January 4
Free LEGO exhibit prototyping event
Thursday, Jan. 4 and Friday, Jan. 5, multiple sessions
The Longmont Museum is trying out some activities for our upcoming summer exhibit "Build: Design and Create with Lego!", and we need your help! Groups of all ages are invited to attend a FREE program where you get to be the first to explore activities that may be in our new exhibit and help improve them for the show. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
January 9
Computer and Technology Class: Intro to ChatGPT
- Date: 01/09/2024 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
- Location: Library
409 Fourth Ave. - New course held every 2nd and 4th Tuesday
- Upstairs in the Computer Lab
- No registration required
Swing by the Computer Lab on the second floor to take our FREE computer classes! A new topic will be taught each session.
ChatGPT is an FREE on-line artificial intelligence (AI) “chatbot” that uses natural language processing to generate a huge variety of computer-generated written material, such as essays, poems, song lyrics, emails, short stories, and even computer programs. This course will introduce you to the creative potential of ChatGPT with a blend of theory and hands-on exercises. Join us on a fascinating journey as we explore the endless possibilities and implications of ChatGPT.
Janurary 11
Author Talk: On Censorship with James LaRue - REGISTER
- Date: 01/11/2024 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
- Location: Library
409 Fourth Ave. - Library Meeting Rooms
- FREE to attend; registration required
In America today, more books are being banned than ever before. This censorship is part of a larger assault on such American institutions as schools, public libraries, and universities. In On Censorship: A Public Librarian Examines Cancel Culture in the US, respected long-time public librarian James LaRue issues a balanced and reasonable call to action for all citizens.
Synthesizing his more than 25 years of experience on the front lines of these issues, he takes the reader through attempts he encountered to remove or restrict access to ideas, while placing the debate in the greater context about the role of libraries and free expression in a democratic society. LaRue covers topics such as:
- The role of the library in American culture and community
- The consequences of cancel culture
- Seven things citizens can do to quell book banning and censorship attempts
Registration REQUIRED
Registration is required and is limited to 100 attendees. Registration will open on Friday, Dec. 1. You can also register via phone by calling the Reference Desk at 303-651-8472.
Register for the Author Talk with James LaRue
January 15
2nd Annual MLK Day Celebration
2:30-4:30 p.m.
Gordon Gamm Theater, Dairy Arts Center - 2590 Walnut St, Boulder, CO 80302
Motus Theater is honored to present its second annual arts-based event in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, titled “Dr. King Jr. & the Radical Roots at the Heart of Justice.” It aims to inspire action aligned with Dr. King Jr.’s vision of ‘beloved community’ in the context of 21st century civil and human rights challenges. It features a blend of musical performances, reflective monologues, and insightful discourse. This year’s celebration features special guests including musical group The ReMINDers, Dr. Reiland Rabaka (Director of CU Boulder’s Center for African and African American Studies), and two Motus Theater autobiographical monologists - transgender rights activist and Motus TRANSformative Stories monologist, Jahmil Roberts, and Colorado leader in criminal legal reform and Motus JustUs monologist, Candice Bailey.
Who: Dr. Reiland Rabaka - Dir. of the Center for African and African American Studies The ReMINDers Candice Bailey and Jahmil Roberts - Motus Theater Monologists
January 22
Pika's Sweets - REGISTER
- Date: 01/22/2024 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Location: Library
409 Fourth Ave. - For 1st - 5th grades
- Longmont Library Meeting Rooms
Do you love to decorate and eat sweet treats? Are you in 1st through 5th grade? Join us once a month to create delicious confections like cake pops and no-bake desserts!
Attend the Program
Registration is required to attend Pika's Sweets and is limited to 15 children. Registration will open at 9 am on Tuesday, Dec. 19. Click the button below to register your child(ren). Make sure to fill out the form for EACH CHILD who is attending.
Register for the January Pika's Sweets program
Deep Thoughts Philosophy Reading Group (Virtual) - REGISTER
- Date: 01/22/2024 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
- Location: Online via Zoom
- This month's reading: "fAIth: The most avid believers in AI are aggressively secular – yet their language is eerily religious. Why?" by Dr. Beth Singler
- For links to online versions of the texts, reading guides, and other resources, please view the shared Google site
From labor to art, as writing aid to business consultant, AI has become an increasingly pressing topic of conversation. One particularly perplexing phenomenon concerns AI supporters' use of religious jargon; referring to technology 'evangelists', transhumanist 'churches', AI 'oracles' and 'prophets', even the notion of a 'superintelligence' that would pose as an omniscient, omnipotent, and potentially omnibenevolent sentience. This rhetoric is curious since these discussions take place in increasingly secular spaces, where technology, rationality, and science are considered antithetical to religion.
