Janette Taylor, Nederland. One never knows what kind of programming will interest people. Libraries often do extensive “trial and error” to see what will be worth people’s time. As your community library, it is our job to make the most of the funding that you provide to us through your Library District and provide you with materials and programming that appeal to you. 

One of the things that seems to be of special interest to the Nederland-area community is the work of local authors and musicians. Our “Music from the Stacks” program is bringing fabulous local music to our community since the pandemic started. Videos of Music from the Stacks are available on the library website (nederland.colibraries.org), our Facebook page and YouTube. 

We have also started a series we are calling Book Talk, in which we feature local authors and their books in a presentation/interview via Zoom (although we are looking into other connectivity platforms as well). Our first Book Talk featured Nederland Resident and CU Assistant Professor of Ethnomusicology and International Affairs, Ben Teitelbaum, author of War for Eternity: The Rise of the Far Right and the Return of Traditionalism.

Ben’s book is about a philosophical movement that has turned political, called Traditionalism. One of the more famous practitioners of this philosophy is Steve Bannon, and during his study of these folks Ben secured a number of one-on-one interviews with Bannon. This book tells that story, and also follows Ben around the world as he interviewed other believers in the Traditionalism movement and helps to understand their philosophy and how they are applying it to current political actions. 

Our next Book Talk will feature locals Kay Turnbaugh and Alan Apt, debuting their latest collaboration: Ski Touring Routes: Colorado’s Front Range, an overall manual for backcountry skiing. This Book Talk will feature a 25-30 minute slide show about the ski equipment, needs and details ranging from beginner to expert. Then the authors will take questions from the participants. This will be an exciting and helpful Book Talk for anyone interested in starting or further developing their interest in backcountry skiing. The first 20 people who sign up for this Book Talk and pay $5.00 will receive a copy of the book (a $26.95 value). Email nederlandlibrary@gmail.com if you wish to sign up for this event. 

If interest continues, we hope to present many more Book Talk segments with both local and Front Range authors. Information on Book Talk will be published on the Nederland Community Library’s website, Facebook page, community Facebook pages, and the library general interest email list. 

Join us for our next Book Talk! Also don’t forget that the library has DVDs of movies, documentaries and TV series for loan, as well as audiobook CDs and many other reading, watching and listening options. If you don’t have your library card yet, give us a call and schedule an appointment to get one today!

The Nederland Community Library is open from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with an additional opportunity from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. on Thursday evenings. Please call 303-258-1101 to schedule your time in the library. A maximum of three patrons are allowed on the library floor at a time due to pandemic precautions. 

Don’t forget our online resources as well! Go to Nederland.colibraries.org and click “eresources” for the options. There are ebooks, audiobooks and films that are immediately available online, plus information on voting, community support resources, and support for at-home learning. 

Happy reading! (and watching, and listening...)

Janette Taylor is a Librarian Page, Assistant and Book Talk host at the Nederland Community Library.

(Originally published in the November 5, 2020, edition of The Mountain-Ear.)