Have You 3D Printed Yet?

Posted on November 17, 2016 by Katie Auman in Captain Cache, Captain Cache Podcast, Library Blog, Library Services

Updated 5/2019 with Captain Cache’s Curiosities Podcast episode about 3D printing at the Libraries.

On the second floor of the Old Town Library, tucked over by the computers and printers, sits a large complex looking machine that steadily toils nearly every day printing wondrous, and sometimes strange objects. It’s a machine for the makers, the basement tinkerers, the innovators, and the everyday person.

The Old Town Library’s 3D printer, a LulzBot® Mini to be exact, spits out “printed” projects for library users of all ages and technical abilities. On my most recent trip to Old Town Library, sitting waiting to be picked up were chess pieces, a dolphin figurine, an aquarium piece, Halloween costume accessories, and other fun items.

The 3D printer follows instructions from digital modeling programs to gradually build layer upon layer until the object becomes recognizable. The modeling programs are available through the Library District’s 3D Resources webpage, along with access to free tutorials and ready-to-print designs.

While many of the 3D projects created by beginners run closer to bracelets, bookmarks, and keychains, some projects created at the Library have been practical and complex. Earlier this fall, Fort Collins resident Rebecca Fox determined that using the 3D printer would be a great solution to her problem.

After being prescribed a wrist brace by her doctor, Rebecca started to notice a few problems with it: it wasn’t waterproof so when it got wet it become musty and itchy; it was starting to cause a reaction on her skin; and it didn’t really fit snug enough. Taking it off wasn’t really an option, doctor’s orders after all, so she decided to design her own wrist brace using digital modeling software and “print” it on the Library’s 3D printer.

Rebecca describes herself as a relative beginner when it comes to designing with modeling software. She had taken a few courses in high school and undergraduate school that used CAD software and other innovative programs, but she was new to the 3D software.

She jumped right in! Rebecca chose to use the Tinkercad software, available through the Library and online, and began watching tutorials, but she soon found that getting help in-person from Old Town Library staff was the most helpful. She worked with computer assistants like Erik Rock and Sam Scheuerman to sketch an initial design, create it in the modeling software, and then print it.

Rebecca’s wrist brace design used a hex grid or honeycomb pattern infill, the structure that’s printed inside the object giving it strength and shape. The honeycomb infill is generally regarded as a strong and cost-effective choice for 3D printing. Since the cost for 3D printing at the Library District is based on the amount of filament used ($0.10 per gram), choosing infill that doesn’t require as much material while still maintaining its strength helps keep the print cost down.

Through a bit of “trial and error,” Rebecca was able to tweak her initial 3D-printed wrist brace to create one with a comfortable fit with snaps and clean edges. She was even able to make it a bit more fashionable than a typical medical wrist brace. To shape the brace after printing, Rebecca took the flat design, soaked it in hot water very briefly until it was flexible, and then wrapped it around her wrist in the exact shape and size she needed. Because the material can be hot when it comes out of the water, Rebecca wore a latex glove over her skin. This also allowed her a bit of extra room when shaping the brace and kept it from being too tight and chafing. She then adjusted and secured the brace to her wrist using a strip of Velcro found at any hobby or hardware store.

The brace that she now wears was printed over six layers and weighs just ounces, bringing her printing cost to around $3.00. For Rebecca, her custom brace is must more practical for her needs – it’s waterproof and doesn’t have to be removed whenever she’s washing dishes or taking a shower. Plus, it’s comfortable enough to wear all-day. And, let’s be honest, it’s pretty cool looking.

Getting Started with 3D Printing

Interested in learning more about 3D printing at the Library or even creating your own project? Here’s how to get started.

1 Visit the Library District’s online Resources page for modeling software, design libraries, and tutorials.

You can access the Resources page at the library or from the comfort of your own home! The ready-to-print designs from fellow makers on Thingiverse and other sites are perfect for the 3D first-timer, or you can up your skills with free 3D modeling tutorials that will guide you through the process of creating and printing your own project. There’s also a great Introduction to 3D Printing Workshop document created by Steve Undy from the Fort Collins Creator Hub.

