A Time To Honor Pauline Robinson
Branch Library Celebrates 20th Anniversary On April 30
By Becky Corning, Librarian, Pauline Robinson Branch Library
Please join us from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 30, as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Pauline Robinson Branch Library.
Our branch library opened in April 1996. We are named after Pauline Robinson, Denver’s first African American librarian.
Pauline Robinson was probably best known as Denver Public Library’s chief children’s librarian. She was appointed to that position in 1964, and served that role for 15 years.
During her time at DPL, Robinson coordinated the summer reading program (one of the country’s largest). She was also instrumental in writing a grant that brought Reading Is Fundamental to Denver. She organized the first Negro History Week at New Hope Baptist Church, which evolved into Denver’s Black History Month.
In the 1940s, Robinson sold home-baked pies and cakes as a fundraiser, earning enough to purchase a core collection of African American children’s materials. She worked with local businesses to fund the purchase of newspapers and periodicals such as “Journal of Negro Education,” which DPL had not previously carried.
Of her time at DPL, Robinson noted, “All I can say is that working hard made DPL’s Children Services known nationwide.”
Pauline Robinson died in 1997, one year after the establishment of the library named in her honor.
The celebration April 30 will include performances, refreshments and a teen cell phone photo exhibit.
Library Events for April: Pauline Robinson Branch, 5575 E. 33rd Ave.
One-on-One Computer Help | Mondays and Wednesdays, noon – 1 p.m.
Get technology assistance from one of our in-house experts on your own device or a public computer. Learn the basics, such as email, social networking, word processing and eMedia. Call the library at 720-865-0290 to schedule an appointment for Monday or Wednesday.
Preschool Storytime | Wednesdays April 6, 13, 20, 27, 10:30 a.m.
Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for 3-5 year olds and their parents or caregivers.
Anime Club | Saturday, April 9, 3 p.m.
Anime watchers, Manga readers and Anime Lovers alike come join us the second Saturday of the month. Watch, read, talk, act, eat and breathe Anime and Manga! For grades 8-12.
LEGO® Build Day |Saturday, April 9, 1 p.m.
Come make LEGO® creations with us. If you like, enter your creation in the Historic Denver LEGO Contest (details follow).
Historic Denver LEGO Contest | Sunday, April 10 – Saturday, April 16
@ Barnum, Bear Valley, Byers, Children’s at Central, Decker, Eugene Field, Ford-Warren,, Green Valley Ranch, Hadley, Hampden, Montbello, Park Hill, Pauline Robinson, Ross-Barnum, Ross-University Hills, Sam Gary, Schlessman Family, Smiley, Rodolfo Gonzales, Valdez-Perry, Virginia Village, and Woodbury.
Depict a scene out of Denver’s history with LEGO pieces. Then bring this historical person, building, or event to a participating library branch for a chance to win a prize. Get inspired at mollybrown.org and historydenver.org.
The Pauline Robinson Book Club | Saturday, April 23, 12 noon
This month’s selection: See me by James Patterson. Drop-ins are welcome.
Pauline Robinson Anniversary Party | Saturday, April 30, 2-4:00 p.m.
Join us for performances, refreshments and a teen cell phone photo exhibit as we celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Pauline Robinson Branch Library.
Teen Cell Phone Contest Exhibit & Reception | Saturday, April 30, 2-4:00 p.m.
Teen cell phone photo contest’s 1st, 2nd, 3rd place prizes and a People’s Choice Award, will be announced at the Pauline Robinson Anniversary Party.
Library Events for April: Park Hill Branch, 4705 Montview Blvd.
Tuesday Tech Hour | Tuesdays at 4 p.m.
All Ages Storytime | Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.
Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for children of all ages and their caregivers. Craft activity immediately follows the program.
Baby Storytime | Thursdays and Fridays at 11:15 a.m.
Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for babies ages 0-18 months and their caregivers. Play and social time immediately follow the program.
Toddler Storytime | Fridays at 10:30 a.m.
Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for toddlers ages 18-36 months and their caregivers.
Magic Club | Monday, April 4 and Monday, April 18, 4:30 p.m.
