Southwest Life Health And the West is History Community Travel

November Library Events

Durango Public Library

1900 East Third Ave. Contact: 375-3380.

Page One Writing Contest opens Nov. 1

Maybe you only have an idea for a story. Perhaps you’re working on your 10th novel. We don’t care if you just started writing or just finished the thing, we want your first page. Winners receive a $100 Maria’s Bookshop gift certificate and their work read on air on the Page One radio program. Visit www.bit.ly/3TU8pHa for full contest details. Submissions accepted all month.

Weekly events for kids

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. For ages 9+. 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+.

Thursdays, 11-11:30 a.m.: Toddler Storytime. Stories, songs, rhymes and other fun activities. Perfect for children ages 1-2.

Thursdays, 3:3-4:30 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 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: LEGO; third: Art. If there’s a fifth Friday, we’ll let you know what it will be. Great for ages 5-12 and families.

Events by date

Nov. 2, 1-2 p.m.: Stories in the Park. Join Durango Parks and Recreation & Durango Public Library for a storytime and nature walk. This month, we are at the Folsom Park Shelter (11 Folsom Pl.).

Nov. 2, 1-3 p.m.: Round Dance. This informative session will explore the significance of the Round Dance, providing valuable insights into its historical and contemporary relevance within Native American cultures. Participants will also have the opportunity to learn the Round Dance steps and join the dance circle, fostering a sense of community and connection. Refreshments provided!

Nov. 6 and 20, 6-7:30 p.m.: Word Honey Poetry Workshop. Free poetry workshop – write and create original works. All are welcome.

Nov. 6, 6-7 p.m.: Tea 101. Learn all about tea from Caprice Fox, owner of Create Art and Tea. The history of tea is an ancient practice dating back 5,000 years. During this program, we will introduce everyone to a bit of tea history and also different varieties of tea during a tea tasting. Space is limited, registration required.

Nov. 7, 5:30-6:30 p.m.: New Spanish Conversation Hour. Practice your Spanish in an informal setting. All language levels welcome.

Nov. 8 and 9, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.: Friends of the Library Booksale. Stock up on books to read this winter.

Nov. 9, 10 a.m.-noon: Wool Fiber Processing Demonstration and Workshop. This all-ages program with the Southwest Fiber Alliance will feature demonstrations, hands-on activities and even some live animals. See hand processing methods to turn raw wool into yarn and learn about the various natural fibers in the area.

Nov. 11: Library closed for Veterans Day.

Nov. 13, 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. The main purpose is to try to help each other through the maze of things you must do as writers; from writing to editing 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.

Nov. 14, 4-5:30 p.m.: Crafternoons: Luminarias. Crafting isn’t just fun, it’s fundamental for mental health, relaxation and happiness. Explore our craft supplies each month. This month, we are making personalized paper bag luminarias to light up the winter darkness. This is a bilingual event.

Nov. 25, 4- 5:30 p.m.: Durango 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 a trained death doula. Seating is limited.

Nov. 28-30: Library closed for Thanksgiving.

Pine River Library

395 Bayfield Center Drive, Bayfield. Contact: 884-2222, www.prlibrary.org

Learn Over Lunch: Rosie the Riveter

November’s Learn Over Lunch program will feature a special guest speaker from Colorado Humanities. “Rosie the Riveter,” the name given to women war workers during World War II, lived and worked throughout the United States welding, making bullets and doing a wide variety of factory jobs for the war effort. Between 1941 and 1945, Colorado had its own “Rosies” working at the Remington Arms Factory in Denver. U.S. history teacher and presenter Gail Beaton will play a composite character drawn from records and memories of these women war workers, on Nov. 14, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Registration is required: Call or stop by the library or senior center in advance.

Weekly Programs for Youths

*Note: No youth programs will be held the week of Thanksgiving.

Babies/Toddlers

Hopper’s Storytime: Thursdays 11-11:30 a.m.

Read books, meet new friends and make a craft together.

Kids

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.

Teens

Teen Tabletop Club: Tuesdays, 4-5:15 p.m.

Magic, D&D, Cthulhu and more – you choose the adventure.

TGI Thursdays: Thursdays, 4-5:15 p.m.

Music, snacks and shenanigans of all sorts!

Teen Adventures in Eating: Third Thursday of every month, 4-5:15 p.m.

Enjoy interesting new foods from all over the world and blow off some steam taking turns playing Beat Saber on the Oculus.

