National Endowment of the Arts - The Big Read

Garfield County Public Library District

Contact Info

PO Box 832
Rifle, CO 81650

Tel: 970/625-4270
Fax: 970/625-4472
http://www.gcpld.org

Currently Reading

The Grapes of Wrath
John Steinbeck

Learn more about this book

Events

Big Read Kick-off Event at Carbondale's First Friday

Garfield County Libraries is kicking off The Big Read 2013 with John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath" at First Friday in Carbondale. Y'all come to downtown Carbondale to enjoy the bonfire, sing and dance to music of Slide Whistle, and meet the book's main characters, the Joads, as they camp alongside Route 66--all right outside the Gordon Cooper Branch Library at the Fourth Street Plaza on Main Street. RFHS students will be portraying the Joad family and sharing hot drinks. The library celebration will be a part of the town of Carbondale's once a month open family gathering. As always there will be carriage rides, open galleries, and special events all over the town starting at 5:30 p.m.

Event Location: , Carbondale, CO 81650

Date: Fri, Feb 1, 2013
Time: 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Book: The Grapes of Wrath

1930's Family Fun and Sing Along Program

Join us for a family fun day and sing along with Youth Services Librarian, Sue Schnitzer. We will be singing songs from the 1930's and making our own instruments to play as well.

Event Location: Rifle Branch Library, 207 East Avenue, Rifle, CO 81650

Date: Sat, Feb 2, 2013
Time: 1:00pm – 2:30pm
Book: The Grapes of Wrath

The Good the Bad and the Gross – Recycled Creations

Learn how to use the stuff you have sitting around to make a totally new creation that will amaze your family, your friends, and, yes, and even yourself with your creativity! The Good the Bad and the Gross is designed for 4-6 graders and is hands-on learning at its best. Every month, we challenge you to come ready for the good, the bad, and, yes, the really gross!

Event Location: Parachute Branch Library, 244 Grand Valley Way , Parachute, CO 81635

Date: Mon, Feb 4, 2013
Time: 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Book: The Grapes of Wrath

Dinner & a Movie: "The Grapes of Wrath"

Take a night off and a trip back in time for a showing of “The Grapes of Wrath” and Bring-What-You-Can Soup. New Castle will provide crock pots, both vegetarian and meat variety soup broth, and eating utensils. We encourage all who come to bring something cooked or prepared beforehand (a can of bean, cut vegetables, cooked chicken, etc.) to add to the soup, which will be served throughout the film showing.

Event Location: New Castle Branch Library , New Castle, CO 81647

Date: Mon, Feb 4, 2013
Time: 6:00pm – 8:30pm
Book: The Grapes of Wrath

Big Read Storytime for Preschoolers

The Gordon Cooper Branch Library presents a Big Read storytime for preschoolers on Wednesday, February 6 at 10:30 a.m. with age-appropriate songs and stories from the Dust Bowl era. Come hear songs from the Woody Guthrie “Grow Big collection.” Children will even get to make and play tambourines. This program will be led by Sue Schnitzer, the Gordon Cooper Branch Youth Services Librarian, and an award winning children’s musician.

Event Location: 76 S. 4th St. , Carbondaele, CO 81623

Date: Wed, Feb 6, 2013
Time: 10:30am – 11:30am
Book: The Grapes of Wrath

Slow Cooker Cook-off & "The Dust Bowl" Viewing

Come to the Rifle Branch Library on Wednesday, February 6 at 5:30 p.m. to watch a portion of the Ken Burns’ new documentary, “The Dust Bowl,” and to sample frugal “slow cooker” eats. Library staff will prepare the dishes, and you will vote for your favorite!

