FREE EVENTS & PROGRAMS
November, December, and
Cozy up with books and play the Winter Reading Challenge
For kids (ages 6 – 11), teens and adults. Read three stories to complete the challenge.
To Play:
• Anyone age 6+ can join!
• Program runs Dec. 18 through Feb. 28.
• Read three stories: Books, magazine articles and audiobooks all count.
• Play online or pick up a bingo card.
Each week one winner will be drawn for each age category (children and teen/adult). Winners receive a tote bag filled with a gift card to Boulder Book Store and winter goodies.
NTENTS
programs are free and drop-in unless otherwise noted. Most current information and a Spanish booklet version are available online. Visit calendar.boulderlibrary.org.
AUTHOR TALKS
BLDG 61 BOULDERREADS
CHILDREN & FAMILY CIVIC LIFE DISCUSSION GROUPS
TWEENS & TEENS
ADULTS
*BOOK CIRCLE LEADERS WANTED
Jan. 14, 2 p.m. at Meadows Jan. 17, 11 a.m. Online
Jan. 22, 2 p.m. at Reynolds Jan. 25, 5:30 p.m. at Main
Get involved in the 2023 One Book, One Boulder series! The library is looking for leaders to form Book Circles within their communities and neighborhoods. Register to attend and get an exclusive sneak peek of this year’s program, centered on “The Book of Joy.” We’ll provide everything you need to get a book circle going, including a free copy of the book for Circle Leaders. Learn more and register at boulderlibrary.org/one-book
What’s a Book Circle?
Similar to a book club, each Circle is a self-organized group of three or more individuals, committed to reading and discussing the book together over the course of One Book, One Boulder (Feb–Apr 2023).
Invite friends, family, neighbors! Your Circle can meet in-person or online, up to you!
AUTHOR TALKS
* BOOK QUEERIES AUTHOR VISIT ALISON AMES: IT LOOKS LIKE US
Wednesday, Nov. 9, 6:30–7:30 p.m. at Out Boulder County
Registration required
Meet author Alison Ames at Book Queeries, the library’s LGBTQ+ book club for teens! Discuss her newest book “It Looks Like Us”, a fast-paced, Antarctic horror tale that will chill readers to the bone. Register to receive a free copy of the book while supplies last. Meets at Out Boulder County.
AUTHOR VISIT: ALL AGES STORYTIME WITH JESSICA LANAN
Saturday, Jan. 28, 10:15–11:30 a.m. at Main in the Children’s Story Space
Enjoy a special story hour with local illustrator and author Jessica Lanan! Read from books she has illustrated and authored, such as “The Fisherman and the Whale”. Come and get comfy while singing songs, and participating in an interactive drawing demo with this local Boulder illustrator and author!
= Registration required
BEECHICAS EVENTS
*BEECHICAS: CANDLE-MAKING
Wednesday, Nov. 16, 4–5:30 p.m. at Main
Dip your own beeswax candles to take home and light up the season! Experiment with rolled and molded candles. Learn the science behind making candles that don’t drip or smoke. For all ages, adult supervision required for children under 12.
*BEECHICAS: WINTER WELLNESS
Wednesday, Jan. 11, 4–5:30 p.m. at Main
Learn about the medicinal benefits of honey and propolis for bees and people. Explore some simple ways you can stock your pantry to boost your health this winter! Take home medicinal elderberry honey syrup and honey ointment to soothe your skin. For all ages, adult supervision required for children under 12.
BLDG
BLDG 61, the Boulder Public Library’s Makerspace, offers virtual and in-person access to 3D printers, laser cutters and more. Check out BLDG61.org to find out what you can MAKE!
BOULDERREADS
* = Registration required
BOULDERREADS LITERACY for ALL. Individual adult literacy, language, and high school equivalency tutoring. Get the help you need to succeed! boulderreads.org
* CAREER ONLINE HIGH SCHOOL: Scholarship-based online high school diploma, plus a career certificate in one of nine areas. boulderlibrary.org/cohs
* CONVERSATIONS IN ENGLISH: Join other English learners and practice your speaking and listening skills in a friendly and informal environment. Groups meet online and at different locations six days a week. To sign up, visit boulderlibrary.org/English
NEW! IN-PERSON CONVERSATIONS IN ENGLISH
First and Third Tuesdays, 2–3:15 p.m. at Meadows No registration required for in-person Conversations in English sessions.
