Blogs

Backyard Beekeeping in Denver

The bad news is that honey bees are suffering from colony collapse disorder, thought to be caused by the combination of viruses, bacteria, parasites and pesticides. The good news is that those of us who live in Denver can actually do something to help our insect girlfriends.

As of 2008, it’s legal to have 2 domestic honey bee hives in your Denver yard… here are the specifics:

  • 2 hives per zone lot
  • Hives must be in rear third of zone lot with a 5 foot setback from side and rear zone lot lines
  • The hives must be screened so that the bees must fly over a 6-foot barrier, which may be vegetative, before leaving the property
  • No outdoor storage of any bee paraphernalia or hive materials not being used as part of a hive

Sinner or Saint

I enjoy watching Ovation and was recently reminded of the amazing talent of Sarah Vaughan. Her vinyl album Sarah Vaughan in Hi-Fi, produced by Columbia, was a favorite at home.

I would duet with Sarah as a kid and while too young to understand the pathos of the lyrics, I was old enough to appreciate her incredible voice. If you're not familiar with Sarah Vaughan, treat yourself to 16 Most Requested Songs. I am fond of her ballads which are featured on After Hours.

America's Best Idea

Back in the day camping was cheap entertainment for large families.  My dad could fit five kids in a Volkswagen bug (before seatbelt laws) and we'd inch up Golden Gate Canyon.  When the car began to roll backwards, that's when we'd stop and pitch our tent.

Consequently, I am a big armchair traveler and have visited many of the 392 national parks via video and just a few in person. My favorite production produced by Ken Burns was shown on PBS last year and is available at the library: The National Parks: America's Best Idea. I have also been fortunate to visit many parks in person. Given that my bucket list is r-e-a-l-l-y long, I use the library's books and travelogues to help me prioritize my trips.

Get Creative in Cherry Creek

Whether you are looking for a fun and easy craft to revitalize your refrigerator, an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon, or a new creative outlet to express yourself, we would love for you to join us for our  Magnet Making event at the Ross-Cherry Creek Branch Library Saturday, July 31 at 10 a.m.

Inspired by a button maker, an abundance of old magazines and a creative eye, these magnets combine all my favorite elements of handicraft including reusing normally discarded materials!

Looking for more great craft or DIY projects for home? The library has many resources for artisans of all skills and interests!

Learn How to Video Blog!

Blogger

Free class on how to record yourself on your computer then upload the video to an online blog!

  • DATE: Wednesday, July 28, 2-4 p.m.
  • LOCATION: Central Library, Level 4 Computer Training Classroom

Have you been dedicated to Livejournal in the past, but it's getting a little bit old now? Try video blogging instead! Learn how to record yourself on your computer then upload the video for an online blog!

Beat of a Different Drum

Who is the greatest drummer of all time? The backbone of the ensemble, this important figure is often shrouded in mystery and overshadowed by the rest of the band. Being a great drummer depends on more than just technical ability. The best drummers contribute a significant sound or style to their group and leave an indelible mark on the audience.

  • Ringo Starr of The Beatles provided a steady back beat and creative flourishes that helped make this band the legend it is today. Pete Best, the original drummer for the Beatles, was with the band for 2 years.

Graffiti Art Project Unveiling

The Valdez-Perry Branch Library staff and Your Name in Graffiti invite you to the Graffiti Art Project Unveiling and celebration of art, community connections and graffiti project participants' achievement on Wednesday, July 28 at 6 p.m. at the Valdez-Perry Branch Library.

Did you know that the Athmar Park Branch Library also received help from Your Name in Graffiti?

To Be or Not to Be: The Many Faces of Hamlet

Shakespeare's play, Hamlet, has had a wide variety of film interpretations created based on its tragic tale of betrayal, murder and madness. What is it about Hamlet that appeals to us so? How many famous actors who have portrayed Hamlet can you name? I've found eight that the library owns!

  • The Bad Sleep Well (1960) Akira Kurosawa's adaptation projects the familiar Shakespearean plot onto the complex world of Japanese corporate intrigue with legend Toshiro Mifune as the Hamlet-esque character.
  • Hamlet (2009) David Tennant shines in this BBC production filmed on location and starring the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Finding Your Next Favorite Book

Looking for something great to read? Need to know what title is next in a series? Where do you look for reviews and author information for your next book group title? Visit us at Ross Cherry Creek Branch Library, Wednesday July 28 at noon for a tour of the library database Novelist.

Novelist is just one of the amazing databases that the library makes available free with your library card. I love helping book club members find that next great title, as well as find supplemental information that takes the conversation deeper when they meet.

2010 One Book, One Denver Title Chosen

One Book, One Denver

The 2010 One Book, One Denver selection has been chosen by popular vote!

UPDATE: The Help by Kathryn Stockett is the 2010 One Book, One Denver selection. For more information, please visit the One Book, One Denver page.

One Book, One Denver is Mayor Hickenlooper's citywide book club created to build community and stimulate people to read. Denver citizens, young and old, are encouraged to join others in the shared experience of simultaneously reading the same book and participating in related events.

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