2 Choose a 3D model to print as-is, or modify or create one of your own using free software like Tinkercad, Blender, and others.

3 Save your model as .stl file (maximum size 50 MB).

4 Submit your 3D printing request to the Old Town Library computer staff who will get your project underway and contact you when it’s complete. Print times may vary based on size, complexity, and any backlog.

You pay for your project when you pick it up. The cost is $0.10 per gram of filament used to print your model.

The entire Poudre River Public Library District community is welcome to use the 3D printing service. You do not need a library card to print or to watch items being printed on the printer. However, only trained library staff will handle the 3D printer and associated equipment.

For more information about 3D printing, check out our online 3D Printing Overview/FAQ page or call the Answer Center at 970-221-6740. Or feel free to stop by Old Town Library to talk with one of the computer assistants who can also help you with your project.

A Note about 3D Printing at the Library

The Old Town Library regularly maintains and cleans its 3D printer and runs it a well-ventilated area. The Library uses plant-based, recyclable PLA plastic (#7) available in a variety of colors to choose from. PLA creates fewer emissions than the other common filament type (ABS), does not contain BPA, and is generally considered to be a quite safe and bio-compatible material. PLA is used to make common things like plastic cups, and PLA nano particles have even been used for drug delivery, introduced directly into the body. While commercial manufacturers use PLA for cups and other items, it is not recommended that 3D printers be used to create these types of items as they are not food safe.

Spark an Interest and Discover Your Path this Summer

Posted on May 9, 2019 by Katie Auman in Book Recommendations, Library Blog, Writing

Ahhhh, summer!

For teens, it’s a much-welcomed break from early alarm clocks, class assignments, and final exams. And, a time where you can spend your days exploring what you’re most interested in – movies, video games, photography, writing…whatever!

Our librarians can recommend books, activities, and tools just for you, around any unique interests.

Are you getting started making videos for your YouTube Channel or maybe you’re a bit more advanced? Library staff can hook you up with the just the right resources for filming and video editing, social media promotion, and more.

Would you prefer to learn by reading a book, listening to an audiobook, or through an online tutorial? Staff can help you there, too.

Stop by any of the three libraries and talk with a librarian for even more suggestions! Be sure to also visit our online events calendar to browse and register for upcoming programs (not all programs require registration).

Here are a few more ways to #ConnectToCuriosity this summer at the Library.