* FREE HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCY & GED CLASSES BY THE LEARNING SOURCE
First and Third Tuesdays, 5–7 p.m. at Main in BoulderReads Lab
A GED class that builds literacy and numeracy skills to prepare adult learners to pass tests in Language Arts, Social Studies and Science to achieve their High School Equivalency Diploma. Placement test required.
80 S KARAOKE NIGHT
Wednesday, Dec. 7, 5–7 p.m. at Reynolds
Shake off the winter blues and belt your heart out to your favorite tunes from the 80s! Prizes will be awarded for best 80s-inspired costume. All karaoke materials provided, and all ages welcome.
CHILDREN & FAMILY
in a fun and uplifting environment!
*LEGO BUILD-ALONG WITH PLAY-WELL TEKNOLOGIES
First Saturday, 2–3:30 p.m. at Main in the Mt. Sanitas Room
Power up your engineering skills with Play-Well TEKnologies and thousands of LEGO parts! Apply concepts in physics, engineering, and architecture through engineer-designed projects such as: Tow Trucks, Bowlers, and Battle Tanks. Ages 6–11. Nov. 5: “Wizarding World” Dec. 3: “MARVELous Engineers”
*MOVIE IN SPANISH: FROZEN II Sunday, Nov. 6, 1–4 p.m. at Main in the Mt. Sanitas Room
We are happy to provide a special movie experience at Main to watch Frozen II in Spanish! The whole family is invited. Feel free to bring snacks.
GO CLUB Sundays, 1:30–4:45 p.m. at Main
Learn to play the ancient and mysterious board game known as Go. Developed 4000 years ago in China, the rules are simple — but it can take a lifetime to master the game. Ages 5+.
POKÉMON CLUB
First and Third Sundays, 2–3 p.m. at Reynolds
Learn to play the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Trade cards and participate in a Pokémon themed craft. All levels of Pokémon Trainer are welcome!
*INTERNATIONAL BILINGUAL FAMILY GATHERING
Second Saturday, 3:30–4:30 p.m. at Main in the Mt. Sanitas Room
For families who are raising their children in multilingual households (any language), we invite you to come and socialize with other families. Light refreshments provided.
STEAM FOR TOTS
Monday, Nov. 14, 11 a.m.–noon at Main in the Mt. Sanitas Room
Join us right after Musical Storytime for interactive, hands-on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics) activities with your tot.
Ages 2–6 with an adult.
*SOLSTICE LAMPS Saturday, Nov. 19, 1–2:30 p.m. at Reynolds
Prepare for winter by making a cheerful mason jar lamp to brighten your rooms! All materials provided, and all ages welcome.
*SOUTH AFRICAN COOKING WITH STICKY
FINGERS COOKING Sunday, Nov. 20, 3–4 p.m. at Main in Boulder Creek Room
Make a hearty and savory South African Sweet Potato Stew with Eba Dipping Dumplings and Chilled Sobia Egyptian Rice Milk to drink. Let’s get cooking with Sticky Fingers! Ages 5–11.
MOVIE MATINEE AT MEADOWS
Last Saturday, 2:30–4:30 p.m. at Meadows Relax, eat snacks, and have fun at our matinee movie showings. All ages welcome.
Nov. 26: “Pete’s Dragon” | Jan. 28 : “Frozen II”
*ULTIMATE SPACE SLIME PARTY Sunday, Jan. 8, 2–3 p.m. at Main in the Boulder Creek Room
Make the ultimate space slime while learning the basic principles of chemistry. Take home your out-ofthis-world slime, along with the recipe so you can make it again. Ages 7 11.
*BEGINNING UKULELE FOR KIDS
Saturday, Jan. 14, 2–3 p.m. at Main in the Boulder Creek Room
Learn the starting basics of ukulele with an instructor from Harmony Music House! Instruments will be provided or bring your own ukulele. Ages 8 12.
*NEEDLEPOINT GRAFFITI
Thursday, Jan. 19, 5–6:30 p.m. at Reynolds
Create graffiti-inspired work by combining traditional craft techniques and urban street art. Learn the basics of embroidery by creating your own custom pieces using colorful thread on canvasses designed by Denver graffitists.
CHILDREN & FAMILY
Providing literacy-based storytimes and activities in a fun and uplifting environment! = STEAM concepts * = Registration required
*BOLLYWOOD DANCING
Saturday, Jan. 21, 3–4 p.m. at Main in the Boulder Creek Room
Participate in an energetic class and learn fun dance moves from Bollywood films! Instructed by Bella Diva World Dance, LLC. For ages 5-11, no experience required.
