The Community Read, presented by Aspen Words and Pitkin County Library, strives to celebrate literature, unite readers around a work of fiction, and ignite meaningful conversation on the vital social issues explored in each year's Aspen Words Literary Prize winning novel. This year's winner is Enter Ghost by Isabella Hammad!

Sign up to receive a free copy of the book. Books will be available for pickup starting July 17 from 12:00-1:00pm and 4:00-6:00pm. Learn more about the Community Read.

Libby Big Library Read

May 9 - May 23

Join the first global ebook club! The Big Library Read ebook is Wild New World by Dan Flores. From May 9 to May 23, this ebook and the audiobook will be available on Overdrive or through the Libby app with no waitlists or holds.

Wild New World is the winner of the 2023 Rachel Carson Environment Book Award and the winner of the 2023 National Outdoor Book Award for Natural History Literature.

Download the Libby app or view on your computer with Overdrive.

Learn more about the book and the Big Library Read.

Summer Reading Program

June thru Mid-August

Our Summer Reading Program is for kids, young adults, and adults. Read and/or participate in events, reading challenges, and other activities to earn raffle tickets and small prizes. Raffle tickets will go towards larger prizes, announced each month (for kids and young adults) and at the end of the Summer Reading program (for adults). Each age group has different prizes and ways to earn tickets, however we encourage everyone to read or listen to any and all books throughout the summer!

My Life: The Last Chapter

Be the author of your last chapter! 

Regardless of your age, health, or lifestyle, creating a practical plan of action for the end of life will bring you peace of mind and be an invaluable gift to your loved ones. In these four workshops, we will bring light to the legal and financial tasks and compassion to the physical and emotional challenges that we all face.

In these four workshops, you will complete worksheets and take actionable steps toward end of life planning.

Seed Library

May 10 - June 30*

Pick up a packet of short season vegetable or herb seeds from the Pitkin County Library. Check out a few gardening books for tips on growing your seeds.

*Seeds available at the Main Desk of the Library while supplies last. Limit 3 packets per person per day.

Contact Jade Fiskaa, jade.fiskaa@pitkincounty.com with any questions.

Community Read: Watercolor Craft and Chat

Thursday, May 2 | 5:00pm-6:30pm

Enjoy tea and a calming craft while discussing one of the Aspen Words Literary Prize shortlist books and some of the heavier topics at the center of these books.

Create your own mini watercolor postcard while discussing Witness by Jamel Brinkley. This event takes place in the Dunaway Community Room.

In partnership with Aspen Words. Learn more.

Beading Bonanza

Saturday, May 4 | 3:00pm-5:00pm

If you've ever thought about jewelry making, but didn't know where to start, join us at this beading bonanza! We will provide supplies and instructions for starter projects. All skill levels are welcome.

Library Concert Series:

Sean Gaskell, kora

Friday, May 10 | 5:30pm-6:30pm

Sean Gaskell will present an educational performance on the kora, a 21-stringed West African harp. Gaskell’s journey with the kora began in 2006, inspired by a performance by Kane Mathis. The kora, traditionally played by Griots (oral historians), features songs that encapsulate Mande society’s history, encompassing themes of war, love, and societal fabric.

In the Dunaway Community Room. Learn more.

Library Concert Series:

Amanda Gessler, piano

Saturday, May 18 | 5:30pm-6:30pm

Amanda Gessler is a renowned local pianist known for her deeply insightful and emotionally charged performances. As a First Prize winner of the International Bradshaw & Buono Piano Competition, Dr. Gessler made her Carnegie Hall debut in May 2014. Her concert will include works by Claude Debussy and Ludwig van Beethoven.

In the Dunaway Community Room. Learn more.

Community Read: Laser Cutter Craft and Chat

Thursday, May 23 | 5:00pm-6:30pm

Enjoy tea and a calming craft while discussing one of the Aspen Words Literary Prize shortlist books and some of the heavier topics at the center of these books.

Find or create a simple design while discussing Temple Folk by Aaliyah Bilal. Then learn to use the Library's laser cutter to make an ornament or a coaster. In the Library Lab.

In partnership with Aspen Words. Learn more.

Bookbinding

Saturday, May 25 | 3:30pm-5:30pm

Learn beginner bookbinding skills. Each program will build on skills learned in previous sessions, but beginners are welcome.

For teens and adults. In the Dunaway Community Room.

Sign up for Bookbinding.

Veterans Coffee and Doughnuts

Tuesday, May 28 | 9am-11am

Join Adam Lazaro, US Marines/OEF Veteran, on the fourth Tuesday of the month for coffee and doughnuts. Learn more.