Event Location: Rifle Branch Library, 207 East Avenue, Rifle, CO 81650

Date: Wed, Feb 6, 2013
Time: 5:30pm – 8:00pm
Book: The Grapes of Wrath

“The Grapes of Wrath” Book Club in Spanish

Alejandra, librarian and native Spanish speaker, will lead a book discussion of "The Grapes of Wrath" in Spanish on Wednesdays in February at 6:30 p.m. at the Gordon Cooper Branch Library. We have available copies of "Las Uvas de la Ira" in Spanish. Please sign up at the library or call Alejandra at 963-2889

Event Location: 76 S. 4th St. , Carbondale, CO 81623

Date: Wed, Feb 6, 2013
Time: 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Date: Wed, Feb 13, 2013
Time: 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Date: Wed, Feb 20, 2013
Time: 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Date: Wed, Feb 27, 2013
Time: 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Book: The Grapes of Wrath

Remembering the 1930s

In conjunction with the Big Read, the Glenwood Springs Branch Library presents “Remembering the 1930s." The program will be moderated by Walter Gallacher and will feature a presentation by the Frontier Historical Society, as well as local residents sharing their memories of life during the Great Depression. We invite everyone to attend and share in this opportunity to contemplate the impact this historical event had on our valley.

Event Location: Glenwood Springs Branch Library, 413 Ninth St. , Glenwood Springs , CO 81601

Date: Wed, Feb 6, 2013
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Book: The Grapes of Wrath

Popcorn & a Movie: "The Grapes of Wrath"

The Silt Branch Library will be offering two showings of the movie, ?The Grapes of Wrath,” starring Henry Fonda on Thursday, February 7 starting at 1:30 and at 6 p.m. Popcorn will be provided. Don’t’ miss this Big Read event.

Event Location: Silt Branch Library, 680 Home Ave , Silt, CO 81652

Date: Thu, Feb 7, 2013
Time: 1:30pm – 4:00pm
Date: Thu, Feb 7, 2013
Time: 6:00pm – 8:30pm
Book: The Grapes of Wrath

Those Thrifty ‘30s - a Great Depression Program for Adults

Need some practical ideas on how to stretch those dollars? Learn about everything from coupon clipping to making several meals out of one shopping experience as locals Jeanette Osmon and Barbara Barker share some clever ideas.

Event Location: Parachute Branch Library , 244 Grand Valley Way, Parachute, CO 81635

Date: Thu, Feb 7, 2013
Time: 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Book: The Grapes of Wrath

Literary Night at Thunder River Theatre Presents John Steinbeck

The Thunder River Theatre presents a free literary night at the theater in downtown Carbondale as part of Garfield County Libraries’ Big Read. Don’t miss award-winning actress and poet, Valerie Haugen, as she presents a one woman show about John Steinbeck and his most famous work, “The Grapes of Wrath.” Haugen's talent on stage will bring this great author to life for readers of all ages.

Event Location: Gordon Cooper Branch Library, 76 S. 4th Street, Carbondale , CO 81623

Date: Fri, Feb 8, 2013
Time: 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Book: The Grapes of Wrath

Great Depression Game Day

Did you know that Monopoly was created during the Great Depression as a way to make light of the terrible economy, allowing people to revel in the opportunity to "travel" to Atlantic City, become a millionaire, and purchase real estate? Get in the Big Read spirit and come to the Silt Branch Library for the Great Depression Game Day to try your luck in Monopoly. Other toys and games for the kids to play will be available. Light refreshments will be served.

Event Location: Silt Branch Library , Silt, CO 81652

Date: Sat, Feb 9, 2013
Time: 10:30am – 5:00pm
Book: The Grapes of Wrath

American Girl Tea Party -- A Lesson on the Great Depression for Kids

Join us for a fun tea party featuring the movie “Kit Kittredge an American Girl” and various activities and crafts. The Great Depression hits home for nine-year-old Kit. When her dad loses his business and he has to leave to find work, Kit's mom decides to take in boarders only to discover the lockbox containing all their money has been taken. Help Kit solve this mystery!

Event Location: Parachute Branch Library , 244 Grand Valley Way , Parachute, CO 81635

Date: Sat, Feb 9, 2013
Time: 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Book: The Grapes of Wrath

Dust Bowl Tunes

Kids ages 5 to 11 are invited to a special Big Read event. Sue Schnitzer, Carbondale's Youth Services Librarian, will be performing Woodie Guthrie songs, and children will have the opportunity to make their own instruments. Come learn about the 1930s, and have fun singing some your favorites with Sue!

