The Estes Valley Library is hosting a diverse array of programs and activities throughout October, catering to all ages and interests. While the library building and collections currently have limited access due to renovation, a full schedule of engaging events is planned, with many taking place at alternate community locations.
Operating hours for the library are 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. Patrons can also visit the Friends of the Library Foundation book shop daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., which offers gently used books, movies, and music at discount prices. For most programs, advance registration is required to secure a spot.
Among the opportunities for adults, the library's Writers Group meets on Monday, October 19, from 10:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at the Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies. This gathering welcomes writers of all levels and interests to share work, receive and provide feedback across all genres and forms.
On Thursday, October 22, the Elevated Thoughts Philosophy Group, in partnership with CU Boulder, will meet online from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. This session will tackle the tough question of what global poverty demands of individuals, exploring Peter Singer’s essay, “Famine, Affluence, and Mortality.” Later in the month, Connect With the Classics will convene on Thursday, October 29, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Wasson Board Room. Attendees will explore Shirley Jackson’s acclaimed novel, "The Haunting of Hill House," considered a pinnacle of haunted house tales. The month's activities also include a Board of Trustees Meeting on Monday, October 26, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Wasson Room, where interested individuals can learn about the board and meeting topics.
Youth and family programming is abundant, with several recurring and special events planned. Baby Story Time is offered on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and Saturdays from 10:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. at the Estes Valley Community Center’s Cubz Den, featuring rhymes, songs, and play for babies, toddlers, and their caregivers. Toddler/Preschool Story Time follows on Thursdays from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and Saturdays from 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at the same location, with songs, movement, puppets, and stories for children up to age six and their caregivers.
Teens and tweens have several dedicated programs. On Wednesday, October 21, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., the Teen and Tween Cooking and Culture series will explore Canada by preparing a traditional bannock bread breakfast at the Estes Valley Community Center. This session offers a chance to travel the world through food and explore cultural significance. For those interested in gaming, a Dungeons and Dragons for Beginners session is scheduled for Sunday, October 25, from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Raven’s Roast, offering an opportunity to learn the game, make friends, and build problem-solving skills, with snacks and refreshments provided. The Teen Advisory Board (TAB) will hold its monthly meeting on Sunday, October 25, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Raven’s Roast, inviting tweens and teens to contribute ideas for youth community development at the library.
Halloween festivities are woven throughout the month's schedule. The Homeschool Hangout invites tweens and teens to paint ceramic pumpkins on Thursday, October 22, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Creativity Cabin, with a repeat session on Saturday, October 24, at the same time and location. Family Pumpkin Carving will take place on Friday, October 23, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the YMCA of the Rockies' Mootz Family Craft and Design Center, with pumpkins and supplies provided for creative designs. A Saturday Kids Club Pumpkin Carving Craft is also scheduled for Saturday, October 24, from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the YMCA, offering a similar opportunity. Toddlers and their caregivers can enjoy Tiny Tots Crafts: Ghostly Puffy Painting on Wednesday, October 28, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the YMCA of the Rockies, creating friendly ghosts with simple art supplies. On Halloween itself, Saturday, October 31, Teen Maker Mornings will feature another ceramic pumpkin painting session from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Creativity Cabin. Finally, the library will be one of the first stops for trick-or-treating downtown on Halloween, handing out sweet treats and spooky toys.
Residents and visitors interested in participating in any of these programs are encouraged to register in advance. A comprehensive calendar with more details and registration options is available.