Library Programs

Adult & Teen Programs

Nature Writing with Lighthouse

In these informal writing sessions, join Lighthouse Writers Workshop instructor Hillary Leftwich to discuss themes connected to writing outdoors while gaining inspiration through writing prompts. For part of the session, head outside into the Gardens to write, then return to share your work. See where writing among the flora and fauna takes you.
Select Saturdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Café Botanique: The Task of Optimism - How Poetry Grew from the Gardens - ONLINE

Join us for a reading and discussion with Lauren Camp, a Denver Botanic Gardens Artist in Residence. 
Wednesday, July 13,  6-7:30 p.m.

Turning Leaves Book Sale

Join us as we host the Turning Leaves Book Sale in the atrium of the Freyer – Newman Center in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Helen Fowler Library. Gently used books on horticultural and botanical interests will be available for purchase and proceeds will benefit the library. Free admission to the atrium; admission to the Gardens is separate.
Friday & Saturday, Aug. 19 & 20, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Young Writers Group

Teen writers or aspiring writers are invited to join us for plant- and nature-themed writing prompts, word games and/or discussion topics. We provide writing resources, pens and paper.

• No fee and no registration required
• Free admission to the library; admission to the Gardens is separate
• Space is limited

Sundays, 10 a.m. – noon

Crafting Community

Sustainable arts and crafts afternoon at the library. Bring your own projects to work on or use our recycled materials to start something new. Plant- and nature-themed projects each week include origami bonsai, DIY bookbinding, collage bookmarks, comics, zines, pressed flowers and more! All ages welcome. Parental supervision and assistance for younger children is highly encouraged as some projects include the use of tools such as scissors and sewing needles.

• No fee and no registration required
• Free admission to the library; admission to the Gardens is separate
• Space is limited

Sundays, 1-3 p.m.

Children's Programs

Nature Tales Family Story Time

Bring your budding naturalists to Nature Tales Family Story Time and discover the wonders of nature with your child. Together, we will explore books that tell the stories of the natural world, of the garden and of our own backyard. Stick around afterward to check out our adventure packs or pick out some books to read at home.

• Best for ages infant through 8, all ages welcome
• No fee and no registration required
• Free admission to the library; admission to the Gardens is separate
• Space is limited

Saturdays, June 11 – Aug. 13 (except June 18), 10:30 a.m.

Children’s Summer Reading

Summer reading coloring sheets are available at the circulation desk in the library. Color the sheets as you read and complete reading nine books for a prize. Prizes will be available in August.

The Helen Fowler Library takes part in #ColorOurCollections, a week-long coloring fest on social media, generally occurring the first full week of February, alongside libraries, archives and other cultural institutions around the world. Using materials from our collections, we are sharing free coloring content with the hashtag #ColorOurCollections and inviting followers to color along and get creative with our collections. #ColorOurCollections was launched by The New York Academy of Medicine Library in 2016.

Break open the colored pencils or crayons and enjoy the soothing exercise of coloring our past submissions for Color Our Collections. You can print five botanical illustration coloring pages.

2022 coloring sheet

2021 coloring sheet

2020 coloring sheet (también en español)

2019 coloring sheet (también en español)

2018 coloring sheet (también en español)

2017 coloring sheet (también en español)