*WATERLESS SNOW GLOBES
Saturday, Jan. 28, 2–3:30 p.m. at Reynolds
Create your own snowy scene using props and fake snow. All materials provided, and all ages welcome!
CIVIC LIFE
LEARN TO CROCHET: SNOWFLAKES
Sunday, Jan. 29, 2–3:30 p.m. at Reynolds
Learn to crochet six different snowflake patterns. There will be two beginners’ level, two intermediate level, and two advanced level designs. Crochet hooks and yarn supplied.
Citizenship classes meet every Monday at Main to discuss and study the process of becoming a U.S. citizen. All nationalities and languages welcome.
To register: email booksforhumanity@yahoo.com
DISCUSSION GROUPS
The library also sponsors community-organized book discussions and activity groups. Visit the library calendar for a full list of topics and dates.
DIVERSITY BOOKS CLUB
Every Other Second Tuesday, 2–3 p.m. at Reynolds Read and discuss books centered around diverse themes. Coffee and tea provided. Nov. 8: “There There” by Tommy Orange | Jan. 10: “They Called Us Enemy” by George Takei
BANNED BOOKS CLUB
Third Wednesdays, 5–6 p.m. at Reynolds and Online
Read and examine books banned from schools and libraries and discuss issues of censorship and intellectual freedom. Each month participants will choose their own book to read and bring to the club. Nov. 16: Fiction | Dec. 21: Nonfiction | Jan. 18: Picture Books
EXHIBITIONS
“QUANTITY OF LIFE: NATURE/SUPERNATURE”
Oct. 6 – Nov. 27 in the Canyon Gallery at Main and Meadows
Celebrate the richness of our natural world through painting, sculpture, printmaking, and collage. Contributors to this exhibition have come together from varied backgrounds and ways of working to bring together a hope of promoting a felt living connection with nature.
“LIVED EXPERIENCE”
Nov. 16 – Jan 14 on the Arapahoe Ramp at Main
“Lived Experience” is an analog photography project in which 25 unhoused participants captured glimpses of their lives on the streets of Boulder, Colorado. This final photographic series is a selection of images made during May 2022.
“TO HAVE AND TO HOARD”
Dec. 9–Feb. 5 in the Canyon Gallery at Main and Meadows Public Reception: Thursday, Dec. 8, 6–8 p.m. in the Canyon Gallery at Main
Joel Haertling, an eclectic character and avid collector who grew up in Boulder, worked at the Boulder Public Library for over 30 years. As a collector of ephemera, found art and personal objects, he brings people together through things. This exhibition will showcase a huge, yet comparatively tiny, crosssection of Joel’s collections and will also delve into his collection process.
Walkabout with Joel Haertling Thursday, Jan. 19, noon–1 p.m. Meet in the Canyon Gallery at Main Joel has a story about every thing in his collection and every place in Boulder. Set off on an informal stroll around the neighborhood and hear all the interesting backstories this town has to offer.
PERFORMANCES
MIDDAY MUSIC MEDITATION
Second Wednesday of the month, noon–1 p.m. at Meadows
Midday Music Meditation moves to Meadows! Enjoy an hour of beautiful, improvised and relaxing music. Victor Mestas, Dexter Payne, James Hoskins and Michael Stanwood offer a musical soundscape created by instruments from around the world.
SOUND JOURNEY MEDITATIONS WITH CREATIVITY ALIVE IN-PERSON
Third Tuesday of the month, noon–1 p.m. at Reynolds
Listen, relax, unwind, and release into your dream space as we take you on a Sound Journey Meditation with Creativity Alive. Treat yourself to an hour that transcends time, as one participant has described these. Part of a series with founder of Creativity Alive Merlyn Holmes on gongs, ngoni, and bells, and a range of wonderful guest artists and instruments.
24TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY HARP CONCERT
Saturday, Dec. 3, 11:30 a.m.– 12:30 p.m. at Meadows
A December tradition, this concert features youth harpists aged 8 to 17. Directed by Margot Krimmel of the Boulder Harp Studio, the program will include harp ensemble renditions of holiday and winter-themed music. Ages 6+.
STORYTIMES
Check online for our most updated listings. To access our recorded storytimes: bit.ly/BPLstorytime
Dial-a-Story in Spanish and English: Call 303-441-3102 to hear books read aloud by library staff. Stories change weekly on Tuesdays.
There will be a storytime break from Dec. 18–Jan. 1. Storytimes resume on Monday, Jan. 2.