Are you a Teen in grades 6-12? Do you already play Magic: the Gathering, or are interested in learning? Join us two Mondays a month to play and meet other Teens who are also Magic-Minded!
Sewing Lounge | Saturday, April 9, 10 a.m.
Have a project you want to work on, but don’t have a sewing machine? No problem, use ours. Grab your supplies and head on over. We’re here to answer your questions.
Historic Denver LEGO Contest | Sunday, April 10 – Saturday, April 16
@ Barnum, Bear Valley, Byers, Children’s at Central, Decker, Eugene Field, Ford-Warren,, Green Valley Ranch, Hadley, Hampden, Montbello, Park Hill, Pauline Robinson, Ross-Barnum, Ross-University Hills, Sam Gary, Schlessman Family, Smiley, Rodolfo Gonzales, Valdez-Perry, Virginia Village, and Woodbury.
Depict a scene out of Denver’s history with LEGO pieces. Then bring this historical person, building, or event to a participating library branch for a chance to win a prize. Get inspired at mollybrown.org and historydenver.org.
Family Friendly Cooking: the Grilled Cheese Sandwich | Monday, April 11, 4 p.m.
Grilled Cheese is one of those meals that everyone in the family loves. Teresa St. Peter, owner of the New World Cheese, will offer tips about melting cheeses, cheeses for flavor, best application of cheese, bread, heat and more. We’ll provide a few recipes for fun additions to your sandwiches as well as samples during this family-friendly event.
Teen Advisory Board (TAB) | Tuesday, April 12 and Tuesday, April 26, 6 p.m.
Teens ages 13 and up are invited to join the Park Hill TAB. Help plan library events and projects at the Park Hill Library, talk about your favorite books, and make your opinion count! Join us for twice monthly meetings.
Caught Red-Handed: Henna | Saturday, April 16, 2:30 p.m.
Learn more about the history and cultures surrounding the beautiful art of henna. Experience the joy first hand with a small application and by creating your own designs. Seating is limited, please arrive early.
Genre Chat 2nd/3rd Grade Book Club | Tuesday, April 19, 3:30 p.m.
To celebrate National Poetry Month choose your favorite Shel Silverstein book of poems. Be prepared to read aloud your favorite poems!
Snack: Popsicles
North of 50: Nutrition and Brain Health | Wednesday, April 20, 4 p.m.
Our brain is the most complex biological system in the universe, and every one of the 100 billion cells in our brain needs nutrition to function optimally. This class, presented by Kira Destelkamp, Nutritional Health Coach for Natural Grocers, will teach you about the foods which support brain health as we age, and the foods which may hinder it.
Blooming Readers 4th/5th Grade Book Club | Thursday, April 21, 3:30 p.m.
Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate
Activity: Jelly bean building
No Strings Attached Book Discussion Group | Saturday, April 23, 11 a.m.
Read whatever you want and attend whenever you can. Share a recent read, an old favorite, or anything in between.
Prophets and Moguls, Rangers and Rogues, Bison and Bears: 100 Years of the National Park Service, with Author Heather Hansen | Saturday, April 23, 2 p.m.
Calling all national park junkies, history buffs and lovers of a great story: 2016 marks the 100th anniversary of the world-renowned National Park Service! Celebrate this milestone and the dedicated stewards who have long safeguarded our natural, historical and cultural gems, with author Heather Hansen.
An Evening of Comedy featuring Sam Tallent with Byron Graham | Thursday, April 28, 7 p.m.
Celebrate National Humor Month with the Soothsayer of Giggle Island, Sam Tallent and opener Byron Graham, at this 18 and over after hours event! With topics ranging from classic literature to the scatological, local comic and host of Film on the Rocks, Sam Tallent, will tickle your brain as well as your funny bone. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Día de los Niños | Saturday, April 30, 11 a.m.
El dia de los ninos is a celebration every day of children, families, and reading that culminates yearly on April 30. The celebration emphasizes the importance of literacy for children of all linguistic and cultural backgrounds. We will be celebrating with a special Spanish/Bilingual storytime by Mr. Alvaro and making festive binoculars for our craft.