1900 East Third Ave. Contact: 375-3380.
Jan. 24, 3:30-4:30 p.m.: Friday Fun: Live Action Hungry Hungry Hippos. An exciting, larger-than-life version of the classic game Hungry Hungry Hippos. Wear comfortable clothing and sneakers for easy movement.
Jan. 31, 3:30-4:30 p.m.: Friday Fun: Crafternoons. Make unique decorations, costumes and accessories to showcase your Snowdown spirit.
Feb. 1, 11 a.m.-noon: Family Dance Party. Kids and families, celebrate Snowdown at the library.
Jan. 23, 3:30-4:30 p.m.: Mario Kart Tournament. A special Teen Game Zone at our Mario Kart Tournament. Registration is required, so gather your friends and sign up to secure your spot on the track. Registration opens one week before the event. Ages 13-17.
Jan. 30, 3:30-5 p.m.: Live Action Clue. An exciting evening of mystery and intrigue. Work together with friends to solve puzzles, gather clues and figure out whodunit in a thrilling interactive experience. Registration is required, and space is limited. Registration begins on Jan. 1.
Jan. 24- Feb. 4: Scrabble Scavenger Hunt. We’ve hidden clues around the library, come unscramble our Scrabble challenge. Collect your instructions from the front desk any time, all Snowdown long. Completed entries will be added to a drawing for a fabulous Board Game Prize Basket.
Jan. 27, 4-6 p.m.: Board Game Crafts. Design your own accessories and jewelry with our supply of surplus board game pieces! Free for adults, ages 17 and older.
Jan. 29, 4-5:30 p.m.: Buttonmaking. Looking for a little extra Snowdown-flavored flair? Create your own design or choose from one of ours. Free; all supplies will be provided. Fun for all ages.
Jan. 28, 4-5:30 p.m.: Chess Club. Whether you’re a seasoned strategist or a curious beginner, this is the perfect place to practice and make new friends. Our chess club is usually only open to youths, but in celebration of Snowdown for this week only, even adults are invited to play. Ages 9 and older.
Tuesdays, 4-5 p.m.: Youth Chess Club. Drop-in chess games in a friendly environment. Challenge your mind. 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. Baby Time is tailored for babies from birth-12 months together with their favorite adult. Enjoy 15-20 minutes of early literacy activities followed by a playgroup. We 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. Friday afternoons are all about having fun building, playing, exploring and creating together. First Friday of the month: STEM; second and fourth Friday: Lego; 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.: English Conversation Circle. English speaking practice for English learners of all levels. All languages and cultures welcome. Learn about your community, make new friends and share experiences.
Jan. 1: Library closed.
Jan. 15, 6-7:30 p.m.: Word Honey Poetry Workshop. Join us at the library for a free poetry workshop – write and create original works with us. All are welcome.
Jan. 2 and 16, 5:30-6:30 p.m.: Spanish Conversation Hour. Practice your Spanish in an informal setting. All language levels welcome.
Jan. 8, 6-7 p.m.: Less Sugar in Your Life. Jolie Ensign shares why you should eat less sugar and how to make that happen in the New Year. Learn practical tips, recipes and why you can’t rely on willpower alone to stay away from sugar. Understand what, when and how to eat to manage your blood sugar and get serious about busting your sugar and carb cravings naturally.
Jan. 9, 6-8 p.m.: Friends of the San Juans: Avalanche Awareness Class. A Know Before You Go presentation to prepare for this winter’s backcountry season.
Jan. 8, 6:15-7:45 p.m.: Writers & Scribblers Writing Group. A group for writers of all kinds to learn, practice and share the art and craft of writing. Our main purpose is to try to help each other through the maze of things you must do as writers; from writing to editing and 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.
Jan. 11 and 25, 1-3:00 p.m.: Yarn Meetup. Calling knitters, crocheters and fiber artists of all ages and levels. Come work on your current project in an informal group setting.
Jan. 9, 4-5:30 p.m.: Crafternoons: Journal Making. Crafting isn't just fun, it’s fundamental for mental health, relaxation and happiness. Explore our craft supplies each month. In January, we are making journals for the New Year. We’ll have supplies for simple binding ideas and more complex stitching techniques (and everything in between). This is a bilingual event.
