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February Library Events

Durango Public Library

1900 East Third Ave. Contact: 375-3380.

Weekly events for youths

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+. 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.

Wednesdays, 4-5 p.m: Teen Advisory Group: Want to make a fun space for you and your friends? Join the Teen Advisory Group. Help the library meet your needs and interests, gain valuable experience, meet new friends and hang out.

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: Enjoy 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, 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.

Weekly events for adults

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.

Events by date

Feb. 1, 11 a.m.-noon: Snowdown Family Dance Party: Kids and Families: Celebrate Snowdown at the library. Bring your friends and make new ones.

Feb. 4, 6-7:30 p.m.: Book Club: “The Anthropology of Turquoise,” by Ellen Meloy: Register at the reference desk, then join us to discuss the book at the library. A free book is available for the first 15 people who register and attend. Planning ahead? Our March book will be “Crying in H Mart,” by Michelle Zauner (books available starting Jan. 21). Preregistration required.

Feb. 5 and 19, 6-7:30 p.m.: Word Honey Poetry Workshop: Free poetry workshop – write and create original works with us. All are welcome.

Feb. 6 and 20, 5:30-6:30 p.m.: Spanish Conversation Hour: Practice Spanish in an informal setting. All language levels welcome.

Feb. 8 and 22, 1-3 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.

Feb. 11 and 25, 11:45 a.m.-1:45 p.m.: Great Decisions: Presented by the League of Women Voters of La Plata County, Great Decisions is an annual nonpartisan briefing book with accompanying discussion programs that cover eight foreign policy topics. (Feb. 11: International Cooperation on Climate Change; Feb. 25: Artificial Intelligence and American National Security)

Feb. 12, 6:15-7:45 p.m.: Writers & Scribblers Writing Group: W&S is 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 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.

Feb. 13, 5:30-6:30 p.m.: Estate Planning 101: With Karina Guerrero of Foundational Wealth Partners: In this session, we’ll break down the magic of estate planning and show you how it can protect your assets, provide for your family and even help you pass assets to loved ones tax-free. We’ll cover everything from trusts to health care directives, giving you the tools to create a plan that’s perfect for you. Come ready to learn, ask questions and walk away feeling empowered about your financial future. Preregistration is required.

Feb. 13, 4-5:30 p.m.: Crafternoons: Journal Making: Make charming matchbox gifts, personalize a matchbox for your hearth or bathroom, create a tiny shadowbox, or build drawers to organize your tiny miscellanies. For adults only. This is bilingual event (Spanish/English).

Feb. 17: Library closed.

Feb. 18, 6-7:30 p.m.: Book Club: Local/Regional Authors: Join us at Bread’s downtown location (135 E. Eighth St.) for snacks and a “nontraditional book club,” where there’s no required reading. The discussion is based on a genre/topic rather than a specific book. In February, we'll be chatting about local and regional authors. Preregistration required.

Feb. 20, 6-8 p.m.: Write Your Own Obituary: During this workshop, you will answer questions detailing the most important parts of your life, removing the guesswork for your loved ones. You will walk away with a beautiful summary of your life that may even surprise you. Space is limited, preregistration required.

Feb. 24, 4-5:30 p.m.: Death Café: A 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.

Feb. 27, 5:30-7 p.m.: ¡Gol! El recorrido del futbol femenil en México (Goal! The journey of women’s soccer in Mexico): Acompaña a FLC profesora Carolina Alonso en una lectura bilingüe de su libro, “Juego peligroso.” Join FLC professor Carolina Alonso for a reading of her book, “Juego Peligroso.” This program will be in Spanish with English interpretation available.

Pine River Library

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

Bayfield Student Art Show: Visit the library to be amazed by the fabulous art show featuring works from the classrooms of Michael Gambill (Bayfield Middle School) and Kathleen Neal (Bayfield High School).

Friends of the Library Meeting and Membership Drive: Show your love for the library and join the Friends. Come to our fun quarterly potluck lunch meeting. This month, door prizes plus a free T-shirt or beanie if you bring a friend. Interested in serving on the executive committee? We will be voting on officers at this meeting; it’s not too late to run.

Weekly programs for youths
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 and older, but younger children are welcome to attend with a caregiver.

Teens

Maker Monday: Mondays, 4-5:30 p.m. Cook, build, craft.

Game On!, Tuesdays, 4-5:30 p.m. Board games, table top, cards.

Wishlist Wednesday: 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. 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. Reach out at kelly@prlibrary.org to schedule a time for that.

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, 8:15-9 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 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 are welcome.

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. and Thursdays, 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 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.: Weather permitting, 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, 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.

Program calendar

Feb. 1: 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 dietitian Susan Fischer will help us focus on establishing and maintaining life enhancing habits.

