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.
Fridays, 3:30-4:30 p.m.: LEGO Club. Build, create and play with the library’s LEGO collection.
May 1, 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.
May 4, 10:30 a.m.-noon: Touch-a-Truck. Join Durango’s community helpers and Durango Public Library for a fun and interactive family event. Vehicles from city of Durango partners will be present fo rchildren to explore. The event will take place at the city lot across from the Durango Botanic Gardens. This event is free and open to kids of all ages.
May 7, 11:45 a.m.-2 p.m.: Great Decisions: Understanding Indonesia. 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.
May 7, 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 snacks. For teens in grades 6-12.
May 8, 4:30-6 p.m.: Great Garden Series: The SOIL Outdoor Learning Lab – New Model for Gardening, Education, and Community Building. The first phase, a community and education garden, was opened to the public with programming for students across the region.
May 8, 6:15-7:45 p.m.: Writers & Scribblers. At our regular monthly meeting of Writers and Scribblers, we’ll discuss the different ways a protagonist can be compelled to take action. Attendants 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.
May 10, noon-1:30 p.m.: Nature Writing Book Discussion. Talk with people who love to read about nature as much as you do. Tell us what you’ve been reading and discover other titles and authors. Meet us at the Turtle Lake Refuge Cafe, 848 East Third Ave. Lunch is provided. Seating is limited, register today.
May 15, 6-7:30 p.m.: Word Honey Poetry Workshop. New location: Join us at the library for a poetry workshop.
May 16, 5:30-7 p.m.: The Lost Apothecary Book Club. Join us for another fun Book Club at the Durango Public Library. Register online – there are two sessions being offered.
May 20, 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, register online.
May 21, 6-8 p.m.: Small Steps to Big Goals. What if I told you that your life-long goal could be reached faster than you can imagine? Join us for an incredible workshop focused on achieving Big goals by taking Small Steps. Join Master Certified Life and Writing Coach Brooke Smith as she leads you through this incredible workshop.
May 22, 4:30- 6 p.m.: Great Garden Series: The Permacultural Approach to Prepping the Spring Garden. Learn a few simple steps that you can readily take in your landscape to achieve these impactful results. Presentation by Eva Montane.
May 23, 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 snacks. For teens in grades 6-12.
May 23, 4-5:30 p.m.: Crafternoons (for adults). Crafting isn’t just fun, it’s fundamental for mental health, relaxation and happiness. 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+) This month: Postcard Party.
May 27: Library closed for holiday.
May 29, 6-7:30 p.m.: Word Honey Poetry Workshop. New location: Join us at the library for a poetry workshop.
395 Bayfield Center Drive, Bayfield. Contact: 884-2222, www.prlibrary.org
Pine River Library has planned an adventure-themed Summer Learning Program for the community this year. The two-month program runs June and July and will feature live animal visits, weekly programs for all ages and an outdoor movie. There will be storytimes for the youngest participants, weekly STEAM programs for kids and weekly tabletop gaming for teens. Animal visits include reptiles, Wolfwood, agility and scent-work dogs, horses and more. Adult events include a beginning fly fishing class, salve making, an intro to archaeology program, kitten yoga, basic bike maintenance, intro to Spanish and genealogy classes, and more. And, of course, there will be prizes. Participants will get an entry to drawings for every activity they complete, including attending a program, committing an act of kindness, going on an adventure, completing the StoryWalk and reading a book.
The library will host a kickoff signup “carnival” from 1-3 p.m. May 31 in the Library Park. Sign up the whole family and plan your summer full of adventure at the library. There will be a ball pit, games, free food and science fun with the Powerhouse. All ages are welcome. You can also register at the library or online starting May 15. For more information, visit www.prlibrary.org/summer-learning-2024.
Hopper’s Storytime: Thursdays, 11-11:30 a.m. Read books, meet new friends and make a craft together.