MAIN
Monday: MUSICAL STORYTIME at 10:15 a.m
Tuesday: BILINGUAL STORYTIME EN ESPAÑOL/ ENGLISH at 10:15 a.m.
Wednesday: ALL AGES STORYTIME at 10:15 a.m. and BABY TIME at 11:15 a.m.
Thursday: ALL AGES STORYTIME at 10:15 a.m. and MUSICAL STORYTIME at 4 p.m.
Friday: VIRTUAL (ZOOM) STORYTIME at 10 a.m.
Saturday: ALL AGES STORYTIME at 10:15 a.m.
NOBO
NoBo Storytimes take place at Holiday Park (4650 14th St., Boulder)
Tuesday: ALL AGES STORYTIME at 10:15 a.m.
Wednesday: BABY TIME at 11:15 a.m.
NoBo at Foothills Community Park, 800 Cherry Ave, Boulder, CO 80304
Saturday: BILINGUAL STORYTIME EN ESPAÑOL/ ENGLISH at 11:30 a.m.
MEADOWS
Monday: CRAFT STORYTIME at 10:15 a.m
Tuesday: BABY TIME at 10:15 a.m.
Wednesday: STEAM STORYTIME at 10:15 a.m.
Thursday: BILINGUAL STORYTIME EN ESPAÑOL/ ENGLISH at 10:15 a.m.
Friday: PLAYTIME STORYTIME at 10:15 a.m.
First Saturday of the month: YOGA STORYTIME at 10:15 a.m.
REYNOLDS
Tuesday: ALL AGES STORYTIME at 10:15 a.m.
Wednesday: BABY TIME at 10:15 a.m.
Thursday: ALL AGES STORYTIME at 10:15 a.m.
Friday: ABC STORYTIME at 10:15 a.m.
Saturday: ALL AGES STORYTIME at 10:15 a.m.
DRAG QUEEN STORYTIME
We are thankful for our diverse world! Zarah and Shirley are back to present fun and fabulous storytimes for all ages. Please join us for these special events!
Miss Zarah
Saturday, Nov. 19, 10:15–11 a.m. at Main in in the Canyon Theater
Tuesday, Nov. 22, 10:15–10:45 a.m. at Reynolds
Miss Shirley
Monday, Nov. 21, 10:15–11 a.m. at Main in the Canyon Theater
TWEENS & TEENS
* = Registration required = STEAM concepts
Providing an inclusive in-person and online space to watch movies, discuss books, eat snacks, and learn about multicultural traditions! For grades 6–12. Full list of programs: bit.ly/tweenandteen
* ANIME CLUB
Second Tuesday of the month, 4:30–6 p.m. at Main in the Teen Space
Nov. 8: “Noragami”
Dec. 13: “Yowamushi Pedal”
Jan. 10: “My roommate is a Cat”
Watch a couple of episodes of an anime every month, dabble in some trivia, and talk all things anime. Invite your friends, attend with your siblings and enjoy making new, like-minded friends.
*BOOK QUEERIES
Second Wednesday of the month, 6:30–7:30 p.m. at Out Boulder County (3340 Mitchell Ln, Boulder)
Nov. 9: “It Looks Like Us” by Alison Ames
Dec. 14: “Heartstopper” by Alice Oseman
Jan. 11: “Hell Followed with Us” by Andrew Joseph White
Explore LGBTQIA+ representation in this book club! Teens across the gender and sexuality spectrum are welcome to attend and engage in fun dialogue and activities, snacks provided. Learn more and register for a free book copy at bit.ly/bookqueeries
TWEENS & TEENS
* = Registration required = STEAM concepts
Providing an inclusive in-person and online space to watch movies, discuss books, eat snacks, and learn about multicultural traditions! For grades 6–12. Full list of programs: bit.ly/tweenandteen
ART IN THE AFTERNOON
Last Sunday of the month (except Dec.) ,
3:30–4:30 p.m. at Meadows
Nov. 27 | Dec. 18 | Jan. 29
Feel like exploring your artistic side? Come to the library to meet other creative teens and work on the featured art project of the month.
BOULDER TEEN ADVISORY BOARD (BTAB)
* First Wednesday of the month, 4:30 p.m. at Main (Offered in-person and online)
Dec. 7 and Jan. 4 are cancelled
Second Wednesday of the month, 4:30 p.m. at Reynolds
Third Thursday of the month, 4:30 p.m. at Meadows
Get involved in the community by becoming a member of the Boulder Teen Advisory Board. Earn volunteer service hours while helping the library. Plan events, provide feedback about resources and services, and assist staff at library programs.