Teen D&D: Fridays, 11 a.m.-noon

This is a continuation of our 2024 D&D group. New members welcome and no experience necessary, but know that you need to set up a character before you can join the campaign. Contact becky@prlibrary.org to schedule a time.

Programs for Adults
Weekly Programs

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, 8:15-8:50 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, 2-6 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.

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. There are many wonderful books to choose from.

Community Knitting and Crochet Group

Sundays, 2-4 p.m. All are welcome! Whether you have been knitting and/or crocheting for years or you would like to learn, we are happy to have you and will do our best to help you get started.

Program calendar

Nov. 1-5: The Pine River Library Community Room will be a voter service and polling center for the U.S. General Election.

Nov. 4, 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.

Nov. 6, 10 a.m. Delayed library opening because of monthly staff meeting.

Nov. 6, 5:15-7 p.m.: Team UP La Plata Parenting Skills Class: Understanding Challenging Behaviors in our Children. Children are not naturally manipulative or demanding. They learn unskillful strategies to meet needs for connection, mattering, autonomy and more. Together, we will explore the why behind challenging behavior, leading us toward effectively and compassionately guiding our children to get needs met in more healthy ways. With communication coach Rachel Turiel. RSVP at unitedway-swco.org/workshops. Questions? Email carolineh@unitedway-swco.org. Dinner 5:15 p.m., workshops 5:30-7 p.m.

Nov. 7, 4-5:30 p.m.: County Commissioner Matt Salka Office Hours.

Nov. 8 and 22, 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.

Nov. 8, 15 and 22, 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.

Nov. 9, 9:30 a.m.-noon: Getting to Know Your Sewing Machine. We will cover all the basics of your machine including threading, tension, cleaning, changing needles and problem-solving. Participants will also sew a simple pillow cover. Taught by local quilting instructor Judy Livingston.

Nov. 12, 10-11 a.m.: Card Making at the Pine River Senior Center. Create two beautiful handmade cards. Free.

Nov. 12, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Senior Planet: Tips for Being News Savvy Online. This free course will explain the way technology has made it easier to create and spread misinformation. We’ll discuss tools to evaluate news sources and review helpful fact-checking sites. You’ll learn why it’s important to read and check your sources before sharing. Register with Michelle Wagner at michelle.l.wagner@state.co.us or (720) 556-9102.

Nov. 13, 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: “Fairy Tale,” by Stephen King.

Nov. 13, 5-6:30 p.m.: Family Literacy Night.! Bayfield Middle School invita a estudiantes y familias a la Biblioteca de Pine River para una noche de alfabetización familiar. Aprenda cómo fomentar la lectura en casa, sobre divertidas noches de juegos y recomendaciones de libros. Bayfield Middle School invites students and families to the Pine River Library for a family literacy night. Learn how to encourage reading at home, about fun game nights and about reading recommendations.

Nov. 14, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.: Learn Over Lunch: Rosie the Riveter Chautauqua Presentation. 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 either the library or Senior Center. RSVP by the Monday before each presentation. The November Learn Over Lunch topic will be Rosie the Riveter. Learn about the contributions women made to World War II efforts and meet the character Gail Murphy, a bullet case worker at the Denver Ordnance Plant, in Gail Beaton’s portrayal of Colorado’s Rosie the Riveter. Rosie the Riveter is the name given to U.S. women during World War II who worked as welders, bullet makers and at a wide variety of factory jobs vital for the war effort.

Nov. 14, 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!

Nov. 14, 6-7 p.m.: Cozy Craft Night. Join PRL’s very own Summer to sip hot cocoa or cider by the fireplace as we crochet a simple craft. Recommended for teens to adults; however, kids with crochet experience might want to join as well. Cozy pajamas are encouraged. Register at https://www.prlibrary.org/library-event-calendar and click on Nov. 14’s Cozy Craft Night link. For more information, contact Summer at summer@prlibrary.org or Joanna at joanna@prlibrary.org.

Nov. 15, 7:30-8:30 a.m.: Power Hour with Paul. This free lesson introduces the Google Foundation Program, covering core tools and best practices to help you build a strong digital presence and maximize your online marketing potential.

Nov. 15, 1:30-3:30 p.m.: Family Friday Matinee. Join us for a family film on the big screen at the library. November: “Inside Out 2,” Rated PG.