Register for this month's Philosophy Group
(Event limited to 24 participants) You will receive the Zoom information for the meeting after registration. Please email the facilitator if you can't find the Zoom info; they'll get back to you right away.
About the Deep Thoughts Philosophy Reading Group
- Meets every fourth Monday of each month, from 7-8:30 pm, via Zoom
- Open to adults and older teens aged 16+.
This group meets monthly to discuss a classic short work of philosophy or an excerpt from a longer work.
Participants read the work prior to our meeting, and together we explore the meaning of the text and the value it offers us. All participants are welcome, including those who are unable to read the entire selection before the meeting.
Sessions are facilitated by Dawn Jacobs and other graduate students of the Philosophy Outreach Program of Colorado at CU Boulder (POPCO). Facilitators will focus on encouraging and guiding a group discussion/learning event rather than on teaching.
January 24
Rocky Mountain Rescue Group Presentation - REGISTER
- Date: 01/24/2024 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
- Location: Library
409 Fourth Ave. - For patrons 16 years and older
- Library Meeting Rooms
- FREE to attend; registration required
Rocky Mountain Rescue Group is an all-volunteer organization trained and equipped for all-weather search and rescue on mountainous terrain. Contracted by the Boulder County Sheriff's Office as the county's primary mountain rescue agency, RMRG receives about 200 calls for emergency assistance each year. Some incidents resolve themselves, but most involve fielding rescuers. The nature of calls for rescue are diverse and range from hikers with sprained ankles, to fallen climbers, to avalanches, to downed aircraft. Come learn more about RMRG's work, its amazing volunteers, Leave No Trace Principals, and staying safe outdoors!
El Grupo de Rescate de las Montañas Rocosas (Rocky Mountain Rescue Group) es una organización completamente voluntaria entrenada y equipada para búsqueda y rescate en terrenos montañosos en cualquier condición climática. Contratada por la Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Boulder como la principal agencia de rescate en montañas del condado, RMRG recibe alrededor de 200 llamadas de asistencia de emergencia cada año. Algunos incidentes se resuelven por sí solos, pero la mayoría requieren el despliegue de rescatistas. La naturaleza de las llamadas de rescate es diversa y va desde excursionistas con esguinces de tobillo hasta escaladores caídos, avalanchas y aeronaves caídas. ¡Ven y aprende más sobre el trabajo de RMRG, sus asombrosos voluntarios, los principios de No Dejar Rastro (Leave No Trace) y cómo mantenerse seguro al aire libre!
Registration REQUIRED
Registration is required and is limited to 100 attendees. Registration will open on Friday, Dec. 1. You can also register via phone by calling the Reference Desk at 303-651-8472.
Register for the RMRG presentation
February 3
WINTER WALKABOUT MUSIC SHOWCASE!
Saturday, February 3, 2024
Presented by Flatirons Bank
15+ Venues | 50+ Performances | 100+ Local Musicians | One All-Inclusive Ticket
An all-day, multi-venue music festival featuring local music, unique venues, good vibes & community spirit, and the best that Downtown Longmont has to offer!
February 7
"The Darcy Myth" with Rachel Feder
Wednesday, Feb. 7 | 6-7 pm | Library Meeting Rooms
*Registration opens Monday, Jan. 1
What if we've been reading Jane Austen and romantic classics all wrong?
Literary scholar and professor Rachel Feder offers a funny, brainy, eye-opening take on how our contemporary love stories are actually terrifying
"Coffee for a Cause" Wed., Feb. 7
These events are casual, educational get-togethers to help the community learn more about OUR Center - trends we are seeing, community needs, and how our programs and services address these. Enjoy a free hearty breakfast, presentation on all things OUR Center related, and a tour if your time allows.
Wednesday, February 7, 2024 from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. in our Family Resource Center Classroom (220 Collyer St., Longmont). Future events are the first Wednesday in April, June, August, and October 2024.
Anyone is welcome, but space is limited, so please RSVP BY FEB. 5 to [email protected] or 303-772-5529.
March 1
Annual Interfaith Quilters Show and Sale
Dates: Friday & Saturday, March 1 & 2, 2024
Place: First Lutheran Church (3rd & Terry), Longmont
Browse the hundreds of beautiful and unique quilted pieces made all year long by this talented group of seamstresses. You’re sure to find something for yourself and for others! All proceeds benefit OUR Center and Safe Shelter of the St. Vrain Valley. www.interfaithquilters.net
March 9
Empty Bowls
Longmont High School, 1040 Sunset St.
The 21st annual Empty Bowls is scheduled to take place again at Longmont High School. Enjoy the hundreds of unique bowls made for the event, plus delicious soups by area restaurants and caterers. Tickets and sponsorships are available now! For more information on sponsorship or other donor opportunities, contact [email protected] or call 303.772.5529 ext. 224 www.ourcenter.org/emptybowls
