We all know the local public library lets us check out books for free.  Many offer free internet access, book discussion groups, and storytelling sessions for children.  But libraries are also hosts to a plethora of other free lectures, concerts, shows, and more.  We’ve collected a sampling of what’s available at some of our Colorado public libraries.  Check websites for dates and times.

Aurora Public Library (Aurora)
Free computer classes (for adults 18+)
Anime Club (grades 6 to 12)
C-O-O-L Crafts (kids – various ages)
Financial Aid for College Workshop

Boulder Public Library (Boulder)
Free concerts
Free films on Monday, Thursday, Friday @ 7 PM
(click here for additional information on the film schedule through Spring 2007)

Pikes Peak Library District (Colorado Springs)
Family Movie Fun
Senior Lunch and a Movie (bring your own lunch; the movie is free)

Denver Public Library (Denver)
Bilingual classes for Adults:
English I & II
GED
Citizenship
Parenting with Love and Logic
Seven Bricks to Help you Build Your Financial Future

Fort Collins Public Library (Fort Collins)
Computer classes
Lectures:  Antarctic Research & the Colorado Front Range
“It’s a Girl Thing: Then & Now” – book discussion program for teen girls in grades 7-12 and significant females in their lives (relative, teacher, or friend)

Fort Lupton Library (Fort Lupton)
Mary Shelley Speaks

Mesa County Libraries (Grand Junction area)
Computer classes
Literacy classes
“Dog Manners-Putting your Best Paw Forward”
“The History of Bicycles”

Lafayette Public Library (Lafayette)
Eleanor Roosevelt @ the library

Bemis Public Library (Littleton)
Free computer classes
Come Together @ Your Library:   Stop by the library and write a paragraph about a favorite book and receive a free book of your choice or a “magic bean” seed, which, when planted, will grow with a special message from the library!  This program is for all ages.

Upper San Juan Library District (Pagosa Springs)
Lifelong Learning lectures:
“Dirt, Water, Stone: A century of preserving Mesa Verde”
“Women to the Rescue: Creating Mesa Verde National Park”
“Impending Climate Catastrophe and the Quick Energy Switch: What the media and academia don’t know, won’t bother to find out and wouldn’t tell you anyway” 
“Volcanic Eruption in the San Juan Mountains and Elsewhere – the Shaping of Life and Human History”
“The Power of Belief: Not to be Confused with Facts”
“The Nature of Human Language: Instinctive or Culturally Determined” 
“Reading the Trees: Arborglyphs”

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I’ll head over to the library for a few hours.