This Halloween is the first October 31st blue moon since 1944, and we won’t experience another one until 2039! A blue moon is defined as the second full moon occurring within a single month, which happens every 2 1/2 – 3 years on average. A full moon is a fantastic addition to any Halloween experience, even if only to light the way for trick-or-treating; this year is no different, despite the changes in routine that Covid-19 has caused. We have a Saturday Halloween in 2020, and there are plenty of safe ways to celebrate! Trick-or-treat to friends and family members within your “bubble”, watch fun movies and dress up in your Halloween best, or find a safety-conscious Halloween event to attend–like the Dolores Public Library’s Haunted Garden! Treats and terrors will be handed out in equal measure at our socially distanced outdoor event, which will take place at DPL from 4 – 7pm on October 31st.

We hope to see you there!

The Dolores Public Library District is pleased to announce that we have received a $10,000 LSTA CARES Act Grant (Public Law 116-136; 20 U.S.C.§9101 et seq.) in order to replace our outdated fleet of laptop computers. These new 15” Lenovo ThinkPad laptops will be available for checkout as soon as they arrive and are entered into our circulation system. Here at the Dolores Public Library we have seen a dramatic increase in the needs of our patrons regarding internet access and/or the ability to borrow a laptop computer in order to work remotely, apply for jobs or unemployment benefits, attend online meetings, etc. during the COVID-19 pandemic. We have struggled to keep up with this demand using our laptops that were originally purchased back in 2011. Several of these machines are no longer working or are no longer able to do software updates at this point. Replacing these laptops will allow the library to once again check out computers to individuals who desperately need access to the internet and online resources during this difficult time. This funding is provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Colorado State Library to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s libraries and museums. They advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grant making, research, and policy development. Their vision is a nation where museums and libraries work together to transform the lives of individuals and communities. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

Every August, the annual Perseid meteor shower circles around, and this year it peaks on the 11th and 12th! To watch the meteor shower, find an unblocked view of the sky after dark, preferrably before the moon is fully risen–around 11pm is a good time to aim for. The meteor shower is concentrated around the constellation Perseus, but the Perseids are one of the strongest meteor showers, with over 100 meteors per hour visible, so you will probably see some activity no matter where you look.

If 11 o’clock at night is a bit past your bedtime, never fear–you can just check out a space-themed book! Impact by Douglas Preston, Dark Skies: a practical guide to astrotourism by Valerie Stimac, and Star in the Jar by Sam Hay are a few great options if you can’t catch the Perseids this year.

The library has officially reopened! Our limited reopening hours are Monday – Thursday 10am – 4pm. We are asking that patrons keep their visit to an hour or less, to avoid overloading the capacity of the library. Computers are available, as well as usual services such as faxing, scanning, and printing. Masks are required for entry.

We can’t wait for you to visit us!

A Strawberry Moon in June either makes us hungry for berries or wanting to spend some time in the garden.  Enjoy whatever it is you choose to do each day.  If you need ideas–celebrate the 18th with Go Fishing Day, the 19th with Wear Blue Day, or the 30th with Meteor Watch day.

May is named for the Roman goddess Maia, who oversaw the growth of plants.  The river is up, the weather is getting warmer and it’s almost time to plant the garden.  While you are thinking about your garden, why not celebrate “Get Caught Reading” month and kick back with your favorite book.  Send us a picture of you getting “caught” reading and we’ll send you a reward!!  Send to diana@doloreslibrary.org.

Well wishes and good health to all.  This is a time of challenges, but optimism should be at the top of your list.  Look forward to sunny and warmer days and springtime in bloom.  Reflect on what is important to you and yours.  Be well!

In response to the current COVID-19 health crisis the Library will remain closed to public use until April 12th.  The prospect of reopening on Monday, April 13th will be dependent on current state and local recommendations.

The Library has cancelled all programming including the use of the public meeting room until April 12.  If more information is needed please call Diana at 970-882-4127.