Event Location: New Castle Branch Library, 402 W. Main , New Castle , CO 81647

Date: Sat, Feb 9, 2013
Time: 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Book: The Grapes of Wrath

Bilingual Book Discussion on “Esperanza Rising”

The Gordon Cooper Branch Library is hosting a bilingual book discussion on the award-winning book, “Esperanza Rising,” at the Carbondale Middle School on Tuesday, February 12 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. “Esperanza Rising” is a story of a Latino family during hard times and is offered in both Spanish and English. “Esperanza Rising” is a Big Read companion title for younger readers and is available at your local library.

Event Location: Gordon Cooper Branch Library, 76 S. 4th Street, Carbondale, CO 81650

Date: Tue, Feb 12, 2013
Time: 12:30pm – 1:30pm
Book: The Grapes of Wrath

Daytime Book Club Reads "The Grapes of Wrath"

The Daytime Book Club is discussing “The Grapes of Wrath” by John Steinbeck. This classic novel describes the struggle of migrants in their search for work and justice during the Great Depression. This program is free and open to the public, so please come and share your thoughts on this great American novel.

Event Location: New Castle Branch Library , 402 W. Main , New Castle , CO 81647

Date: Wed, Feb 13, 2013
Time: 10:30am – 11:30am
Book: The Grapes of Wrath

Learn to Swing Dance @ the Library

Garfield County Libraries is pleased to present free swing dance classes throughout February to celebrate The Big Read 2013. Maurine Taufer, Dance Director from the Glenwood Springs Center for the Arts, has taught, directed, and choreographed for over 22 years. She is excited to bring you the most favorite dance style of the 1930’s. Whether you have two left feet, no dance experience, or just want to have fun and learn something new -- this class is for you! Come to the library to swing, sway and hop with us, and you’ll be kicking up your heals before you know it. A dance partner is not needed to attend.

Event Location: Silt Branch Library, 680 Home Ave , Silt , CO 81652

Date: Wed, Feb 13, 2013
Time: 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Book: The Grapes of Wrath

Who Picked This Book? Teen Book Club

Like to read? This club is open to all teens who like to read and talk about good books with new friend. This month we will be discussing "Out of the Dust" by Karen Hesse.

Event Location: New Castle Branch Library, 402 W. Main Street, New Castle, CO 81647

Date: Wed, Feb 13, 2013
Time: 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Book: The Grapes of Wrath

Learn to Brew Your Own Beer!

Join in celebrating the Big Read as we revisit the 1930s and learn the science and skills needed for homebrewing beer. The class will be taught by a local, award-winning homebrewer who serves as president of the High Altitude Mashers homebrewing club. The demonstration will cover the creation of a popular beer style from start to finish, as well as the opportunity to sample pre-made homebrews. All participants must be at least 21 years of age and show identification. The class size is limited to 30 people, so preregistration is required.

Event Location: Glenwood Springs Branch Library, 413 9th Street, Glenwood Springs , CO 81647

Date: Wed, Feb 13, 2013
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Book: The Grapes of Wrath

Reel Readers: Movie & Book Discussion on "The Grapes of Wrath"

Read “The Grapes of Wrath” and then watch the movie version on our giant screen with movie theater sound! Afterwards, library staff will host a discussion on the film and book. Those of you who have not read the book are also welcome to enjoy the screening. There will be food, so call ahead and find out what’s cookin’.

Event Location: Parachute Branch Library , 244 Grand Valley Way, Parachute , CO 81635

Date: Fri, Feb 15, 2013
Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Book: The Grapes of Wrath

"The Grapes of Wrath" Movie Night

Don’t’ miss this viewing of the classic film, “The Grapes of Wrath,” starring Henry Fonda.

Event Location: Rifle Branch Library, 207 East Avenue, Rifle, CO 81650

Date: Fri, Feb 15, 2013
Time: 6:30pm – 9:00pm
Book: The Grapes of Wrath

Popcorn & a Movie

In conjunction with this year’s Big Read, the Glenwood Springs Branch Library will present segments from “The Dust Bowl,” a PBS documentary by Ken Burns. Join us on Friday, February 15 from 7 to 9 p.m., as we view portions of this poignant chronicle of a man-made ecological disaster.

