When you think of the Granby Library, your mind probably goes straight to rows of bookshelves. While they definitely have you covered on bestsellers and classics, the library is actually a cutting-edge community hub bursting with unexpected resources.
Whether you’re a long-time local or just visiting our beautiful mountain town, your library card is the ultimate passport to adventure. Here are 10 incredible things you probably had no idea you could check out or access for free:
1. Passes to Local Recreation, the Denver Zoo, and Museums
Through the Access Grand program, cardholders can check out free recreation passes to the Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, as well as day passes to Snow Mountain Ranch, the Fraser Valley Rec Center, and so much more.
2. Tickets to the Theatre and Live Music
Did you know the Access Grand program also covers local arts and culture? You can score free tickets to incredible live performances at the Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre and the Grand Concerts series.
Photo: Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre/RDG Photography
3. Adventure & Outdoor Gear
The "Library of Things" lets you borrow pickleball rackets, snowshoes, basketballs, bike pumps, hiking gear, and disc golf sets. You can even check out metal detectors, rockhounding gear, and gold panning kits for a weekend of exploring mountains.
4. Musical Instruments & Karaoke Machines
Guitars, keyboards, and even bongos! You can check out musical instruments to practice at home. Or, if you're throwing a party, grab the library's karaoke machine to entertain your guests.
5. Laptops & Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspots
Stay connected and productive! Borrow laptops and iPads onsite or check out mobile Wi-Fi hotspots and projectors so you can take your tech on the go, whether it's for a work project or a backyard movie night.
6. High-Tech VR Headsets & Nintendo Switches
The library is a premier tech playground for local youth. Kids and teens can dive into interactive after-school clubs, hands-on STEAM activities, gaming tournaments on Nintendo Switches, and immersive experiences with Virtual Reality (VR) headsets.
7. Teen-Specific Programs & Outings
The Granby Library designs a variety of programs just for teens. There are always fun, engaging activities on the calendar, ranging from building a Haunted House at Halloween and entering cupcake decorating challenges to exciting group outings like the high ropes course at Snow Mountain Ranch YMCA.
8. Adult Hiking Meet-ups & Lunch & Learns
Library programming goes way beyond story time for kids. For adults, the library hosts active hiking and snowshoeing meet-ups, book clubs, and popular senior Lunch & Learn sessions featuring guest presenters who dive into local history, health, and wildlife.
9. Streaming Movies and Indie Films
Ditch the subscription fees. Use your library card to log into Kanopy or Hoopla Digital to stream award-winning documentaries, indie films, popular movies, audiobooks, and music albums.
10. Virtual Crafting & Cooking Classes
Get expert, step-by-step video instruction on painting, knitting, cooking, and more; there's even projects designed for kids! Your card gives you full, free access to Creativebug, a premier online library of arts and crafts classes taught by top designers and artists.
Bonus: The Ultimate Remote Workspace
Need to jump on a quick Zoom call or print a boarding pass? On top of everything you can take home, the library itself doubles as a free co-working space. It offers high-speed public Wi-Fi, quiet study rooms, computer access, and affordable printing, scanning, and faxing services.
The Granby Library is proof that a library card is the most valuable card in your wallet. Stop by to see what new adventure, tool, or technology is waiting for you!
- Location: 55 Zero Street, Granby, CO 80446
- Browse the Catalog: gcld.org