Interest: Gaming & Puzzles

1. Join the Teen Council and help plan the Fall Murder Mystery Party

2. Learn how to design your own video game through Lynda.com

3. Check out books like

4. Stop by Game Day @ Old Town Library (the third Sunday of each month from noon – 5pm)

5. Drop in to the Teen areas at the libraries to play tabletop games from our collection (or bring your own)

Interest: Movies & Films

1. Download the Kanopy app and start streaming movies, documentaries, and award-winning films

2. Check out the GoPro camera from the Gadgets & Things Collection and film your summer adventures

3. Take filmmaking course online through Lynda.com

4. Register for the Teen Mu-V-Chat event in July featuring “Guardians of the Galaxy”

5. Check out favorite movies or watch a new release on DVD

6. Read books like

Interest: Comic Books & Graphic Novels

1. Join other fans of anime and manga at Anime Club

2. Drop in to the teen areas at the libraries to relax and read comic books

3. Learn how to pencil a comic book page through Lynda.com

4. Attend AnimeCon in July and Fort Collins Comic Con in August

5. Check out books, comic books, and graphic novels like

Interest: Photography

1. Learn the foundations of photography through tutorials on Lynda.com

2. Attend the workshop “Photography & Photo Editing on your Digital Device” in June

3. Learn how to use Photoshop with a variety of classes on Lynda.com

4. Check out photography collections like

Interest: Writing

1. Register for the June Teen Writing Workshop: From Words to Worlds

2. Learn to use WordPress to create your own blog during the June workshop

3. Join other fanfiction writers in the “Do You Dabble?” workshop in July

4. Use Pressbooks to start writing your own book or collection of stories or poetry

5. Get writing advice and inspiration straight from authors with books like

6. Take a look at SELF-e and learn how to self-publish your eBook to the Library’s digital collection

Interest: Arts & Crafts

1. Use Kanopy to stream instructional videos on color, composition, drawing lines and shapes, and more

2. Make blankets and toys for Fort Collins Cat Rescue at “Cat Tails & Tales” in June

3. Borrow a book like

4. Enjoy fiber arts at the “Stitch in Time” program in July

5. Learn drawing and illustration techniques using Lynda.com

6. Watch an award-winning film like “Loving Vincent” (about Vince Van Gogh) on Kanopy

Interest: Music

1. Check out an ukulele or violin from our Gadgets & Things Collection

2. Take music lessons online though Lynda.com

3. Browse biographies and memoirs of favorite musicians like:

4. Use Kanopy to stream films and documentaries on everything from hip-hop to opera

5. Check out the karaoke system from the Gadgets & Things Collection

6. Try your hand at songwriting with a tutorial on Lynda.com

Don’t see your area of interest or hobby listed here? Stop by the library and talk with a librarian to get recommendations and resources tailored specifically for you!

And don’t forget to sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge beginning May 28. Why not earn some prizes as you read this summer? Register online at PoudreLibraries.org or drop in to the library.

Getting Ready to Plant a Garden

Posted on April 18, 2019 by Katie Auman in Library Blog, Library Services

Guest post by Erika Strote, Colorado State University Extension Master Gardener in Larimer County

Rising spring temperatures tend to trigger an outbreak of garden fever in those of us who love to get our hands in the dirt. Seed packets and plants find their way into our grocery carts in lieu of actual produce, tempting us with the promise of backyard bounty.

It is easy to imagine the abundance these little seeds will bring…before the reality of scorching heat, insects, weeds, and hailstorms that come later in the summer.

While it is true that gardening in Colorado can test the patience of even the most experienced growers, there is plenty to do at the start of the season to help set your garden up for success.

Prep Your Space

If you are starting a new garden this year, look for a spot in your yard that gets at least 6-8 hours of sunlight. Building raised beds and filling them with high quality garden soil is an efficient and simple way to get a garden going quickly. If you don’t have much space that receives enough sunlight, don’t despair—you can grow a remarkable number of crops in containers placed in sunny spots in your yard.

If you already have a garden, now is the time to make sure you have cleared out any leftover plant debris that did not get removed in the fall. That debris is a favorite place for garden pests to overwinter, so make sure to kick out those unwanted tenants before they can reestablish themselves.

Improve Your Soil

Even though the weather may lure you outside to work in the garden, check to make sure your soil is not too soggy from spring moisture before you get out your shovel. An easy way to check is to scoop up a handful of soil and squeeze it into a ball. If the soil stays balled up, better to wait, so as not to compact the soil into concrete-like clumps that can take seasons to undo.

The soil pictured here is too clumpy and wet for planting.

If the soil crumbles easily when released, it is dry enough to work. Once the soil has dried out enough to work, add organic soil amendments, like compost, mixed to a depth of 4-8”, if desired. Research suggests avoiding unnecessary tilling, as this destroys the beneficial soil structure. So, if you turned your beds in the fall, try skipping it this spring.

This soil is crumbly and ready for planting!

If you want to know which amendments will best help your garden, consider having your soil tested to find out soil pH, salts and nutrient levels by the Colorado State University soil testing lab. More information can be found at www.soiltestinglab.colostate.edu

Know When to Plant

Mother’s Day is considered last frost date for Front Range gardeners, but the actual last frost varies widely year to year. This doesn’t mean you have to wait until the middle of May to start your garden, but you should stick to planting cool season crops earlier in the spring, such as greens, snap peas, radishes, beets, and carrots.