Event Location: Glenwood Springs Branch Library, 413 Ninth St. , Glenwood Springs, CO 81650

Date: Fri, Feb 15, 2013
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Book: The Grapes of Wrath

Voices from the Past

The New Castle Branch Library is looking for people who love to tell stories and for people who love to hear them. If you have a Great Depression or Dust Bowl era story to tell, remembered or passed down, or would love a chance to hear other’s stories, join us for an afternoon guided discussion by the fireplace.

Event Location: New Castle Branch Library , 402 W. Main , New Castle, CO 81647

Date: Sat, Feb 16, 2013
Time: 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Book: The Grapes of Wrath

Ladies who do Lunch Bunch -- Great Depression Book Discussion

Join us as we discuss Great Depression era literature, including “The Grapes of Wrath” by John Steinbeck, “The Worst Hard Times” by Timothy Egan, and “Out of the Dust” by Karen Hesse. Enjoy a pot-luck lunch featuring some Great Depression era recipes. For more information, please call 285-9870.

Event Location: Parachute Branch Library , 244 Grand Valley Way , Parachute, CO 81635

Date: Tue, Feb 19, 2013
Time: 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Book: The Grapes of Wrath

“Out of the Dust” Book Discussion

The Gordon Cooper Branch Library invites middle schoolers to be a part of the Big Read by reading and discussing “Out of the Dust” by Karen Hesse, a riveting tale about a Dust Bowl child. What better way to learn about the Great Depression than through the words of the hero, Billie Jo, as she describes the days when "dust piles up like snow across the prairie..."

Event Location: Gordon Cooper Library, 76 S. 4th Street, Carbondale, CO 81623

Date: Tue, Feb 19, 2013
Time: 12:30pm – 1:30pm
Book: The Grapes of Wrath

Interactive Woody Guthrie Activity for Kids

Kids, ages 6 to 12, are invited to celebrate The Big Read with a singing and playing interactive performance by Youth Services Librarian, Sue Schnitzer. Woody Guthrie sets the dust bowl era to life with hundreds of famous songs. Come learn about the 1930's, and have fun singing some your favorites with Sue.

Event Location: Gordon Cooper Branch Library, 76 S. 4th Street , Carbondale, CO 81623

Date: Tue, Feb 19, 2013
Time: 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Book: The Grapes of Wrath

Learn to Swing Dance @ the Library

Garfield County Libraries is pleased to present free swing dance classes throughout February to celebrate The Big Read 2013. Maurine Taufer, Dance Director from the Glenwood Springs Center for the Arts, has taught, directed, and choreographed for over 22 years. She is excited to bring you the most favorite dance style of the 1930’s. Whether you have two left feet, no dance experience, or just want to have fun and learn something new -- this class is for you! Come to the library to swing, sway and hop with us, and you’ll be kicking up your heals before you know it. A dance partner is not needed to attend.

Event Location: New Castle Branch Library, 402 W. Main Street, New Castle, CO 81647

Date: Wed, Feb 20, 2013
Time: 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Book: The Grapes of Wrath

Brew Your Own Beer Program for Adults

Learn the science and skills needed for homebrewing beer -- just like they did during the Great Depression. This event will be taught by a local, award-winning homebrewer, and president of the High Altitude Mashers homebrewing club. The demonstration will cover the creation of a popular beer style from start to finish and sampling of a pre-made homebrew. All participants must be 21 years of age, or older.

Event Location: Rifle Branch Library , 207 East Avenue , Rifle, CO 81650

Date: Thu, Feb 21, 2013
Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Book: The Grapes of Wrath

Make Your Own Rock Candy

As part of the Big Read celebration, travel back to the 1930s by learning how to make homemade rock candy. Grade schoolers and middle schoolers are welcome to join us at the Glenwood Springs Branch Library for a free afternoon of fun. After making rock candy, we’ll enjoy depression era games such as Hopscotch, Yo-yo’s, and popular board games. So come listen to Big Band music, eat freshly popped popcorn, and enter into a raffle for a 1930s-themed prize!

