Denver Public Library offers free events for kids and families to make the season brighter

The Denver Public Library celebrates the season with free family-friendly events and programs throughout the month of December. From do-it-yourself holiday cards to live music to open houses and celebrations, the Denver Public Library has families covered with events throughout the city. For full details, visit the library’s website at denverlibrary.org. Click the read more button for some highlights.

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Holiday Jazz and Open House
Saturday, Dec. 2, 11 a.m.– 1 p.m. at Eugene Field Branch Library (810 S. University Blvd.)
Celebrate the season with a jazz trio and holiday treats.

Winter Festival
Saturday, Dec. 9, 5:30 p.m. at Green Valley Ranch Branch Library (4856 N. Andes Ct.)
Live music, cookie decorating, glitter tattoos, crafts, games and a hot chocolate bar.

Chamber Music and Open House
Saturday, Dec. 16, 1–4 p.m. at Decker Branch Library (1501 S. Logan St.)
Musicians from the Colorado Chamber Music Society will delight guests with a wide range of classical works. Light refreshments will be provided.

Celebrate Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is a holiday celebration that honors the African first fruits harvest tradition. Take part in a festive cross-cultural experience highlighting the principles of Kwanzaa accompanied by music and dance. Light refreshments served.
Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2 p.m. at Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library (2401 Welton St.)
Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2 p.m. at Ford-Warren Branch Library (2825 High St.)
Thursday, Dec. 28, 2 p.m. at Green Valley Ranch Branch Library (4856 N. Andes Ct.)
Friday, Dec. 29, 2 p.m. at Pauline Robinson Branch Library (5575 E. 33rd Ave.)
Saturday, Dec. 30, 2 p.m. at Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales Branch Library (1498 N. Irving St.)

Gingerbread House
Tuesday, Dec. 12, 4:30 p.m. at Ford-Warren Branch Library (2825 High St.)
Children ages four and up (accompanied by an adult) can make their own gingerbread house using graham crackers and frosting. While supplies last.

What do I do with leftover food?
Saturday, Dec. 2, 2:30 p.m. at Park Hill Branch Library (4705 Montview Blvd.)
Learn various techniques for reducing in-home food waste, including simple shopping guides, meal preparation maps, ingredient up-cycling and more. Improve efficiency in the kitchen during the holidays and all year long.

Hand lettering - holiday cards
Wednesday, Dec. 6, 6 p.m. at Smiley Branch Library (4501 W. 46th Ave.)
Hand lettering is the art of drawing letterforms to illustrate a quote, word or concept. Join illustrator Annie Herzig to learn the basics of drawing letters and creating simple layouts, then head home with a hand-lettered holiday card.

Embossed Copper Greeting Cards
Thursday, Dec. 7, 5 p.m. at Montbello Branch Library (12955 Albrook Dr.)
Design your own embossed copper art piece using your own design or a supplied template. Explore the full range of the copper medium, including creating a patina and polishing to create a finished and beautiful greeting card.

Christmas Tea with Charles Dickens
Saturday, Dec. 16, 2 p.m. at Virginia Village Branch Library (1500 S. Dahlia St.)
Chautauqua scholar and actor David Skipper brings dramatic life to the great Charles Dickens as he was in 1844, a year after the publication of A Christmas Carol in Prose. Mr. Dickens will read excerpts from his beloved novel and engage guests in holiday parlor games.

App-y New Year!
Saturday, Dec. 16, 2 p.m. at Ross-University Hills Branch Library (4310 E. Amherst Ave.)
Thinking about your New Year’s resolution? There’s an app for that! Whether it’s exercising more, eating better or something else entirely, our librarians will share smartphone apps, websites and other tools to help you get started and stay on track.