A month of special activities to unite our community, as we accept and generate kindness in our lives. In partnership with the Town of Estes Park.

Uniting our community through kindness

by Diana Laughlin, Program Services Supervisor

This February, the Library is pleased to join a town-wide collaboration: The Kindness Project.

The project offers opportunities to celebrate community and civic spirit on all levels. It encourages us to spark good conversations with longtime friends, while making new friends along the way. It reminds us to reflect upon important acts of kindness in our lives. It recognizes the satisfaction that comes from generosity, reconnecting us with our shared humanity.

It’s as ambitious yet delightfully simple as that. We hope you’ll join us for the special activities, made possible through a number of partnerships.

Thank you, Town of Estes Park. Mayor Todd Jirsa was inspired by the message of global adventurer Leon Logothetis and invited this popular author and Netflix host to visit. Hundreds of copies of The Kindness Diaries are being shared among residents, with support from the Library Friends & Foundation.

ogothetis leads an inspiring talk on the power of giving at the High School Auditorium on Wednesday, February 5 at 6:30 pm. The presentation is free — simply click here to register.

Opening the evening is Shed G (Shedrick Garrett), a renowned comedian and actor known for his clean faith-based comedy. After the presentation, Logothetis will sign books.

Thank you, Park R-3 School District. The schools are making it possible for all high school and middle school students to hear Logothetis speak at two special assemblies. Many Eagle Rock students are attending as well.

Homeschool families, along with community members unable to attend the evening program, may attend these morning assemblies. See our Library Programs & Services Guide for details.

Thank you, local businesses, for showing kindness by supporting important causes all year long. Many businesses are offering Kindness Month specials.

Kind Coffee, for instance, is featuring a Random Acts of Kindness Post-It board at their location. While supplies last, show your Library Card with a drink purchase and receive a chocolate heart made by another kindness supporter, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.

Thank you, Estes Valley Restorative Justice Partnership. Their staff and volunteers will be at the Library on Wednesday, February 12 for a Relationship Repair Clinic, brainstorming ideas on how to repair a relationship or spread kindness. Simply click here to register.

Watch also for the traveling photo-story exhibit, “Talking It Out”, made possible by EVRJP. On gallery-style art panels, the exhibit spotlights the stories of Coloradans who have constructively managed conflict by talking through differences. The Library will be among four locations displaying these inspiring stories.

And on Friday, February 14, join us for the Walk for Kindness, beginning at 4 pm. We’ll start at Performance Park and stroll to the Library, where hot chocolate and refreshments await. Click here to register.

Hearing and sharing stories can help solve problems, open pathways for learning, and build a greater sense of community. Those are day-to-day goals of the Library. And we’re excited for the Kindness Project to be a vehicle to help strengthen and unite our amazing community.