Event Location: Glenwood Springs Branch Library , 413 9th Street, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601

Date: Fri, Feb 22, 2013
Time: 4:00pm – 5:30pm
Book: The Grapes of Wrath

Step Back in Time for The Big Read

The Parachute Branch Library offers a fun-filled afternoon of Big Read events. Local singer/songwriter Nate Adams will start at 12:30 p.m. with a 30-minute tribute to Woodie Guthrie. Like Woodie, Adams plays by himself – just his guitar, harmonica, and croonin’. Come listen to Guthrie’s traditional folk and blues songs and hear stories about the "Dust Bowl Troubadour” himself. Starting at 1 p.m., esteemed historian, Andrew Gulliford, will talk about talk about the history, present, and future of Colorado oil shale. Before you leave, check out the lobby display with 1930's items on loan from the Grand Valley Historical Society, “The Dust Bowl” photo exhibit on loan from Texas Humanities, and, weather permitting, vintage autos on display in the library parking lot!

Event Location: Parachute Branch Library , 244 Grand Valley Way , Parachute, CO 81635

Date: Sat, Feb 23, 2013
Time: 12:30pm – 5:00pm
Book: The Grapes of Wrath

T-Shirt Surgery

Teens are invited to join us at the New Castle Branch Library for an afternoon of t-shirt surgery on Saturday, February 23 at 1 p.m.! It is time to take that old t-shirt and turn it into something new just like they did during the Great Depression. Make a fashionable shirt, a scarf, a dress, or whatever else you can come up with. Bring your own shirt, or use one of ours!

Event Location: New Castle Branch Library , 402 W. Main , New Castle, CO 81647

Date: Sat, Feb 23, 2013
Time: 1:00pm – 2:30pm
Book: The Grapes of Wrath

Learn about Colorado’s Western Slope's Oil Shale History

Historian Andrew Gulliford will talk about the history, present, and future of Colorado oil shale. Gulliford will present an illustrated slide lecture on the history of Colorado oil shale from its bright future in the early 1920s through the roller coaster ride of boom and bust in the early 1980s. Gulliford will also discuss the future prospects for oil shale development and the impacts such development would have on the Western Slope’s water supplies, air quality, and public land amenities.

Event Location: Silt Branch Library , 680 Home Ave, Silt, CO 81652

Date: Sat, Feb 23, 2013
Time: 3:30pm – 5:00pm
Book: The Grapes of Wrath

“The Grapes of Wrath” Community Gathering with Soup, Bread, & Music

You are invited to an old-fashioned gathering at the Third Street Center to celebrate the spirit of sharing during the hard times of the Great Depression, as depicted in the great American classic, “The Grapes of Wrath.” For this Big Read event, we'll have soup for all and bread fresh out of the Community Oven at 3 p.m. After you get a bite to eat, check out the Jamboree featuring local talent! We welcome you to get in the spirit of “The Grapes of Wrath,” wear your overalls, and bring a little something to share with your neighbors for The Big Read 2013.

Event Location: Third Street Center, Carbondale, CO 81650

Date: Sun, Feb 24, 2013
Time: 2:30pm – 5:30pm
Book: The Grapes of Wrath

The Angry Raisins Book Talk

Join us for the Angry Raisins Book Talk to discuss “The Grapes of Wrath” by John Steinbeck for The Big Read 2013. This program will be held on Monday, February 25 at 6 p.m. at the Rifle Branch Library. Raisins will be served.

Event Location: Rifle Branch Library, 207 East Avenue, Rifle, CO 81650

Date: Mon, Feb 25, 2013
Time: 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Book: The Grapes of Wrath

Learn to Swing Dance @ the Library

Garfield County Libraries is pleased to present free swing dance classes throughout February to celebrate The Big Read 2013. Maurine Taufer, Dance Director from the Glenwood Springs Center for the Arts, has taught, directed, and choreographed for over 22 years. She is excited to bring you the most favorite dance style of the 1930’s. Whether you have two left feet, no dance experience, or just want to have fun and learn something new -- this class is for you! Come to the library to swing, sway and hop with us, and you’ll be kicking up your heals before you know it. A dance partner is not needed to attend.