TEEN WRITERS WORKSHOP WITH GREY HAVENS GROUP
Sunday, Nov. 6, noon–1 p.m. at Reynolds
Get tips about word choice, setting, suspense, character development and more! Share your stories to discuss the process of creative writing.
*INDIAN COOKING CLASS FOR TEENS
Tuesday, Nov. 15, 4:30–5:30 p.m. at Main in the Teen Space
Make a yummy meal with Sticky Fingers Cooking!
Learn how to make Incredible Indian Butter
Chickpeas with Spiced Onion Pakora Bites and Indian Nimbu Pani Lemonade.
TEEN WRITERS WORKSHOP
Sunday, Jan. 8, and Sunday, Jan. 22 noon–1 p.m. at Reynolds
Teen writers and future writers welcome! Explore creative writing through flash fiction and cooperative writers games.
*STEAM BOOK CLUB
Second Saturday of every other month, 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m. at Meadows
Nov. 12: “Emmy in the Key of Code” Jan. 14: “Maya and the Robot”
Learn about STEAM topics in this book club for tweens! Meets on the second Saturday of every other month. Register to receive a free copy of the book while supplies last.
TEEN THRIFT SWAP
Thursday, Jan. 12, 3:30–5 p.m. at Meadows
Reduce, reuse, and recycle at our Teen Thrift Swap in the New Year! Bring in your own pre-loved items to swap, browse racks of pre-loved items to take home, and decorate your own reusable tote bag.
*TWEEN TIME: DIY RUBBER STAMPS!
Saturday, Jan. 7, noon–1:30 p.m. at Main in Teen Space
Create your own unique design by carving it into a rubber stamp. Use them to decorate greeting cards and more!
OLDER ADULTS
* PAINT CHIP POETRY
Monday, Nov. 7, 1–2:30 p.m. at Meadows
Create visual and verbal poems by rearranging paint chips. Explore how the two mediums of expression compliment each other, and take home a collaged piece and notebook. For ages 60+, registration required. Hosted with City of Boulder’s Older Adult Services.
* = Registration required
*“THE BIGGEST LITTLE FARM”: MOVIE MATINEE
Saturday, Jan. 21, 2–3:30 p.m. at Meadows
Watch “The Biggest Little Farm” together at Meadows. Snacks will be provided. 91 min. PG. This event is for adults ages 60+ and is hosted with the City of Boulder’s Older Adult Services.
*BTAB: HOLIDAY MEETUP
Monday, Dec. 5, 4:30–6 p.m. at Main (In-person and online)
Meet other Boulder Teen Advisory Board members at this special holiday meetup before winter break! Whether you normally attend BTAB at Main, Reynolds, or Meadows—this party is for all members and leaders. This is a hybrid meetup, register to attend in-person or online.
*NAILED IT! CUPCAKE COMPETITION
Saturday, Nov. 5, 2:30–3:30 p.m. at all locations
Nailed IT! Ultimate Challenge Saturday, Nov. 12, 2–3 p.m. at Main in Teen Space
Show your cupcake decorating skills in a friendly competition based on the Netflix hit show. Each library location (Main, Meadows, Reynolds and NoBo) will host their own competition simultaneously. Ten tweens and teens will compete at each location (40 total). The next week on Nov. 12, the top three winners from each location will participate in the Ultimate Challenge! In this round you will have to recreate a decorated cupcake and make your own buttercream. Gluten-free options for cupcakes will be provided. Register to attend: Bit.ly/Nailed-It-BPL
DROP-IN TECH HELP
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS
HOLIDAY MAKE AND TAKE
Sunday, Dec.
p.m. at
Saturday, Dec.
Sunday, Dec.
Saturday, Dec.
10 a.m. at the
Center (Eng/Span) (registration
p.m.
a.m. at
*THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS: FAMILY FILM SOCIAL
Saturday, Dec.
p.m.
in the
HOLIDAY GIFTS AT PAPER & SPINE USED BOOKSTORE
THANK
LIBRARY LOCATIONS
MAIN
Arapahoe Ave.,
NOBO
Broadway,
MEADOWS
Baseline Rd., Boulder, CO
REYNOLDS
Pine St.,
Table Mesa Dr.,
CO
Note: The Meadows Branch Library is located on the back side of the Safeway shopping complex and is accessed from the second left-hand entrance turn off of Mohawk Drive.