When’s the last time you visited your local library? For some in the community, the answer is “too long ago.”
The Garfield County Libraries want to reintroduce people to the library, spark conversations about your last great read, hear about your family’s summer reading experiences, and discover what’s important to you. To do so, our friendly librarians will be in unexpected places next week.
In fact, during the week of Sept. 13 the Garfield County Libraries will be participating in a nationwide challenge to get “Outside the Lines” and into the community. Join us in the challenge, and find out more about the unique experiences happening in your libraries. From 3D printing to hands-on STEM learning, from downloading eBooks and magazines to participating in a worldwide, simultaneous dance to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” and from checking out iPads to one-on-one personalized technology assistance, your libraries are bustling with exciting activities.
Also during the week of Outside the Lines, we encourage you to visit local establishments that will each be offering a unique menu of literary-inspired beverages. “50 Shades of Earl Grey,” anyone? Or perhaps an “Oliver Twist of Lime” is more your style. A “Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster” sounds refreshing. Participating businesses include:
• Marble Distilling (Carbondale)
• Juicy Lucy’s Steakhouse and Deja Brew Coffee & Tea (Glenwood Springs)
• Grove’s Black Dog Saloon (New Castle)
• Olive Ridley’s Coffee, Tea, & Travel, Big Kids Corner Bar, and Whistle Pig Coffee Stop (Rifle)
Join us at the Rifle Farmers Market in downtown Rifle on Thursday, Sept. 17 for a popup reading room! Come sit, relax, and read in our comfy space.
You can also take advantage of the wine pairing at Cooper Wine & Spirits (Glenwood Springs) from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18. You might just find your next great read as they will be pairing wines with book “readalikes”!
The programs and services such as these, provided by contemporary libraries, have rapidly changed in recent years to accommodate our diverse, growing community needs while maintaining a commitment to equitable access for everyone. Libraries continue to transform into community hubs that are catalysts for creativity, collaboration and lifelong learning.
Find out what the libraries can do for you and let us help you Find Your Story. September is Library Card Sign-Up Month and through the end of the month, come in for a free replacement card. Your libraries are always happy to see you, even if it’s been awhile. Visit us 24/7 at www.gcpld.org.
What’s your library story? Share it on social media using #getOTL.
Article originally appeared in the Glenwood Springs Post Independent.