Event Location: Parachute Branch Library, 244 Grand Valley Way , Parachute, Co 81635

Date: Tue, Feb 26, 2013
Time: 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Book: The Grapes of Wrath

“The Grapes of Wrath” Book Discussion

This classic novel describes the struggle of migrants in their search for work and justice during the Great Depression. This program is free and open to the public, so please come and share your thoughts on this great American novel. In addition to the book discussion, we will be unveiling historical photos of Silt at our book discussion. Come see what our community looked like during the Great Depression when this novel is set.

Event Location: Silt Branch Library , 680 Home Ave , Silt, CO 81652

Date: Tue, Feb 26, 2013
Time: 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Book: The Grapes of Wrath

Esteemed Author Offers Free Writing Workshops for Big Read

Garfield County Libraries presents award-winning author, Teague Bohlen, for The Big Read. Bohlen is an esteemed author whose 2006 Great Depression novel, The Pull of the Earth, won the Colorado Book Award for Fiction. Attend Bohlen’s writing workshop to learn how to transform your family stories into fiction! All ages and levels are invited to attend the writing workshop at the Silt Branch Library on Wednesday, February 27 at 6 p.m., and at the New Castle Branch Library on Thursday, February 28 at 6 p.m. These programs are free and open to the public.

Event Location: Silt Branch Library, 680 Home Ave , Silt, CO 81652

Date: Wed, Feb 27, 2013
Time: 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Book: The Grapes of Wrath

Learn to Swing Dance @ the Library

Garfield County Libraries is pleased to present free swing dance classes throughout February to celebrate The Big Read 2013. Maurine Taufer, Dance Director from the Glenwood Springs Center for the Arts, has taught, directed, and choreographed for over 22 years. She is excited to bring you the most favorite dance style of the 1930’s. Whether you have two left feet, no dance experience, or just want to have fun and learn something new -- this class is for you! Come to the library to swing, sway and hop with us, and you’ll be kicking up your heals before you know it. A dance partner is not needed to attend.

Event Location: Rifle Branch Library, 207 East Ave, Rifle, CO 81650

Date: Wed, Feb 27, 2013
Time: 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Book: The Grapes of Wrath

“The Grapes of Wrath” Book Discussion

The Glenwood Springs Branch Library is hosting a book discussion on “The Grapes of Wrath” by John Steinbeck on Wednesday, February 27 at 7 p.m. This classic novel is featured in this year’s Big Read and describes the struggle of migrants in their search for work and justice during the Great Depression. Come and share your thoughts on this great American novel.

Event Location: Glenwood Springs Branch Library , 413 Ninth St. , Glenwood Sprigns, CO 81601

Date: Wed, Feb 27, 2013
Time: 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Book: The Grapes of Wrath

Big Read Book Club for Middle School Students

Students and parents from the Rifle Middle School are participating in The Big Read Program by reading and discussing the companion novels, “Out of the Dust” and “Esperanza Rising.” Join us for a book discussion and fun.

Event Location: Rifle Branch Library, 207 East Avenue, Rifle, CO 81650

Date: Thu, Feb 28, 2013
Time: 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Book: The Grapes of Wrath

Esteemed Author Offers Free Writing Workshops for Big Read

Garfield County Libraries presents award-winning author, Teague Bohlen, for The Big Read. Bohlen is an esteemed author whose 2006 Great Depression novel, The Pull of the Earth, won the Colorado Book Award for Fiction. Attend Bohlen’s writing workshop to learn how to transform your family stories into fiction! All ages and levels are invited to attend the writing workshop at the Silt Branch Library on Wednesday, February 27 at 6 p.m., and at the New Castle Branch Library on Thursday, February 28 at 6 p.m. These programs are free and open to the public.

Event Location: New Castle Branch, 402 W. Main Street, New Castle, CO 81647

Date: Thu, Feb 28, 2013
Time: 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Book: The Grapes of Wrath



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