This February, Anythink invites the community to celebrate connection and compassion as part of the One Kind Word Project. Inspired by the Japanese proverb, “One kind word warms three winter months,” this three-week initiative encourages customers to share messages of kindness through personal notes and recordings. This program was originally launched in 2017 and has since grown to include more opportunities to participate. This year, residents can pick up notecards and artistic supplies at their local Anythink to create custom cards that spread cheer to those in need. Cards can be returned to the library, where they will be collected and distributed to organizations across Adams County. Partner organizations for the One Kind Word Project include Cold Weather Care, Comfort Keepers, Eagle View Adult Center, International Hearing Dog, Inc., Mapleton School District, Project Angel Heart and The Senior Hub.

In addition, individuals can call 303-405-3222 to leave or hear uplifting messages from fellow community members. Callers can also sign up to have messages automatically delivered to their phones once a day (text and data rates may apply). Customers can also tune in to 91.9 FM while using Anythink’s curbside services or log on to anythinklibraries.org to hear messages.

To provide inspiration and celebrate human connection, Anythink is also hosting several virtual workshops with author Kat Vellos and Colorado poet laureate Bobby LeFebre. In the three-part series, “Cultivating Connection,” Kat Vellos will share strategies and activities for cultivating fulfilling friendships in adulthood. On Friday, Feb. 26, Bobby LeFebre will present “Holding Space,” a performance and interactive conversation that investigates the nuance and complexities of kindness, social justice, love and collective consciousness. These workshops are free and open to all. Registration is required at anythinklibraries.org. Links to the gatherings will be sent to registrants in advance.

“The concept of One Kind Word is timeless,” says Anythink Director Pam Sandlian Smith. “This year brings another opportunity to reach out with words of gratitude, comfort and empathy. Anythink is about creating connections and being a positive source of energy for our community.”

One Kind Word Project
Feb. 8-26, 2021

“One kind word can warm three winter months.” – Japanese proverb

Share your creativity and compassion with the community this February at Anythink. Decorate notecards, available at your local Anythink, with personal designs and messages of hope and inspiration. Returned cards will be distributed to Adams County organizations to help brighten someone’s day. Partner organizations include Cold Weather Care, Comfort Keepers, Eagle View Adult Center, International Hearing Dog, Inc., Mapleton School District and Project Angel Heart. Personalized messages can also be left and heard by calling 303-405-3222 and will be made available at anythinklibraries.org. To provide inspiration and celebrate human connection, Anythink is also hosting virtual workshops with renowned author Kat Vellos and Colorado poet laureate Bobby LeFebre. These events are free and open to all; register online.
 

Cultivating Connections with Kat Vellos
Thursdays, Feb. 11, 18 & 25, 2021
6-7 pm
Held online; register at anythinklibraries.org.

Join us for this three-part series on creating fulfilling friendships in adulthood. The first session opens with a fireside chat with Kat Vellos, author of We Should Get Together; The Secret to Cultivating Better Friendships and Connected from Afar: A Guide for Staying Close When You’re Far Away. In two follow-up workshops, Vellos will provide attendees with the opportunity to reflect and write, harnessing the power of the pen to boost the bonds that matter. Individuals may attend one or all sessions in this series.
 

Holding Space: An Evening with Colorado Poet Laureate Bobby LeFebre
Friday, Feb. 26, 2021
6-7 pm
Held online; register at anythinklibraries.org.

U.S. poet laureate Joy Harjo says that “poetry is made to hold that which is too heavy for humans to hold.” Join Colorado poet laureate Bobby LeFebre to hold space through poetry. Following a performance by LeFebre, participate in a conversation exploring the nuance and complexities of kindness, social justice, love and collective consciousness.