Jan. 16, 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m.: Brain Yoga. The interactive brain health workshop will cover simple adjustments to boost brain power; tips to improve memory and concentration; brain-boosting foods and exercises; and stress management strategies for a clear mind. With Linda Illsley from Brain Yoga Durango. Space is limited so registration is required.
Jan. 22, 5:30-7 p.m.: Yoga para el Cerebro (programa en Español). Libera todo el potencial de tu mente en nuestro Taller de Salud para tu Cerebro! Descubre los ajustes sencillos que puedes hacer para sentirte más ágil, más centrado y con más energía para un 2025 vibrante que te cambiará la vida. Cupo limitadas, ¡inscríbase!
Jan. 20: Library closed.
Jan. 27, 4-5:30 p.m.: Death Café. Death Café is a group-directed discussion of death; it is not a grief support group. Our 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.
“Traditional” Book Club: “The Anthropology of Turquoise,” by Ellen Meloy, Feb. 4, 6-7:30 p.m. This invigorating mix of natural history and adventure, artist-naturalist Ellen Meloy uses turquoise – the color and the gem – to probe deeper into our profound human attachment to landscape. 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.
“Non-Traditional” Book Club: Local/Regional Authors: Feb. 18, 6-7:30 p.m. Join us at Bread's downtown location (135 E. Eighth 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 for these “nontraditional” book clubs, just a topic/genre to discuss and plenty of delicious snacks to enjoy. This month, we'll be chatting about local and regional authors.
395 Bayfield Center Drive, Bayfield. Contact: 884-2222, www.prlibrary.org
Three classes to help kick off the New Year right:
Resolution: Declutter! Saturday, Jan. 4 at 10 a.m. Feeling overwhelmed by things? Get started right away tackling your New Year’s resolution to tidy up. Learn how to simplify your stuff to de-clutter, de-own, and de-stress. With Molly Orendorff, owner of Cleaning Simplified.
Hearts Don’t Lie: Give Your Body the Love it Deserves! Feb. 1 at 10 a.m. Susan Fischer, registered dietician, will help us focus on establishing and maintaining life enhancing habits in this important class.
Plus, watch for a free auricular (ear) acupuncture presentation and free follow up sessions coming in February.
* Note: no youth programs will be held during Winter Break.
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+, but younger children are welcome to attend with a caregiver.
Maker Mondays, Mondays, 4-5:30 p.m. Cook, build, craft – let’s make things.
Game On!, Tuesdays, 4-5:30 p.m. Board games, table top, cards.
Teen Takeover, Wednesdays, 4-5:30 p.m. Anything* can happen – give us your ideas! (*not actually anything).
Teen Trivia, Thursdays, 4-5:30 p.m. Show what you know and win prizes!
Teen D&D, Fridays, 12:30-1:30 p.m. 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 kelly@prlibrary.org to schedule a time for that.
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, 9:15-10:15 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.
Tuesdays, 1-5 p.m. Do you need help using your computer, phone or tablet? Creating a resume or searching for jobs online? 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 your 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 her at: michelle.l.wagner@state.co.us.
Tuesdays, 1-3 p.m. Stop by the shed in the library parking lot for our weekly popup book sale.
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.
Jan. 1: Library closed for New Year’s Day.
Jan. 3, 1:30-3:30 p.m.: First Friday Matinee. An afternoon film on the big screen at the library. NOTE: this program shows PG-13 and R rated films. January: “Knives Out,” rated PG-13.
Jan. 4, 10-11 a.m.: Resolution: Declutter! Feeling overwhelmed by things? Get started right away tackling your New Year’s resolution to tidy up! Learn how to simplify your stuff to de-clutter, de-own and de-stress! With Molly Orendorff, owner of Cleaning Simplified.
Jan. 6, 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.
Jan. 8, 10 a.m. Delayed library opening because of monthly staff meeting.
Jan. 8, 2-3:30 p.m.: BookMarks Book Club, “Ordinary Grace.” 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: “Ordinary Grace,” by William Kent Krueger.