STEAM Power Hour (Grades three-five): Mondays, 4-5 p.m. Junior STEAM Power Hour (Grades K-two): Wednesdays, 4-5 p.m. Explore new interests, delve into the wonders of learning science and create artistic masterpieces.
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.
Babysitter Training: May 28 and 29, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. This two-day training course trains teens (12 -18 years old) on basic child care, nutrition and an introductory understanding of early learning and social/emotional literacy skills. The course includes integrated 21st century Future Ready skills such as community leadership, business marketing, entrepreneurship and professionalism. The training also features a full-day basic lifesaving course including CPR/First Aid training, allowing teens to receive official CPR/First Aid cards from the American Heart Association. All teens who participate in the class will become a part of the library’s babysitter referral list, which helps match local teens with Bayfield-area families looking for child care. Participants must commit to the full two-day course. If any spots in the course remain open, alumni students can recertify their CPR/First Aid certifications. The course fee is $30 and must be paid before the class. The cost for recertification is $20. Register by May 24. A minimum of 10 participants is needed for this class to run. Call the library at 884-2222, ext. 1, to register.
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.
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 to 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. 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.
May 1, 10 a.m.: Delayed library opening because of monthly staff meeting.
May 2, 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m.: New Monthly Program: Learn Over Lunch: Smartphones 101. 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 the library or Senior Center. RSVP by the Monday before each presentation. This month, learn the basics of smartphones. The presentation will cover the general differences between Apple and Android phones, basic navigation and general terms, such as data vs. Wi-Fi. After a brief presentation about smartphone functionality and a few must-have free apps, there will be time for specific or general questions from participants.
May 3, 5-6 p.m.: Pine River Valley Art Collective Artists’ Reception: Celebrate the artists of the Pine River Valley Collective and enjoy their work currently on display at the library. Light refreshments will be served, with an artists’ toast at 5:30 p.m.
May 3, 8-9:30 p.m.: Bayfield Star Party. Join the town of Bayfield and the Pine River Library for their summer star party. Explore astrophotography, observe celestial objects through telescopes and engage with astronomy enthusiasts. This family-friendly event begins at sunset and continues into the night for a memorable experience.
May 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.
May 7, 6-8 p.m.: Alcohol Ink Class. Have fun with alcohol inks. No experience is necessary to learn all about this colorful art medium. You will go home with a set of four coasters. All supplies are included in the $20 registration fee. To register and pay, visit www.cynthiasheltonart.com.
May 3, 1:30 p.m.: First Friday Matinee. An afternoon film on the big screen at the library every first Friday of the month. NOTE: this program shows PG-13 and R rated films. In May, we are showing “Boys in the Boat” (Rated PG-13).
May 8, 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, “The Murder of Mr. Wickham,” by Claudia Gray.
May 9, 11 a.m.-noon: Friends of the Library Quarterly Meeting. Friends meetings give us an opportunity to see old friends, make new friends, share news, review accomplishments and plan new events and activities. A light lunch will be included. Quarterly meetings are held in August, November, February and May in the Library Community Room. For more information about the Friends of the Library, visit https://prlibrary.org/friends-of-the-library/.
May 9, 3-5 p.m.: New Monthly Program: Community Music Makers. Local musicians of all abilities and instruments (including voice) are welcome to join us 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.
May 10, 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.
May 14, 10-11 a.m.: Card Making at the Pine River Senior Center. Create two beautiful handmade cards. Free.
May 14, 6-8 p.m.: Life Coaching Series: Turtle Steps. You’ve had a goal in mind for a while now, and it keeps getting tabled because of a series of life events that are beyond your control. You tell yourself, “During my next vacation, I’ll focus on writing my book,” or, “Maybe when I retire, I can finally start traveling.” What if I told you that the goal could be reached in no time flat in under five minutes a day? And it won’t feel like work at all. Join Master Certified Life and Writing Coach Brooke Smith as she leads you through this workshop of achieving big goals by taking small steps.
May 15, noon-1 p.m.: Cookbook Club. Each month on the third Wednesday at noon, we'll 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 May, we’ll be cooking recipes from our “featured meal” of a traditional “high tea.”
