Anyone who’s found themselves absorbed in a book, transported to another time or place, knows just how powerful stories can be. Our greatest writers have taken us to fantastical places – to Narnia and Middle Earth and 20,000 leagues under the sea. But they’ve also taken us along on trips around the world, to faraway countries like Nepal and to areas just down the road.
Let the Library take you on armchair travel adventures, or prepare you to actually visit new places.
Films, Documentaries, and TV Series
If “a picture is worth a thousand words” then the scenery in movies and TV shows might be ten times that. Experience new countries and cultures using Kanopy to stream foreign films and unique documentaries that serve as part travelogue and part global studies. Enjoy titles like “Young Lakota” and “Who is Dayani Cristal? Tales of Crossing the Border,” among thousands of others.
The Library also offers DVD collections of great travel films and TV series like “Anthony Bourdain, No Reservations” and fictional stories set in real-life places like “Outlander.”
Language Learning
Mango Languages has more than 70 world languages available to learn online or through the Mango app. It provides a self-paced learning program that teaches languages through relevant and topical dialogue using the four key components – vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar, and culture. There’s bound to be a language to help you on your travels.
Travel Magazines
Whether you’re looking for travel inspiration or just want to learn about the world, the Library’s collection of print and digital magazines have a lot to offer. Be sure to check out the newest eMagazine service, Flipster, and download and read eMags like National Geographic Traveler and Conde Nast Traveler. Or grab a printed magazine like Travel + Leisure or Afar.
Travel Opportunities
Okay, the Library isn’t checking out airline tickets, but we do offer great gadgets and things to get you on the road and exploring. Try the Colorado State Park Pass and adventure kit, a star finder kit, or the bird watching kit, just to name a few. See the entire selection of gadgets and things online.
Events and Programs
Community events and programs like Día de los Muertos celebration and the International Night series are among the many cultural events the Library hosts or participates in. Other programs with an international flair include the Antarctic Lecture Series, World Language Storytime, Bilingual Storytime, and many others. All of the Library’s events can be found online at www.poudrelibraries.org/events/.
Travel Writing and Travel Guides
You might already be familiar with famous travel writing like Wild and Under a Tuscan Sun, so why not try one of these books suggestions?
Various Travel Guides from Lonely Planet
Best American Travel Writing – Various years, editors
Spying on the South: An Odyssey Across the American Divide by Tony Horwitz
The Sun is a Compass: A 4,000-Mile Journey into the Alaskan Wilds by Caroline Van Hemert
What are some of your favorite books about travel? Share with us in the comments!