Location: Buena Vista Public Library Date: September 8th, 2nd Wednesday of the Month Time: 2:00 p.m. Audience: Adults Skill: Printmaking Learn to make a custom reusable rubber stamp. Create a signature block, greeting card stamp, or a personal work of art. The Artist Palette will be held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month, each class will highlight a new art technique including ceramics, printmaking, painting, and sewing.

Alphabet Story Time—Weekly Location: Buena Vista Public Library Date: Every Friday of the Month (except for first Fridays) Time: 10:00 a.m. Audience: Ages 2 to 5, siblings welcome Story Time brings together books, rhyming, and play to build active reading skills. And, to make it extra special, we will focus on one letter a week for the theme and a craft. At the end of the alphabet, kids will have made their very own alphabet book! Come to our destination…

Location: Buena Vista Public Library Date: September 11th Time: 10:00 a.m. Audience: All Ages (especially grandparents) Our celebration of these amazing people includes a short walk outside and haiku poetry to tie into our newest Storywalk®: Kiyoshi’s Walk.

Location: Buena Vista Public Library Date: September 13th Time: 4:30 p.m. Audience: Adults Come meet the author of “The Best Buena Vista and Salida Hikes”, a guidebook which covers 25 of the region's classic hikes, including backpacking and peak climbs.

Location: Buena Vista Public Library Date: September 17th, Every 3rd Friday of the Month Time: 4:00 p.m. Audience: All Ages Theme: Hispanic Heritage Read a book from the Library’s Bookmarks & Burritos display and get together to chat! Earn a burrito voucher, talk about the books with peers, and get creative while doing some art with Partnership for Community Action’s Mark and Jimmy.

Location: Buena Vista Public Library Date: September 30th Time: 4:30 p.m. Audience: Adults Come meet the author of “It’s Not about the Badge”, an in depth look at policing in central Colorado. The book highlights the personal stories and motivations of law enforcement professionals.

Date: October 15th (Every 3rd Friday of the Month) Time: 4:00 p.m. Audience: All Ages Theme: Arts and Humanities Join the PFCA and BVPL as we decorate Comedy/ Tragedy masks and do a bit of improvisational movement & acting! Snacks provided. All attendees will be eligible to win a free book (must be present to win)!

November: Destination Story Time Location: Colorado Central Regional Airport 27960 County Rd 319, Buena Vista Date: Friday, November 5th Time: 10:00 a.m. Audience: All Ages The first Friday of every month, the Library takes Story Time on the road! Join us at special locations as we explore and meet local experts who will share their favorite read-alouds with us.

Chaffee County Early Childhood Council presents: Free Conscious Discipline Virtual Parent Night Class 11/11/21 We are excited and fortunate to have another Conscious Discipline Virtual Parent Night Session with Amy Speidel on Thursday, November 11th, from 7-8pm. This session will focus on Positive Intent - Committing to Teach Instead of Judge. Practicing the tool of Positive Intent becomes more doable when we apply that message to ourselves. We realize it can be a difficult time to commit to, but please…

We are excited and fortunate to have another Virtual Parent Night Session with Amy Speidel on Thursday, December 9th, from 7-8pm.  This session will focus on: Consequences vs. Punishment. For many of us when we did something wrong as children, we were given the “What do you like and how can I hurt you with it?” method of teaching. That is punishment. So then – what are the consequences when your child does something wrong?  We realize it can be…

Come to the library to “make” something cool!  This drop-in, activity space is designed to engage kids’ creative minds.  Each month a different STEAM based project challenges young makers.  If kids are unable to attend the session, kits can be picked up (while supplies last) and taken home to do on their own. This months project: Fairy Tale Engineering

Research shows that reading to dogs can  boost reading skills in children while also  developing social and emotional skills. That’s  why at the BVPL, we have friendly dogs that  will sit with people, one-on-one, while they  read. Any reading level or age is welcome.  Reading times are assigned 15-minute blocks.  Sign up at the library or give us a call!

Shed some light on the dark days of winter with these luminaria. Press dried flowers or paper silhouettes to create a simple lantern for winter decorating. 

The first Friday of every month, Story Time travels to special locations!  Explore and meet local experts who will share their favorite read-alouds with us.  For all ages of book lovers and explorers.

Awaken into the new year with this gentle yoga class, suitable for all skill levels. Please bring a yoga mat if you have one.