Don’t be fooled by the tomato and herb plants at the nurseries or grocery stores. Wait to plant your tender, warm season crops like tomatoes, squash, green beans and basil until all risk of frost has passed and the nighttime temps have consistently warmed up above 65 degrees, which is generally late May or early June. A single hard frost can turn your basil to a blackened, mushy mess and stunt your tomato crop.

Finally, check your seed packets to see the number of days required before you can begin to harvest. Our first hard frost generally falls in early October, so make sure your plants have enough time to mature before this point. There are plenty of varieties from which to choose, so look for those suited to the length of our shorter growing season.

Think about Water

Consider installing drip irrigation in your beds or containers this year. Irrigating this way helps to conserve water, and it also cuts down on diseases that can stem from overhead watering.

Drip irrigation parts are available at hardware stores and nurseries, and are simple and inexpensive to install. Add a timer at your hose bib to remove some of the operator error in watering (like forgetting to turn the water on…or off).

Consider installing drip irrigation in your beds or containers to conserve water and cut down on diseases that can stem from overhead watering.

Water in the early morning rather than in the evenings, so moisture on the leaves dries quickly which can help prevent diseases. Run your irrigation long enough to soak the soil down to plant roots. Watering needs will be less frequent when the outside temps are cooler in the spring and fall. Take the time to check periodically to make sure plants are getting the right amount of moisture by digging down a few inches to make sure the soil is moist but not soggy.

Don’t Forget the Mulch

Once the plants are in the ground, don’t forget the final step to garden success—spreading a layer of mulch over the top of the garden. Although easy to overlook, this step helps to conserve water and suppress weeds. You can use grass clippings, finely shredded leaves, or compost laid directly over the drip irrigation lines to mulch your garden. Make sure to give your plants a little breathing room by not placing the mulch too close to the base of the plants.

These five simple steps can help to make your spring garden dreams a summer garden reality. So, by all means, grab those seed packets and get growing!

More questions about getting ready to plant your garden? Your local Larimer County Master Gardeners are ready to answer your gardening questions! You can email them anytime at larimermg@gmail.com or call 970-498-6000 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10am-1pm, mid-April through mid-October.

Visit the CSU Extension website for more gardening information: extension.colostate.edu.

Evil Librarians Take Over the World and Other Book Recommendations

Posted on April 11, 2019 by Katie Auman in Book Recommendations, Library Blog

Perhaps the only thing better than visiting the library to check out books is reading an exciting page turner set in a library (or a parallel universe library)!

Evil librarians take over the world…mysterious books that unlock secrets…strange murders in the stacks. If you can think of a story plot set in a library, there’s a good chance it’s available on our shelves.

And that’s not all. We’ve got the true stories of librarians and the amazing work they do to preserve and share books and knowledge around the world.

In celebration of #NationalLibraryWeek, we’ve pulled together 28 book and film recommendations, for readers of all ages, that honor libraries and librarians (even the evil ones). The theme for 2019 National Library Week is Libraries = Strong Communities!

Adult Fiction

The Book of Speculation by Erika Swyler
Simon Watson, a young librarian on the verge of losing his job, finds a mysterious book that holds the key to a curse that has haunted a family of traveling circus performers for generations. Also eBook on OverDrive.

The Borrower by Rebecca Makkai
When her favorite patron, a book-loving ten-year-old, runs away from overbearing parents who force him to attend anti-gay classes with a celebrity pastor, children’s librarian Lucy Hull flees with the boy and discovers that they are being pursued by an anonymous adversary. Also eBook and eAudiobook on OverDrive.

Lighthouse Library Mystery series by Eva Gates
Featuring Lucy Richardson, librarian and resident of the Bodie Island Lighthouse in the Outer Banks. The first in the series is “By Book or by Crook.”

Summer Hours at the Robbers Library by Susan Halpern
A head librarian trying to forget the painful realities of her suburban past unexpectedly bonds with a teenager performing community service, a disgruntled former Wall Street high flyer, and other offbeat regulars who encourage her out of her self-imposed isolation.