Jan. 9, 10:30-11:30 a.m.: Kaffeeklatsch! New! Join us for an hour of German conversation on the second Thursday of every month. Meet others who have ties to Deutschland or to the German language and want to practice their skills. Bis bald!
Jan. 9, 1:30-3:30 p.m.: 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!
Jan. 9, 4-6 p.m.: County Commissioner Matt Salka Office Hours.
Jan. 10 and 24, 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.
Jan. 10, 17 and 24, 6-11 p.m.: 4 Corners Tabletop Night. A place for tabletop gamers in the Four Corners 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. 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.
Jan. 13, 6-8 p.m.: Classic Movie Series with Dennis Taylor: “Yellow Sky” (1948). Film enthusiast Dennis Taylor is back and is hosting a monthly series of classic movies. In this telling of the story, an unsavory gang of bank robbers led by “Stretch” Dawson is on the run after their latest job. It’s a motley crew made up of characters with colorful names such as Dude, Half Pint and Walrus.
Jan. 14, 10-11 a.m.: Card Making at the Pine River Senior Center. Create two beautiful handmade cards. Free.
Jan. 14, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Senior Planet Workshop: AI & Disinformation. This free course will show you how to evaluate information and disinformation. Disinformation refers to false information created to mislead people, and it’s nothing new. But today’s AI-powered tools and social media have made it easier and faster to create and spread disinformation. In this lecture, we’ll explore how AI is used to create convincing deepfakes and clone voices, making it challenging to distinguish between real and fake content. We’ll also review best practices for evaluating information and explore tech tools that can help identify content created with AI. Register with Michelle Wagner at michelle.l.wagner@state.co.us or (720) 556-9102.
Jan. 15, noon: Cookbook Club: Soup & Bread. Each month, 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 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 January, we will focus on the hearty winter fundamentals of soup and bread.
Jan. 15, 5:30 p.m.: Library Board Meeting. Pine River Library monthly board meeting. Agenda and minutes available at www.prlibrary.org.
Jan. 17, 1:30-3:30 p.m.: Family Friday Matinee. A family film on the big screen at the library. January: “The Wild Robot,” rated PG.
Jan. 20: Library closed for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Jan. 21, 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 Café 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.
Jan. 21, 5:30-7 p.m.: Cozy Craft Night: Quilling. A casual drop in workshop in the community room (we’ll still try to make it as cozy as possible). We will provide all materials, and if you don’t finish, we can loan you some supplies to take home. With PRL staff members Summer and Joanna.
Jan. 22, 5:15-7 p.m.: Team UP La Plata Parenting Skills Class: Understanding Challenging Behaviors in our Children. Join us for this helpful workshop for parents to support efforts to improve our families’ relationship with screen-time and tech use. Chris Brown from La Plata Youth Services will walk us through the “landscape” of our current tech-fueled culture, before jumping into helpful strategies, boundaries and tools to support parents and their children as they navigate this landscape. Dinner and child care are provided. Register at https://tinyurl.com/c4v9tmke. Questions? Email carolineh@unitedway-swco.org. Dinner 5:15 p.m., workshops 5:30-7 p.m.
Jan. 23, 11 a.m.-noon: Spanish Conversation Hour. Practice your Spanish in an informal setting. All ages and language levels are welcome.
Jan. 23, 5:30-6:30 p.m.: Radon Testing for Homeowners. Attend this informational session led by the La Plata County Health Department’s Environmental Health Program and receive a free radon testing kit for your home.
Jan. 24, 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.
Jan. 27, 6-8 p.m.: Pine River Garden Club Meeting. In the library Community Room or outside in the garden, depending on the weather.
Preview: Feb. 1, 10-11 a.m.: Hearts Don’t Lie: Give Your Body the Love It Deserves. Take advantage of New Year’s resolutions and Heart Health Month to make healthier choices. Registered dietician Susan Fischer will help us focus on establishing and maintaining life enhancing habits.
Finally, check out our compilation of staff favorites from 2024: In 2024, we dove into tons of amazing content – on the page, on screen and through our earphones. Check out some of our top picks: https://www.prlibrary.org/2024-staff-favorites.