February has one extra day this year. A leap year occurs every four years to help synchronize the calendar year with the solar year, or the length of time it takes the earth to complete its orbit around the sun, which is about 365 ¼ days.   Since February is also “Library Lovers” month pick up  great book to read on that extra day!

Happy New Year to all!

Start your year here at the library with an exciting lecture.  Join us at the 5th Annual Winter Tales Lecture on Thursday, January 8 @ 6:30pm featuring Carolyn Gunn and her 3 month archaeology expedition to Peru.  Can’t make it?  Join us Thursday, January 23 @6:30pm to hear Julie Orr share her knowledge of “The Long Reach of Spanish Justice”.

Wishes to all for a happy Holiday season!  Celebrate the season with a walk through the snow, attending a local event, watching a Christmas themed movie or enjoying cookies with friends.  Whatever you decide to do, spread good cheer to all you meet!

Thankfulness, appreciation, gratitude — these words should be at the top of your word list for the month of November.

We here are thankful for your continued support of the library and our surrounding community.  Take time to express a smile and a quick thank you to others.

This month brings thoughts of pumpkins, bats, ghosts and goblins. Visit the library at the end of the month for a Halloween haunting including some treats & tricks.    

Do you read banned books?  You should!  A banned book is one that has been removed from the shelves of a library, bookstore, or classroom because of its controversial content. In some cases, banned books of the past have been burned and/or refused publication.  Try one you may enjoy it!

In August it is posted that  “Happiness Happens” on the 8th day of the month. Is there only one day a year that we are happy?  What makes you happy?  Think of at least eight things this month that make you smile to celebrate the official day of happiness.  How about being at the top of the request list for that new bestseller? 🙂 happy!  Enjoying a nice evening rain shower.  🙂 happy!!  Harvesting those first perfectly ripe tomatoes from your garden.  🙂 happy!!!  You get the idea!

How is your summer so far? We celebrated a Universe of Stories for the Summer Reading Program this year.  What did you participate in? Program events? Mystery Challenge bags? Take home activities? Bingo reading cards?  Bookmark challenges?  Let us know what you liked the best.

Our Summer Reading Program is in full swing!

Have you registered yet?  Registration is open for all ages-children-teens–adults  Why register?  Why not!  Children and teens have the opportunity for the grand prize of a telescope.  Adult grand prize is dinner at the Metate Room at Mesa Verde.  Gather points by accepting reading & other challenges.  Stop at the circulation desk for more information.

They say April showers bring May flowers. What does May bring?  May brings us Teacher Appreciation week — be sure to thank a teacher.  May brings us Mother’s Day — be sure to thank a mom, any mom!  May brings us Memorial Day — be sure to thank those who served our country with honor.

Celebrate National Library Week by checking out something new from the library.  If you only read fiction and mysteries, try nonfiction or a biography.  Did you know you can check out board games, bocci ball, and state park passes also?  April is now the time for thinking about gardening or you can just enjoy Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day on April 12th & Pretzel Day on April 26th.  You decide!!

Instead of basketball we’ve bracketed the most circulated books of 2018. Stop in, view the chart and vote for your favorite!  Each week will show a winner in each bracket until there is an ultimate book winner of 2018.  Vote each week!  The person who has guessed correctly throughout the month of March will receive a prize!

This month celebrates Valentine’s Day. Credit is traditionally given to Pope Gelasius for declaring February 14 as Saint Valentine’s Day around the year 496 to separate the church from the Roman celebration of Lupercalia, an ancient pagan fertility festival which occurred on February 15th.  If you are not into chocolate or flowers, how about supporting your library?  February also is National Library Lover’s month, check out a book today!!

Let it snow and have some soup!

January is National Soup month.  After playing in the snow and after you watch the Lunar eclipse on the 20th & 21st settle in with some homemade soup to warm you up.  Soup of the Day by Kate McMillian will give you culinary inspiration to try something new.  Check out other books on soup, snow, and eclipses here at your library.