May 15, 6:15 p.m.: Library Board Meeting. Regular monthly meeting of the library’s board of trustees.
May 17, 1:30 p.m.: Family Friday Matinee. A family film on the big screen at the library every third Friday of the month. In May, we are showing “Trolls Band Together” (2023).
May 18, 9 a.m.,.-1 p.m.: Pine River Garden Club Annual Plant Exchange. Have some plants to share? Need some starter plants? Stop by the library for the Garden Club’s annual Plant Exchange. Bring a plant, take a plant or make a donation and take a plant. Only cash payments will be accepted at the event.
May 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 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.
May 23, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Spanish Conversation Hour. Practice your Spanish in an informal setting. All ages and language levels welcome.
May 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).
May 24, 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.
May 27: Library closed for Memorial Day.
May 31, 1-3 p.m.: Summer Learning Kickoff Carnival. Sign up the whole family and plan your summer full of adventure at the library. There will be a ball pit, games, free food and science fun with the Powerhouse. All ages are welcome. You can also register at the library or online starting May 15. For more information, visit www.prlibrary.org/summer-learning-2024.
470 Goddard Ave. Ignacio. Contact 563-9287, www.ignaciolibrary.org.
May 4, 10 a.m.: Mobile Earth + Space Observatory. Get ready to embark on an extraordinary journey with the Mobile Earth + Space Observatory, a science center on wheels. With a range of interactive science activities, visitors can discover the mysteries of the universe in a whole new way. Witness the sun like never before through our solar telescopes, capture yourself in a new light using an infrared camera and explore the Martian surface with 3D maps.
May 4, 1 p.m.: Repair Café. A neighborhood initiative that promotes repair as an alternative to tossing things out. Bring your broken items to fix them on the spot with the help of voluntary repairers.
May 23, 6 p.m.: Garden to Kitchen. Learn how to grow vegetables in containers at home and gain skills for incorporating them into your meals at a low cost. You will also get the opportunity to build a container garden that you can take home with you. Additionally, you will get to sample and take home recipes featuring the crop you’ll grow.
May 29, 10 a.m.: Come Paint with Us. Unleash your creativity and paint to your heart’s content. We’ll provide all the necessary supplies, including canvases, paint and brushes. No matter your age, you’re welcome to drop in throughout the day.
Mondays at 1:30 p.m.: Sewing Group. 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. Storytime is on a new day. 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 with us. Electronic-based projects and more can be found with us weekly.
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.: Go Donuts for Books. Join us for coffee and doughnuts. It’s a great time check out our new books and a sneak peek of what is coming in. You’ll also get to chat with library staff members and catch up on everything happening at the library.
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).
Powerhouse Pass Program. 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.
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.
Thursday, May 2, 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, May 6, 1:30 p.m.: Pokemon Club at Fort Lewis Mesa Library. Open to kids age 7-12 years old. For more information, contact cindy@swlplibrarydistrict.org.
Wednesday, May 8, 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.
Monday, May 13, 1:30 p.m.: Pokemon Club at Fort Lewis Mesa Library. Open to kids ages 7-12 years old. For more information, contact cindy@swlplibrarydistrict.org.
Monday, May 20, 1:30 p.m.: Pokemon Club at Fort Lewis Mesa Library. Open to kids ages 7-12 years old. For more information, contact cindy@swlplibrarydistrict.org.
Monday, May 20, 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.
Monday, May 20, 5:30 p.m.: Sunnyside Book Club meeting in the Sunnyside Library. Contact nycole@swlplibrarydistrict.org for more information. All are welcome.
Monday, May 27: Libraries closed for Memorial Day holiday.
Friday, May 31: Summer hours begin. Libraries will be open to the public 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday-Friday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays.
Coming in June: Summer Reading Program. Adventure Begins at Your Library, June 5 to July 17. Activities for children, teens and adults. Watch for more information at your library or at www.swlplibrarydistrict.org.
