Ages 12-17.
Fridays, 11-11:30 a.m.: Baby Time. Tailored for babies from birth-12 months with their favorite adult. Enjoy 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: Legos; third Friday: Art. If there’s a fifth Friday, we’ll let you know what it will be. Great for ages 5-12 and families.
Saturdays, 10-11 a.m.: New! English Conversation. Practice speaking English in a fun, informal setting. Each week, we have new themes or topics to discuss, and you can practice speaking and listening with others. Open to all English language learners.
Dec. 4 and 18, 6-7:30 p.m.: Word Honey Poetry Workshop. Free poetry workshop. Come write and create original works. All are welcome.
Dec. 5, 5:30-6:30 p.m.: Spanish Conversation Hour. Practice Spanish in an informal setting. All language levels welcome.
Dec. 5, 6-8 p.m.: Friends of the San Juans: Route Finding. Learn how to use your phone to navigate the backcountry. Have you heard of Caltopo, onX Maps, Gaia or any of the other online mapping programs? Learn the basics of using these tools. While it is not required, participants are encouraged to bring a computer, tablet or phone capable of using Caltopo. While there are many other mapping programs, Caltopo is a great place to start, and all the lessons learned will easily transfer into your mapping tool of choice. Caltopo can be found here: www.caltopo.com.
Dec. 7, 1-3 p.m.: Yarn Meetup. Calling knitters and crocheters of all ages and levels. Come work on your current project in an informal group setting. Interested in learning? There will be informal learning opportunities at the event as well – we’ll have needles/hooks and extra yarn on hand.
Dec. 11, 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. The main purpose is to try to help each other through the maze of things you must do as writers; from writing to editing and on to publishing and marketing your books, short stories, essays or anything else. Discussion topics will vary and sometimes repeat depending on the needs of the members at the time.
Dec. 12, 4-5:30 p.m.: Crafternoons: Holiday Cards. Crafting isn’t just fun, it’s fundamental for mental health, relaxation and happiness. Explore our craft supplies each month. This month, freshen up your stationary selection, make popup or greeting cards and more. This is a bilingual event.
Dec. 12, 6-8 p.m.: Friends of the San Juans Season Review. Looking back at last season’s snow, avalanche and accident history, and discussion with a guest speaker. The best way to get ready for this year is to learn from mistakes from last year.
Dec. 19, 6-7 p.m.: Community Cookie Exchange. Bake four dozen of your favorite cookies, swap them with everyone else’s varieties, and then you’ll go home with a diverse and delicious platter of cookies. Space is limited, please register.
Dec. 24 and 25: Library closed.
Jan. 1: Library closed
395 Bayfield Center Drive, Bayfield. Contact: 884-2222, www.prlibrary.org
Dec. 20, 5-7 p.m.: Whoville Holiday: Don’t be a Grinch! Come celebrate the holidays in Whoville this year. Enjoy hot cocoa, s’mores, themed crafts and stories around our fire pit. Whoville or holiday costumes encouraged.
Holiday Classic Movies. A monthlong season of classic Monday night movies hosted by film enthusiast Dennis Taylor. The first movie on Dec. 9 will be 1984’s “A Christmas Story.” Dec. 16 will feature “A Christmas Story Christmas.” To wrap up the holiday season, Dec. 23’s movie will be the original “A Christmas Carol.” For more information, visit www.prlibrary.org.
*Note: No youth programs will be held the weeks of Dec. 23 and 30.
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.
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. Preregistration required.
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 Tabletop Club: Tuesdays, 4-5:15 p.m.
Magic, D&D, Cthulhu and more – you choose the adventure.
Make & Takes: Thursdays, 4-5 p.m.
Program is geared toward a teen skill level but is open to all.
Teen D&D: Fridays, 11 a.m.-noon.
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.
Mountaintop Movement Fitness Classes
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. If the weather allows, this program may be outside in the park.
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. 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.
Digital Navigator Service
Tuesdays, 1-6 p.m. Call or drop by the library to set up an appointment to learn tech skills one on one with a Digital Navigator – it’s free. Learn more about email, how to use an online calendar, how to install and use apps on your phone and more. Text or call Michelle for more information: (720) 556-9201 or email michelle.l.wagner@state.co.us.
Friends of the Library Shed Book Sale
Tuesdays, 1-3 p.m.: Stop by the shed in the library parking lot for our weekly popup book sale.
Community Knitting and Crochet Group
Sundays, 1-3 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.
Dec. 2, 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.
Dec. 3, 6-8 p.m.: Paint and Sip with local artist Cindy Shelton. Participants will use watercolors to paint winter/holiday scenes on mini canvases while enjoying a glass of wine. When used on canvas, watercolor is very user friendly, so no experience is necessary. The $30 class fee includes all materials and one glass of wine. A part of the class fees will also be donated to the Friends of the Pine River Library to help support library programs and initiatives. Register and pay at cynthiasheltonart.com.
