Where Jack And The Beanstalk Meets Rapunzel
Fairy Tales Explode in Modern-Day Popularity
By Becky Corning
Librarian, Pauline Robinson Branch Library
Fairytales are back! But did they ever really go away?
Retellings of fairy tales seem to have exploded in popularity in recent years. Here at the library, kids and teens can be seen devouring series like the Ever After High books by Shannon Hale or the Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer. In Descendants: Isle of the Lost, the teenage sons and daughters of fairy tale heroes and villains attend high school together.
Network television gives us fairy tales with an edge, such as NBC’s Grimm or Once Upon a Time on ABC.
In the movie realm, Into the Woods features Meryl Streep as the witch who brings together Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel and Jack.
Maleficent, Tangled, and Mirror Mirror are other recent box office examples of the remixed fairy tale trend.
Why have fairy tale revisions become so popular?
One idea is that the universal themes and characters are comforting and inviting to readers and viewers.
Others say parents are trying to take back the Disney-fied versions of fairy tales, reclaiming the much more adult versions the Grimm Brothers recorded.
Want to do your own research on why remixed fairy tales are so prevalent? Come over to the Pauline Robinson or Park Hill Branch Libraries to check out a fairy tale book, movie or TV series.
Pauline Robinson Branch Library – March Events
One-on-One Computer Help | Mondays and Wednesdays, 12 p.m.-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 March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 — 10:30 a.m.
Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for 3-5 year olds and their parents or caregivers.
Teen Cell Phone Photo Contest | March 3 through April 3
For Grades 6-12. Theme: “What does Park Hill Mean to you?” Submission instructions: March 3 – no later than April 3. Message the Pauline Robinson Branch Library Facebook page, or walk in and have staff print the photo for you. Entry must include full name, grade and phone number. No selfies. Questions? Call 720-865-0290, preferably on Tuesdays or Thursdays. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Grades (6, 7) (8, 9) & (10, 11, 12). Entries judged on creativity, style, and how well the entry reflects the theme. Photos will be on display April 30 – May 30.
Air Plants (Tillandisia) | Saturday, March 12, 1 p.m.
Tillandisia, better known as “air plants” are evergreen, flowering perennials that are fun and easy to keep. We will craft an attractive, modern magnet plant holder and discuss proper care of these wonderful plants.
Anime Club | Saturday, March 12, 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.
Paint and Sip | Thursday, March 17, 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Paint a canvas and sip some March madness teas and lemonades. No experience necessary. Space is limited to 10 participants. Call 720-865-0290 to register.
The Pauline Robinson Book Club | Saturday, March 26, 12 noon
This month’s selection: “Sycamore Row” by John Grisham. Drop-ins are welcome.
Park Hill Branch Library – March Events
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.
Coloring for Grown Ups | Saturday, March 5, 2 p.m.
Come for a nostalgic hour of coloring – in or out of the lines. Use our supplies to unplug and color your way to serenity.
Magic Club | Monday, March 7 and Monday, March 21, 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! *Join us for a special Draft Day on Saturday, March 19 from 2 – 4:30 p.m.*
Teen Advisory Board (TAB) | Tuesday, March 8 and Tuesday, March 22, 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.
Ukuleles: “Uke” Can Do It | Wednesday, March 9, 6:30 p.m.
Grab a friend and boogie on by for a couple hours of zany music making with the enigmatic ukulele. We’ll strum a little, we’ll plink out a tune or two, and of course, you’ll be ready to tiptoe through the tulips afterward. Loaner ukuleles available, or bring your own. Space is limited so arrive early.
Sewing Lounge | Saturday, March 12, 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.
Beading with Intention | Saturday, March 12, 2 p.m.
Create a cherished memento with your child that will remind you and your dear one of your connection. A mother and daughter duo will teach you how to charge your bracelets with intentions and use them for taking deep breaths to slow down and enjoy the moment. Recommended for ages 6 and up accompanied by an adult. Limited to the first 20 participants.
VOLUME Denver Record Release Show | Sunday, March 13, 7 p.m.
Commemorate the historic premiere of the limited edition 45rpm vinyl record by taking home a part of history! Bring your library card to receive a free copy of the 45rpm vinyl while supplies last. Each one is individualized with only 300 pressed! Local bands Accordion Crimes and The Raven and the Writing Desk, Immortalized on the album, will be playing tonight at this free, 18 and over show.
Genre Chat 2nd/3rd Grade Book Club | Tuesday, March 15, 3:30 p.m.
Animal stories: The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
Activity: Decorate a book bag
The Big Year: A Tale of Man, Nature, and Fowl Obsession, and Halfway to Heaven — My Whiteknuckled, and Knuckleheaded, Quest for the Rocky Mountain High, with Author Mark Obmascik | Wednesday, March 16, 6:30 p.m.
If you enjoy nonfiction writing that is conversational, funny and thought-provoking, join us for an evening with best-selling author Mark Obmascik. You may have seen his latest book, The Big Year, adapted to the big screen starring Steve Martin and Jack Black. Hear what he has been up to lately and more about his writing process. Books available for purchase.
Blooming Readers 4th/5th Grade Book Club | Thursday, March 17, 3:30 p.m.
Escape From Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein
Activity: Library scavenger hunt
Infinity Scarf: Arm Knitting | Saturday, March 19, 11 a.m.
Beginner, intermediate, and advanced knitters will all have a blast putting a twist on the traditional … arm-knitting! Using the yarn on hand, or with your own preferred colors of super bulky yarn that you bring, learn how to make a fast and easy scarf knitting with your arms instead of needles (two to four skeins recommended per scarf)!
How to Feed the Future| Wednesday, March 23, 6:30 p.m.
In a world plagued by food insecurity, innovative technology is vital in attaining a dependable and affordable food supply. Dietitian and Nutrition Consultant, Mary Lee Chin, will share with us the important relationship between nutrition, agricultural and environmental sustainability, and how innovative food production technologies will address how to feed our future.
No Strings Attached Book Discussion Group | Saturday, March 26, 11 a.m.
Read whatever you want and attend whenever you can. Share a recent read, an old favorite, or anything in between.
North of 50: Statistics on an Aging Population | Tuesday, March 29, 4 p.m.
Colorado is undergoing a major and permanent demographic shift as the Baby Boomers begin to retire. We invite you to learn more from Bell Policy Center President Wade Buchanan, a member of the executive committee for the Strategic Action Planning group on Aging, about how the aging population will affect our economy, revenues, and spending, health care use, and housing and transportation and aims to transform the challenges ahead into a brighter future for our state and all Coloradans.
Toy Hack | Wednesday, March 30, 2 p.m.
We provide a stack of old, broken toys and a bunch of tools. Your job? Break things apart and make something even more awesome. Recommended for ages 6 and up accompanied by an adult.