Featured exercise: Taiji Shen Gong (part 1)

Come to the library to “make” something cool!  This drop-in, activity space is designed to engage kids’ creative minds.  Each month a different STEAM based project challenges young makers.  If kids are unable to attend the session, kits can be picked up (while supplies last) and taken home to do on their own. This Months Activity: Batteries & Conductivity 

Skill: Photo to Wood Transfer. Stylize your favorite photo by transferring it to wood for a beautifully rustic and memorable work of art. Please bring a black and white photograph on an 8x11 sheet of paper. You may enlarge a photo on the Library copy machine ahead of time. Registration Required.

Registration required. Call the library 719-395-8700 or use the QR Code. Uncover the layers of your imagination in this art class. After layering oil pastels on canvas, students will cover the canvas in paint and scratch designs to reveal the colorful pastels beneath. Stories, myths, and poems might inspire your illustrations.

Intimidated or overwhelmed by the internet? Confused about how to access things online? The Library can help. This introductory class will cover: navigating to the internet from the Library computers, searching and printing, and useful links on the Library website. Call the library to register. 719-395-8700  

The world experienced remarkable demographic changes in the 20th century that continue today and have resulted in far-reaching social, economic, political, and environmental consequences all over the globe. These consequences are creating mounting challenges to development efforts, security, climate, and the environment, as well as the sustainability of human populations. Zoom link in QR Code.

Outer Space Session: The launch of Sputnik I in October 1957 marked the beginning of the space era and of the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union. In the 21st century, there are many more participants in space, including countries such as India and China, and commercial companies such as SpaceX. How will the United States fare in a crowded outer space? Zoom link in QR Code.  

Registration Required. Call the library (719-395-8700) or scan the QR code. Learn the art of fly tying through two intensive Saturday workshops. Take a deep dive into the skills and knowledge of fly fishing and learn to tie flies by hand. All materials provided.    Part 2 will be February 5th, 9:30am-3:30pm

Your 6th-12th grade girl is welcome here! Join us for our 10-week empowerHER winter session. Cohorts meet once per week and engage in outdoor adventure like snowshoeing, hiking, rock climbing, and skiing and wellness activities, all in the presence of female mentors and empowering peers.  Cohort A meets Friday's 9:30 - 3:30  Cohort B meets Saturday's 9:30 - 3:30   All food and gear is provided. No experience necessary! 

Research shows that reading to dogs can boost reading skills in children while also developing social and emotional skills. That’s why at the BVPL, we have friendly dogs that will sit with people, one-on-one, while they read. Any reading level or age is welcome. Reading times are assigned 15-minute blocks. Sign up at the library.

Awaken into spring with this gentle yoga class, suitable for all skill levels. Please bring a yoga mat if you have one.

Get ready to join the Circus! The Salida Circus teaches stretches, games, and circus skills including juggling, tumbling, parent tot acrobatics, stilt walking, and so much more.  Instructor Laura Hart, a trained early childhood educator and a member of the Salida Circus, leads this exciting program to help kids build gross motor, fine motor, and social emotional skills.

Take a deep dive into the skills of fly fishing and learn to tie your own flies by hand. The “fly” is created with a hook and other materials, used to imitate insects, baitfish, crustaceans, or anything else fish are looking to eat. Registration required – limit 4 participants. Participants should attend both classes.

March 10 @ 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm Is it possible for democracy to prevail in Myanmar? The situation in Myanmar, including the coup by the military in February 2021 and the ongoing human rights crises, coupled with civil resistance by those opposed to the regime, has led to the chaos in the Southeast Asian country. How are neighboring countries reacting, and what role will ASEAN play? March 24 @ 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm Will the Quad countries be able to contain China’s…

Begin your musical adventures with the ukulele, or expand your repertoire with new songs in English and Hawaiian. This class is for all ukulele lovers, from beginner to advanced. Monday, March 14 and Monday, March 28 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.

The first Friday of every month, Story Time travels to special locations! Explore and meet local experts who will share their favorite read-alouds with us. For all ages of book lovers and explorers. This month, we visit the builders at Buena Vista’s manufacturer of small living spaces, Fading West. Location: Gregg Drive (west of FedEx)

Stamped Ceramics:  Decorate clay using stamps, botanicals, or household objects, then mold the clay into delicate trinket dishes.

Audience: Age 4 to 6 years old.  Younger siblings may attend with a caregiver. A special ten-week series to get kids clapping, singing, and stomping their feet!  Our talented instructor, Lynette Clemons, will use instruments and songs to engage and support growing kids.

Introducing a special ten-week series to get kids clapping, singing, and stomping their feet!  Our talented instructor, Lynette Clemons of Ruby Lucille’s Music Box, will use instruments and songs to engage and support growing kids.  Class size is limited to 25 people, including adults. Audience: Age 4 to 6 years old.  Younger siblings may attend with a caregiver.

