November is National Adoption Month and former library staff member Candida joins us for a heartfelt discussion about how she was adopted. Candida shares her story and our hosts chat about how Candida embodies what it means to be an incredible mother, and how “family” is the cornerstone of Candida’s identity. Thank you, Candida for taking the time to share such an incredibly vulnerable part of your story! Find more information about adoption, parenting, and how to have conversations about adoption at the links below.

National Adoption Month - https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/adoption/nam/Library ResourcesAncestry.com - https://login.proxy.marmot.org/login?url=https://ancestrylibrary.proquest.com/ 

(can access from home through the rest of 2021 with a library card). Genealogy LibGuide - https://guides.mesacountylibraries.org/genealogyColorado Legal Forms - https://login.proxy.marmot.org/login?url=http://infotrac.galegroup.com/itweb/gran78789?db=TGLFMCL Central Library's Parenting Collection - https://mesa.marmot.org/Search/Results?join=AND&bool0%5B%5D=AND&lookfor0%5B%5D=&type0%5B%5D=Keyword&filter%5B%5D=&filter%5B%5D=availability_toggle_mpm%3A%22Entire+Collection%22&filter%5B%5D=&filter%5B%5D=&filter%5B%5D=&filter%5B%5D=&filter%5B%5D=&filter%5B%5D=&lexile_scorefrom=&lexile_scoreto=&filter%5B%5D=&filter%5B%5D=&filter%5B%5D=&filter%5B%5D=&publishDateyearfrom=&publishDateyearto=&filter%5B%5D=&filter%5B%5D=&filter%5B%5D=&filter%5B%5D=&filter%5B%5D=&filter%5B%5D=&filter%5B%5D=&filter%5B%5D=&filter%5B%5D=&filter%5B%5D=&filter%5B%5D=detailed_location_mpm%3A%22MCPLD+Central+Children%27s+Parenting%22&filter%5B%5D=&filter%5B%5D=&filter%5B%5D=&submit=FindAdoption materials (books, movies, etc) available through the library - https://mesa.marmot.org/Union/Search?basicType=&genealogyType=&view=list&showCovers=on&lookfor=adoption&basicType=Keyword&genealogyType=GenealogyKeyword&searchSource=localMovies/documentaries on Kanopy about adoption - https://mcpld.kanopy.com/video/unlocking-heart-adoption

Nominated as Most Artistic in ninth grade, Savannah Ashmore’s urge to create was nurtured with bags of markers on long roadtrips. We are delighted to have Savannah as our 970West Studio Artist in Residence now through Dec 20, 2021. Savannah will offer all-ages Meet and Greets from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. each Friday through December 17 at the 970West Studio, 502 Ouray Ave. (just north of the Central Library). At 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 17, the public is invited to learn techniques to get started with botanical illustration and nature journaling in the Discovery Garden (517 Chipeta Avenue). Supplies will be included! For more information about Savannah’s art programs, visit mesacountylibraries.org

Our hosts thank Jessica (Art Librarian) and Savannah for joining us on this episode of the Audissey!

About the Artist:Nestled in the bosom of the Colorado National Monument with desert peaches blooming in the palisades, Savannah Ashmore found herself inspired by the flourishing nature that filled her childhood. Her artistic expression began as a young child and it has evolved as she grew older into a ritual of self-care and healing. The continuous expression of self is an important theme in her creation and a genuine, organic stream of creation is crucial in the work she makes.Savannah graduated from Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration in 2018. She currently resides in Grand Junction, Colorado. With her calico and mixed breed border collie by her side, Savannah will continually create and illustrate her way through life. Follow Savannah on social media at @savannahashmoreart and on her website at savannahashmoreart.com

Book Talk: Before The Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi is a touching story with fun time travel elements! Place this book on hold on our catalog today:https://mesa.marmot.org/GroupedWork/d42e3cef-40e5-9e70-e455-1d6591da4503/Home?searchId=132076032&recordIndex=1&page=1&searchSource=local

We'll be back for Season 4 this fall, so in the meantime we hope you'll go back and listen to some of your favorite episodes!

Head of Adult Learning Emily and Adult Learning Specialist Eusebia sat down with Bethany (Emmi got her wisdom teeth out!) to discuss how the Adult Learning Center provides services to adults at no charge. The Adult Learning Center truly changes lives. Whether a Mesa County Patron is looking to learn/improve their English, complete their high school diploma, or complete the citizenship exam, ALC can help them achieve their dreams.

