Blogs

Little Free Libraries: Neighbors Creating Richer Communities

Submitted by Robin on June 18, 2013 - 12:41pm

Our Little Free Library by Robin Filipczak

This spring, my family installed a Little Free Library in front of our home. Have you heard about these libraries? Founded in 2009, the Little Free Library movement seeks to:

promote literacy and the love of reading by building free book exchanges worldwide
build a sense of community as people share skills, creativity and wisdom across generations.

Owners can create their own library box or purchase one from Little Free Library and register on the organization's website. Library locations are then geolocated on a Google Map.

Looking for Money to Finance your Project? Check Out Foundation Grants to Individuals Online

Submitted by Lisa on June 18, 2013 - 9:25am

Do you want to attend the ukulele festival, but lack funds? Although foundations don't generally offer grant money to individuals, the Foundation Center can help you find those that do.

Funding opportunities for students, professionals, researchers and artistic types are available through the FC's Foundation Grants to Individuals Online, a database of nearly 10,000 foundation and public charity programs including:

Congratulations, Tamora Pierce!

Submitted by extra medium on June 15, 2013 - 4:19pm

tamora pierce wearing a crown. she probably doesn't always wear one, but should.

I just learned that the ALA awarded Tamora Pierce the Margaret A. Edwards award for her Song of the Lioness quartet (Alanna) and the Protector of the Small quartet (Keladry). It doesn’t say this on the website, but it’s probably for her being generally awesome as well.

The thing I love about all of her books is that her female characters are strong and proud of who they are regardless of other people’s judgments. It’s sometimes hard to do that, even as an adult. She was committed to making books about strong young women who exist in the world as humans well before many of her peers in the fantasy world.

When I Grow Up I Want to be Just Like My Dad! - Fun Father’s Day Books

Submitted by AmyM on June 14, 2013 - 4:12pm

Do you have something fun planned for Father's Day this year? How about sharing a book with dad? This special day is a great reminder of the importance dads play in their children's literacy development.

Children learn by watching and imitating. Be a positive male role model for the kids in your life by reading and sharing stories. This shows children that you think reading is valuable, achievable, and, most importantly, fun!

Looking for ways to share your enthusiasm for literacy beyond books? Check out the wonderful ideas from the folks at Reading Rockets, such as reciting nursery rhymes, singing songs, playing games with letters or words, and telling stories about your childhood.

Fun Times in Fatherhood

Submitted by Bobby on June 14, 2013 - 12:56pm

Being a father can be tough, but it can also be a lot of fun. All of the sudden you can build forts, spend hours playing with Legos, and run around the backyard screaming like a pirate without people shaking their heads in disgust. As Father's Day is upon us, here are some great books that will make fathers smile and help them up their game.

Activities

Still Flying: 'Serenity' @ DPL's Steampunk Film Series

Submitted by Tara on June 14, 2013 - 11:01am

With, Serenity (2005) -- the third installment of DPL's Steampunk Film Series -- Joss Whedon takes us 500 years into the future where the overpopulation of Earth has scattered humans across the universe. The crew of the spaceship Serenity must evade the totalitarian government and the assassin dispatched to hunt them down.

Whether you are a longtime fan of Joss Whedon, or are new to his work, Serenity is an action-packed film with elements from the Western, Science Fiction and Steampunk genres. It is also one of the few movies that I can think of that was developed after the TV show it was based on, Firefly, was canceled.

Feeling the Heat? Think About These Fall Books!

Submitted by Becker on June 13, 2013 - 3:19pm

Did you know that the library has many books on order 3-4 months ahead of their publication? Wish that you knew about things earlier so that you don't have to wait so long?

Here are some of the recently ordered October titles. Let us know which one you're the most excited about!

Fiction:

Dirty Love, Andre Dubus

The Goldfinch, Donna Tartt

The Signature of All Things, Elizabeth Gilbert

Tech Makes Cycling Even MORE Fun!

Submitted by Melanie on June 13, 2013 - 11:02am

Wednesday, June 26, is Denver Bike to Work Day, and lots of Denver Public Library employees will be pedaling to their branch that day. Some of us ride to work several times a week or more! What does cycling have to do with technology? Lots of things, actually.

Denver is a fairly bike friendly city. There are great routes all over, bicycle and mixed-use trails, and roads with dedicated bike lanes. There are a few tools I use to find my way on two wheels.

What's Your Favorite Summer Recipe?

Submitted by Emily Funk on June 12, 2013 - 4:20pm

What's your favorite summer recipe? Share them with us!

Monica Kadillak, one of our favorite caterers, is making her rounds this summer!

ART SATURDAY at BYERS BRANCH LIBRARY

Submitted by Leslie on June 11, 2013 - 4:23pm

Mexican Sun and Moon June 15 at 2-4 p.m.

Do you like to… be creative? Be inspired by stories from around the world? Learn new words in Spanish? Try traditional foods?
I want to invite you, your family and your friends to our awesome ART SATURDAY program at Byers Branch Library on Saturday, June 15 from 2–4 p.m.

Surrounded by theaters, art galleries and museums, recording studios, antique shops, unique restaurants, and much more, Byers Branch Library is located in the heart of the Art District on Santa Fe.