At the Library: The Opportunity To Learn
You Are Never Too Old To Stop Feeding Your Curiosity
By Suzanne Gelwick-Knight
Park Hill Branch Librarian
As we head into September, most of the area schools have already begun their school year. Students and teachers are starting to settle into their routines and the classroom learning has begun.
For me, this September marks the first time in 22 years that I haven’t had a stake in the back-to-school fervor. As of June, both of my children have graduated from college, and I now find myself being nostalgic about those chaotic days leading up to and then the first few weeks of my children beginning their new school year.
I clearly remember my children starting elementary school and their excited eagerness to be in school for the first time. That was quickly followed by the drama of middle school, and the act of choosing class schedules combined with the onslaught of hormones. Next, the trepidation of finally being in high school and the social aspect of homecoming dances, football games and off-campus lunches. Lastly, college and a whole new level of learning expectations, along with acquiring skills needed to be an adult in an unsettled world.
Admittedly, one thing I do not miss about this time of year is the pouring over the school supplies ads for the best prices on crayons, erasers, lunchboxes, backpacks, and pencils. And then the hunt for the ever-elusive college ruled 100-page composition book, requested by the one high school teacher who hasn’t updated their supply list since 1986.
Even supplies for college classes can be costly and difficult to obtain. Believe me, I love a new pencil as much as anyone, but the stress of finding specific writing utensils, notebooks, or folders, is something I am glad to be past.
When I think about this time of the year and ask myself why I have such strong feelings about it, the answer is simple: for me back-to-school is equated with learning. The opportunity to learn.
There is a saying “learn something new every day.” While I might not adhere to that, I do firmly believe in the idea that one is never too old to learn. There are several studies and articles that support this idea.
One such article from the July 2019 Scientific American discusses a study where older adults were given the opportunity to take classes over a three-month period, after which their cognitive abilities were tested. The results fully support the theory that learning new things “may improve…cognitive functioning considerably.”
I know not everyone has the same feelings about learning new things. You have to be willing to get out of your comfort zone, and not be afraid to make mistakes. However, learning can be achieved in a lot of different ways — it’s not all textbooks, notes and tests.
Sometimes it’s as simple as seeing a bird on your walk you’ve never seen before and deciding you want to know more about the bird. Or you’re heading on vacation and want to know about the place you’re visiting. So, what may seem as simple satisfying an in-the-moment curiosity, is actually learning. This is where the library can help. Books on birds: we have them. Travel guides: we have those too. Want to walk through local parks with horticulturalists because you want to know more about the plants in your neighborhood? We have opportunities to do that as well.
The library offers so many ways to learn, both formal and informal. There are instructed writing workshops, as well as peer-run writing group meet-ups. We have a wonderful QiGong instructor who visits two of our branches each month.
With your library card you can learn a new language through Mango, an online app. Also available online is Craftsy, which offers access to over 1,000 instructional videos related to gardening, drawing and photography and more. Want to become a film buff? We offer two different types of film clubs. Just pick-up one of our monthly Engage catalogs to see the wide variety of offerings.
I do acknowledge that there are lots of parents out there who are still in the midst of the school-days haze. If you are the parent of a child who may need extra support at school, we have resources to help. There are options for online homework assistance, you can make appointments for in-person one-on-one student research help, and a myriad of other ways the library can support you and your child.
Basically, if you want to learn something new or want to support those in your life who are in school but you’re not sure where to start, we can help.
Now that I am headed into this new phase of life — the so-called empty nest stage — I am looking for ways to continue to learn. Maybe I’ll revisit some old hobbies, or take on a new one. I do know that whatever I do, from now on September will still be connected to the idea of learning, but now it will be more focused on my interests. I might even find for myself some new sparkly pencils.
September Programs
Pauline Robinson Branch
The Pauline Robinson Branch library is currently closed for renovations. While construction is underway, limited library services are being offered at Hiawatha Davis, Jr. Recreation Center at 3334 Holly St. Services are Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Chromebooks are available for public use, as well as printing and copying.
• A cart of free fiction books for all ages and DVDs is available for browsing.
• Bookmobile is on Wednesdays from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
• Community Resource Navigators are available Thursdays from 10 to 11 a.m. by appointment. Call 720-335-2847 to schedule an appointment.
Park Hill Branch
Baby Storytimes | Thursdays 10:15-10:45 a.m.
Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for babies ages 0-18 months and their parents or caregivers.
Toddler Storytimes | Fridays 10:15-10:45 a.m.
Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for toddlers ages 18-36 months and their parents or caregivers.
Kids Game Club | 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, Drop-in 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Are you looking for something fun after school? Drop by to play games in a fun, relaxed environment. Ideal for ages 5-12.
Kids Book Celebration | Thursday, Sept. 19, 4-5 p.m.
A monthly book celebration for kids in kindergarten* though 5th grade. This month’s theme is back-to-school. Decorate a pencil bag and celebrate the start of school.
*Parents of young children need to attend with their child.
Schools Out: Nature’s Educators Talon Talk | Friday, Sept. 27, 2-3 p.m.
Discover the various types of birds of prey found all over the world, what it takes to care for a bird of prey, and learn how Nature’s Educators is permitted to keep raptors.
Teen Advisory Board | September 3 and Sept. 17, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Anyone 6th-12th grade are welcome to join and help with library programming and resources geared towards teens.
Writing Circle 2.0 | Thursdays, Sept. 12 and 26, 1:30-3 p.m.
Join our supportive community of writers to hone your skills, feel inspired, and motivate yourself and others. All levels and styles of writers are welcome at this informal workshop. Refreshments provided. No registration required.
Cancer Café | Monday, Sept. 9, 2-3:30 p.m.
This peer group is for anyone post-diagnosis, whether in treatment or in remission. Family members and caregivers are welcome. Compassion and confidentiality, please. Medical advice and treatment options are not the focus. Join us for open-minded listening and soft-hearted sharing.
Death Café | Monday, Sept. 23, 2-3:30 p.m.
Death Café is an international movement that invites people to gather, normalize conversations around death — to make the most of LIFE. This is not a grief support group or counseling session. Respect for all views is a priority.
No Strings Attached Book Chat | Saturday, Sept. 14, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Read whatever you want, attend whenever you can.
Qi Gong | Wednesday, Sept. 25, 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Qi Gong is the cornerstone of traditional Chinese medicine. Sometimes called “meditation in motion,” it includes slow, dance-like movements to improve breathing, reduce stress, and gently move the body.
CityYou: Foster and Kinship Care | Wednesday, Sept. 18, 1-3 p.m.
Learn more about how Denver Human Services Foster and Kinship Care partners with foster parents, and get your questions answered about becoming a foster parent.
Advance Directives Fundamentals | Thursday, Sept. 19 , 2-3:30 p.m.
Advance Directives help your loved ones and health providers understand your health-related wishes when you cannot speak for yourself. Topics covered include: Who needs to have an Executed Advanced Directive and why? How often should you update an Advance Directive?
Advance Directives Signing Party | Saturday, Sept. 28, 2-3:30 p.m.
Sign your Advance Directives forms, and get them notarized on the spot in a celebratory atmosphere that congratulates the community on completing this important task.
Greater Park Hill has two public libraries: The Park Hill branch library is at 4705 Montview Blvd. The Pauline Robinson branch library is at 5575 E. 33rd Ave.