The Adult Learning Center offers education programs to adults at no charge. Classes are taught by trained instructors and involve one-on-one or small group instructions for adults looking to improve reading, writing, math, and study skills. Help is available to get your high school diploma (GED and Career Online High School), complete the citizenship exam, and learn English as a second language (ESL). This program protects the rights of individuals with disabilities by providing equal access to programs and services. 

The Adult Learning Center could not function without our paid and volunteer instructors, and Mesa County Libraries is grateful for all who contribute to such a successful program.

To learn more about how to utilize the Adult Learning Center, visit https://mesacountylibraries.org/services/adultlearningcenter/

Buckle up, Mesa County. You’re about to get hit with a bunch of resources to make life easier. Libraries exist to provide resources and information to our community and in 2021 information is delivered and digested in ways beyond physical books. Libraries have adapted to keep up with how people acquire information and enjoy life, and staff member Sean joins Bethany and Emmi to talk about some of the “more than just book” offerings libraries have to support our community. 

Auto Repair Source - https://mesacountylibraries.org/eresources/resources-a-z/#aPowered by the automotive experts at MOTOR, Auto Repair Source provides the most accurate, authoritative and up-to-date service and repair information for thousands of domestic and imported vehicles. 

Ancestry - https://mesacountylibraries.org/eresources/resources-a-z/#aGenealogical database with censuses, vital records, immigration records, family histories, military records, court and legal documents, directories, photos, maps, and more.

Hoopla - https://mesacountylibraries.org/eresources/resources-a-z/#h Borrow eBooks, audiobooks, comics, music, movies, and TV shows.

Kanopy - https://mesacountylibraries.org/eresources/resources-a-z/#k Watch some of the most critically acclaimed films ever made along with Great Courses options. Cardholders get 10 Kanopy checkouts per month. Kanopy movies are available for any use, including classroom lessons and public performances.Kanopy Kids features a collection of films and TV series that inspire and inform, helping children develop social emotional skills and reinforcing valuable learning topics, such as history, science, and new languages.Genealogy LibGuide - https://guides.mesacountylibraries.org/genealogyFind both the library's and the internet's genealogy resources with links to local interests, research advice, and topical newsletters.

ReferenceUSA - https://mesacountylibraries.org/eresources/resources-a-z/#r Research jobs, businesses, consumers, physicians, and much more. (DON’T USE IT AS A DATING SITE, DON’T BE WEIRD)

Culture and Nature Passes https://mesacountylibraries.org/booksandmedia/passes/

Digital Conversion Station - https://mesacountylibraries.org/services/conversionstation/Turn those old VHS and VHS-C tapes into a digital file you can save and/or burn to DVDScan old photos, negatives and slidesGet data off 3 1/2 floppy disks and media cardsConvert old cassette and vinyl tracks to MP3Launchpad Pre-Loaded Tablets - https://mesacountylibraries.org/booksandmedia/equipment-checkout/ Launchpads are tablets pre-loaded with content for kids and teens designed with a simple, easy-to-use interface. No download time. No need for Wi-Fi. Access to powerful content is as simple as turning on each device — anytime, anywhere.

iMac Creation Station https://mesacountylibraries.org/services/computers-and-technology/#imac3 iMacs are offered at the Central Library for the purpose of content creation.

Words on Wheels and Books By Mail - https://mesacountylibraries.org/services/words-on-wheels-books-by-mail/

Custom Book Reviews and Recommendations - https://mesacountylibraries.org/booksandmedia/books/

Read and Listen Books - https://mesa.marmot.org/MyAccount/MyList/40883Vox and Wonder Books are books that read themselves at the push of a button.

Library Deals - https://mesacountylibraries.org/librarydeals/Show your library card to a participating business when making your purchase and mention the Library Deals program to earn discounts.

Gale Business Planner - https://mesacountylibraries.org/eresources/resources-a-z/#g A step-by-step online planning tool for starting, managing and optimizing a business or nonprofit.

Book a Librarian  https://mesacountylibraries.org/services/book-a-librarian/

Book Talk - Our Subway Baby written by Peter Mercurio

https://mesa.marmot.org/Record/.b61786597?searchId=123060333&recordIndex=1&page=1

Sue Ellen Rodwick of the Western Slope Food Bank of the Rockies sat down with host Bethany to discuss how the food bank increased food distribution, staffing, partnerships, and adjusted their food model to serve more Mesa County residents since March of 2020.The food bank’s services aren’t limited to the Grand Valley. Western Slope Food Bank of the Rockies serves 12 counties, from Steamboat Springs to Nucla and everywhere in-between.

