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DECEMBER 2024

THIS MONTH'S SPOTLIGHTS

JOIN US FOR THE HOLIDAYS IN VAIL!

LIBRARY HOLIDAY CLOSURE DATES:

HOLIDAY PROGRAMS

ALPINE BRASS QUINTET

THURSDAY, DEC. 5 | 7:00 P.M.

There's nothing better than horns at the holidays! 

This local 5-piece brass ensemble featuring 2 trumpets, a French horn, a tenor trombone, & a bass trombone is a Valley favorite! Includes classics, show tunes, jazz arrangements, & their favorite holiday classics. 

FAMILY FIRESIDE HOLIDAY PARTY

TUESDAY, DEC. 17 | 5:30 P.M.

Join Santa and Vail Public Library for our Annual Family Holiday Party!
Mountain Harmony Acapella will lead us in holiday carols by the fireside. We'll also have arts and craft activities, games and treats to get us in the holiday spirit!
Open to families with children of all ages.

THE VAIL DICKENS CAROLERS

THURSDAY, DEC. 19 | 6:00 P.M.

The Dickens Carolers, led by Randy Simmonds, are bringing their Victorian holiday songs to VPL! They’ve been singing in the streets of Vail for over 35 years and will come in from the cold for a night of caroling in our Fireside Lounge. Dressed in their finest Victorian fashion they will charm you with their old-time holiday cheer. 

DECEMBER PROGRAMS FOR ALL AGES

GATHER & GAME

THURSDAY, DEC. 5 & 26 | 3:30 P.M.

Join us for games while you sip cider, coffee, or hot cocoa! We'll have cards, checkers, chess, and a selection of board games. You're welcome to bring your own!  

Après Ski @ the Library: Movie Matinee

FRIDAYS AT 3:30 P.M.

Come get cozy with a festive movie post-skiing or instead of skiing.

December will feature classic holiday film favorites!

See our event calendar on our website for the title of each Friday's feature film. 

COMMUNITY CREATES

THURSDAY, DEC. 19 | 4:00 P.M

Join us for our interactive arts and crafts program for all ages.

You don't need to reserve your spot, but it's always great to know you're coming.

To RSVP, or get more info., please email Laurine at LMegna-Davis@vail.gov

DECEMBER BOOK CLUBS & AUTHOR TALKS

VIRTUAL BOOKS 'N BITES

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 11 | 5 P.M.
VIA ZOOM

This book club meets each month on the second Wednesday via Zoom for a fun and lively virtual book club experience! Email Kim at KMcNally@vail.gov for an invitation to join the monthly Books ‘n’ Bites.

This month we will discuss the book,  Daughters of the Night Sky by Aimie K. Runyan. Russia, 1941. Katya Ivanova is a young pilot in a far-flung military academy in the Ural Mountains. From childhood, she's dreamed of taking to the skies to escape her bleak mountain life. With the Nazis on the march across Europe, she is called on to use her wings to serve her country in its darkest hour. Not even the entreaties of her new husband-a sensitive artist who fears for her safety-can dissuade her from doing her part as a proud daughter of Russia. After years of arduous training, Katya is assigned to the 588th Night Bomber Regiment-one of the only Soviet air units composed entirely of women. The Germans quickly learn to fear nocturnal raids by the daring fliers they call “Night Witches.” But the brutal campaign will exact a bitter toll on Katya and her sisters-in-arms. When the smoke of war clears, nothing will ever be the same-and one of Russia's most decorated military heroines will face the most agonizing choice of all.

SKIING BOOK CLUB 

FRIDAY, DEC. 13 | 11 A.M.

Vail Public Library’s Skiing Book Club takes readers to the slopes for an active book club.

Meet at the top of Eagle Bahn Gondola, by the water fountain near Bistro 14,
to talk books and ski!

This month's selection is Daughters of the Night Sky by Aimie K. Runyan

Attendees must have their own ski pass. The library will not be providing lift tickets.

RSVP by email to Jo at JNorris@vail.gov

VIRTUAL AUTHOR TALKS 

Vail Public Library showcases a virtual author talk series each month featuring bestselling, award-winning, and highly acclaimed authors from around the world.  The featured writers and thought leaders cover a wide range of fiction and nonfiction genres.

The free, virtual series takes place two to three times a month and and includes the opportunity to ask questions to the author.

