At The Library: You Want Books? We Have Books!
… And Movies, Music, Printing, Power Tools, Sewing Machines And So Much More.
By Suzanne Gelwick-Knight
Park Hill Branch Librarian
September is library card sign-up month, a whole month where we encourage people to get their library card.
I realize that many of our Park Hill neighbors already have their library card, and visit at least one of our Denver Public Library branches regularly. But, as I read about the many libraries and librarians across the nation who are undergoing extreme public scrutiny, and in some cases even under personal attack for providing services and information to people in their community, I thought I would take this opportunity to remind everyone of some of our great resources and services you have access to with your library card.
First, we have books. If you want books, we have books! You want a book we don’t have? We have access to several different regional catalogs using Prospector and Mobius, which allow us to request the book from places like the University of Denver, Boulder County libraries, and even Missouri State library. If we can’t find the book you’d like using those options, we can go one step further and check WorldCat, which gives us access to materials from around the world.
Most people already know we have public use computers at the library. We also have chromebooks and hotspots you can borrow. But did you also know you can print 100 pages a day, for free? If you need a little help using your personal technology, like a cellphone or laptop, we have people you can meet with who will help you, or you can attend a group class covering basic technology use.
Do you like to listen to music? We have a service called Freegal Music+, which is a free music streaming service you can access with your library card. Along those same lines, you have access to Kanopy with your library card. Kanopy is a movie streaming service. The movies range from recently-in-theaters to oldies-but-goodies, documentaries, children’s movies featuring popular characters, and obscure foreign films. I know we have some film buffs in the neighborhood who use Kanopy regularly.
Your library card gives you the ability to visit a State Park, go to the Museum of Nature and Science, or the Denver Botanic Gardens. Need to repair your bike, check the indoor air quality of your home, film your perilous mountain bike ride? A library card gives you access to all the items needed for those activities.
Want to hem your own pants or sew a prom dress? We have sewing machines you can borrow. In need of a power drill for your home improvement project, but you don’t want to buy one? Your library card gives you a pass to the Denver Tool Library.
In addition to all of these great items, several of our branches have ideaLab makerspaces, where you can learn how to do all sorts of things like 3D printing, laser cutting, music recording, and even how to create digital art.
Are you a teacher? Did you know you can get an educator card, which allows for extended loan times, access to all of our digital resources, classroom set requests, and you can even set-up a library visit for your class. Teachers and parents should also be aware of our online homework help resources, as well as our great Phone-A-Story service.
We have programs and events across the system for everyone. Storytimes for children, Teen Advisory Board, virtual Dungeons & Dragons, tree identification at Washington Park, adult bicycle group rides, Qi Gong, and many, many more. We are also open to ideas of programs you’d like us to have.
When you actually think about all of these services and resources you have access to for free, all because you have a library card, it is actually pretty amazing.
To me, the idea of limiting even one of these great resources is outrageous. I recently heard my manager describe libraries this way: “They are a safe and comfortable place to explore new ideas.” If we don’t uphold this ideal for everyone, then we aren’t fulfilling our overarching mission, which is to “create welcoming spaces where all are free to explore and connect.”
A library card opens up so many opportunities, so if you don’t already have a card, stop by the nearest branch and sign up for one.
September In-Person Programs
Park Hill Branch Library
Baby Storytime | Thursdays 10:30-11 a.m.
Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for babies ages 0-18 months and their parents or caregivers.
Toddler Storytime | Fridays 10:15-10:45 a.m.
Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for toddlers ages 18-36 months and their parents or caregivers.
Teen Advisory Board | Every other Tuesday 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Magic The Gathering Club | Fridays 4:30-5:30 p.m.
A teen-run Magic the Gathering Club for other teens.
Writing Circle | Thursdays 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Group-led adult writing group.
No Strings Attached Book Chat | Saturday, Sept. 16, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Read whatever you want, attend whenever you can.
Tea Time Travel Tales | Wednesday, Sept. 13, 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Listen to neighbors travel tales while sipping tea and having a nosh.
Kids Book Celebration | Thursday, Sept. 21, 4-5 p.m.
Voice of the Wood Chamber Players | Saturday, Sept. 30, 3-4 p.m.
Enjoy the dulcet tones of String Quintets by Mozart and Mendelssohn. Where Are The Violas?
Pauline Robinson Branch Library
The Pauline Robinson Branch is closed for renovations, and no in-person programs will be scheduled until the library reopens. Check out the website denlib.org/robinson for regular updates, and check out next month’s issue for additional information about the project.
Greater Park Hill has two public libraries: The Pauline Robinson branch library is at 5575 E. 33rd Ave. It is currently closed for renovations. The Park Hill branch library is at 4705 Montview Blvd. For hours of operation and additional upcoming programs for Park Hill and other open branches, visit denverlibrary.org/events/upcoming, and select the facility you are planning to visit.