Science Fiction / Fantasy

The Invisible Library (Series) by Genevieve Cogman
In the first book in the series, an undercover librarian who works for an occult organization that collects books from different realities must determine what happened to a particularly dangerous book that has been stolen and becomes mired in a mystery infused with peril and conflicting clues. Also eBooks via OverDrive.

The Librarian: Quest for the Spear (Series) (DVD and eVideo)
When a piece of the magical Spear of Destiny goes missing from the Metropolitan Library’s secret collection of artifacts, it is up to a meek librarian and his female bodyguard to keep it out of the hands of an evil brotherhood.

The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins
After she and a dozen other children found them being raised by “Father,” a cruel man with mysterious powers, Carolyn and her “siblings” begin to think he might be God; so when he dies, they square off against each other to determine who will inherit his library, which they believe holds the power to all Creation. Also eBook via OverDrive.

The Strange Library by Haruki Murakami
A boy seeks out a book at the city library, only to be trapped there by a cruel old man and forced to read for days, stuffing knowledge into his brain, which the old man intends to slurp up.

The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
The tale of Henry DeTamble, a dashing, adventuresome librarian who inadvertently travels through time, and Clare Abshire, an artist whose life takes a natural sequential course. Also audiobook CD and eAudiobook via OverDrive.

Nonfiction

The Bad-Ass Librarians of Timbuktu and Their Race to Save the World’s Most Precious Manuscripts by Joshua Hammer
The true story of Timbuktu librarians who enacted a daring plan to smuggle the city’s great collection of rare Islamic manuscripts away from the threat of destruction at the hands of Al Qaeda militants. Also audiobook CD and eAudiobook.

Ex Libris: The New York Public Library directed by Frederick Wiseman (Film)
Available via Kanopy. Go behind the scenes of one of the greatest knowledge institutions in the world and place of welcoming cultural exchange and learning.

I Work at a Public Library: A Collection of Crazy Stories from the Stacks by Gina Sheridan
From a patron’s missing wetsuit to the scent of crab cakes wafting through the stacks, hear about the oddities that have come across the circulation desk.

The Library Book by Susan Orlean
The unsolved mystery of the most catastrophic library fire in American history, and a dazzling love letter to a beloved institution—our libraries. Also eBook and eAudiobook via OverDrive.

The World’s Strongest Librarian: A Memoir of Tourette’s, Faith, Strength, and the Power of Family by Josh Hanagarne
A public librarian author’s inspiring story as a Mormon youth with Tourette’s Syndrome who after a sequence of radical and ineffective treatments overcame nightmarish tics through education, military service and strength training. Also audiobook CD and Large Print.

Teen Books

Evil Librarian by Michelle Knudsen
Feeling suspicious about a gorgeous high school librarian who has become the object of her best friend’s affections, Cynthia discovers that the man is actually a demon who is sucking the life force from the entire student population.

Ink and Bone (Great Library Series #1) by Rachel Caine
In a world where the Great Library of Alexandria governs the flow of information to the people, Jess discovers that those who control the Library believe that knowledge is more valuable than human life after his friend inadvertently commits heresy.

The Librarian of Auschwitz by Antonio Iturbe
The story follows Dita Kraus from age fourteen, when she is put in charge of a few forbidden books at Auschwitz concentration camp, through the end of World War II and beyond. Based on a true story. Also eBook via OverDrive.

Library Wars: Love & War (series) by Kiiro Yumi
Iku Kasahara has dreamed of joining the Library Defense Force ever since one of its soldiers stepped in to protect her favorite book from being confiscated in a bookstore, but now that she’s a recruit, her dream job is more like a nightmare.

Un Lun Dun by China Mieville
Zanna and Deeba inadvertently enter UnLondon, an alternative London inhabited by the flotsam and jetsam of normal life, which is threatened by Smog – a living poisonous cloud – and which is awaiting a leader in the Shwazzy. Also eBook via OverDrive.