To volunteer, donate, or to find more information about the Food Bank of the Rockies, visit https://www.foodbankrockies.org/ Follow the Food Bank of the Rockies on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @FoodBankRockies

Mesa County Community Resources and Services: https://guides.mesacountylibraries.org/community

Covid-19 Information and Resources Library Guide: https://guides.mesacountylibraries.org/covid19/home

BONUS episode this month! Our hosts are joined by our newest 970West Studio Artist in Residence, Rachel Campbell Osborne. Her residency runs now through August 30, 2021.

Rachel will offer all-ages Meet and Greets 3-5 p.m. each Thursday through Aug. 26 at the 970West Studio, 502 Ouray Ave. (just north of the Central Library). Patrons are invited to drop in and see what Rachel is working on!

For adults, Campbell Osborne will offer a class in en plein air watercolor painting. For children, she will offer a fun outdoor watercolor class. For teens, she will offer a class in Sharpie art. Some classes require advance registration via the Event Calendar. Details about all classes can be found on the Event Calendar at mesacountylibraries.org

Rachel is an illustrator and graphic designer with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design from Colorado Mesa University. She is grateful to have grown up surrounded by the rich and beautiful landscape that is Mesa County. In her own words, “I create my whimsical and vibrant art in watercolor and through digital media. A lot of my work involves quirky character designs. To me, the most inspiring thing in the whole world is nature, especially plants and animals, and I often incorporate these elements into my work. Whether I'm designing my own hybrid creatures, or creating custom portraits, I am always looking for opportunities to add a creative twist.”

When Rachel is not creating art, she’s often snuggling with her two incredibly fluffy cats or outside roller skating. Find Rachel on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/rosemarie.illustrations/

– – –

Noel Kalenian, Patent and Trademark Resource Librarian and Jessica Geddes, Art Librarian, join Rachel, Bethany, and Emmi to talk about the very important topic of trademark protection, plagiarism, copyright, and the line between using art as inspiration and references versus straight up stealing another person’s work. For more information on the Patent, Trademark, and Resource Center and how Mesa County Libraries can help you with a patent or trademark research, visit https://guides.mesacountylibraries.org/intellectualproperty

Bethany and guest co-host Rachel are joined by Jared, board member of Colorado West Pride to discuss the resources and events that Colorado West Pride provides for the Western Slope LGBTQ+ Community. You can find more information about Colorado West Pride, Pridefest (September 7-12, 2021), and other resources at the links below. Thank you, Jared, for joining us for this special episode!

Colorado West Pride Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CoWestPride/

Colorado West Pride Website - https://coloradowestpride.org/

Mutual Aid group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/gjmutualaid/

Ariel Clinical Services: https://www.arielcpa.org/

Charlie Dwellington’s - https://www.facebook.com/CharlieDwellingtons

Library resources mentioned in this episode:

Milk - https://mesa.marmot.org/GroupedWork/25db1b1e-84ab-f57a-2c0c-adca92dd7ffa/Home?searchId=126056924&recordIndex=1&page=1&searchSource=local

To Wong Foo Thanks For Everything, Julie Newmar - https://mesa.marmot.org/Record/.b33506188?searchId=126056953&recordIndex=1&page=1

Freak show - https://mesa.marmot.org/GroupedWork/9c55a1f8-499d-980f-e064-8d1947d151ae/Home?searchId=126056987&recordIndex=1&page=1&searchSource=local

The Tea Dragon Society - https://mesa.marmot.org/GroupedWork/5baac722-a371-f269-6d66-5d59879b47ec/Home?searchId=126057009&recordIndex=1&page=1&searchSource=local

For a larger list of films and books that reflect the LGBTQ+ community, participate in Mesa County Libraries’ Mirrors and Windows challenge! For more information, visit https://mesacountylibraries.org/mirrorsandwindows/

Summer Reading runs June 1 to July 17, 2021, and we have activities and prizes for ALL ages!

Cydney and Rose Marie from Youth Services sat down with our hosts to discuss the ways you can earn points, come to in-person and virtual programs, and win prizes!

