The Estes Valley Library will welcome trick-or-treaters at its downtown location on Halloween night, Saturday, October 31. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., the Library Lobby will be a stop for those seeking "sweet treats and spooky toys." This event is one of many local programs organized by the Library for residents and visitors during late October and early November.
In addition to Halloween night activities, the Library is facilitating several seasonal craft opportunities. Tweens and teens are invited to the Creativity Cabin on Saturday, October 24, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., to paint ceramic pumpkins. Another session for teens to paint ceramic pumpkins will be held on Saturday, October 31, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., also in the Creativity Cabin, as part of a weekly series exploring hands-on activities and equipment.
For younger children, toddlers and their caregivers can participate in creating friendly ghosts using simple art supplies at the Mootz Family Craft and Design Center at the YMCA of the Rockies on Wednesday, October 28, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Earlier in the month, pumpkin carving sessions were offered at the same YMCA location. One session took place on Friday, October 23, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and another on Saturday, October 24, from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Attendees were provided with pumpkins and carving supplies, with creativity encouraged for their designs.
The Library maintains its regular operating hours: Mondays through Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Due to ongoing renovations, there is limited access to the building and its collections. For more information on the renovation, the Library directs patrons to its website. Registration is required for most programs, and spots can be secured via the Library's program calendar.
Looking beyond Halloween, the Library is participating in “Among the Thorns, We Bloom” on Wednesday, November 4, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Estes Park Event Center. This evening is described as an opportunity to come together, honor tradition, celebrate culture, and remember the people and stories that continue to shape our community. Library tables at the event will feature themed crafts to commemorate the occasion.
Another significant discussion, "Engaging with Artificial Intelligence," is scheduled for two sessions. The first is on Monday, November 2, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the Wasson Board Room, repeated on Tuesday, November 3, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., also in the Wasson Board Room. These lively presentations and discussions will cover how the Library is engaging with AI, including its pros and cons, lessons learned during policy development, and helpful tips for organizations considering their own AI policy.
For writers, an open group will meet on Monday, November 2, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies. This gathering invites writers, aspiring writers, and those interested in writing to share their work, enjoy others’ creations, and provide or receive feedback across all genres and forms. A book discussion exploring Shirley Jackson’s novel, considered a pinnacle of haunted house tales, will be held on Thursday, October 29, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Wasson Board Room. The discussion will delve into the story of four seekers who arrive at a notoriously unfriendly pile where inexplicable phenomena target them.
Multiple Dungeons and Dragons sessions are available. Beginners interested in learning the game can join a session on Sunday, October 25, from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Raven’s Roast, where snacks and refreshments will be provided. Another session for learning Dungeons and Dragons is scheduled for tweens on Wednesday, November 4, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Estes Park Memorial Observatory, focusing on strategic thinking and making new friends. A third session for those interested in playing will be held on Sunday, November 1, from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Raven’s Roast, where participants are encouraged to dress as their Dungeons and Dragons characters. These events aim to foster imagination, cooperation, and problem-solving skills.
Youth engagement also includes monthly meetings and discussions. Tweens and teens can contribute ideas for Library youth community building around books, movies, and programming at a meeting on Sunday, October 25, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Raven’s Roast. Book-loving teens are invited to a monthly discussion on Sunday, November 1, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Alteatude, where they can bring any book, audiobook, graphic novel, manga, or even a story they’ve written, with this month's theme exploring "spicy books" over a warm beverage.
A Young Chautauqua Club, led by teacher and facilitator Katherine Dumont, will begin on Thursday, November 5, from 3:45 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Estes Park Middle School. Participants will research the life, words, and mannerisms of a historical character, culminating in live, costumed performances in early 2027.
Ongoing weekly programs for young children are also available at the Estes Valley Community Center – Cubz Den. For babies, toddlers, and their caregivers, a program featuring rhymes, songs, bounces, wiggles, stretches, and play is held Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and Saturdays from 10:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. For children aged six and younger and their caregivers, another program with songs, movement activities, puppets, and stories designed to encourage a love of language and books is offered Thursdays from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and Saturdays from 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
The Library Board of Trustees will hold a meeting on Monday, October 26, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Wasson Room. Information about the Board and meeting topics can be found on the Library's website. Additionally, the Friends of the Library Foundation operates daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering gently used books, movies, and music at discount prices.