Dec. 4, 10 a.m.: Delayed library opening because of monthly staff meeting.
Dec. 5, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.: Learn Over Lunch: Images of America: La Plata County. Local history talk by Edward Anthony Horvat. Established 150 years ago, La Plata County has had many focuses such as agriculture, mining, smelting, transportation, energy extraction and has even been the setting of Hollywood movies before becoming an outdoor recreational activity destination. Historical photographs from the archives of the La Plata County Historical Society illustrate the many facets of this county. Horvat is a third-generation La Plata County native, a retired nurse-paramedic, a volunteer at the historical society’s Animas Museum and writer of the weekly And the West is History feature in The Durango Herald. Registration is required – call or stop by the library or senior center in advance.
Dec. 5, 4-6 p.m.: County Commissioner Matt Salka office hours.
Dec. 7 and 8, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.: Model Railroad Open House. Hosted by the Silver San Juan Division of National Model Railroad Association. The group will have an HO Scale railroad set up all day in the library Community Room. You can even learn how to operate trains. All ages are invited.
Dec. 9, 1-3 p.m.: All Abilities Art Class. The Arc of Southwest Colorado plus Pine River Pressworks are excited to host a series of art classes. Coach Jenn Hill will offer a peek inside various artforms, techniques and materials with a sprinkle of science and fun. These classes are open to community members of all abilities. RSVP to jamie@thearcofswco.org.
Dec. 9, 6-8 p.m.: Holiday Classic Movie: “A Christmas Story” (1984). The first in a monthlong season of classic movies hosted by film enthusiast Dennis Taylor. In the 1940s, a Midwestern boy dreams of the ultimate Christmas gift: an official Red Ryder carbine action, 200 shot range model air rifle.
Dec. 10, 10-11 a.m.: Card Making at the Pine River Senior Center. Create two beautiful handmade cards. Free.
Dec. 11, 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 today to check out your copy of this month’s title: “Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania,” by Erik Larson.
Dec. 11, 5:30-7 p.m.: Craft Night: Needle Felting Class. Learn to use special felting needles and wool to make a snowman ornament. Techniques learned will transfer to creating a variety of other creatures. The felting kit includes tools and enough wool to make a snowman and another animal at home. Taught by local crafter Gretchen Fitzgerald. Preregistration required. Call 884-2222, ext. 1, stop by the library front desk. $15 materials fee due at registration.
Dec. 11, 5:30 p.m.: Library Board Meeting. Pine River Library monthly board meeting. Agenda and minutes available at www.prlibrary.org.
Dec. 12, 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.
Dec. 13, 7:30-8:30 a.m.: Power Hour with Paul. This free lesson explores the benefits of task automation, teaching you how to streamline workflows, reduce manual effort and increase efficiency using powerful automation tools.
Dec. 13, 4-5:30 p.m.: Beginning Mahjong Meetup. Mahjong is a tile-based tabletop 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.
Dec. 13, 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. 14, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.: Warhammer Age of Sigmar Tournament. The 4 Corners Tabletop Open Age of Sigmar Tournament is a one-day, three-round event that will see up to 10 players battle for the prestigious 4 Corners Tabletop Age of Sigmar Trophy and amazing prizes. Participants will face off in missions like Shifting Objectives and Border War, with opportunities to earn raffle entries based on performance. For more information or questions, join the 4 Corners Tabletop Discord Server https://discord.gg/UhauJgmj?event=1286144112571056210.
Dec. 16, 6-8 p.m.: Holiday Classic Movie: “A Christmas Story Christmas” (2022). Film follows the now-adult Ralphie as he returns to the house on Cleveland Street to give his kids a magical Christmas like the one he had as a child.
Dec. 17, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Senior Planet: Virtual Museum Tours. This free course will show you how to tour world famous museums from the comfort of your home. Register with Michelle Wagner at michelle.l.wagner@state.co.us or (720) 556-9102.
Dec. 18, noon: 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 the month’s cookbook and then call or email Joanna to RSVP and let the library know what recipe you'll be making for the potluck (884-2222, ext. 517, joanna@prlibrary.org). In December, we’ll have a good old fashioned cookie exchange.
Dec. 19, 11 a.m.-noon: Spanish Conversation Hour. Typically the fourth Thursday of each month. This month is early because of the holidays. Practice your Spanish in an informal setting. All ages and language levels are welcome.
Dec. 20, 1:30-3:30 p.m.: Family Friday Matinee. “Despicable Me 4” rated PG.
Dec. 20, 5-7 p.m.: Whoville Holiday: Don’t be a Grinch! Hot cocoa, s’mores, themed crafts and stories around the fire pit. Whoville or holiday costumes encouraged.