Everyone can track their points using the Beanstack App (download on the Apple Store or Google Play) or use a Badge Book (Kids 0-11) or a Reading Journal (Teens and Adults). If you track your points using printed material, be sure to call 970-243-4442 or visit any library location so a staff member can input your points into Beanstack so you can be entered into bi-weekly and grand prize drawings!

Sign ups begin June 1, so be sure to visit mesacountylibraries.org/srp to register!

There is no charge to participate in Summer Reading!

"Stories advance how we think about culture," - Brevin, amazing human (and library staff member!).

Mesa County Libraries is launching a new, all-ages diversity reading experience May 1 (this Saturday) via Beanstack!

Staff members Brevin, Elizabeth, and Trevor sat down with our hosts to talk about this new experience.

• The Mirrors and Windows reading experience is a celebration of culture, focused on diverse books and films offered throughout our catalog. This idea stems from a movement called Read Woke started by Georgia-based school librarian Cecily Lewis.

• The title of this program, Mirrors and Windows, was adapted from a famous essay written by Rudine Sims Bishop, titled Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors.

• This reading experience emerged out of Mesa County Libraries' commitment to diversity and anti-racism and our Year of Focus.

Visit mesacountylibraries.org/mirrorsandwindows for our specialized book lists including the titles mentioned in this episode, to register, and find out how to share what you learn. Check out the hashtags #ownvoices #mirrorsandwindows and #representationmatters to learn more about books that fit this reading experience outline.

A mirror is a story that reflects your own culture and helps you build your identity. Seeing ourselves in literature is a gift. It is an empowering experience as a reader to see a protagonist whose life experiences relate to our own.

A window is a resource that offers you a view into someone else’s life experiences.

It is critical to understand that we cannot truly learn about ourselves unless we learn about others as well.

Participate in the Mirrors and Windows Reading Experience now through the end of 2021 to explore the stories of our diverse world.

Discovering the experiences of others will help you connect with your neighbors in Mesa County.

Complete this reading experience by earning badges. For each badge, you will select and explore a title, reflect and/or share how the materials you chose sit with you. Each badge you earn will allow you to discover new stories or connect with stories similar to your own.

Two special guests joined us on this episode of The Audissey! Rachel, Page and Shelver Extraordinaire, is an avid reader AND creator of graphic novels! Rachel shares that there is a graphic novel for everyone.

Head of Youth Services Cydney shares the amazing new eResource, Brainfuse HelpNow. Brainfuse is a versatile online service designed to support every step of school and job processes. Live tutors, writing labs, language help, chess assistance, and so much more is available through Brainfuse HelpNow. Visit mesacountylibraries.org to get started using this amazing, FREE, resource!

If you're looking to get started reading Graphic Novels, check out some of the recommended titles mentioned in this episode:

mesa.marmot.org

Bone by Jeff Smith - https://mesa.marmot.org/Record/.b26786618?searchId=122069692&recordIndex=1&page=1Maus by Art Spiegelman - https://mesa.marmot.org/Record/.b28816341?searchId=122069532&recordIndex=4&page=1Neurocomic: A Comic About the Brain - https://mesa.marmot.org/Record/.b42450445?searchId=122070053&recordIndex=1&page=1

Manga Guide to Physics - https://mesa.marmot.org/Record/.b2979030x?searchId=122070117&recordIndex=1&page=1

War Bears by Margeret Atwood - https://mesa.marmot.org/Union/Search?basicType=&genealogyType=&view=list&lookfor=war+bears&basicType=Keyword&genealogyType=GenealogyKeyword&searchSource=localHill House Comics - https://mesa.marmot.org/Search/Results?basicType=Series&lookfor=%22Hill%20House%20comics%22•Find Rachel's cool things:The Magister Records Webcomic - https://www.theduckwebcomics.com/The_Magister_Records/5639345/Talking Comics with My Dad Podcast - https://www.theteam1340.com/mbc-podcasts/•••More resources mentioned in this episode:Brainfuse HelpNow - https://mesacountylibraries.org/eresources/resources-a-z/#bHoopla - Borrow eBooks, audiobooks, comics, music, movies, and TV shows. - https://mesacountylibraries.org/eresources/resources-a-z/#hABC Mouse - https://mesacountylibraries.org/eresources/resources-a-z/#aBookTalk - Dispatches from Pluto: lost and found in the Mississippi Delta by Richard Grant - https://mesa.marmot.org/Record/.b49334347?searchId=121626955&recordIndex=1&page=1