Feb. 3, 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.

Feb. 4, 6-8 p.m.: Paint & Sip: With local artist Cindy Shelton. Participants will use watercolors to paint Valentine’s-themed scenes on 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.

Feb. 5, 10 a.m.: Delayed Library Opening: Delayed opening because of our monthly staff meeting.

Feb. 6, 5:30-6:30 p.m.: New! First Thursday Yoga: Join Savannah to wiggle, stretch and unwind. This beginner-friendly Vinyasa Flow is aimed to relieve stress through gently flowing postures and linking movement to breath. All ages welcome. The class is free, but donations are always welcome.

Feb. 7, 1:30 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. February: “Green Book,” rated PG-13.

Feb. 10, 6-8 p.m.: Classic Movie Series with Dennis Taylor: “Double Indemnity” (1944): Film enthusiast Dennis Taylor is back and is hosting a monthly series of classic movies. L.A. insurance salesman Walter Neff is seduced by lust for money and a devious woman in this adaptation of the James M. Cain bestseller. This classic film noir movie begins a three-part Billy Wilder miniseries.

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

Feb. 11, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Senior Planet Workshop: All Things Zoom: Learn how to use Zoom. We’ll dissect invite details, learn requirements for attending a meeting, use a camera and microphone in a meeting, and discuss additional meeting features. Register with Michelle Wagner at michelle.l.wagner@state.co.us or (720) 556-9102.

Feb. 11, 5:30-6:30 p.m.: Stuffie Sleepover: Kids, bring a stuffie and join us for a special storytime and stuffed animal sleepover. As a special treat, you will get to take home a copy of the book we read. You have the choice to leave your stuffie to play at the library or pick out a library stuffie that will get a chance to come out and play!

Feb. 12, 2-3:30 p.m.: BookMarks Book Club: “The Maid”: 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: “The Maid,” by Nita Prose.

Feb. 13, 10:30-11:30 a.m.: Kaffeeklatsch! Join us for an hour of German conversation. Meet others who have ties to Deutschland or to the German language and want to practice their skills. Bis bald!

Feb. 13, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Friends of the Library Meeting and Membership Drive: Show your love for the library by joining the Friends. Come to our fun quarterly potluck lunch meeting. This month, there will be door prizes and a free T-shirt or beanie if you bring a friend. Are you interested in serving on the executive committee? We will be voting on officers at this meeting, and it is not too late to run. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/9b9cmfxn. To donate, visit https://tinyurl.com/887syerc.

Feb. 13, 1:30-3:30 p.m.: 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. Please 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!

Feb. 14 and 28, 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.

Feb. 14, 21, 28, 6-11 p.m.: 4 Corners Tabletop Night: 4 Corners Tabletop Night is a place for tabletop gamers in the Four Corners area 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.

Feb. 17: Library closed for Presidents Day.

Feb. 18, 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.

Feb. 19, noon: Cookbook Club: Ina Garten, Barefoot Contessa: 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 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 February, we will focus on the Barefoot Contessa: Ina Garten.

Feb. 19, 5:30-6:30 p.m.: Cozy Craft Night: Embroidery: Join Summer and Joanna in getting our hygge on by the hearth while starting embroidery projects. Will we finish? Almost certainly not! But we will have fun trying, and we'll learn new (or practice old) stitches. All materials will be supplied, and you will take your kits home to finish in a cozy environment of your choosing.

Feb. 21, 10 a.m.-noon: All Abilities Art Class: The Arc of Southwest Colorado and Pine River Pressworks are 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.

Feb. 21, 1:30-3:30 p.m.: Family Friday Matinee: A family film on the big screen at the library. February: “Harold and the Purple Crayon,” rated PG.

Feb. 24, 6-8 p.m.: Pine River Garden Club Meeting: Join us the last Monday of the month (January-October) in the Library Community Room or outside in the garden, depending on the weather.

Feb. 27, 11 a.m.-noon: Spanish Conversation Hour: Practice Spanish in an informal setting. All ages and language levels are welcome.

Feb. 28, 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.

Southwest La Plata Library District

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.

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. See calendar below for dates.

CreativiTEA – The 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month, 3:30-5:30 p.m. at Sunnyside Library. A meetup for crafty and creative people. Bring a portable hand craft you’re working on or need help with and tap into the community of crafters for inspiration.

Wee Read Toddler Storytime – Tuesdays at 11 a.m. at Sunnyside and Wednesdays 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.

Calendar

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. Visit www.swlplibrarydistrict.org for more information.