Register and submit your author questions here:

 LSC | Vail Public Library Webinars and Online Events (libraryc.org)

A complete list of past events is available on the registration page. All past talks are available for our patrons to enjoy at any time. 

DECEMBER CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS

STORYTIME

MONDAYS & WEDNESDAYS  | 11:00 A.M.

We are excited to invite families to our early literacy Story Times.

Join Ms. Laurine for stories, songs and movement activities that will entertain our youngest patrons.  Appropriate for ages 6 and under.

STORYTIME WITH SANTA

 MONDAY, DEC. 16 | 10:00 A.M.

Join us for a Storytime with Santa! Perfect for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.

Santa will read stories and sing with us and there will be opportunities to take pictures with Santa in a relaxed setting. 

STANDOUT STORYTIME
AT BETTY FORD ALPINE GARDENS

FRIDAY, DEC. 20 | 10:00 A.M. 

Join us at the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens in the Education Center for a dinosaur-themed storytime. This special storytime is  in conjunction with the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens education program.

STANDOUT STORYTIME: CHRISTMAS PUPPET SHOW

MONDAY, DEC. 23  | 11:00 A.M.

Author turned puppeteer Sandy Fuller will enhance Storytime with the addition of her puppets! Join us for a puppet show, stories, songs, and movement activities. 

STANDOUT STORYTIME: CHANUKAH

MONDAY, DEC. 30 | 11:00 A.M.

We invite everyone to join us for a Chanukah-themed Storytime!

Join us for stories, songs, movement activities, and a Chanukah craft. 

EXTRAS

PAM BRANDMEYER

HISTORY NUGGET WITH TONY MAURO
ORAL HISTORY: VAIL VALLEY VOICES

Pamela A. Brandmeyer was born and raised in Clinton, Iowa. Brandmeyer graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls in 1968. She married Randall Brandmeyer during her college years. After initially teaching in Cedar Rapids IA, Brandmeyer taught 3 years at Kadena AFT in Okinawa during the Vietnam War era. On 10 March 1973, daughter Lisa Brandmeyer was born at White Sands Missile Range in Alamogordo NM. Later in 1973, the Brandmeyers moved to Vail after Randall was discharged from the Air Force.

In 1980, Brandmeyer was hired by the Town of Vail (TOV) as Secretary to the Police Chief and Municipal Court Administrator. By 1983, Brandmeyer was employed as the Vail Town Clerk. During the 1990s, Brandmeyer became the TOV Assistant Town Manager and subsequently worked as the TOV Acting Town Manager. Pam Brandmeyer was a mainstay with the Town of Vail for 35 years.

Pam Brandmeyer is a self-described “voracious reader” who enjoys the historical fiction genre. Brandmeyer is an active "Friend of Vail Public Library" and has volunteered for the Literacy Project of Eagle County. She previously tutored 1st grade for Edwards Elementary School. Brandmeyer enjoys cooking, staying active, and a lifestyle that involves the great outdoors.

In this History Nugget, Pam discusses her 1973 winter experience in Vail with the "Voice of Vail" Tony Mauro. 1973 was a "big snow year," wherein it snowed for 53 days straight.

ART @ YOUR LIBRARY

Vail Public Library proudly displays local artists’ work in our Community Room on a rotating schedule. Public viewing is available during library hours.

The art on display for the month of December is: 

Winter in the Mountains:
A Selection of Artists from the Vail Valley Art Guild

In partnership with the Vail Public Library, the Vail Valley Art Guild (VVAG) proudly presents an enchanting showcase of the creative visions of esteemed VVAG Members, titled "Winter in the Mountains." 
Artist Reception - Monday, Dec. 9, from 5:00 - 8:00 P.M.

Selections include the following artists: 
Madison McCaulley (acrylic), Tara Novak (acrylic), Rick Spitzer (photography),
Joann Carhart Levy (oil, pastel), Christine Sena (oil), Mason Torry (acrylic, oil),
Julie Graham (watercolor), Melissa Nelson (acrylic), Elaine Kuntz (watercolor),
Raymund Bleesz (photography). 

THIS MONTH'S DATABASE HIGHLIGHT

HOBBIES AND CRAFTS SOURCE

ONLINE 24/7 RESOURCES

Remember to use our online resources for 24/7 access
to information including the resources listed below.

VAIL PUBLIC LIBRARY

Open Hours:
Monday - Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday - Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

292 West Meadow Drive, Vail CO 81657
970.479.2184   |   vaillibrary.com