Dec. 23, 6-8 p.m.: Holiday Classic Movie: “A Christmas Carol” (1951). Often remade, but never equaled, this is the definitive film version of the Dickens classic story.
Dec. 24, 5 p.m.: Library closes early.
Dec. 25: Library closed.
Dec. 27, 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).
Dec. 31, 5 p.m.: Library closes early.
Jan. 4, 10-11 a.m.: Resolution: Declutter! Learn how to simplify your stuff to de-clutter, de-own and de-stress. With Molly Orendorff, owner of Cleaning Simplified.
Fort Lewis Mesa Library, 11274 Highway 140, Hesperus. Contact: 375-3816, ext. 1, chris@swlplibrarydistrict.org. Located inside Fort Lewis Mesa Elementary School and has books for all ages. Open to the public Monday-Wednesday and Friday 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Thursday 2:30-7 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; contactless pickup and drop off available.
Sunnyside Library, 75 County Road 218, Durango. Contact: 375-3816, 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.; contactless pickup and drop off available.
New Speaker Series! Compass Points – Navigating Community Resources. An informative series of presentations by service providers for community members, held once a month at Sunnyside Library and Fort Lewis Mesa Library. This month, a representative from the La Plata County Public Health Department will present information about Connect for Health CO (ACA), Colorado Connect, Medicaid and CHP+. See calendar below for dates.
Wee Read Toddler Storytime. Every Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Sunnyside and every Wednesday at 2 p.m. at Fort Lewis Mesa. Stories, movement and songs for children 2-4 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.
Dec. 5, 6 p.m.: “Compass Points: Navigating Community Resources” speaker series at Fort Lewis Mesa Library. A representative from the La Plata County Health Department will present information about Health Insurance Open Enrollment options in Colorado.
Dec. 6, 2:30-6 p.m. and Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Ornament Party at Fort Lewis Mesa Library. Materials will be provided to create a variety of festive ornaments for holiday decorating. All ages welcome.
Dec. 6, 3-7 p.m. and Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.: 24th Annual Wreath Extravaganza at Sunnyside Library. Materials will be provided to build a wreath, swag or other creative project. All ages welcome.
Dec. 10, 6 p.m.: “Compass Points: Navigating Community Resources” speaker series at Sunnyside Library. A representative from the La Plata County Health Department will present information about Health Insurance Open Enrollment options in Colorado.
Dec. 16, 4:30 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.
Dec. 23: Durango School District 9-R schools closed for holiday break. Libraries open to the public 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Dec. 24 and Dec. 25: Libraries closed.
Dec. 26-Dec. 31: Special holiday hours. Thursday, Friday and Monday libraries open 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and Tuesday, libraries open 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Jan. 1: Libraries closed.
Jan. 2 and Jan. 3: Durango School District 9-R schools closed for holiday break. Libraries open to the public 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Regular library hours resume Jan. 4.
470 Goddard Ave. Ignacio. Contact 563-9287, www.ignaciolibrary.org.
Dec. 3 at 3 p.m.: Grief Support Group. Grief is universal; everyone experiences it within their lifetime. Grief needs to be witnessed to be processed and to move forward. Sara Barnes, LPC from Hospice of Mercy will facilitate this group at the library every first Tuesday at 3 p.m.
Dec. 5 at 4:30 p.m.: Silly Science. Do not miss out on a thrilling science experiment at the library. This month, the main experiment will be creating Jell-O playdough. RSVP to secure your spot at 563-9287.
Dec. 6 at 4 p.m.: Stuffie Sleepover Storytime. Join us for a storytime to kick off the Stuffie Sleepover before the Taste of Christmas Parade. Enjoy a magical reading inside the library while sipping on hot chocolate. Plus, as a special treat, you’ll take home a copy of the book we read (limited copies available, first come first served). Feel free to drop off your stuffed animals during this time or anytime on Saturday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Stuffies must be picked up Monday, Dec. 9 starting at 9 a.m. You’ll have until Jan. 10 to pick them up.
Dec. 23 at 10 a.m.-noon.: Christmas Crafts. Create snowman faces, gingerbread men and magic modeling dough ornaments. All ages are welcome.
Mondays at 1:30 p.m.: Sewing Group. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, you’re invited to join us for some fun around sewing projects and crafts.
Tuesdays at 10 a.m.: Stories, songs, crafts and more to encourage literacy.
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 always welcome.
Wednesdays at noon: Electronics Hour. Tune up your skills or learn something new. Electronic-based projects and more.
Thursdays at 1 p.m.: Knitters Group. Join our group of knitters for a beverage and a chat in the Community Room.
Fridays at 9 a.m.: Community Coffee. Check out new books and get a sneak peek of what is coming in. Also chat with library staff members and catch up on everything happening at the library.