Children & Tween

Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library (Book #1 in series) by Chris Grabenstein
Twelve-year-old Kyle gets to stay overnight in the new town library, designed by his hero (the famous gamemaker Luigi Lemoncello), with other students but finds that come morning he must work with friends to solve puzzles in order to escape. Also audiobook CD, Playaway, and eBook and eAudiobook via OverDrive.

The Librarian of Basra: A True Story from Iraq by Jeanette Winter
The true story of how Alia Baker, the librarian of the Basra library, and her friends managed to save the books of the library before the library was burned to the ground during the 2003 Iraq War.

My Librarian is a Camel: How Books Are Brought to Children Around the World by Margriet Ruurs
An intriguing photo essay shows the many unconventional ways that librarians deliver books to children who live in remote areas, including by boat, bus, train, elephant, donkey, and even wheelbarrow. Also eBook via OverDrive.

Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpre by Anika Aldamuy Denise
When she came to America in 1921, Pura Belpré carried the cuentos folklóricos of her Puerto Rican homeland. Finding a new home at the New York Public Library as a bilingual assistant, she turned her popular retellings into libros and spread story seeds across the land.

Tomás y la Senora de la Biblioteca / Tomás and the Library Lady by Pat Mora
While helping his family in their work as migrant laborers far from their home, Tomás finds an entire world to explore in the books at the local public library.

Picture Books

Bats at the Library by Brian Lies
Bored with another normal, inky evening, bats discover an open library window and fly in to enjoy the photocopier, water fountain, and especially the books and stories found there.

Beverly Billingsly Borrows a Book by Alexander Stadler
When Beverly Billingsly receives her new Piedmont Public Library card, she can’t wait to borrow a book, but when she forgets to return her book by its due date, she fears that she will never be able to borrow a book again.

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore / Los Fantasticos Libros Voladores del Sr. Morris Lessmore by William Joyce
Morris Lessmore loves words, stories and books, and after a tornado carries him to another land, dreary and colorless, he finds a single book in color that leads him to an amazing library where, he learns, the books need him as much as he needs them.

The Midnight Library by Kazuno Kohara / La Biblioteca Nocturna
The story of a late-night library follows the efforts of a librarian and her three assistant owls to help everyone find the perfect book in the middle of the night only to have their peace and quiet disrupted by mischievous animals.

National Library Week (April 7- 13, 2019) is a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation’s libraries and library workers and to promote library use and support. From free access to books and online resources for families to library business centers that help support entrepreneurship and retraining, libraries offer opportunity to all. The theme for 2019 National Library Week is Libraries = Strong Communities!

Prepare for the Final Season of Game of Thrones

Posted on April 4, 2019 by Katie Auman in Book Recommendations, Library Blog

If you’re like many of us here at the library, you’re in deep denial that the final season of HBO’s “Game of Thrones” is starting this month. And to make it worse, we STILL don’t have the sixth book in the “A Song of Ice and Fire” series from George, yet!

So what’s a Westeros junkie supposed to do without Jon Snow and Daenerys and Tyrion and Cersei, and all the rest of them, until “The Winds of Winter” is finally published?

Go to the library, of course!

While we can’t give you the next installment of George R. R. Martin’s epic series (as of this posting), we can offer up some great ideas to get you through the dark days ahead and maybe even spark an interest in a new series or two.

Plus, if you need to start the series from the beginning or get caught up before watching, you can check out all of the previous television seasons of “Game of Thrones” (GoT) on DVD, or you can get started reading or listening to the books!

Prequels to A Song of Ice and Fire

Bran may have the greensight of the Three-Eyed Raven, but the rest of us can use some help seeing the past. Go back hundreds of years before even the Mad King was sitting the Iron Throne and hear the adventures and histories of the people of Westeros.

A Knight of the Seven Kingdom: Being the Adventures of Ser Duncan the Tall, and His Squire, Egg by George R. R. Martin
A volume of three previously uncollected novellas set nearly a century before the events of GoT shares historical insights and includes the tale of a young boy who grows up to become the great-grandfather of Daenerys. Also available as an audiobook/CD and eBook on OverDrive.