Qigong (pronounced: chee gong) involves coordinated, slow flowing movement, deep breathing, and a meditative state of mind. Each monthly class will introduce new exercises aimed at increasing flexibility and energy, promoting mental clarity, and improving blood flow.   No registration required March 7: Taiji Shen Gong (complete form) March 21 – Review 8 Pieces of Brocade, IntroduceTaiji April 4: Taiji – Beginning Form and Principles

Get ready to join the Circus! The Salida Circus teaches stretches, games, and circus skills including juggling, tumbling, parent tot acrobatics, stilt walking, and so much more.  Instructor Laura Hart, a trained early childhood educator and a member of the Salida Circus, leads this exciting program to help kids build gross motor, fine motor, and social emotional skills. Audience: Age 2 to 5 years old.  Younger siblings may attend with a caregiver.

Gather together to discuss and reflect on books connected to the natural environment. Within Our Range, a collaboration between the Greater Arkansas River Nature Association and the Buena Vista and Salida Public Libraries, meets quarterly to study literature about our relationship to the Earth. Meeting locations will rotate between the libraries, a nature destination, and a virtual offering each quarter to accommodate readers throughout the valley. Books are available for checkout or download through the library or may be purchased…

Earn CPR and First Aid certification from the American Heart Association certification. The Chaffee County Fire Department leads this free training to empower citizens to step up and assist in emergency health situations. Teens, add strong skills to your resume and learn more about the field of emergency services. Bring your own lunch (one-hour lunch break); snacks will be provided. Class is free of charge. Registration Required (limited to 9 participants): https://forms.gle/Rfmj9shorWWuVsko9

Great Decisions is an annual foreign policy discussion program featuring current events. This group meets every 2nd and 4th Thursday from 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. starting January 28th for 8 sessions. Suggested readings may be found on fpa.org and in the Great Decisions 2022 booklet, available through the library for checkout. Tune in to a presentation and participate in a discussion afterward. Zoom Attendance Option: Meeting ID 881 3911 0980, Passcode 390702 Link: https://bit.ly/3tNJE3d

Design and make beautiful beaded bracelets inspired by Mexican Huichol bead art. Each class highlights a new art skill. Registration requested:  https://forms.gle/rHeyZwxF9Shh1zwY9

Chaffee County Early Childhood Council and Healthy Child Care Colorado are teaming up to hold a Healthy Smiles Summit on Saturday, April 23 from 9am to 3:30pm at the Chaffee County Fairgrounds. This is a FREE event where lunch and learning materials will be provided for FREE! This Summit will share the importance of good early oral health habits and teach simple, fun ways to engage children in activities that promote healthy oral habits. This free event is open to licensed…

The “most dangerous woman in America” is coming to the Buena Vista Public Library! Union organizer, rabble-rouser and child rights advocate, Mary Harris Mother Jones was only 10 years old when she left famine-stricken Ireland. Overcoming inconceivable personal tragedy, Mary Jones dedicated her life to serving the sick and fighting for fair labor laws. This one-woman, 60-minute play stars the incomparable Jan Justis, a nationally recognized dancer and winner of the Alliance for Colorado Theatre’s Educator Award. No registration required;…

Great Decisions is an annual foreign policy discussion program featuring current events. This group meets every 2nd and 4th Thursday from 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. starting January 28th for 8 sessions. Suggested readings may be found on fpa.org and in the Great Decisions 2022 booklet, available through the library for checkout. Tune in to a presentation and participate in a discussion afterward. Zoom Attendance Option: Meeting ID 881 3911 0980, Passcode 390702 Link: https://bit.ly/3tNJE3d

Paint, cut, collage, and create! Wear your get-messy clothes. This special ten-week art class series builds kids’ fine motor skills and expression through tactile and creative projects. Class will be limited to 20 people, including adults  

Audience: 6th-12th grade The Library’s new Coding Club is here!  Use Computer Science to change the world.  When you join the Club, you will be able to learn from fun and simple online coding tutorials, build community through interactive activities, and develop skills that will help you build animations, games, apps, and other things that you dream up!  You then work in teams to design and build a project that solves real world problems you care about through code. Tutorials…

Audience: Age 0 to 5 years old.  Unstructured, free play and socialization for littles and caregivers.

Audience: Age 2 to 5 years old, siblings welcome.  Story Time brings together books, rhyming, and play to build active reading skills.  And, to make it extra special, we will focus on one letter a week for the theme and a craft.  At the end of the alphabet, kids will have made their very own alphabet book.

Salida Circus performs a thrilling show to kickoff the Library's Summer Reading Program. Magic Steve will perform interactive illusions, Miss Joan will make mind-bending balloon creations and amazing aerialists will be flying through the air!