During winter break we got soooo much snow! I hope you were able to enjoy it in your own way. I personally like to make snow angels and then roll around in the fresh powder. I also really love to see the happy dogs bury their faces in the snow and pop up like a snow bunny. 

This month we are celebrating democracy, advocacy, and activism. Our country has definitely seen challenges to our democracy and how activism plays a role in the way our government responds. I recently purchased a series of books to illustrate all the complicated pieces to our democracy and how we can be informed citizens.

The series was created by World Citizen Comics. It is a new graphic novel series on civic engagement and understanding our constitution. Click on the link to see the entire series. I especially think that the free speech handbook is a good place to start. Knowing your rights and how the law can work for or against you is an important tool. Never forget the responsibilities behind practicing free speech and what those consequences might hold for you. 

The Teen Advisory Board decided that January 18-23 will be a good time to celebrate Gay Ski Week. Traditionally in Aspen, during this week, events are geared towards adults 21+. Several members of T.A.B. wanted to celebrate Gay Ski Week with their friends, family, and community in a safe environment for all.

Since we don't know when the library will fully reopen to the public it was decided to offer take home kits, have a virtual open mic night, and a virtual movie night. We are encouraging everyone to tag the new Pitkin County Library T.A.B. Instagram when posting take home kits and events. Or send me your pictures to the email below! 

ONLY 10 KITS AVAILABLE FOR EACH ACTIVITY

EACH DAY HAS A COLOR AND A KIT ASSOCIATED WITH IT, IF YOU DON'T GET A KIT YOU ARE STILL WECOME TO JOIN US. 

Wednesday, January 19th: No Sew Tutus Take Home Kits.

Express Yourself! Create art that inspires you. This craft kit includes all the materials and instructions you need to create your own tutu.

Thursday, January 20th: Mixology Kit "Blood Orange Sunrise" and Open Mic Night 

Open Mic Night is a chance for you to express yourself through song, comedy, poetry, or anything to your heart's desire! Add more sparkle to your Open Mic Night by making a T.A.B. chosen mixology drink.

Friday, January 21st: Pride Movie Night Kit

Join us this evening for a movie celebrating the work of LGBAQIA+ activists in the UK. The Zoom link and a movie night snack take home kit will be provided.

Pride: U.K. gay activists work to assist miners during their extended strike of the National Union of Mineworkers in the summer of 1984. 

Saturday, January 22nd: Virtual Bingo and Gingerbread Houses Take Home Kit

Play Bingo and build a gingerbread house with your neighbors over Zoom from 12pm-5pm.

Sign up to receive your take home gingerbread house and 2 Bingo cards!

All ages and family event!

For January's Banned Books Book Club we will be discussing Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson.

Speak was banned, challenged, and restricted because it is thought to contain a political viewpoint and it has been claimed to be biased against male students. It has also been banned, challenged, and restricted for the inclusion of rape and profanity (Learn more at Banned Books Week and American Library Association).

Next month we will be discussing The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie.

Stay healthy and stay safe!



Shannon Foster,

Young Adult & Makerspace Librarian

shannon.foster@pitkincounty.com