Nov. 18, 1-3 p.m.: All Abilities Art Class. The Arc of Southwest Colorado plus Pine River Pressworks is excited to host a series of art classes at the library. 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

Nov. 19, 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 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.

Nov. 20, noon: Cookbook Club. 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 November, we’ll be cooking recipes with featured ingredients of squash and tubers.

Nov. 20, 5:30 p.m.: Library Board Meeting. Public Budget Hearing followed by Pine River Library monthly board meeting. Draft budget, agenda and minutes available on our website.

Nov. 22, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Pine River Senior Center Outreach. Enjoy 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).

Southwest La Plata Library District

Fort Lewis Mesa Library, 11274 Highway 140, Hesperus. Contact: 375-3816, chris@swlplibrarydistrict.org. The library is located inside Fort Lewis Mesa Elementary School and has books for all ages. Open to the public 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and Friday; 2:30-7 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday; contactless pickup and drop off available.

Sunnyside Library, 75 County Road 218, Durango. Contact: 375-3816, ssmanager@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.-4 p.m. Saturday; contactless pickup and drop off available.

Ongoing events

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 Durango/La Plata Senior Services will present information about Medicare Part D options available during open enrollment.

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.

Kindergarten Readiness Workshops. This six-part program will take place once per month during Storytime at both libraries. The program is for young children and their caregivers and will focus on school readiness topics. For more information, contact patty@swlplibrarydistrict.org. See calendar below for dates at each library.

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.

Calendar

Nov. 1-10: Veterans Day Thank You Card Program. Stop by Sunnyside Library during open hours and use our card supplies to make a card for your favorite veteran. Don’t know any veterans? Make a card and we’ll share it for you.

Saturday, Nov. 2, 1-3 p.m.: “Dia de los Muertos Family Festival” at Fort Lewis Mesa Library. Enjoy traditional Mexican arts, crafts and treats while we watch the movie “Coco.”

Saturday, Nov. 9, noon-2 p.m.: “Kid’s Krafternoon” at Fort Lewis Mesa Library. Join us for “Slime Factory!” Appropriate for children in kindergarten through fifth-grade.

Tuesday, Nov. 12, 6 p.m.: “Compass Points: Navigating Community Resources” speaker series at Sunnyside Library. This month, a representative from Durango/La Plata Senior Services will present information about Medicare Part D options available during open enrollment.

Tuesday, Nov. 12, 11 a.m.: Kindergarten Readiness Workshop at Sunnyside Library – “Breaking the Code: Early Literacy.” Third in a six-part monthly program held during Storytime.

Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2 p.m.: Kindergarten Readiness Workshop at Fort Lewis Mesa Library – “Breaking the Code: Early Literacy.” Third in a six-part monthly program held during Storytime.

Wednesday, Nov. 13, 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.

Saturday, Nov. 16, 11 a.m.: “Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” at Sunnyside Library. Join us for a viewing of this classic holiday show and enjoy a Charlie Brown-styled feast of popcorn and toast. All ages welcome.

Saturday, Nov. 16, 1-3 p.m.: “Tea Blending Workshop” at Fort Lewis Mesa Library. Old Barrel Tea Company will talk about different types of teas and how to blend them for flavor and other benefits. Guests will get to blend their own teas.

Monday, Nov. 18, 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. Additional information can be found at either library location or www.swlplibrarydistrict.org.

Monday, Nov. 18, 5:30 p.m. Sunnyside Book Club meeting in the Sunnyside Library. Contact nycole@swlplibrarydistrict.org for more information. All are welcome.

Tuesday, Nov. 19, 6 p.m.: “Compass Points: Navigating Community Resources” speaker series at Fort Lewis Mesa Library. This month a representative from Durango/La Plata Senior Services will present information about Medicare Part D options available during open enrollment.

Friday, Nov. 22, 2:30-4:30 p.m.: “Three Sisters Feast – Giving Thanks, Celebrating Gratitude,” at Fort Lewis Mesa. Celebrate the first Thanksgiving through the eyes of Indigenous people. Crafts and light refreshments.

Monday, Nov. 25-Wednesday, Nov. 26: 9-R schools closed for Thanksgiving break, libraries open to the public 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Monday, Nov. 25, 5:30 p.m.: Sunnyside Book Club meeting in the Sunnyside Library. Contact nycole@swlplibrarydistrict.org for more information. All are welcome.

Thursday, Nov. 28-Saturday, Nov. 30: Libraries closed for the Thanksgiving holiday.