Fire and Blood: 300 Years Before ‘A Game of Thrones’ (a Targaryen History) by George. R.R. Martin
The first volume of a definitive two-part history of the Targaryens in Westeros is set centuries before the events of GoT and answers key questions about the dynasty’s origins, conflicts and relationships with dragons. Also available as an audiobook/CD.

The Hedge Knight: A Graphic Novel by George R.R. Martin (Book 1 in series)
The graphic novel version of the “A Knight of the Seven Kingdom” novellas. The series includes “The Hedge Knight,” “Sworn Sword,” and “Mystery Knight.”

What to Watch Next

If you love George R.R. Martin’s other sci-fi/fantasy adventures, then give “Nightflyers” a go. But if you’re looking for more epic battles and intrigue a la the Seven Kingdoms, then it’s the “Vikings” television series for you!

Nightflyers Complete Season 1 (DVD)
The crew of the spaceship Nightflyer set out to intercept an alien ship that might hold the key to humanity’s survival. Based on the novella by George R.R. Martin.

Vikings –Seasons 1-5 (DVDs)
A series inspired by the sagas of Viking Ragnar Lothbrok, one of the best-known legendary Norse heroes and the scourge of England and France.

Dinner is Coming

Arya hungry? Take a look at these GoT cookbooks and find inspiration to create a meal worthy of the Great Hall. Want something a bit lighter? Jammy Lannister’s “Game of Scones” might be a good choice.

A Feast of Ice and Fire: The Unofficial Companion Cookbook by Chelsea Monroe-Cassel
This cookbook replicates a stunning range of cuisines from across the Seven Kingdoms, from the sumptuous delicacies enjoyed in the halls of power at King’s Landing, to the warm and smoky comfort foods of the frozen North, to the rich, exotic fare of the mysterious lands east of Westeros.

Game of Scones: All Men Must Die (a Parody) by Jammy Lannister
A spoof recipe book combines clever puns, delicious recipes and humorous photos based on the series, including Red (Velvet) Wedding Cake, Joffrey’s Jaffas, Bran Muffins and Oberyn’s Smashing Head Surprise.

The Unofficial Game of Thrones Cookbook: from Direwolf Ale to Auroch Stew by Alan Kistler
Eat like a Lannister. Brew spirits to warm you in the coming winter. Treat guests to exotic sweets and alchemy-inspired cocktails. Every dish finds its roots in the pages that brought Westeros to life.

For the True Fan

If you can speak Dothraki or High Valyrian, or you know all the different House sigils, then you’re a true GoT fan. Me nem nesa.*

100 Things Game of Thrones Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die by Rowan Kaiser
Pop culture critic Rowan Kaiser has collected every essential piece of GoT knowledge and trivia, as well as must-do activities, and ranks them all from 1 to 100, providing an entertaining checklist as you progress on your way to fan superstardom!

The Art of Language Invention: from Horse-Lords to Dark Elves, the Words Behind World-Building by David Peterson
The linguist describes his methods for creating an artificial language, describing the details of word and sound formation and sentence construction and using examples from his own language creations like Dothraki for GoT.

Game of Thrones and Philosophy: Logic Cuts Deeper than Swords ed. Henry Jacoby
This book delves into the many philosophical questions that arise in this complex, character-driven series, including: Is it right for a “good” king to usurp the throne of a “bad” one and murder his family? How far should you go to protect your family and its secrets? In a fantasy universe with medieval mores and ethics, can female characters reflect modern feminist ideals? Also available as an eBook via OverDrive.

* “It is known” in Dothraki

Look Like Sansa or Jamie

Looking to get started on your cosplay outfit for Fort Collins Comic Con (August 17-18, 2019) and want some ideas and inspiration? Look no further!

Badass Braids: From Viking to Game of Thrones: 45 Maverick Braids, Buns, and Twists by Shannon Burns
Learn how to transform your hair, step by step, into braids and styles from a full spectrum of fantasy worlds (and galaxies), from ancient adversaries and Viking warriors to romantic renegades and sci-fi heroines.

