This week’s calendar features free events happening at public libraries across Boulder County. Click here for a BW ode to “the palace of the people.”
Children’s Book Sale
9 a.m. Thursday April 17-Monday April 21, Boulder Public Library - Main Branch, 1001 Arapahoe Ave. Free
“Take a look, it’s in a book!” Boulder Public Library’s Paper & Spine Used Book Store — a volunteer program dedicated to diverting physical media from landfills — presents this annual children’s book sale at the Main Branch. Expect a wide range of fiction and nonfiction books (plus CDs and DVDs) for early, intermediate and teen readers. The best part? Everything’s $1.
South Boulder Walkabout with Joel Haertling
1-2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 19, George F. Reynolds Library, 3595 Table Mesa Drive, Boulder. Free
For all the tidbits you won’t find in history books, take a stroll around South Boulder with local personality and garage sale legend Joel Haertling. See the house where Stephen King wrote The Shining. Learn about Red Elvis and his final resting place in Boulder. Bone up on Haertling himself with a BW feature before you go: bit.ly/HaertlingBW.
Drag Story Hour with Miss Shirley
10:15-11 a.m. Saturday, April 19, Boulder Public Library - Main Branch, Canyon Theater, 1001 Arapahoe Ave. Free
Gather round, kiddos! The one and only Miss Shirley is back for a “fun and fabulous storytime for all ages.” Grab your little ones and head to the Canyon Theater at the Boulder Public Library branch for this regular series happening on the third Saturday of each month.
“Say Hello!” English Conversation Group
10:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 19, Longmont Public Library, 409 4th Ave. Free
Know someone who needs help brushing up on their English, or could you use a few pointers yourself? Practice conversation with others during an “informal, conversational setting” during this meetup at the Longmont Public Library. Everyone is welcome, but staff recommends participants have some previous English experience.
Meditation and Mindfulness
5:30-7 p.m. Monday, April 21, Nederland Community Library, 200 Hwy 72 N. Free
If, like so many of us, you’re craving a deep breath and some GD peace, head to the library in Ned for a meditation focused on “recognizing our own basic wholeness, wisdom and compassion.” The session, open to all ages 16 and up, will end with conversation and short readings.
Tea Blend Workshop
6-7 p.m. Monday, April 21, Lyons Regional Library, 451 4th Ave. Free
It’s 2025, and you’ve evolved past the pre-packaged plastic satchels of tea assembled for you by The Man. You make your own destiny, and your own tea blends! All supplies provided. Follow a recipe or your own whims as you mix florals, citrus and spices into the perfect bevvy. Register: bit.ly/TeaBlendBW
Drop-In Writers Meetup
6-7:30 p.m. Monday, April 21, Longmont Public Library, 409 4th Ave. Free
Find your voice and connect with your fellow community writers at this weekly roundtable discussion for wordsmiths. Whether you’re crafting a steamy romance, compiling your life into memoirs or just looking to talk shop, this supportive group will sharpen your skills when you put pen to paper.
STUDIO 24: Light-Up Tote Bag
4-6 p.m. Monday, April 21, NoBo Library, 4500 13th Street, Boulder. Free
Glow up your tote bag and bring the party with you on your next trip to the Boulder Farmers Market. STUDIO 24 is hosting a workshop to make custom glowing canvas totes using Electroluminescent (EL) panels. You’ll create your own unique glowing design using materials provided, with no previous electronics experience required. Register: bit.ly/Studio24BW
Building Community Resilience: Firescaping Your Garden
5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, Lafayette Library meeting room, 775 W. Baseline Road, Free.
Grass lawns are out and native plants are in! Join this ages 18+ session to learn about how you can protect your home from fires and simultaneously make local pollinators happy by using low flammability, native plants in your landscaping.
Stargazing at the Library
8-10 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, Lyons Regional Library - Community Room, 451 4th Ave. Free.
Catch a glimpse of the Lyrids meteor shower on the library patio, peaking April 21-22 in the Northern Hemisphere. Pieces of the Thatcher comet will be visible through the provided telescope, alongside other star clusters and planets. Register: bit.ly/LibraryStargazingBW
Studio 775: Makerspace Drop-In
1-5 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, Lafayette Public Library, 775 Baseline Road. Free
Thinking of quitting your job to finally pursue your dream of selling handmade, definitely one-of-a-kind trinkets at the makers market? Your local library has the starter pack. Drop by the Lafayette makerspace for a tour of the equipment — from 3D printers to sewing machines to free Adobe software — and all the programs and classes the library offers with them.
Read to a Dog
3:45-5 p.m.Thursday, April 24, Broomfield Public Library, 3 Community Park Road. Free
Students grades K-5 are invited to come build their confidence and reading fluency skulls during this paw-sitively adorable storytime session with trained therapy dogs. Bring your own book, or choose one from the library. Pups will be on hand to listen “without correcting or judging.”