Storytime Tools

Storytime encourages infants through preschoolers to develop a life-long love of reading through books, music, movement, and play—all while caregivers connect with other families in our community. The Foundation provides funding for storytime tools (think puppets and Play-Doh) to further engage participants and inspire their imaginations. Soon, we’ll be launching a free early literacy app to help caregivers continue storytime learning at home.

Summer Reading Program

As much as children and teens look forward to summer break, it’s not long before boredom sets in and reading time gets replaced by screen time. Our Library’s thoughtful summer program motivates kids to keep their nose in the books through 20 weekly programs: creative performances, experiential activities, and fun incentives. Since 1992, the program has been helping our kids return to school in August at the same reading level they left in May.

BoulderReads!

More than 19,000 adults in Boulder County don’t have adequate reading skills, which profoundly affects their employability, family relationships, and general life skills. BoulderReads! offers free, one-on-one literacy instruction in an empowering environment, culminating with a Reading Progress Celebration and the publication of Discoveries, an annual magazine featuring original, student stories. The accompanying Reading Buddies program pairs at-risk, K-5 students with CU-Boulder tutors.

Financial Literacy

When people struggle with budgeting and money management, it’s difficult for them to be self-sufficient, engaged members of our community. The Library’s Financial Literacy program offers a supportive training approach that helps people get back on their feet—and stay there. The Foundation offers scholarships to this program, thanks to our partnership with the Small Business Development Center.

Grants in the Making: Living Language: An Educational Theater Program for Youth, Early Literacy App, Author Speaker Series

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Concert Series

Music is a powerful connecting force in Boulder, and our Library’s Concert Series has become a symbol of quality programming in our community. Featuring highly accomplished local and national musicians, these free concerts offer something for every taste: reflective meditations, lively jazz performances, inspiring classical concerts, and more.

Cinema Program

We all love our online streaming services, but there’s just something about seeing a film on “the big screen,” isn’t there? Although taking your family to the theater can be expensive, the free Boulder Public Library Cinema Program makes movie-going accessible to everyone. Weekly films include award-winning blockbusters, cult classics, and international productions.

Canyon Theater Sound System

When it comes to live events, sound matters. To improve Canyon Theater’s audio quality and attract a wider range of talent to our community, the Foundation is investing in major system improvements. Soon, Canyon Theater programs will have an even stronger and far-reaching impact on Boulder.

Carnegie Branch Library for Local History Programs

Our community has a rich and diverse past—one that future generations can benefit from understanding. The Maria Rogers Oral History Program includes video- and audio-taped interviews capturing the personal perspective of Boulderites over the years. In addition, the Foundation funds an ongoing digital collection of photographs documenting our physical spaces: structures about to be demolished, landmarks to cherish, and new construction driving Boulder’s evolution as a city.

Grants in the Making: Canyon Gallery Traveling Exhibits, Family Fringe Festival, Boulder Fringe Adventurer’s League

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Makerspace Expansion Project

Consuming information is one thing. Actively creating and innovating is quite another. The Boulder Public Library’s BLDG 61 Makerspace offers community workshops and space for do-it-yourself projects that inspire new perspectives and original ideas: sewing, building, designing, fabricating, welding, 3D modeling, and more. With the Foundation’s support, BLDG 61 has the necessary tools, equipment, raw materials, and instruction to keep Boulderites learning.

LEGO Story Club

Kids and LEGO bricks go together like cookies and milk! At LEGO storytime, children 3 and up bring books to life by creating related LEGO structures in a fun environment. Families love their time together, and the kids benefit from exercising their creativity, practicing their motor skills, and socializing with their peers.

Children’s Library Exploration Station

Libraries are all about investigation—far beyond those rows and rows of books. Through monthly, hands-on activities, the Children’s Library Exploration Station encourages elementary-aged kids to see the Library as an ideal place to discover more about themselves and the world.

Branch Family Programming

Busy families struggle to find time to enjoy one another’s company on a regular basis. Our Library branches help families carve out that time, strengthening their relationships and bolstering entire neighborhoods. Cross-generational programs include family game nights, seasonal arts and crafts projects, and cultural activities.

Grants in the Making: CU Science Discovery STEAM Saturdays, The THING, Play-Well TEKnologies Enrichment Courses

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