The Costume Making Guide: Creating Armor & Props for Cosplay by Svetlana Quindt
Packed with more than 30 step-by-step demonstrations that teach the skills you need to bring all your favorite characters to life no matter the genre. Tutorials cover design planning, fabricating body armor, 3D painting techniques and more.

Another excellent Game of Thrones cosplay at Fort Collins Comic Con.
Photo: Mike Berry

Growing Community with the New Seed Library

Posted on March 21, 2019 by Katie Auman in Library Blog

“Homegrown tomatoes, homegrown tomatoes

What’d life be without homegrown tomatoes?

Only two things that money can’t buy

That’s true love and homegrown tomatoes.”

Guy Clark, country/folk singer

Have you heard the news? The Library District has launched a new collection: a Seed Library!

This unique, community-driven collection is located on the first floor at Old Town Library. It was created with the help of local partners and master gardeners to promote seed sharing, seed saving, and community participation in gardening.

“Our new Seed Library is about promoting sustainability and homegrown food,” explains Ian Holmes, Adult Services Librarian at Poudre River Public Library District. “It’s through sharing the resources and knowledge to grow healthy food that we can help strengthen our community. The Library can be a great resource for local gardeners as well as local readers.”

The new Seed Library is located at Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St.

The new Seed Library includes a variety of heirloom and open-pollinated vegetable, herb, and fruit seeds donated by neighborhood gardeners, seed companies, and local businesses.

The Seed Library is open to everyone – from beginner to expert gardener. You do not need to have a Poudre River Public Library card to use the Seed Library (but of course we encourage you to get a card so you can check out the great gardening books we have available).

Borrowing seeds works just like checking out a book or movie from the library: you stop by Old Town Library, browse the shelves, choose your items, and check them out. Except in this case, instead of a book or DVD on the shelf, you’ll browse the seed cabinet to find seed packets you’d like to take home to plant in your garden.

When you borrow seed packets from the Seed Library, we ask that you record what you took in our Seed Library Logbook. This way we can keep track of what gardeners are taking and make sure we can continually replenish our library supply.

For detailed information about the Seed Library, please read our Seed Library Policies and Guidelines and take a look at the Frequently Asked Questions.

But what about returning what I’ve checked out? It’s not like bringing a book back and dropping it in the book drop!

Simple. We encourage you to let some of your vegetables, herbs, and fruit plants grow to maturity so you can harvest the seeds. It’s those saved seeds that you return to the Seed Library as a donation to the next gardener.

The Seed Library is a community-sustained project. We rely on local gardeners for ongoing seed donations and work with valuable community partners and volunteers to maintain the Seed Library throughout the year. We are especially thankful to The Growing Project, The Gardens on Spring Creek, and CSU Extension Master Gardeners for their valuable help getting the Seed Library up and running.

Find everything from lettuce to melons to basil seeds.

But I don’t know how to save seeds? Can I still borrow seeds for my own garden?

Absolutely! Not only are we encouraging first-time gardeners to participate in the Seed Library, but we’ll be offering educational programs throughout the year around key gardening topics like how to garden effectively in our dry climate and how to harvest and save your seeds. See our online events calendar for a list of planned programs.

Our Seed Library also includes a variety of handouts and other resources for you to take home. These resources are in addition to all of the gardening books and magazines available for checkout at the libraries. Just ask a librarian for help next time you visit.

Seed Library Policies and Guidelines (PDF)

Seed Library Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)

Whether you’re interested in growing fruits and vegetables because you want to know where your food comes from, or you’re looking to save money on food purchases, or you’d just like to give it a try, the new Seed Library is a great place to start. Community seed sharing offers everyone an opportunity to access home-grown food, learn about horticulture and ecology, and #ConnectToCuriosity.

The first of the Library’s 2019 gardening programs is Wed. April 3 at 12:30 PM at Old Town Library. Check the online events calendar for more programs.

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