Fort Lewis Mesa Library, 11274 Highway 140, Hesperus. Contact: 375-3816, ext. 1, chris@swlplibrarydistrict.org. The library is 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. The library is 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 Southwest La Plata Library District will discuss resources available at our libraries. 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 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.
Monday, Dec. 30: 9-R schools closed for holiday break, libraries open to the public 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 30, noon-2 p.m.: Origami for all ages at Sunnyside Library. Practice the Japanese art of folding paper.
Monday, Dec. 30, 2 p.m.: Monday Movie Matinee at Fort Lewis Mesa Library. Join us for a free showing of “Harold and the Purple Crayon” (rated PG).
Tuesday, Dec. 31: 9-R schools closed for holiday break, libraries open to the public 10 a.m.-4 .p.m..
Tuesday, Dec. 31, noon-2 p.m.: Noon Year’s Eve party at Sunnyside Library. Family-oriented New Year’s fun and refreshments.
Wednesday, Jan. 1: Libraries closed for New Year’s Day.
Thursday, Jan. 2 and Friday, Jan. 3: 9-R schools closed for holiday break, libraries open to the public 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Normal Library hours resume Saturday, Jan. 4.
Thursday, Jan. 2, noon-2 p.m.: Family Movie Matinee at Sunnyside Library. Join us for a free showing of “Rio” (rated G).
Friday, Jan. 3, noon- 2 p.m.: Crafting for kids at Sunnyside Library. Make some fun, simple craft projects.
Wednesday, Jan. 8, 3-5 p.m.: Fort Lewis Mesa Book Club meeting in the Fort Lewis Mesa Library. Contact chris@swlplibrarydistrict.org for more information. All are welcome!
Tuesday, Jan. 14, 6 p.m.: “Compass Points: Navigating Community Resources” speaker series at Fort Lewis Mesa and Sunnyside Library. This month, a representative from the Southwest La Plata Library District will discuss resources available at our libraries. Visit the library of your choice to learn how to access our digital lending resources.
Saturday, Jan. 18, 3 p.m.: January Movie Matinee at Fort Lewis Mesa Library. Join us for a free showing of “The Wild Robot” (rated PG).
Monday, Jan. 20, 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.
Monday, Jan. 20: Libraries closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Monday, Jan. 27, 5:30 p.m.: Sunnyside Book Club meeting in the Sunnyside Library. Contact nycole@swlplibrarydistrict.org for more information. All are welcome!
Saturday, Feb. 1: Take Your Child to the Library Day. Visit your favorite library branch with your child(ren) and enjoy a variety of books and activities. See swlplibrarydistrict.org for more information.
470 Goddard Ave. Ignacio. Contact 563-9287, www.ignaciolibrary.org.
Grief Support Group: Jan. 7 at 3 p.m. Grief is universal; everyone experiences it within their lifetime. Grief needs to be witnessed to be processed and to move forward. Give yourself the gift of being seen and heard. Sara Barnes, LPC from Hospice of Mercy, will facilitate this group at the library.
Make Your Own Sandwich-on-a-stick: Jan. 14 at 4:30 p.m. Create delicious sandwiches on skewers. This experience is perfect for all ages, allowing patrons to choose and portion their favorite ingredients before assembling their unique sandwiches. Not only will you enjoy your culinary creation on-site, but you can also take home any leftovers.
Simplify Your Stuff: How to de-clutter, de-own and de-stress your life: Jan. 23 at 3:30 p.m. Molly Orendorff, a professional organizer, will teach you how to clear things out of your space to reduce your clutter anxiety. Sign up in advance at https://qrco.de/deClutter or ignaciolibrary.org.
Crafternoon: Jan. 30 at 3:30 p.m. A family program where all craft supplies are provided. Create your own masterpieces with a variety of craft projects.
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 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 can be found with us weekly.
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. A morning of coffee and doughnuts. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to stay informed about all the amazing resources available to you at the library.
Fridays at 1 p.m.: Alternative Energy Systems Classes. Welcome to 2025 in the IDEA LAB, where every month we will be offering new skills to learn with our highlighted classes of the month. Every Friday and Saturday (Except Jan. 3) in January join us to learn and experiment with Alternative Energy Systems.