Monday, Feb. 3: Durango School District 9-R schools closed, libraries open to the public 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Monday, Feb. 3, 1 p.m.: Butterfly in the Sky at Fort Lewis Mesa Library. Based on the award-winning series “Reading Rainbow,” enjoy an engaging story and craft. This month’s activity is based on “Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters, An African Tale,” by John Steptoe and includes a drum-making and drum-circle activity.

Tuesday, Feb. 4, 11a.m.: Wee Read at Sunnyside Library.

Tuesday, Feb. 4, 3:30 p.m.: CreativiTEA at Sunnyside Library.

Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2 p.m.: Wee Read at Fort Lewis Mesa Library.

Tuesday, Feb. 11, 11 a.m.: Wee Read at Sunnyside Library.

Tuesday, Feb. 11, 6 p.m.: “Compass Points: Navigating Community Resources” speaker series at Sunnyside Library. This month’s topic is Cell Phone 101. Learn some smartphone basics and get help with your device.

Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2 p.m.: Wee Read at Fort Lewis Mesa Library.

Friday, Feb. 14, 5 p.m.: Family Date Night at Fort Lewis Mesa Library. Fun, free family activity. Come watch “Inside Out 2” and enjoy dinner together this Valentine’s Day.

Monday, Feb. 17: Libraries closed for Presidents Day.

Monday, Feb. 17, 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.

Tuesday , Feb. 18, 11 a.m.: Wee Read at Sunnyside Library.

Tuesday, Feb. 18, 3:30 p.m.: CreativiTEA at Sunnyside Library.

Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2 p.m.: Wee Read at Fort Lewis Mesa Library.

Saturday, Feb. 22, noon-3 p.m.: Dungeons and Dragons at Sunnyside Library. No previous experience or materials necessary. Open to both beginners and experienced players. Email sspatron@swlplibrarydistrict.org with questions.

Saturday, Feb. 22, 1 p.m.: Wellness Event at Fort Lewis Mesa Library. Learn how herbs and herbal teas can help provide natural support for mind, body and overall wellness.

Tuesday, Feb. 25, 11 a.m.: Wee Read at Sunnyside Library.

Tuesday, Feb. 25, 5 p.m.: Adults ROCK! at Sunnyside Library. A monthly adult-focused gathering to socialize and explore new topics and interests. This month, stop by and practice calligraphy.

Tuesday, Feb. 25, 6 p.m.: “Compass Points: Navigating Community Resources” speaker series at Fort Lewis Mesa Library. This month’s topic is Cell Phone 101. Learn some smartphone basics and get help with your device.

Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2 p.m.: Wee Read at Fort Lewis Mesa Library.

Ignacio Community Library

470 Goddard Ave. Ignacio. Contact 563-9287, www.ignaciolibrary.org.

Glass Etching Class: Feb. 8 at 10 a.m.: A fun and creative workshop where you can design a beautiful glass coaster and glass for yourself or a loved one with glass etching. Using a Cricut machine, you’ll bring your unique ideas to life. This class is open to those 13 and older. Reserve your spot now by signing up at 563-9287.

Estate Planning 101: Feb. 10 at 5:30 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 lasting legacy for your family. Hosted by Karina Guerrero of Foundational Wealth Partners.

Make Your Own Chocolate Covered Strawberries: Feb. 11 at 4:30 p.m.: All ages and families are invited to come to the library to learn how to make chocolate-covered strawberries. You’ll be able to use different kinds of chocolate and decorations to make your special strawberries.

Cloud Storage Basics: Feb. 13 at 3 p.m.: Ignacio Community Library is partnering with Senior Planet from AARP to help older adults use technology to learn new skills, save money, get in shape and make new friends. Classes are intended for adults 60 and older. The objectives for this course include: define cloud storage, identifying the pros and cons of cloud storage and gaining confidence using cloud storage.

Free Legal Clinic: Feb. 18 at 4 p.m.: Sign up today because spots are limited – 563-9287. Volunteer attorneys will answer questions, help fill out forms, and explain the process and procedure for civil (noncriminal) legal issues. This clinic is for information only and is no substitute for legal representation. You have the right to retain an attorney of your choice at any time and are advised to do so.

Virtual Travel: Ecuador & Galapagos Islands: Feb. 25 at 4 p.m.: Join us as we immerse ourselves in the culture of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. We will dine on Ecuadorian dishes, experience the culture and see the sights by means of our Meta Quest Pro Virtual Reality Headsets. Staff members will be on hand to assist participants who are unfamiliar with the headsets, so all adults are encouraged to participate. Sign up at ignaciolibrary.org.

Regular programs

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. Come 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 lovely group of knitters for a beverage and a chat in the 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. Welcome to 2025 in the IDEA LAB, where every month we will offer new skills to learn with our highlighted classes of the month.